ASICS vs Mizuno volleyball shoes
When it comes to volleyball shoes, Asics and Mizuno are two of the most popular and praised brands. I can fully support the decision to go with a volleyball shoe of one of these two brands.
However, I will be taking a more in-depth look in terms of Asics vs Mizuno volleyball shoes, so you can make the perfect decision.
Let’s start with a quick overview. Keep in mind that both brands have different shoes and each product has its own story and ratings, the numbers here are based on averages.
| Mizuno | ASICS | |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Fit | Narrow/normal | Normal/wide |
| Quality | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Traction | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Cushioning | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Pricing | $$$ | $$ |
Summarizing Asics vs Mizuno volleyball shoes
Let’s jump straight into the topic by summarizing Asics vs Mizuno.
I will start by stating the obvious, both brands create really good volleyball shoes. They make quality shoes that are praised by many volleyball players. Sure, there is a difference in-between shoes, not all their products are perfect, but that’s normal.
One of the general differences is that Asics create more durable shoes than Mizuno.
In terms of overall feel, it’s very personal. One player praises Asics, the other would never move away from Mizuno. Generally, Asics has a wider fit and will be more appreciated by players with wider feet.
The one thing that Mizuno is usually loved for, they are really lightweight.
If you prefer a lot of cushioning, Asics is once again the winner with their gel series. However, some players actually prefer less cushioning, so it’s more of a personal preference than a win/lose situation.
If you care about budget, Asics are the better option. Not only do they last longer, they are also less expensive.
Even though it really is a preference matter, if I would have to declare a winner, it would be Asics.
The best volleyball shoes from each brand
Both brands produce many shoes and most of them make great volleyball shoes. However, I went ahead and selected the overall winner for each brand.
The best Asics volleyball shoes: Gel-Rockets
The best Mizuno volleyball shoes: Mizuno Wave momentum
Obviously, there are many more good volleyball shoes to choose from. These are also my personal picks, but I know they are backed by many volleyball players.
Some other very popular Asics volleyball shoes are Domain 2, Upcourt, Gel flashpoints, etc.
When it comes to Mizuno volleyball shoes, the Lightning, Tornado and Wave are also really solid and popular options.
Asics vs Mizuno performance review
Next up, comparing each individual aspect of the shoes of each brand.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, it really is a matter of personal preference.
For example, for wider feet, Asics usually work better. If you prefer a lighter shoe, Mizuno is better. If you prefer more cushioning, the Asics gel series are the better options.
In terms of which shoe brand feels better, it’s once again personal preference and volleyball players have different opinions about the matter.
That said, overall there are slightly more people who prefer Asics over Mizuno when it comes to comfort.
Traction
When it comes to traction, both brands perform really well.
There basically are almost no complaints about grip or traction when the better shoes of each brand are reviewed.
The only time players would complain about the grip is when the shoe is worn out. Usually, the Mizunos are worn out faster than Asics. However, on a brand new Mizuno, the traction might even be slightly better than on a brand new Asics.
Durability
I have already spoiled this answer. Asics is the clear winner when it comes to volleyball shoes durability.
If you play often, you can expect Mizuno volleyball shoes to last 1 to 2 years. This isn’t really “bad” or anything, but Asics is simply better. The better pairs of Asics volleyball shoes will last 2 or 3 times as long.
Cushioning
Cushioning is another pretty important factor when it comes to volleyball shoes.
The fact is that Asics usually has a lot more cushioning than Mizuno. This isn’t better for everyone, however, most volleyball players do prefer more cushioning.
If you don’t really know what to go for I would recommend buying a well cushioned volleyball shoe, the Asics gel series are great cushioned shoes to get.
Asics vs Mizuno: which one is right for you?
Let’s conclude the article by answering the question that you probably want to see answered very clearly: “Asics vs Mizuno: which one is right for you?”.
I would recommend Mizuno for volleyball players who:
- Have narrow feet
- Are looking for lightweight shoes
- Don’t like Asics for some reason
If you don’t have a specific reason to buy Mizuno, I would recommend Asics. They simply have better value and will last longer.
