ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 White Cool Grey: reviews, sizing and why it's the indoor volleyball shoe you see most on court

Ever noticed what people wear on their feet in any sports hall on a Saturday morning? One model shows up game after game, and the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 White Cool Grey is its cleanest version: white upper, Cool Grey panels and an outsole built for hardwood. Here's what people who already wear them think, how they fit and why they work both on and off the court.

The ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 White Cool Grey is an indoor court shoe for volleyball, badminton, squash and other indoor sports. It combines GEL cushioning in the heel, the TRUSSTIC system in the midfoot for stability on changes of direction, and non-marking rubber. It's the most reliable entry-level court option from ASICS.

Side view of the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 White Cool Grey with white mesh upper and Cool Grey panels — Side profile: breathable white mesh and synthetic overlays in Cool Grey.

ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 reviews: what players who already use them say

The consensus is pretty clear: this is a shoe that needs no break-in. According to player reviews, the mesh upper feels soft from day one and most find it comfortable within two or three court sessions.

On lateral movements the outsole grips well on wood and synthetic surfaces, and the heel GEL softens landings after jumping to block or spike. On Zappos, around 79% of ratings give it 5 stars.

The criticism? Some users coming from the previous version find the Gel-Rocket 12 a bit firmer, and some mention the toe box is narrow. We cover it in detail in the sizing section.

Gel-Rocket 12 vs Gel-Rocket 11: what's changed

The Gel-Rocket line gets updated generation after generation, and this time the changes target what matters on court:

More breathable upper: a higher ratio of mesh to synthetic, for drier feet in long matches.
Redesigned GEL: a rounder shape with a larger contact area on landing.
Updated TRUSSTIC: the midfoot shank curves slightly upward for more lateral support.
Firmer feel: the 11 was softer; the 12 goes for more stability.

Detail of the inner side of the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 White Cool Grey showing the midsole and pivot zone — Inner side: the grey overlays protect the areas that take the most wear when pivoting.

ASICS volleyball shoes: technology and materials

Here's what you get on your feet with the White Cool Grey colorway (style code 1071A116-103):

Upper: breathable white mesh with synthetic overlays in Cool Grey in the pivot zones.
Interior: textile lining, padded collar and removable insole (handy if you use your own insoles).
Midsole: GEL cushioning in the heel and TRUSSTIC system for torsional stability.
Outsole: non-marking rubber with a multidirectional pattern for traction on hardwood.

Non-marking rubber isn't a minor detail: many sports halls require it. With the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 White Cool Grey you won't have any trouble getting on court.

Non-marking rubber outsole of the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 White Cool Grey with traction pattern for indoor courts — The non-marking outsole with a multidirectional pattern, designed for stopping and starting on hardwood.

How does the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 fit?

Most buyers find it true to size: on Zappos, about 73% of reviews confirm it. Even so, some notice a narrow toe box and some players recommend going up half a size.

Our recommendation: if you have normal or narrow feet, order your usual ASICS size. If you have a wide forefoot or play in thick socks, consider going half a size up. You can check the available sizes for this model and, if the size isn't right, you have 14 calendar days from delivery to return them.

How to style the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 White Cool Grey off the court

Indoor court silhouettes have been sneaking into street outfits for a while, and this colorway makes it easy: white and grey, with no colors competing with your clothes.

Full sporty: grey or black tracksuit and tall white socks. Training vibe, perfect for everyday wear.
Clean casual: light straight-leg jeans, oversized white tee and grey sweatshirt.
Post-game: technical shorts, club jersey and backpack. Straight from the court to the café.

Top view of the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 White Cool Grey showing white laces and padded collar — From above: white lacing and padded collar for a secure fit around the ankle.

Who is the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 for?

It's ideal for recreational or club volleyball players, people just getting into court sports, and anyone looking for a stable indoor shoe without overthinking it. If you're a high-level player who jumps a ton, you might want something with more forefoot cushioning; for everyone else, the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 White Cool Grey more than covers what a training session or match demands.

Rear view of the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 White Cool Grey showing the heel where the GEL cushioning sits — The heel, where the GEL cushioning works on every jump landing.

Ready to debut them at your next match? At Next Step they're 100% new and authentic, with fast shipping to Spain and all of Europe. See details and order yours here, or discover more models in our ASICS collection.

Frequently asked questions

Does the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 run big or small? +

Most users find the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 true to their usual size, although some notice the toe box is a bit narrow. If you have a wide forefoot or wear thick socks to play, going up half a size is the safest option according to several player reviews.

Is the Gel-Rocket 12 good for volleyball? +

Yes, the Gel-Rocket 12 is designed for indoor court sports like volleyball. Its heel GEL cushions landings after jumping, the TRUSSTIC system stabilizes lateral movements and the non-marking rubber grips well on hardwood, while also meeting the rules of most sports halls.

What's the difference between the Gel-Rocket 11 and the Gel-Rocket 12? +

The Gel-Rocket 12 has an upper with more mesh for better ventilation, a rounder GEL that spreads impact and a redesigned TRUSSTIC for more lateral support. In return, it feels a bit firmer than the Gel-Rocket 11, which many describe as softer.

Does the Gel-Rocket 12 need a break-in period? +

Very little: according to reviews, most players feel comfortable in the Gel-Rocket 12 after two or three court sessions. The mesh upper is soft from the first wear, so there's none of the typical rubbing of stiff shoes, although the midsole does feel firm at first.

Can you wear the Gel-Rocket 12 every day? +

Yes, the White Cool Grey colorway pairs easily with tracksuits, light jeans or sporty looks, so it works off the court. Keep in mind its outsole is designed for indoor surfaces, so if you're going to play in them, it's best to keep a pair just for the court.