Shopping for a new pair of volleyball shoes often signals the start of a new volleyball season. Finding shoes that fit right can be frustrating, but is very important to your safety and performance. Properly fitting volleyball shoes can help to protect your feet and ankles from injury as well as alleviate stress on your knees as you jump.
Volleyball Shoe Fit
Volleyball shoes should be secure on your feet, but not too snug. You should allow for a thumb-length of space between your big toe and the top of the shoe. The shoe should fit comfortably from the minute you put it on -- you should not feel the need to stretch the sole of the back of the shoe in order to make for a comfortable fit. The heel of your shoe can have some room, but your it should not be able to slip out of the shoe while it is tied.
Know Your Shoe Size
If you aren't sure if your volleyball shoes are the correct size, ask a sales associate in a local sporting good store or in a volleyball gear store. Some will be trained to measure your foot to ensure the proper fit of your shoe. You can also visit with a foot specialist, called a podiatrist or certified pedorthist. They often have a digital fitting system that can be used to scan your foot and determine your proper shoe size.
Shoe Measurements
When trying on volleyball shoes, wear the same type of socks you plan on wearing while you practice or participate in a volleyball game. Try your shoes on at the end of the day as this is when your feet tend to be the largest -- this is especially true if you spend a lot of time on your feet each day. When you try shoes on, try them both on. Your shoes should be fitted to your larger foot.
Considerations
Shoes that fit too snugly are likely to cause foot pain. Shoes that are too large can lead to instability in your foot and ankle as well as blisters. If you experience severe pain as the result of your volleyball shoes, it may be time to invest in another pair. Shoes should also be replaced if they become damaged or worn. When replacing your shoes, always try shoes on. New models or different brands tend to have different fits.
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