ASICS Gel-Rocket 11 vs Upcourt 6: Which Budget Shoe Wins?

ASICS makes the two most popular budget volleyball shoes on the market — the Gel-Rocket 11 and the Upcourt 6. They look similar, cost about the same, and both are aimed at beginners and club players, so which one should you buy? We’ve compared them head-to-head below.

Short answer: the Gel-Rocket 11 adds heel GEL cushioning and a TRUSSTIC stability piece, making it the slightly better all-round performer. The Upcourt 6 is a bit lighter, roomier, and often cheaper — the better pick if you want a forgiving fit or the lowest price.

Specs at a Glance

Feature	Gel-Rocket 11	Upcourt 6
Cushioning	Rearfoot GEL + EVA	EVA (no GEL)
Stability	TPU TRUSSTIC midsole	Basic midsole
Weight	Light	Slightly lighter
Fit	Snug, true-to-size	Snug but roomier toe; runs small
Outsole	Gum rubber + flex grooves	Gum rubber
Price	Budget	Budget (often a bit cheaper)

Cushioning: Gel-Rocket 11 Wins

The biggest difference is under the heel. The Gel-Rocket 11 adds ASICS GEL in the rearfoot for softer landings, which you notice on jumps and hard stops. The Upcourt 6 relies on a simpler EVA midsole. If you jump a lot or want more impact protection, the Gel-Rocket is the more comfortable long-term choice.

Stability: Gel-Rocket 11 Wins

The Gel-Rocket’s TPU TRUSSTIC midsole piece resists twisting during quick direction changes, giving it a slightly more planted, stable feel. The Upcourt 6 is stable enough for casual play but doesn’t have the same torsional support.

Fit and Comfort: Upcourt 6 Is Roomier

Both run snug, but the Upcourt 6 has a slightly more forgiving toe box, which players with wider feet often prefer. Note the Upcourt runs small — size up half. The Gel-Rocket fits true to size for most people. If comfort straight out of the box and a roomier feel matter most, the Upcourt wins here.

Weight: Upcourt 6 Slightly Lighter

The Upcourt 6 is a touch lighter thanks to its simpler build, which some quick players and back-row defenders like. The difference is small, though — both are lightweight budget shoes.

Price: Usually Upcourt 6

Both are affordable, but the Upcourt 6 often comes in a little cheaper, making it the value leader when every dollar counts. Always check the current price on both, since sales move around.

Which Should You Buy?

• Buy the Gel-Rocket 11 if you want more cushioning and stability for jumping and quick cuts. Best all-round budget shoe.
• Buy the Upcourt 6 if you want a lighter, roomier fit or the lowest price. Great for wider feet and beginners.

Read the full reviews: ASICS Gel-Rocket 11 review and ASICS Upcourt 6 review. Comparing the Upcourt generations? See our Upcourt 5 vs 6 comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ASICS Gel-Rocket 11 better than the Upcourt 6?

For cushioning and stability, yes — the Gel-Rocket 11 adds rearfoot GEL and a TRUSSTIC midsole. The Upcourt 6 is lighter, roomier, and often cheaper, so it wins for fit and value.

Which is better for wide feet?

The Upcourt 6 has a slightly roomier toe box, though it runs small so size up half. The Gel-Rocket fits true to size but a bit snugger.

Which is cheaper?

The Upcourt 6 is usually a little cheaper, but prices fluctuate — check both before buying.

Are both good for beginners?

Yes. Both are excellent entry-level volleyball shoes. Choose the Gel-Rocket for more cushioning or the Upcourt for a lighter, roomier, cheaper option.

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