During my first year of high school volleyball, I learned a tough lesson about the importance of good shoes. I’d been using the same pair for months, ignoring the worn-out soles and diminishing support. It wasn’t until I slipped during a crucial play in the Minnesota High School Invitational that I realized how critical proper footwear is in this sport. That moment not only cost us a point but also taught me to pay close attention to the condition of my volleyball shoes.
From high school tournaments to college championships, I’ve gone through countless pairs of volleyball shoes. Each pair has its own story – some lasting longer than others, some providing better performance, and all teaching me something about what to look for in volleyball footwear.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned player looking to make the most of your gear, understanding how long volleyball shoes last and how to extend their lifespan is crucial. In this guide, I’ll share the insights I’ve gained over years of play, helping you make informed decisions about this essential piece of volleyball equipment.
What is the lifespan of Volleyball Shoes?
Volleyball shoes are essential for making your game more enjoyable. As a dedicated player, you get the importance of choosing the right shoes for comfort and performance. This choice not only improves your game but also keeps you safe from injuries while jumping and playing.
But when you make this choice, you also make an investment! So, what’s the average life of Volleyball shoes? It varies based on their quality, how often you use them, your playing style, and how well you take care of them.
Stay with me to understand the factors that affect the longevity of your volleyball shoes and how to make the best choice.
Characteristics of Volleyball Shoes
Volleyball shoes may look very similar to other sports shoes, such as cross-trainers, but beyond the look, they are very different.
The key difference is that the soles are made from gum rubber which provides traction on the gym floor and prevents sliding. This traction ensures a solid footing and prevents ankle injuries. The gum rubber soles also protect the gym floor while you play.
Here’s what you need to know about a volleyball shoe design before you make a choice:
- Jumping and quick movements during a game can strain the foot or leg. So, manufacturers use rubber and insoles to minimize the risk of injury.
- Ankle injuries are most common for volleyball players. Volleyball shoes provide extra stability, that prevents your feet from twisting.
- Volleyball is a high-power sport that produces lots of heat and sweat. The best shoes are perforated to allow airflow that keeps the shoes cool and dry.
- Volleyball shoes are lightweight to avoid extra bulk that hinders jumping.
Factors Affecting the Durability of Volleyball Shoes
Now, when you make your investment in these shoes and start to wonder how long do volleyball shoes last, you want them to stick around for as long as possible! Here are the factors you need to look out for to ensure you’re getting the right use out of your shoes:
Frequency of Wearing Them
How often you wear your shoes determines the lifespan. If you wear them 3 to 5 times a week, your shoes will most likely last an entire season.
The more you wear your shoes, the quicker they will wear out. Daily use wears out your shoes faster—like binge-watching on Netflix wearing out your sofa.
Playing Style
Are you a high-flying leaper? Or are you more of a slider, moving swiftly across the court with quick lateral movements?
Leapers tend to wear out the midsole cushioning faster due to the impact of repeated jumps. Sliders, on the other hand, might notice the outer edges of their soles wearing thin. Both styles contribute to the inevitable shoe demise, just in different ways.
Playing Surface
The surface your play on also affects the longevity of your shoes. The outdoor surface is rougher than the indoor one, so shoes rust quicker on the outdoor field.
Having played my fair share of outdoor volleyball in the early days of my love for the game, I found myself needing to get new shoes every 2-3 months. However, since I switched to an indoor court two years ago, my visits to the gear shop are less by half – even though my playing frequency has stayed the same!
Care and Maintenance
Here’s a tip that goes beyond just your volleyball shoes, but works here nevertheless – you pay less attention to it, it deteriorates. Commit to regularly cleaning your shoes if you want them to last longer.
Trust me, I get the urge to put this off and just convince yourself you’ll do it later. But proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your shoes. Wash and clean them often and avoid keeping them in the sun.
Fit and Size
The best shoes fit and are in the correct size. Playing with a shoe in the wrong size and fit creates stress on the feet and affects gameplay.
When I decided to take up volleyball as a hobby after I relocated, I played my first few games in my friend’s shoes, which were obviously not in the right size. This greatly affected my form and performance to the point where I almost lost my place in the team.
Ensure that you are wearing the right size of shoes or, your shoes will wear out quickly.
Construction Quality
The quality of the material used in making your shoes matters a lot. Yes, volleyball shoes are mostly made of foam and rubber materials, but they must be rightly placed to enable movement and protect your feet.
The next time you try out a shoe, check if it comprises of the three sections made from rubber. The rubber sole for traction, the foamy midsole to protect the ball of your feet as you jump, and the rubber outer layer that covers your feet.
Any shoe design that doesn’t tick the boxes of these three major materials and components is unlikely to give you the best results.
Signs Your Volleyball Shoes are Ready to Retire
So, how do you know when your volleyball shoes are ready for the excellent shoe rack in the sky? Here are some telltale signs:
Sole Wear and Tear
Check the bottoms of your shoes. If you are slipping more than usual because the treads are worn out, it’s time to get a new pair. Think of it like car tires – you will agree that bald tires aren’t good enough.
Compression in the Midsole
The midsole handles support and cushioning. When you begin to feel jarring impacts like landing on a hard surface, your cushioning is compromised, and it’s time to hang up those shoes.
Elevated Decline
Check the upper part of your footwear. If you notice holes, tears, or peeling material, it’s time to replace them.
Decrease in Stability
Your shoes lose their sturdy construction if they give way easily when you move them side to side. Nobody wants to look foolish, especially when you’re attempting to make an impression with a well-placed jab.
5 Pro Tips to Prolong Your Shoes’ Lifespan
Because volleyball shoes have a finite lifespan, it doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze out every possible set, game, and match from them. Here are some pro tips to extend their life:
- Rotate Your Shoes
If you’re a frequent player, consider having more than one pair of volleyball shoes. Rotate them to allow each pair time to recover and dry between games. Plus, it’s a great excuse to buy more shoes. Win-win!
- Clean Them Regularly
Wiping your shoes down after each use keeps them clean. This prevents dirt from building up and deteriorating the materials. Also, who wants to be that person with the stinky shoes?
- Proper Storage
Store your shoes in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them in your car or a damp gym bag where they can warp or develop mold.
- Use Them Only on the Court
This might seem obvious, but using your volleyball shoes for non-volleyball activities will wear them out faster. Save them for the court and wear appropriate footwear for other activities.
- Replace the Insoles
Sometimes, the insoles wear out faster than the rest of the shoe. Replacing them can give your shoes a second wind and save you from buying a new pair prematurely.
Conclusion
While no one can tell how long a volleyball shoe would last by mere looking at it, we know a quality shoe should serve 3-6 months or more, depending on usage. More importantly, we now know the factors that affect the durability of these shoes.
To get the most out of your volleyball shoes, follow the pro tips discussed above, such as rotating your shoes, cleaning them regularly, and storing them properly.
Keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear to know when it’s time to replace them. You can extend their lifespan with proper care and mindful use, and it helps you stay on top of your game.
FAQs
Expensive volleyball shoes are often made up of better materials, which allows them to last longer and perform better. However, their longevity is also determined by usage and how often you maintain them.
Having at least two sets of shoes can help if you play a lot of volleyball. Allowing each pair to rest between games extends the lifespan of your shoes.
Running shoes or cross-trainers may be helpful for occasional play, but they are inappropriate for everyday play.
This is a result of the cushioning, strong grip, and side support found in volleyball shoes. These elements are intended to support fundamental volleyball skills, including leaping and fast movements.