Top 10 Volleyball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis — that stabbing heel pain, worst with the first steps of the day — is one of the most common foot complaints among volleyball players. All the jumping, landing, and quick stops load the plantar fascia hard. While the right shoe won’t cure it, a supportive one can make playing far more comfortable. The best volleyball shoes for plantar fasciitis have a deep, cushioned heel, firm arch support, and a removable insole so you can add a heel-relief orthotic.
Important: plantar fasciitis is a medical condition. This guide is about footwear comfort, not treatment — if you have ongoing heel pain, please see a podiatrist or physical therapist. Footwear is one piece alongside stretching, load management, and sometimes custom orthotics.
⚡ Quick Picks
- Best overall: ASICS Gel-Tactic 12 — cushioned heel GEL
- Best stability + cushioning: Mizuno Wave Momentum 3
- Best responsive cushioning: Nike Zoom Hyperset 2
- Best budget + insole: ASICS Gel-Rocket 11
⭐ Top Pick for Plantar Fasciitis
ASICS Gel-Tactic 12 — cushioned heel GEL and an orthotic-friendly, supportive fit.
What to Look For If You Have Plantar Fasciitis
- A cushioned, supportive heel — a deep heel cup and shock-absorbing heel reduce impact on the fascia’s attachment point.
- Firm arch support — takes tension off the plantar fascia.
- A removable insole — essential, so you can add a heel-relief orthotic (often the most effective change).
- Overall stability — a stable platform reduces excess foot motion that can aggravate symptoms.
Pair the right shoe with a supportive insole and consistent calf/fascia stretching. Related foot types: flat feet and high arches, both of which can develop plantar fasciitis.
The Top 10 Volleyball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
1. ASICS Gel-Tactic 12 — Best Overall
Forefoot and rearfoot GEL cushion the heel where plantar fasciitis pain concentrates, and the stable, secure fit accepts an orthotic easily. Our top pick for comfortable, supportive play.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cushioned heel GEL | Slightly heavier |
| Orthotic-friendly | Being succeeded by the 13 |
| Stable and secure | Narrow for wide feet |
2. Mizuno Wave Momentum 3 — Best Stability + Cushioning
ENERZY foam and a Wave plate deliver cushioned, stable landings that reduce heel stress, while the supportive platform limits excess foot motion. Comfortable and orthotic-friendly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cushioned, stable landings | Heavier than speed shoes |
| Supportive platform | Premium price |
| Removable insole | Narrower fit |
3. Nike Zoom Hyperset 2 — Best Responsive Cushioning
React foam plus a forefoot Zoom Air unit make it comfortable underfoot, and the secure strap keeps the foot stable. Add a heel-support insole and it’s very comfortable for players with PF. Runs snug — size up a half.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable React cushioning | Runs snug — size up half |
| Secure, stable fit | Runs warm |
| Takes an insole well | Narrow toe box |
4. ASICS Sky Elite FF 3 — Best Premium Cushioning
Plush FF BLAST cushioning is protective on landings, and the stable base plus a heel-relief insole makes for all-day heel comfort. Runs slightly large.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Plush, protective cushioning | Premium price |
| Stable base | Runs slightly large |
| Great with an orthotic | Low-top |
5. Mizuno Wave Momentum 3 Mid — Best Support + Cushion
The same stable, cushioned platform with a mid-top collar — heel comfort plus added support for players who also want ankle security.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cushioned + supportive | Heavier, warmer |
| Stable landings | Premium price |
| Orthotic-friendly | Less pure speed |
6. ASICS Netburner Ballistic FF 4 — Best Cushioned All-Rounder
Comfortable and secure while staying lighter than the flagships — a good all-round option that welcomes a heel-support insole for PF relief.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable, secure | Firmer than Sky Elite |
| Lighter all-rounder | Low-top |
| Insole-friendly | Less plush |
7. ASICS Upcourt 6 — Best Roomy, Insole-Friendly Pick
A roomier fit and removable insole make it easy to add a heel-relief orthotic — a comfortable, affordable base for players managing PF. Runs small; size up a half.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Roomy, insole-friendly | Basic cushioning |
| Affordable | Runs small — size up half |
| Comfortable | Entry-level support |
8. Nike Zoom HyperAce 2 (Women’s) — Best for Women
A comfortable, secure women’s-specific fit that takes a heel-support insole well — a reliable choice for women managing plantar fasciitis.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Secure women’s fit | Narrow toe box |
| Comfortable cushioning | Mid-tier foam |
| Insole-friendly | Fewer colorways |
9. ASICS Upcourt 5 — Best Budget Alternative
A comfortable, roomy previous-gen Upcourt that often costs less than the 6 — a solid, insole-friendly budget base for PF. Runs small; size up a half.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable, comfortable | Runs small — size up half |
| Roomy, insole-friendly | Basic cushioning |
| Often discounted | Being replaced by the 6 |
10. ASICS Gel-Rocket 11 — Best Budget + Insole
The best-value court shoe and a good base for a heel-support insole — an affordable way to get cushioning and arch support while you manage PF.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding value | Basic built-in cushioning |
| Good insole base | Thinner materials |
| Light and grippy | Basic styling |
Quick Comparison Table
| Shoe | Best For | Standout |
|---|---|---|
| ASICS Gel-Tactic 12 | Overall | Heel GEL |
| Mizuno Wave Momentum 3 | Stability + cushioning | Wave plate |
| Nike Zoom Hyperset 2 | Responsive cushioning | React + Zoom |
| ASICS Sky Elite FF 3 | Premium cushioning | Plush FF BLAST |
| Mizuno Wave Momentum 3 Mid | Support + cushion | Mid-top |
| ASICS Netburner Ballistic FF 4 | Cushioned all-round | Lighter, grippy |
| ASICS Upcourt 6 | Roomy + insole | Orthotic space |
| Nike Zoom HyperAce 2 (W) | Women | Secure fit |
| ASICS Upcourt 5 | Budget alt | Discounted comfort |
| ASICS Gel-Rocket 11 | Budget + insole | Best value base |
The Insole Matters as Much as the Shoe
For plantar fasciitis, a supportive insole with a firm arch and cushioned heel is often the most effective footwear change. Well-regarded options include Superfeet (Green), Powerstep, and full-length VKTRY insoles. Many players get the most relief from a custom orthotic prescribed by a podiatrist — worth it if symptoms persist.
How We Test
These picks come from on-court play, not spec sheets. We weigh heel cushioning and shock absorption, arch support and stability, insole removability for orthotics, fit, and durability. We prioritize currently available models, flag phase-outs, and re-check price and stock before recommending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What volleyball shoes are best for plantar fasciitis?
Look for a cushioned heel, firm arch support, and a removable insole. The ASICS Gel-Tactic 12 is our top pick, with the Mizuno Wave Momentum 3 close behind for stability and cushioning.
Can volleyball shoes fix plantar fasciitis?
No — footwear can make playing more comfortable, but plantar fasciitis is a medical condition best managed with a podiatrist or physical therapist, stretching, and load management.
Should I use insoles for plantar fasciitis?
Usually yes. A supportive insole or custom orthotic with a firm arch and cushioned heel is often the most effective footwear change you can make.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability may change. This article is informational and not medical advice — please consult a healthcare professional for heel pain or plantar fasciitis.
As a US hitter with a passion for volleyball, I bring firsthand experience and insight into what makes the best volleyball shoes stand out. From powerful spikes to swift court movements, I know how crucial the right footwear is for peak performance.
