The Difference Between Indoor Soccer Shoes and Turf Shoes
Is there a difference between indoor soccer shoes and turf shoes? Soccer is the most popular sport in the world that is enjoyed with minimal gear and equipment across various surfaces, from natural grass to artificial turf and indoor courts.
However, each playing surface demands specific footwear for optimal performance, comfort, and safety. For soccer players spending a lot of time on artificial turf surfaces or indoor soccer courts, understanding the difference between indoor soccer shoes and turf shoes is important.
As an amateur footballer and a coach I’ve spent a lot of time training on different surfaces and I understand the importance of having the right type of soccer cleats. That is why I have created this guide to help you find the right cleats worth investing your money in.
What are the Main Differences Between Indoor Soccer Shoes and Turf Shoes
Indoor Soccer Shoes
Indoor soccer shoes, sometimes referred to as futsal shoes, are designed for hard surfaces like gym floors, basketball courts, or concrete. These shoes typically feature flat soles or non-marking soles, providing necessary traction and ball control without damaging the playing surface.
Unlike turf soccer shoes, indoor soccer shoes lack studs, making them unsuitable for artificial turf or natural grass. Their flat soles are best for hard surfaces, offering a slip-resistant grip and reducing the risk of injuries caused by sliding or slipping.
It is also important to use your indoor soccer shoes on the correct surface because prolonged use on different surfaces like synthetic turf or outdoor grass, can reduce the shoes’ durability and performance. This is why it is so important for soccer players to invest in a quality pair of indoor soccer shoes when playing indoor soccer or futsal.
Artificial Turf Field Shoes
On the other hand, turf soccer shoes are designed for use on synthetic turf and artificial grass. Equipped with a lot of spread out raised nubs or small studs, turf soccer shoes provide grip and reduce the risk of slipping when playing on artificial turf fields.
This design reduces the risk of slipping or sliding during play, even when the surface is wet. Unlike indoor soccer shoes, turf shoes are not suitable for hard surfaces such as gym floors or basketball courts, as their raised nubs are designed to grip the synthetic fibers of artificial turf rather than flat, polished surfaces.
Turf soccer shoes also different from traditional firm-ground cleats because their studs are shorter and more densely packed, ensuring stability without damaging the synthetic turf field. Their durable rubber outsoles provide grip and prevent unnecessary wear and tear, while their design helps reduce strain on the feet during long uses in a turf field.
Summary
Indoor soccer shoes and turf soccer shoes are designed for different playing surfaces to optimize performance and safety. Indoor soccer shoes have flat, non-marking soles, that are ideal for hard surfaces like gym floors and basketball courts.
In contrast, turf soccer shoes feature raised nubs that provide grip on artificial turf fields and synthetic grass, reducing the risk of slipping. As a soccer player, no matter your age or playing level, choosing the right cleats for the appropriate surface ensures better performance, durability, and comfort during play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Soccer Turf Shoes the same as Indoor Soccer Shoes?
No, turf soccer shoes and indoor soccer shoes are designed for different surfaces. Turf shoes have raised nubs for grip on artificial turf fields, while indoor soccer shoes have flat soles or non-marking soles for hard indoor surfaces like gym floors and basketball courts. Using the wrong type of shoe can reduce performance and damage the shoes and playing surface.
Can I use Indoor Soccer Shoes on Turf?
It’s not recommended to wear indoor soccer shoes on artificial turf surfaces. Indoor shoes lack the raised nubs needed for traction on turf, making it easier to slip and harder to maintain stability. For the best performance and safety, use turf soccer shoes when playing on synthetic turf.
Can I use Turf Soccer Shoes on Indoor Soccer Surfaces?
Turf shoes are not ideal for indoor courts or gym floors because their raised nubs can be uncomfortable and reduce ball control. They may also cause wear and tear on the indoor surface. If you often play indoor soccer, invest in indoor soccer shoes designed for smooth, hard surfaces.
