WhatGearFits

Volleyball

Volleyball Gear Size Guide for Kids

Volleyball gear needs are straightforward — knee pads for floor defense, court shoes for gym grip, and a properly sized ball. Knee pads that slide or bunch up are both distracting and less protective, so fit matters more than brand for beginners. Court shoes differ from running shoes in their flat, gum rubber outsole designed for gym floors.

Knee PadsShoes
Youth volleyball players during an indoor match

Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels

Mini calculator

Enter age, height, weight, skill level, and gear type.

Choose the equipment

Gear categories

All guides

Knee Pads

Sizing by leg circumference and height.

Source review in progress

Shoes

Court shoe sizing and why they differ from running shoes.

Source review in progress

Volleyball buying path

Measure in this order

1Knee padsKnee circumference keeps pads in place during play.
2ShoesIndoor grip and heel lockdown matter for jumping and landing.

Volleyball parent guides

Buying checklists and fit troubleshooting for the questions parents ask before checkout.

FAQ

Are volleyball knee pads different from basketball or wrestling knee pads?

Yes. Volleyball knee pads are designed for sliding and diving on hardwood floors, so they're longer and have more foam coverage than most other sports knee pads. Substituting another sport's knee pads can leave the lower knee exposed.

Can my child wear running shoes for volleyball?

Running shoes are not ideal for volleyball because their outsoles are designed for forward movement, not the lateral cuts and jumps that volleyball demands. Court shoes have a flat gum rubber outsole for better gym floor grip and lower heel profile for stability.

Related sports

Know your child's starting size before you shop.

Answer 4 quick questions — sport, gear type, age, and height — and get a beginner-safe size range plus what to avoid.