Let’s face it, volleyball shoes are not that cheap, that’s why you need to figure out reliable ways to maintain them to help increase their durability as much as possible …
There are even some cases where your shoes might suffer some issues like losing grip. Of course, you might opt to buy new shoes in this case if your budget allows you. But a better solution is to correct this issue which is very doable …
In this article, I breakdown the most common volleyball shoes issues that you might face and how you can easily and reliably fix them.
Volleyball shoes most common issues …
1. Losing grip
Due to the possibility of slick surfaces, volleyball shoes must have a strong grip. This may also occur if the shoes are worn out.
This is the issue that volleyball players run across the most frequently. Numerous factors can contribute to your volleyball shoes losing their grip…
Your volleyball shoes may become less grippy if you wear them outside of the court on surfaces like grass, gravel, and asphalt.
Slippery footwear makes it more difficult to play volleyball and, worse yet, increases the risk of injury to both you and your teammates. You may fix this issue and strengthen your grip in several different ways that I’ll discuss a little later.
Quick Tip: While choosing your volleyball shoes, there are so many factors you need to take into consideration. However, the most important one is how grippy the shoes are. If that’s not the case, then you probably should pass on to the next one. For example, these quality volleyball shoes have a got a solid grip that you can really rely on.
2. Stability
If you are playing volleyball, or any other sport that requires a lot of running, jumping, and moving in general, you will probably want shoes that are stable and safe. Shoe stability is about safety. While you are playing your feet need to stand straight without any problems. If you are playing and your feet are unstable, you can twist your ankle because all body weight will fall to your foot, which can cause braking or twisting of your ankle. Your shoes should be able to help your foot and ankle to stay straight and avoid rolling.
3. Soles
If you play volleyball, you probably know that on the bottom of your volleyball shoes, you have soles that look like a pattern of some kind.
Soles prevent shoes from sliding while playing. A common issue that can happen is for soles to rub off.
This can happen if you wear your shoes for too long and they become smooth on the bottom and impossible to play with. This also can happen if you wear your shoes on hard surfaces that can damage the bottom of your shoes.
4. Flat feet
This is an issue only if you have flat feet. If that’s your case, then you probably should be a little picky. Otherwise you will find yourself in situations where your ankle could be easily twisting.
5. Ripping
Obviously, your shoes are not meant to last forever, so when you jump, crouch, or even walk your shoes are a little damaged, and in time that starts to be visible. This can also happen if you don’t clean and take care of them the way you probably should be doing …
That’s why I highly invite you to check this helpful volleyball shoes cleaning guide!
How to fix those issues?
1. Losing grip
There are many ways for improving your grip. For example, you can wipe your feet while playing …
This is not a long-lasting tip, but it can help when you need it. You can do this with your palm or a dry towel.
Some players lick their palms and wipe the bottom of the shoe. A more hygienic way is to use a dry towel, or slightly wet, and wipe the bottom of your shoes whenever your shoes feel slippery.
The most important thing, as we mentioned earlier, is to keep them off the grass and outside in general. You can learn more why you shouldn’t use volleyball shoes outside!
2. Stability issues
This is a characteristic you should probably look for when purchasing volleyball shoes because it will reduce the chance that your ankle gets hurt.
An outrigger, which is a larger portion of the outsole on some sneakers, is designed to increase lateral stability.
The heel-toe transition of the shoe should be seamless. Your natural running and jumping action are improved by this. Many shoes have a flexible toe area that makes it possible to stand firmly on the balls of your feet. The outsoles of the forefoot and heel can be divided to accomplish this.
It is worth mentioning, that some people impact their shoes stability when they try to customize them. I highly invite you to check this complete guide on how to properly customize volleyball shoes!
3. Sole issues
There is not much you can do about your soles being rubbed off. You can try to play with them for a little more time, and use methods like licking your palm, or using a towel, as we mentioned earlier.
But, for your safety, we will recommend you o buy a new pair of shoes and avoid the possibility of getting injured.
4. Flat feet
Since it reduces pressure and strain on the feet, arch support in shoes is particularly crucial for people with flat feet (Check Those Flat Feet friendly volleyball shoes Here at Amazon) …
The insole of volleyball shoes is removable, so you may take it out and swap it out with a custom-fitted medical orthotic.
Overall, volleyball shoes give you the perfect amount of arch support for comfortable play. It is usually preferable to wear footwear with a supportive sole if you have flat feet.
A volleyball shoe’s outsole is made of flexible but strong rubber that securely grips any rough or moist surface. A benefit for those with flat feet is that volleyball shoes come with shoelaces.
he shoelace fitting can be changed to suit your preferences.
5. Ripping
Ripping your shoes is a common thing in volleyball. This especially happens from banding while crouching.
The fabric on the front of the shoe starts to brake, also the bottom of the shoe can be at risk if the soles start to fill out with dirt from the court.
The solution for slowing down the braking of the shoe is to clean it often and keep it only for the volleyball court.
Best volleyball shoes maintenance tips
Tip1
Make sure that you have these items: Dish soap, scissors or a small screwdriver, warm water, and a fresh towel. Start by cleaning any dust from the tread of your shoes.
Any sturdy, pointed object will work to accomplish that. Next, put warm, soapy water in a small bucket.
Then use the soap water and a toothbrush to gently clean your entire sole in a circular motion. After a few minutes, take a towel and thoroughly dry your shoe’s moist regions. Once you’ve completed this process, keep them in a tidy bag and only use them on match days.
Tip2
A small container needs to be filled with 1 cup of warm water. Add 2 teaspoons of distilled white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the mixture.
You can apply the thin paste, which is produced when the components are combined, to the soles of your shoes with a brush or a clean piece of fabric.
After 10 to 15 minutes, either rinse the soles clean or remove the paste with a separate, damp towel or sponge.
When vinegar and baking soda are mixed, there is an instant chemical reaction that results in a frothy, acidic, and marginally abrasive substance. Because of the compound activity that makes them so effective, they are excellent at eliminating elements like oil and stains that have been present for a long time.
Tip3
You should first take out any stones and other objects you discovered in the gaps. With the pointed instrument, remove the muck from your soul.
Put soapy water in a container and fill it up. Just the bottom of the shoe should be submerged in the water.
The rest of the shoe tries to stay as dry as it can. Use this to clean your shoes’ soles exclusively. The soles should be cleaned with a toothbrush. After cleaning, get a fresh towel and dry off each spot.
The next time you use them on the court, take them in a clean bag once you’ve dried them off to ensure they stay clean.
How good or bad regular cleaning is for shoe maintenance?
You shouldn’t clean your shoes after each or nearly every practice. Cleaning them once every two weeks or so is fine.
Cleaning every day can be unpleasant and possibly damaging to the shoe. Although cleaning shoes may seem simple, there are numerous mistakes you may make. These mistakes could harm the shoe, reduce its comfort, or cause it to wear out.
Final Thoughts …
If you’ve got very expensive shoes with one or some of the issues I’ve addressed above, then I would rather want to check with an actual professional to help fix those, simply because there is a risk of making things even worse if you don’t apply the fixing instructions correctly …
That’s why I highly recommend that you first experiment with cheaper shoes until you quite master the process before applying on more costly shoes.