Indoor Soccer Shoes vs Running Shoes
Knowing the differences between indoor soccer shoes and running shoes is important for anyone who likes to play indoor soccer or futsal. Indoor soccer and futsal are two variations of the beautiful game that can help you improve at the outdoor game, but it is important to have the right type of footwear for each variation.
Indoor soccer shoes have a flat sole, a non-marking rubber outsole, and a lightweight synthetic or leather upper, that will give you the traction and stability you need for playing on hard surfaces and moving in various directions. Running shoes are specifically designed for forward motion and shock absorption so they lack the lateral support and grip needed for quick shifty movements on hard surfaces.
As a long time player and now coach of the game I have played soccer on various surfaces and understand the importance of having the right footwear, especially for indoor soccer since you will be playing on various hard surfaces. That is why in this blog post I will explain the differences between indoor soccer shoes and running shoes.
Indoor Soccer Shoes VS Running Shoes
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between indoor soccer shoes and running shoes:
Design Purpose
- Indoor soccer shoes are specifically designed for playing indoor soccer or futsal on smooth surfaces like hardwood floors or artificial grass.
- Running shoes are specifically designed for forward motion during running activities and provide shock absorption for extended running on outdoor surfaces.
Sole Features
- Indoor soccer shoes have a flat sole with a non-marking rubber outsole, ideal for better grip and quick side-to-side movements on indoor surfaces.
- Running shoes typically have a bulky cushioned midsole for shock absorption but lack the non-marking rubber sole necessary for playing indoor soccer on courts or indoor turf fields
Upper Materials
- Indoor soccer shoes often have a lightweight synthetic or leather upper for durability, ball control, and flexibility.
- Running shoes are designed with lightweight materials and a mesh upper for breathability and forward motion but may not provide adequate support for lateral movements.
Traction
- Indoor soccer shoes offer the best traction on smooth surfaces like hardwood floors, thanks to their gum rubber outsole and non-marking rubber sole.
- Running shoes typically lack the grip needed for quick movements on indoor surfaces, which can lead to slipping during play.
Cushioning
- Indoor soccer shoes have minimal cushioning to keep players low to the ground, enhancing agility, stability, and ball control during play.
- Running shoes are designed with a bulky cushioned midsole for shock absorption, making them ideal for forward motion and extended running activities, not quick lateral and side to side movements.
Fit
- Indoor soccer shoes are designed to fit snugly around the foot, providing better ball control and precision when playing indoor soccer or futsal.
- Running shoes often have a looser fit to accommodate forward motion and walking periods but may feel less secure during quick, lateral movements.
Breathability
- Indoor soccer shoes often feature lightweight synthetic or mesh uppers that balance durability and breathability for indoor sports.
- Running shoes are made with breathable materials like mesh uppers to enhance airflow during extended running but may not prioritize durability for sudden movements.
Can I wear running shoes for indoor soccer?
While it might be tempting to wear running shoes for indoor soccer, they are not the best choice for playing indoor soccer or futsal. Running shoes are specifically designed for forward motion and shock absorption, which is ideal for running on outdoor surfaces but not for the quick lateral movements required in soccer, or any of its variations. Running shoes typically feature a bulky cushioned midsole and a thick sole, which can make them less suitable for the rapid, side-to-side movements needed for soccer.
So the answers is, yes you can wear indoor soccer shoes if you don’t have a pair of high quality indoor soccer shoes, but they are not recommended as it can potentially lead to worse performances and injury risks.
Summary
To summarize there is a huge difference when it comes to indoor soccer shoes, often referred to as futsal shoes, compared to running shoes. An indoor soccer shoe will have non-marking rubber outsoles designed for the quick lateral movements required in soccer while a running shoe will have a bulky cushioned midsole and a thick sole designed primarily for forward motion.
So if you are going to play futsal or indoor soccer it is important to have the appropriate footwear to be able to play your best and prevent running related injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best indoor soccer shoes?
The best indoor soccer shoes are going to depend on you personal preferences but no matter what pair of shoes you get they should offer non-marking rubber outsoles, flat soles, lightweight materials, and excellent lateral support for optimal performance and comfort.
On what surfaces can you wear indoor soccer shoes?
Indoor soccer shoes are designed for smooth indoor surfaces such as hardwood floors, gym floors, and indoor artificial grass. They provide the best traction and support for indoor sports like futsal and indoor soccer.
Can you use soccer shoes for running?
Soccer shoes are not specifically designed for running, but they can be used for running, since you do a lot of running in indoor soccer anyways. However, as always it is important to have a pair of proper running shoes to stay safe and perform your best.
