The Ultimate Volley Shoes Review (Updated 2023)
When it comes to classic sneaker brands, a few names usually come to mind – Converse, Vans, Adidas. But true sneakerheads know there‘s a hidden gem from down under that deserves a spot on that list. I‘m talking about Volley, the iconic Australian shoe brand known for their timeless canvas kicks with a signature herringbone tread.
As a dedicated follower of fashionable footwear, I‘ve had my eye on Volley for a while now. I decided it was finally time to get a pair (or two) and put them to the test. Consider this your ultimate guide to all things Volley – the history, the hype, and whether they‘re actually worth adding to your shoe collection. Let‘s jump in!
The Story Behind Volley Shoes
Volley has an interesting origin story that dates way back to 1939. The shoe was originally created by famous Australian tennis player Adrian Quist, who was also an employee of the Dunlop company. One day, Quist decided to borrow some boat shoes with a herringbone sole to wear during a tournament.
Lo and behold, he won the whole thing and was convinced the grippy soles gave him an advantage on the court. He persuaded Dunlop to make a tennis shoe with a similar tread pattern, and the very first Volley was born.
Fast forward a few decades to the 1970s, and Volley released an updated design called the Volley OC (Orthopaedically Correct). It quickly became a favorite amongst tennis pros like Mark Edmondson, who even won the Australian Open wearing a pair.
Over the years, Dunlop continued tweaking the Volley design. But eventually, Volley branched off to become its own brand based out of Australia. Today, they still make the heritage styles that put them on the map, along with fresh new designs for every member of the family.
So what makes Volley shoes so special? It really comes down to three things – the distinctive style featuring that herringbone sole, the durable yet breathable canvas upper, and the effortless cool-factor they‘ve maintained over decades. It‘s no wonder Volleys have been spotted on celebrity fans like Chris Hemsworth and Sam Worthington.
Putting Volley‘s Top Styles to the Test
Now that you‘ve got the background, let‘s dive into the good stuff – the shoes themselves! Volley makes sneakers and accessories for men, women, and kids, but I decided to focus on a few of their greatest hits.
The Volley International
First up is the shoe that started it all. The Volley International is THE quintessential Volley shoe. It has all the hallmarks of the brand‘s signature style – a sturdy canvas upper, cotton laces, and of course that grippy herringbone sole.
I opted for the classic black and white colorway, but they have a bunch of other options if you want to spice it up. Slipping them on for the first time, I could feel why people rave about the comfort. The insole has a good amount of cushion and the canvas molds to your feet.
In terms of fit, I found they run true to size. I‘m usually a US women‘s 8 and the AU 8 fit perfectly. However, I‘ve heard others say they can run a bit snug, so if you‘re between sizes, you might want to go up.
At $75 AUD (about $60 USD), the Internationals are very reasonably priced for the quality. The materials feel substantial and the construction seems solid – no loose stitches or glue marks. After a few wears, I can definitely see them becoming my everyday go-tos.
The Deuce Low Pride
While the International is Volley‘s bread and butter, they also make some fun variations like the Deuce Low Pride. As you may have guessed from the name, these rainbow-accented sneaks are all about celebrating love and inclusivity.
Like the OG Internationals, the Deuce Lows have a canvas upper and herringbone tread. But what really sets them apart are the colorful details. The eyelets and aglets (the plastic or metal bits on the end of your laces) feature the colors of the Pride flag, and there‘s a Progress Pride flag on the back heel. Even the soles have a cool ombré effect.
Aesthetics aside, I appreciate that the Deuce Lows are really comfortable, even after walking around in them all day. They‘re slightly cheaper than the Internationals at $63 USD, making them a great option for anyone who wants a classic white sneaker with some extra flair.
I also love that Volley donates a portion of sales from the Pride collection to Wear It Purple, an organization that supports LGBTQIA+ youth. Cute shoes for a good cause? Sign me up.
The Volley x VB High Tops
Next up, we have a collab made in Australian heaven – Volley x Victoria Bitter. For those who don‘t know, VB is a beer brand that‘s hugely popular down under. So when they teamed up with Volley on a range of sneakers, it was kind of a big deal.
I managed to get my hands on the Volley x VB High Tops, which put a fresh spin on the classic Volley style. As the name suggests, they‘re a high-top version of the Volley Internationals with the VB logo embroidered on the side.
The high-top silhouette definitely gives them more of a streetwear vibe. I‘ve been pairing mine with jeans and a hoodie for a low-key weekend look. But I could also see them working with shorts or a sundress in the warmer months.
Quality-wise, they feel just as sturdy as the other Volley styles I tried. The stitching is clean and the sole has a good weight to it. And at $60 USD, they‘re not a bad deal for a trendy take on a heritage design.
Volley For the Whole Fam
One thing I really appreciate about Volley is that they offer sizes and styles for every age group. I wasn‘t able to test the kids‘ shoes myself (my feet are slightly too big), but I love that they make mini versions of their adult best-sellers.
For example, the Youth International Canvas is pretty much a shrunken-down take on the grown-up version. It comes in black or white and has all the same signature details like the herringbone outsole. And at just $21 USD, it‘s an affordable way to get your little ones started on their Volley journey early.
They even have an Infant International High that‘s designed for the tiniest of feet. It has a slightly higher ankle for a snug fit and velcro straps instead of laces for convenience. Plus, it comes in some really adorable colorways like pastel pink and mint green.
The Verdict: Are Volley Shoes Worth It?
So now for the million-dollar question – are Volley shoes worth buying? I have to say, after putting them through their paces for a few weeks, I‘m officially a fan.
Yes, there are a lot of canvas sneaker options out there. You‘ve got the Converse Chuck Taylors, the Vans Authentics, and countless others. But what I like about Volley is that they‘ve managed to maintain their old-school cool factor while still feeling fresh.
The main selling points for me are:
- The signature herringbone sole that provides great grip and traction
- The sturdy canvas upper that‘s breathable and molds to your feet over time
- The no-fuss design that looks good with pretty much everything
- The reasonable price point compared to other sneaker brands
- And of course, the Aussie street cred that comes with rocking a pair of Volleys
That‘s not to say they‘re perfect. If you have really finicky feet or need a lot of arch support, the flatter soles might not work for you. And while the canvas is decently durable, it won‘t withstand super rough wear like some heavier-duty materials.
But overall, I‘d say Volley delivers on their promise of a go-anywhere, do-anything sneaker. They‘re stylish enough to wear out on the town but comfy enough for a long day of walking or travel. And at under $100 a pair, you really can‘t go wrong.
The Bottom Line on Volley Shoes
If you‘re in the market for a pair of versatile, vintage-inspired kicks, Volley is definitely worth checking out. Between the timeless designs, wallet-friendly prices, and stamp of approval from fashionable folks worldwide, they‘ve earned a top spot in my sneaker rotation.
One thing to keep in mind is that Volley doesn‘t currently offer worldwide shipping from their main site. But there are plenty of other retailers that stock them, so you shouldn‘t have too much trouble tracking down a pair.
I hope this deep dive into the world of Volley has been helpful! I‘d love to hear about your experiences with the brand – do you own a pair? What‘s your favorite style? Let me know in the comments.
Until next time, happy shopping!
