Three-step call, arms thrown, landing on both feet: it's for this gesture repeated at every point that the Asics Sky Elite shoes were designed, with a simple promise, to jump high and land softly.
Low top or more enveloping MT version, men's fit or women's fit: the page brings the whole family together, for players who spend their match near the net.
The Sky Elite FF is the jumping shoe from Asics. Underfoot, a lightweight FlyteFoam cushioning absorbs every landing and helps propel you at takeoff, while the curved heel aids in maintaining your sprint and push. The lacing holds your foot in place when you change your footing near the net. The FF emblem refers to FlyteFoam, the brand's family of lightweight foams.
It primarily appeals to players who play at the net. The setter jumps for almost every point, both for blocking and for quick attacks: that’s their typical profile. The outside hitter and the all-around attacker, who alternate between hitting and blocking, also benefit from it. A libero or a defender, who mainly plays from a lower base, would be better suited to a more stable shoe like the Powerbreak.
Two heights coexist here. In the low-top, nothing hinders ankle flexion, making the shoe lighter. In the MT version, the mid-cut upper extends over the top of the foot and provides added confidence during landing from a block, especially after a sprain. The choice depends on personal preference: some players don’t like feeling the upper, while others can’t do without it.
Nearly half of the page features a women’s fit, available in both low-top and MT. The shape is tailored to a female foot, often slimmer at the heel, with unique colours like white and amethyst or dahlia. A player with a wider foot can try the men's version in a smaller size, comparing the two size charts.
In the evening, when your feet have swelled slightly, measure from the heel to the tip of your longest toe and refer that measurement to the size guide on the product page. Try them on with your match socks, which are thicker than regular socks. There should be a small space in front of your toes, and the heel shouldn’t lift when you go on your toes.
The entire brand can be found on the Asics shoes page.
A previous colourway of the Sky Elite can often be found in the special shoe offers. In autumn, the Black Friday shoes showcase the family, followed by the shoe sales in winter.
It works, but its qualities mainly benefit those who jump a lot and play frequently. For a first season, a Gel-Rocket or Upcourt will suffice and allow you to get to know your game. The Sky Elite becomes interesting when jumping is at the heart of your position.
Both target players who jump a lot. Compare their specs side by side—foam, upper, weight—then try them on with your match socks: at this level, it’s the fit at takeoff and landing that makes the difference.
The more often you jump and the heavier you are, the more the foam will work on each landing. A player who trains several times a week should aim for a well-cushioned shoe at the front of the foot, like the Sky Elite. For occasional play, a simpler model will do.
Look at the sole under the forefoot: if the rubber has become smooth, it no longer grips the ground. Compressed foam can also be felt during jumping when the landing becomes harsher. At this stage, the shoe offers less protection for your knees.
No. On sand, we play barefoot, or possibly with beach socks when it's very hot. The Sky Elite FF remains an indoor shoe, with rubber designed to grip the court.