Volleyball gear list, no fluff.
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Court shoes. The one item worth spending real money on. Volleyball shoes have gum rubber soles for hardwood grip and extra cushioning in the forefoot for landing after jumps. Running shoes work in a pinch but slide on gym floors and don’t absorb impact the same way.
A solid pair from Mizuno, ASICS, or Nike runs $65 to $95 and lasts one to two seasons. Buy these before anything else.
Knee pads. Required at any level where diving and floor defense happen, which is basically any organized play past early rec. Volleyball-specific knee pads are low-profile and designed for lateral movement. Mizuno LR6 pads are the standard for youth players: $20 to $30, durable, and comfortable enough to wear for two-hour practices.
Avoid thick basketball-style pads. They shift and restrict movement.
Shorts or spandex. Athletic shorts work fine for practice. Many female players prefer compression spandex for matches. The league provides a jersey.
For practice, any moisture-wicking top works.
Ankle braces. Worth considering for any player with a prior ankle sprain. Lace-up braces like the ASO model run $25 to $35 and provide real protection. Not required from day one, but useful for players on high-volume training schedules.
A ball. Nice to have for home practice but not required. A Molten or Mikasa recreational volleyball runs $25 to $45. Make sure the size matches the level: size 5 is standard for most youth and adult play.
Skip these. Jumping trainers, setting targets, and branded volleyball bags are marketed heavily in club circles. Most of it is optional until your kid is training seriously three or four days a week at the club level. Start with the shoes and knee pads and add from there.