Nike Sabrina 1 Unisex Basketball Shoe ($125-$250)
Many volleyball players opt for basketball shoes, which also tend to prioritize stability and support, plus cushioning for jumps. "[Our team has] transitioned to mainly using basketball shoes . . . because they hold up better and provide better support to the athletes," Padjen confirms. The Nike Sabrina 2s are available in several colorways for $130, but you can find the 1s at a discount if you're looking to save.
Expert quote: "I wear Sabrina 1s and I like them because they're lightweight but also supportive. I tend to look for shoes that can handle a lot of wear and tear but aren't too stiff. I like them to have a little give for knee and ankle safety," says Kelsie Payne of the Omaha Supernovas. "I really like wearing basketball shoes because they offer a lot of different styles and color variations," she adds. "They also are good for quick cuts and direction changes. Basketball shoes give really good ankle support while also allowing me to move the ways I want to move."
Worth noting: many, many volleyball players mentioned loving the Nike Kobe 9s, which are only available on the resale market and will run you north of $200. The Sabrina 1s and 2s aren't dupes of the Kobes by any means, but they do provide similar grip and support, if that's what you're offer.
