The difference between volleyball and basketball shoes is quite conspicuous, and you will agree with me if you are a player. However, the differences are in the design, but is there a functional difference between the two? After all, both perform almost similar functions.
Yes. There are functional differences between volleyball and basketball shoes as well. If you wear specific shoes for a particular sport, you will feel the difference in changing them for the other type of shoe.
Let’s venture to this and much more on the differences between Volleyball Shoes and Basketball Shoes;
1. Traction
Both shoes are made with amazing traction, which keeps the player safe on the smooth flooring of the pitch. However, basketball shoes are made in typical rubber, which is suitable for the speed and jumps required during the game.
On the other hand, volleyball shoes feature gum rubber, which allows for movement in all directions. A volleyballer will have to jump, move laterally, forward and backward, and within very short distances. Therefore, the gum rubber ensures that the shoes maintain optimal traction for these movements.
2. Ankle protection
It is general knowledge that most basketballers suffer from ankle injuries. This stems from the fact that most of their movement happens between the ankle and the foot. To ensure that the ankle injuries are minimal, basketball shoes come with added ankle coverage.
The ankle coverage offers support and shock absorption at the ankle area, minimizing the impact of the movement.
However, volleyballers do not need the excessive speed that involves the ankles when playing. Hence, there are rare cases of volleyball players getting ankle problems. For this reason, typical volleyball shoes do not optimize ankle support. There are volleyball shoes that will come with ankle support but only for exceptional cases.
3. Shoe Cushioning
Both basketball and volleyball shoes require sufficient cushioning to absorb impact due to the frequent jumps. However, in volleyball shoes, cushioning will be necessary at the midfoot. In any case, you will only require cushioning to absorb shock during jumps.
With basketball shoes, the cushioning can extend to the ankle area, so there is sufficient cushioning when jumping and running.
4. Lateral Support
Both volleyball and basketball players use lateral movement during playing. However, in basketball, it is short-term, and it barely affects the sport. Therefore, though lateral support in basketball shoes is necessary, it is not primary.
On the contrary, lateral movement is a vital part of volleyball playing. Consequently, volleyball shoes have to feature maximum support for lateral movement. It prevents losing balance and falling sideways. Hence, it facilitates stability in volleyball shoes.
Are There Similarities Between Volleyball Shoes and Basketball Shoes?
Of course, there are. Some requirements merge, and significant reasons why some players will interchange the shoes. Actually, some players will only use volleyball shoes for basketball, and others will only use basketball shoes for volleyball.
Anyway, let’s dive into similarities between the shoes;
1. Breathability
Both volleyball and basketball shoes have a breathable upper and sometimes even the interior lining. The sports require speed and constant foot movement, which creates heat build-up in the feet. Shoes that come with breathable upper material allow aeration, minimizing the heat build-up in the shoe.
Other than that, breathable material facilitates quick drying. Even when you sweat during the sport, your feet will still have a chance at dryness, which is comfortable.
2. Lightweight
Both shoes are really lightweight, a feature that is excellent for swift movement and jumping. Most shoes will have a maximum weight of 2.5 pounds, which is suitable for both sports.
Besides, when you have lightweight shoes, you will prevent feet and ankle pain that comes with high-intensity movement in heavy shoes.
The shoes have a lightweight, breathable upper, usually mesh or synthetic fiber or a composite of both. The outsole has minimal weight, being reduced rubber.
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FAQs
Can you wear volleyball shoes to basketball?
Some people dare, but it is not advisable. Basketball shoes have ankle protection that is lacking in volleyball shoes, hence the risk of an ankle injury.
Do volleyball shoes help you jump higher?
Shoes that manipulate how you play are not the safest, as you risk being banned. Volleyball shoes may not help you jump higher, but they are lightweight enough not to hinder the jump. They are also sufficiently cushioned for shock absorption when landing.
Can you wear volleyball and basketball shoes outdoors?
It is not advisable to wear either basketball or volleyball shoes outdoors. They would lose their traction on hard gravel and outdoor ground. Traction is really important in the two sports to enhance safety and performance.
Final Thoughts
What is the difference between volleyball shoes and basketball shoes? Essentially, the difference is in the construction and functionality. Basketball shoes have ankle support, which is missing in volleyball shoes.
Volleyball shoes allow for lateral and vertical movement, while basketball shoes maximize speed and vertical movement.
