Four important feature to consider when purchasing a pair of women's volleyball shoes. A quick guide to shopping.
The choices between shoes can be bewildering. When comparing brands, there will always be the obvious difference in colors and styling. These are not the critical variables to use when purchasing a pair of shoes, however. In fact, there are four important features that you should look for in buying a pair of volleyball shoes:
* Mid-sole. The mid-sole is designed to absorb shock, and to return some of the athlete's energy back to her. Spurting forward to dig a dink or jumping up to slam a spike generates force. A good shoe will have high-tech materials incorporated within the mid-sole. Examples include gel, special foams and cushions of air.
* Uppers. A happy foot is a foot that can "breathe," and the best shoe will expel moisture and heat in the midst of play, without risking foot protection. You will find a variety of uppers with one type or combinations of materials, such as mesh, nylon, and synthetic and real leather.
* Height. Almost all volleyball shoes come in the traditional low-cut version. However, if you have ankle problems, suffered or are prone to suffering ankle strains or sprains, you may decide to opt for a mid-cut or a high-cut, basketball-style shoe. A higher cut shoe can provide your ankle with added lateral support not available in a low-cut shoe. A few styles, in fact, include an ankle brace built in to the shoe, testament to the beating ankles can take when playing volleyball.
You may find little to distinguish one brand of high-tech volleyball shoe from another in its design. What is important, then, is that you get the right shoe for your foot, and for your style of play. When buying a pair of volleyball shoes, give them as much of a test in the store as they will let you. Walk, jump, run and move laterally in them. Do not settle for a pair that is not right for your foot.
