When it comes to soccer, what you’re wearing on your feet matters a lot. With the right shoes, you’ll have good control of the ball, stability on the pitch, excellent speed when running, among other benefits.
Nowadays, soccer can be played indoors and outdoors, and both require particular types of shoes.
Turf shoes are great for playing on turf or artificial surfaces. But can you use them for indoor soccer?
Here’s what you need to know about turf shoes and indoor soccer.
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Turf Shoes and Indoor Soccer: A Guide
Turf shoes are designed for artificial surfaces, both indoors and outdoors, but can be used on natural grass under certain conditions.
The shoes aren’t stiff on the outsole but are designed with maximum mobility.
Turf shoes have a low-top height and dozens of small rubber studs on the underside with little spacing between them to improve traction on the hard artificial turf and natural fields.
Indoor soccer is a football game played inside a walled arena. The game is popular in Canada and the USA and was developed for players to enjoy playing soccer in the winter months when snow disrupts outdoor playing.
Other countries have adopted indoor soccer, giving it multiple names. For instance, in Spain, it is called Futbol indoor while Mexicans call it Futbol Rapido.
Ordinarily, indoor soccer shoes are the proper shoes to play indoor soccer. The shoes have no studs like those on turf shoes but have groves instead to enhance traction.
However, you can still use turf shoes for indoor soccer, but it will depend on various factors.
Turf shoes and indoor soccer shoes
There are some similarities and differences between indoor soccer shoes and turf shoes. Let’s compare the two shoes:
Indoor soccer shoes have flat rubber outsoles: thus, they do not leave marks on indoor fields.
On the other hand, turf shoes have studs on the outsoles, which will leave marks on the indoor fields. Also, the large dimples will not provide the grip needed for indoor soccer fields.
In similarity, both types of shoes can be made from leather and synthetic materials.
Can you use turf shoes for indoor soccer?
It is likely that many people often confuse indoor soccer with flat surfaces (usually wooden floors). In practice, however, many types of indoor soccer include turf surfaces.
So the answer is clear: Yes, you can use turf shoes for indoor soccer, however, only if indoor soccer has a turf ground (or artificial ground).
If indoor soccer has a flat and glossy surface, it is almost impossible for you to use turf soccer shoes due to 2 main reasons:
- Turf soccer shoes do not give you a good grip and high balance on smooth surfaces.
- You will make the owner of the ballpark angry because your shoes leave a lot of colored scratches on their wooden floor.
And here are some of our analysis when you use turf shoes for indoor soccer.
The pros of Turf shoes for indoor soccer
It feels comfortable wearing turf shoes
Whether you’re playing indoor soccer or outdoor soccer, you should always feel comfortable with the shoes you’re wearing.
And this is one feature that makes turf shoes best for indoor soccer.
You should feel good wearing your turf shoes all year round. Even when you kick the ball or run, you should always feel comfortable.
Good turf soccer shoes often have thin surfaces that support direct touch, creating a good feeling when the player touches the ball.
To add on that, turf soccer shoes are moderately lightweight so they support flexibility and high-speed movement.
They also provide good traction and stability. And this is what makes turf soccer shoes comfortable for players.
Turf shoes provide adequate grip and stability
When playing indoor soccer, you want shoes that hold the ground tight to prevent slippage, and that’s what turf shoes do.
Turf shoes have small tiny studs on the outsole to provide the needed traction while playing indoor soccer on artificial fields.
You won’t easily fall when playing indoor soccer with turf shoes, even when the ground is wet. This is an important feature of turf soccer shoes, they help you change the direction of your movement.
The studs on the outsole of turf shoes are rubber-made: thus, they won’t damage the artificial ground for indoor soccer.
This increases your performance in the game.
However, this is only possible if you play indoor soccer on a turf ground while wearing turf shoes.
The shoes are durable
Turf shoes can be made using leather or synthetic materials. All these fabrics are durable, but natural leather is much more durable.
Also, since you’ll be using turf shoes for indoor soccer, they won’t wear out quickly, especially when you use them on turf.
Turf shoes are versatile
With a pair of turf soccer shoes, you can play both indoor and outdoor soccer. Nowadays, turf ground is very popular, and it appears not only outdoor but also indoor.
Besides, you can even use turf soccer shoes on natural grass surfaces with relatively good grip.
So, if you are a soccer lover, you must have turf soccer shoes in your home.
The cons of turf shoes for indoor soccer
Despite many benefits, turf shoes have downsides too. Thus, it’s essential to examine both sides of the coin before making a purchase.
Here are some disadvantages of turf shoes:
Turf shoes are only suitable for artificial grounds
The general rule of turf shoes is that they should be used on turf/artificial grounds.
The outsoles of turf shoes compose of rubber or plastic-made studs to provide grip only on artificial grounds.
This means if you’re playing indoor soccer on hardwood, concrete, or other grounds, then turf shoes might not be ideal. In fact, you won’t even be allowed to enter a concrete-made indoor field with turf shoes.
Turf shoes do not provide good balance and traction on flat surfaces. Outsoles will wear out quickly if used on concrete surfaces.
And most importantly, studs will leave marks on the hardwood surface.
Choose the right shoes on hardwood surface for maximum performance
Difficult to control the ball with the bottom of the shoes
With indoor soccer, players often control the ball with the bottom of their shoes, this helps them perform better in tight spaces. And indoor soccer shoes with flat bottom support that very well, they can stick to the ball and create a good feeling for the player.
Turf shoes do not have that advantage. With the design of many small studs at the bottom, players will have more difficulty when they want to control soccer ball with the bottom of the shoes because they do not have a good grip.
Turf shoes are heavy
Compared to indoor soccer shoes, turf shoes are heavy because of the bulk materials in the upper used to make the shoes durable.
But remember, indoor soccer requires high agility, which can only be provided by lightweight shoes. Turf shoes focus on durability, functionality, and traction over agility which is a con for them.
Additionally, turf shoes made of natural leather are heavier than synthetic leather, especially when they are wet. This makes it challenging to enjoy indoor soccer with turf shoes.
How to choose turf shoes for indoor soccer
Now that you understand everything about turf shoes and indoor soccer, it’s time to get a pair. But do you know how to choose turf shoes for indoor soccer?
Here are some tips and things you should consider.
Proper fit
When you walk to a shop to buy any shoe, the first thing you consider is the size of the shoe, right? You must make sure the shoe is not too big nor too small.
The same goes for turf shoes for indoor soccer. Before buying turf shoes, you must make sure your feet fit well in them.
You need to feel comfortable at the feet. It should be snug, not too tight nor too loose.
This will help the entire foot feel the ball better.
Distance from toe to the end of the shoe should be about 1.5 to 1.8. This will help keep you comfortable on the field, especially when you have to stop suddenly while running.
To make sure you get the right size, fit in the shoes while wearing socks. Try many turf shoes until you find the perfect fit.
Comfort
Don’t just buy turf shoes based on their looks. You must feel comfortable wearing the shoes when playing indoor soccer. The shoes must provide comfort both on the ball and off the ball.
This also has to do with proper fit. The best thing is to get a combination of comfort, looks, and functionality/effectiveness.
The outsole
The most fundamental part of turf shoes, and perhaps any other soccer shoes, is the outsole and the studs, to be precise.
Turf shoes have small tiny studs on the outsole, but the size, pattern, design, and shape of the studs vary.
Wear the shoes to get a feel of the studs on turf shoes. Choose the turf shoe with proper studs that will help you control the ball, run at top speeds, and brake without slipping off.
The choice of the studs will also depend on the indoor soccer surface. Turf shoe studs can be triangular, round, tiny, thin sliver, or a combination of all the shapes mentioned.
Choose those you’re comfortable with.
Safety
When playing indoor soccer, you don’t want to risk ankle injuries by wearing the wrong shoes.
Thus, when choosing turf shoes for indoor soccer, consider your safety. The shoe must have a rugged grip that allows you to stop and turn quickly without slipping off.
Turf shoes must provide the sturdiness and flexibility to play indoor soccer shoes without risking injuries.
Brand
When it comes to choosing the best brand of turf shoes, stick to the one you know. Only buy turf shoes from reputable brands that have been in the industry for years.
Some popular options are Nike, Puma, and Adidas. Don’t ever buy your shoes from unpopular and unproven brands, as you’re likely to get a low-quality product that will wear out in a short period.
Don’t be too hasty to buy turf shoes from a new brand.
3 Turf shoes for indoor soccer
If you’re looking for the best turf shoes for indoor soccer, below are some excellent options to consider.
1. Adidas Performance Mundial Team Turf Soccer Cleat
If you want legendary boots with a touch of class, the Adidas Performance Mundial Team Turf Soccer Cleat is your best bet.
The shoes are 100% leather/synthetic making them more durable.
The shaft of this soccer cleat measures about 6 inches while its platform measures 0-3 inches.
The molded EVA midsole provides excellent comfort while playing indoor soccer. The outsole is studded to provide enough group when playing indoor soccer.
The performance Mundial team turf soccer cleat is lightweight and well cushioned to take your indoor soccer to a high level.
Besides, it comes from a trusted and reputable company, Adidas, known for quality soccer shoes.
When choosing it, pick a half or one size up so that the turf shoes fit you well.
2. Diadora Men’s Capitano TF Turf Indoor/Outdoor Soccer Shoes
Once again, Diadora, a reputable manufacturer, presents excellent quality, well-priced turf soccer shoes suitable for indoor soccer.
The shoes feature a rubber sole and a shock-absorbing EVA foam wedge midsole to provide maximum comfort while playing indoor soccer.
The outsole features multi-studded anti-abrasion rubber to provide enough traction on turf and natural hard surfaces.
The Diadora Men’s Capitano TF Turf Indoor/Outdoor soccer shoes are comfortable, durable, and suitable for regular use.
According to reviews from many players, the shoes are excellent for referring, playing indoor and outdoor soccer, and sometimes running.
3. Adidas Men’s Nemeziz 19.3 Turf boots soccer shoe
This turf shoe is designed to help you showcase your skills on the pitch without much effort.
It features a soft mesh upper to offer a responsive touch while keeping the ball close without much struggle.
The mid-cut design is to support your ankle and to help it twist and turn without catching injuries.
The only complaint received about the Adidas Men’s Nemeziz 19.3 turf boots soccer shoe is that it’s a bit heavier than other soccer shoes.
Otherwise, it’s an excellent shoe for indoor soccer.
Conclusion
Turf shoes are meant for turf and artificial surfaces. The shoes can be used both indoors and outdoors, depending on the type of surface available.
If you play indoor soccer, you can use turf shoes to have better control and stability on and off the ball.
The shoes fit well and have studs to provide enough grip and traction to prevent slip and fall risks.
When choosing the best turf shoes for indoor soccer, consider proper fit, durability, comfort, flexibility, and many more.
Hi there, I’m Jay.
Soccer is everything in my life! My friends and I have created this blog with all our enthusiasm, passion, and understanding after years of playing pro soccer. Hope you will enjoy it!