ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 9

Between volleyball practice three times a week, weekend pickleball matches, and regular gym sessions, I needed court shoes that could actually handle my schedule. When my previous pair literally fell apart mid-tournament last month, I decided to give the ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 9 a shot.

Six weeks and countless hours across different courts later, here’s what I really think about these budget-friendly volleyball shoes.

First Impressions: Lightweight But Sturdy

Right out of the box, these caught my attention for the right reasons. The white and black colorway looks clean – nothing flashy, just solid court shoes that can transition from volleyball practice to casual gym wear without looking out of place.

What struck me immediately was how light they felt compared to other budget court shoes I’ve worn. The mesh upper isn’t just for show – it actually breathes. During my first volleyball practice in our notoriously stuffy gym, my feet stayed comfortable even during intense rally drills. The synthetic overlays add structure where you need it without making the shoe feel stiff.

Court Feel: Responsive Without Being Harsh

Let’s talk about cushioning – because this is where budget court shoes usually fall short. The Gel-Rocket 9 uses molded EVA with GEL cushioning in the rear and forefoot. It’s not plush like running shoes, but that’s actually what you want for court sports.

During my first pickleball session, I could feel every subtle shift in my footwork. That court connection is crucial for quick reactions and better awareness. As a middle blocker in volleyball, I put serious stress on these shoes with constant jumping and landing. After six weeks of regular play, including some pretty intense tournament matches, my knees and ankles felt noticeably better than with my previous budget pair.

The cushioning isn’t as substantial as premium volleyball shoes, but it’s definitely enough for recreational to intermediate play. I’ve gone through 3-4 hour volleyball sessions in these without any discomfort.

Traction: Where These Really Shine

The rubber and gum rubber outsole is where the Gel-Rocket 9 really proves its worth. I’ve worn these on basketball courts, volleyball courts, and badminton courts – the grip is consistently excellent across all surfaces.

During defensive drills, I could push off confidently for diving saves without worrying about slipping. The TRUSSTIC System technology (yeah, it’s a mouthful) does seem to provide extra stability when changing directions quickly. Whether sliding left for a pickleball return or jumping for a volleyball spike, these felt planted and responsive.

One tournament was on slightly dusty courts – I watched other players in running shoes sliding around while my Gel-Rocket 9s maintained solid grip. That’s when you really appreciate court-specific shoes.

The Sizing Issue: Narrow Fit Alert

Here’s something important – these run narrow. Multiple people have mentioned this, and I can confirm it’s true. I wear a true size 8 in most athletic shoes, and the 8 in these felt snug initially. They broke in nicely after about a week, but if you have wider feet or typically need extra toe room, definitely go up half a size.

For those with narrow to normal feet, they should fit true to size. Just be aware and plan accordingly.

Performance Across Different Courts

Over six weeks, I’ve put these through their paces on various indoor surfaces. On standard basketball courts with excellent grip, these felt incredibly secure during lateral movements. The gum rubber outsole grabs the floor when needed without feeling sticky.

On older, more polished gym floors, the traction wasn’t quite as aggressive – still good, but you need to adjust your movement style slightly.

Temperature-wise, these handled everything from cool morning practices to hot afternoon games remarkably well. The mesh upper kept my feet from getting uncomfortably sweaty, which is a common problem with cheaper court shoes using low-quality materials.

Does ASICS Deliver on Their Claims?

ASICS markets these as providing “structured support and comfort” with “shock-absorbing support” through their GEL system. After extensive use, I’d say these claims are mostly accurate with some caveats.

The structured support is legit. The synthetic overlays and TRUSSTIC System provide noticeable stability during quick direction changes. The “enhanced cushioning” claim needs context though – it’s enhanced relative to basic court shoes, not running shoes.

The shock absorption through the GEL system is real. I definitely felt less impact during jumping and landing phases compared to my previous budget shoes. The technology works, just don’t expect the dramatic difference you’d get with $150+ premium volleyball shoes.

Where ASICS really delivers is on breathability and weight. These genuinely feel light without sacrificing structure, and the mesh upper performs excellently for temperature control during intense play.

What Works, What Doesn’t

The Good Stuff:

• Excellent court traction on indoor surfaces
• Lightweight without feeling flimsy
• Breathable mesh keeps feet comfortable
• Quick break-in period
• Great value for recreational play
• Works well across multiple court sports
• True to size for normal/narrow feet

The Not-So-Good:

• Narrow fit won’t work for wider feet
• Limited cushioning compared to premium options
• Durability concerns for heavy outdoor use
• Minimal arch support
• Possible heel rubbing without proper socks
• Some quality control inconsistencies reported

Who Should Buy These?

Perfect if you’re:

• Playing volleyball, pickleball, or badminton recreationally
• Looking for versatile court shoes on a budget
• A youth athlete or parent buying for one
• Someone with narrow to normal width feet
• Playing 2-3 times per week

Skip these if you:

• Have wide feet
• Need maximum cushioning
• Play competitively at high levels
• Require significant arch support
• Primarily play on outdoor courts
• Had previous issues with narrow ASICS sizing

Better Alternatives for Specific Needs

If you have wide feet, look at New Balance court shoes or ASICS models specifically available in wide widths.

For maximum cushioning, check out ASICS Gel-Tactic or higher-end volleyball specific models.

If you’re a competitive player, consider investing in ASICS Sky Elite FF or Mizuno Wave Lightning series.

For outdoor courts, tennis shoes with more durable outsole compounds would serve you better.

My Bottom Line

The ASICS Women’s Gel-Rocket 9 does exactly what it sets out to do – provide solid court shoe performance for recreational players at an accessible price point. At this price range, you’re getting legitimate volleyball shoe features without paying premium prices.

If you have normal to narrow feet and play court sports recreationally, these offer impressive value. The lightweight feel, excellent grip, and breathable construction make them a smart choice for active women who need versatile court shoes without breaking the bank.

Just remember the sizing – when in doubt, go up half a size, especially if you prefer thicker socks or have any width concerns.

Overall Rating: 8.0/10

Common Questions

Do they run true to size? For normal to narrow feet, yes. But many recommend going up half a size if you have wider feet or prefer thicker socks.

Good for pickleball too? Absolutely. The court-specific traction and lateral support work great for pickleball’s quick movements.

How much cushioning? Adequate for court sports but minimal compared to running shoes. The GEL system provides enough shock absorption for jumping and landing.

Can I use them outdoors? They’ll work occasionally, but these are designed for indoor courts. The gum rubber outsole will wear much faster on concrete or asphalt.

How do they compare to expensive volleyball shoes? About 80% of the performance at 40% of the price. Less cushioning and fewer advanced features, but core court performance is surprisingly good for recreational use.

Suitable for wide feet? Unfortunately, no. These consistently run narrow and aren’t available in wide sizes.

How long do they last? For indoor court use 2-3 times per week, expect 8-12 months of good performance. Heavy users or outdoor players report shorter lifespans.

Ankle support? Moderate support through heel construction and overall fit, but they’re low-top shoes. If you need significant ankle support, consider high-tops or ankle braces.