- Padded shorts. Indoor volleyball players can get bruised hips when they dive for a ball. Some players choose to wear shorts with hip pads in them for protection. - Shoes. Volleyball shoes have gummy rubber souls for better traction on gym floors. They also have extra padding to absorb shocks from all the running and jumping. Choose a pair that fits correctly, and keep them tied securely when you play. - Goggles and sunglasses. If you wear glasses, consider getting prescription goggles for volleyball. If you play beach volleyball in the sun, wear shatterproof sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare.