Many players assume that if they already own a pair of indoor soccer shoes, they would be handy if they want to play with them on turf fields.
Indoor soccer shoes are designed to be used on dry, indoor hardwood surfaces. Most indoor soccer shoes are appropriate for playing street soccer on concrete and other hard surfaces.
But when the floor is wet, you’ll notice the slipperiness in your movement. Indoor shoes are not built to be used on a different surface such as grass.
The sturdiness of the shoes may be compromised, and there is a high probability that you will slip and fall all through the game.
Regular soccer players have different shoes they wear on different surfaces. The standard soccer cleats for natural grass and artificial turfs are readily accessible to everyone, while indoor soccer shoes are also widely used.
Since indoor soccer games are not as popular as outdoor ( natural grass, artificial turf, indoor turf, and indoor court ) soccer games, not every soccer player has a dedicated pair.
Some soccer players would wonder what they should wear if they do not have turf-specific footwear for a soccer game.
But can you wear indoor soccer shoes on turf? Let’s take a look.
Can You Wear Indoor Soccer Shoes For Outdoor Soccer?
I’ll recommend sticking with indoor soccer shoes when playing indoor soccer.
People can easily find the best justification for why indoor shoes can’t actually work on the turf or outdoor soccer by simply looking at indoor shoe soles.
It would be the same as wearing casual footwear on grass, as the overall traction will not be there. For casual shoes, even artificial grass is still a bit too slippery, and players need to dig a little bit into the ground to make perfect cutbacks.
There is a significant difference between natural grass, artificial turf, and hardwood outdoor surfaces. In order to play on them, you’ll need soccer shoes that can provide appropriate stability and grip because these surfaces have different depths.
If you want to play professional soccer, you should unquestionably spend money on the kind of soccer shoe better suited for the field you play on.
This could sometimes entail getting different pairs. For mid-level players to have adequate protection across different surfaces, I’d advise acquiring at least two pairs of turf and Firm ground soccer shoes.
If you are just starting out and want to buy one pair of shoes, I’d recommend going for firm-ground soccer shoes because they allow you to play on most surfaces.
Indoor courts definitely won’t let you play properly with studded soccer shoes or Turf soccer shoes on. More importantly, they won’t be comfortable and might even be unsafe.
Alternatively, indoor court shoes might be suitable for artificial turf surfaces and are probably accepted by sports centers (in some cases).
SEE ALSO | 10 BEST WAYS TO PREVENT BLISTERS FROM SOCCER CLEATS
Are Regular Soccer Cleats Safe to Wear on Turf?
On some surfaces, players are allowed to wear their regular soccer cleats. It really depends on the turf’s quality and the facility’s specific rules.
Always make sure it is permitted before participating because if there is a regulation in place, it could result in a ban.
Soccer cleats will function better on surfaces that are mostly like normal grass. The cleats won’t need to be as deep and well-rounded if the turf is somewhat flat.
Soccer Cleats for Turf: What to Look for?
Are you unhappy that indoor soccer shoes do not function properly on Turf? Having to buy extra footwear can be somewhat challenging, but the best part is that there are several relatively inexpensive turf soccer shoes available. The finest pair can be bought by doing some market testing and keeping a few of these recommendations handy.
- Comfort
Although this applies to all soccer cleats, your comfort is vital. If the cleats aren’t made for turf, they probably won’t be suitable while you’re wearing them.
This is due to the fact that someone slipping throughout could put undue pressure on their feet.
- Durability
Cleat durability is not a major concern because the turf is not particularly harsh on them. Overall, it’s a good thing because they won’t deteriorate as quickly as they would on other surfaces. Due to the artificial nature of the surface, it won’t get quite as dirty from mud or grass stains.
According to some, the turf can be a little rough in some circumstances, possibly rubbing the shoe the wrong way.
- Quality Materials
There are several companies out there that just produce turf soccer cleats and don’t care about the quality they bring, producing plastic-like cheap synthetics.
Turf cleats are designed of the same materials as standard soccer cleats because they must be worn in the same conditions. The only scenario in which the turf’s material could not be as important is if it is exclusively used indoors. In that case, the player may not have to worry about slipping and sliding.
- Traction
It is important to take into account how grippy a player’s turf soccer cleats feel. However, some soccer cleats are a little hit or miss in this regard.
- Satisfactory fit
Each person’s experience with this will be different. Some might like a classy leather fit, while others may prefer a more fashionable fit that is tight to the feet. The most decisive thingis that you are comfortable with your cleat.
The Differences Between Indoor & Turf Soccer Shoes
To meet the needs of various sports and floor kinds, soccer shoes are available in various types. On every type, there are usually two letters that highlight how it best it should be used best. For instance:
- IN: Indoor soccer shoes
- AG: Artificial ground
- HG: Hard ground
- FG: Firm ground grass
- SG: Soft ground grass, also, wet or soggy ground
- AT: Astroturf, or simply turf soccer shoes
Shoes for indoor soccer are usually flat and have rubber soles. Parallel grooves or striations are commonly found on these kinds of shoes. This design offers excellent flexibility, stable grip, and efficient traction.
Turf soccer shoes, on the other hand, have pointy dimples in the soles that give the player a stronger grip.
Additionally, they are generally designed with a strong material that can withstand rough turf.
Top-tier indoor soccer shoes can be fairly pricey, although turf shoes are sometimes less expensive. Naturally, there are exceptions, and every product can be found in both high-end and pocket-friendly options.
For beginners, it makes sense that they might be seeking footwear that works on every surface.
Due to the expense of having several pairs for various surfaces, players may opt to buy one or two pairs that may be used on different pitches.
Therefore the issue could be: Can I play on turf with my indoor soccer shoes? or the opposite? Is it possible to find all-purpose shoes?
As with most answers, “it varies” is the appropriate response. Indoor courts/gyms are where indoor soccer shoes are most often used, as was previously mentioned.
However, artificial turf surfaces are where turf soccer shoes are most efficient. Indoor courts usually prohibit players from using anything other than futsal shoes.
The likelihood of leaving scratches on the glossy surface is the reason for this. However, facilities with artificial turf fields could allow different types of footwear.
The use of a specific type of shoe on a particular kind of surface is influenced by the following factors:
- Guidelines
Some soccer arenas only permit certain types of soccer shoes. Some centers may have artificial turf fields, however, wearing cleat-equipped shoes is prohibited there (due to damage to turf).
In these instances, one might be required to wear sneakers or indoor soccer shoes on a turf pitch. Soccer shoes made specifically for indoor courts are always required. This keeps the surface free of scratches.
- Level of Competition
If you are a professional, you only need to wear Firm ground soccer cleats. My advice would be to get a pair that is ideal for the kind of surface you are playing on, especially if the level of play is higher.
Simply said, it improves performance and reduces the possibility of injury.
- Budget
I’d advise getting a great pair of indoor soccer shoes if the rules permit either sort of shoes and your spending power is limited. Both indoor courts and artificial turf surfaces can benefit from these.
Best Indoor Shoes To Wear Casually
Even though there are some reservations about playing soccer in shoes and wearing them casually, the three indoor soccer shoes listed below are an exception!
It is preferable to wear specific court shoes if you are a passionate soccer player who plays every now and then. The three shoes listed below, however, are essential if you play soccer with your buddies for fun:
Adidas Men’s Samba Classic
PUMA Men’s Super Liga OG
Nike Men’s Killshot 2 Leather Sneaker
Can Indoor Soccer Shoes Be Worn Casually?
Absolutely, soccer shoes can be worn outside, however only those with flat soles. Soccer shoes with studs shouldn’t be worn casually as this can be unsafe.
Indoor soccer shoes come in two different types. Both types of soccer shoes are worn for indoor soccer games, although the studded soccer shoes can only be used to play on any kind of turf (natural or artificial).
Soccer shoes with flat soles can be used outdoors and on hard courts for futsal.
- Indoor Court/Futsal Soccer Shoes – Flat Soles
Hardcourt-specific soccer footwear has tiny rubber grips on the bottom. They are made to be worn on hardcourts or artificial turf. They can be worn in public and at home too.
They are suitable for everyday use and good to wear if you are just spending time outside and will not be playing soccer. However, if you are the type who can’t ignore people playing soccer and not have a kick, then this is the type to have.
The only drawback of wearing them casually is that the soles of these soccer shoes will wear out more quickly than those of regular shoes.
This is so because they are made to be worn on smooth surfaces and turf. Concrete, on the other hand, can easily rip up the rubber due to its toughness.
- Indoor/Outdoor Soccer Shoes – Studded Soles
Soccer cleats with studs are made to hold onto the ground, the ones with short studs can be used on artificial turf both indoors as well as outside.
On short, dry natural grass, they can also be used to play soccer, but if not, they will indeed be slippery.
There is a possibility that you might slip on wet or other slippery surfaces if you wear these studded soccer shoes out in public. So, unless you are on grass, it is not advisable to wear these casually.
SEE ALSO | BEST SOCCER SOCKS FOR COMFORT, GRIP & ANTI-BLISTER 2022
Are Indoor Soccer Shoes Safe for Running?
Absolutely, because indoor soccer players tend to run a lot, and this can carry over to outdoor running as well.
Nevertheless, this was not their primary use. Running on concrete or other harder surfaces will cause indoor soccer shoes to wear out significantly more than if you were running on a soccer pitch.
How long do indoor soccer shoes last?
The average lifespan of a pair of soccer shoes is one year or 4 to 8 months. Maintaining them and using them on indoor soccer fields can extend their lifespan by up to two years.
Can Indoor Soccer Shoes Be Worn on a Daily Basis?
It’s not advisable to wear indoor soccer shoes on a daily basis since their hard bases are designed for acceleration and grip, and could harm your foot arch.
Can Indoor Soccer Shoes Be Used on Concrete?
Futsal shoes also known as indoor soccer shoes are designed to be worn on flat, hard surfaces. Thus, they are suitable for use on concrete. These futsal shoes may well not serve well on concrete as they are susceptible to slippery when on wet surfaces.
Can Indoor Soccer Shoes Be Worn Outside?
Yes, indoor soccer shoes can be worn outside. However, the rubber grips will wear out quickly on concrete because they are soft grips intended for hardwood, indoor surfaces.
Final Thought
Just buy soccer shoes that are suitable for the activity you’re doing and the surfaces you’ll be playing on. However, avoid being misled by the glitzy appearance of some high-end brands into buying unnecessary things.
On turf, avoid playing with indoor soccer shoes. You will be at a distinct disadvantage to other players who are wearing the proper footwear for the surface. One bad slip and fall can lead to a pretty serious injury if a person is not careful.
Indoor footwear is flat and provides no traction on turf surfaces. Moreover, they are made for smooth hardwood surfaces instead of grass carpets, and the outsole’s durability of the footwear would be compromised.
