Gotta Get Those Latest Indoor Soccer Shoes Young Neymar!
Choosing indoor soccer shoes can sometimes be more difficult than choosing your own child's name, okay who are we kidding it's much harder.
Do I go with this sole or that sole, is it too heavy or too light and on and on.
To help break it down and make sure you're choosing wisely below are some common questions answered, shoe specs, strengths and weaknesses and in which conditions you should wear these shoes.
I know we all have those pair of indoors that we loved and we just want to hit the refresh button and get hose gain but in the back of your mind we know we just might want to get the latest versions.
Whether it is new, old or first time below you'll get all the advantages, advice and info on what makes a great indoor shoe and what you should be looking for when getting a new pair.
Oh by the way, nothing against other brands but try and stay with the traditional household names if you can, proven record of reliability and comfort.
Indoor Soccer Shoes Explained
Top 5 Qualities Of Great Indoor Soccer Shoes
1. Comfort
- Blisters are nobody's friend no matter how nice the shoes may look.
- Be sure the comfort level is there even the first time you try them on or your feet will be barking after your first training session.
2. Bend Not Break
- Be sure that the shoe has some good give to it, not only so it feels good but also so you can bend your foot up, down and in every direction.
- If you need to bend your foot to shoot, control a ball or whatever else necessary.
3. Thin Upper
- Try to stay away from an upper part of the shoe that has too thick of a material or bumps and grooves.
- You want the top of the shoe by the laces to be thin and fitted enough where you can feel the ball every time it touches your foot with ultimate control.
4. Light Weight
- These aren't shoes you're going to take to the construction site.
- These need to make you feel light on your feet and be able to control the ball with ease, try them on and see if they support your ankles well and also feel weightless.
5. Durable & Built Well
- You want a shoe that is put together well and not falling apart by the seams.
- Inspect the shoe and make sure nothing is peeling off and no stitching is beginning to come apart.
- Durable but light weight, that's the ideal shoe.
Top 5 Things To Look For When Buying Indoor Soccer Shoes
1. Stick To Name Brands
- Nike, Adidas, Puma, Joma, Diadora and Lotto.
- That's the list, I know you may want to wear some random brand from South America that your cousin wants to send to you but stick to the brands that the pro's use.
2. Comfort
- Comfort is king! You should be saying ahhhhh every time you slip them on and not grimacing with every step.
- I know you like the way they look but believe me make sure they are comfortable or move on.
3. Feel Of The Ball
- When trying it on make sure that your'e comfortable with how the shoe feels with the ball under its sole.
- After all the most important thing is how the shoe feels when in contact with the ball, period.
4. Look Good, Feel Good, Play Good!
- Besides that awful English that saying is so true! I know you're not supposed to choose a shoe based on looks but if it checks all the other boxes then by all means choose the shoe that looks good and makes you feel good when it's on your foot.
5. Weight Of The Shoe
- You want it to be feel light but supportive all at the same time.
- Too light won't last and too heavy duty will have you running in wet cement for the match, get the balance right and let the games begin.
Top 5 Things To Avoid When Buying Indoor Soccer Shoes
1. All About The Looks
- Ok I get it we want our indoor soccer shoes to look good on our feet but don't let that be the only or overwhelming factor in choosing your next shoe.
- Make sure it feels good, has the weight and grip you want then start looking for stylish kicks not before, check all the boxes then choose the one that is easiest on the eyes.
2. Going Too Cheap
- You get what you pay for in life and indoors are no different. A $20-$40 gap may be the difference of a shoe falling a part in week one and it not falling a part for several indoor seasons.
- Don't go too cheap where you think you are getting a deal because you'll be right back to that same store next week returning them and asking for a refund, spend a little bit more now and save a lot more later.
3. Random Brand From Overseas
- Yeah I know your uncle has a guy in Italy that makes shoes out of his garage with only Italian materials.
- Stick to what the pro's wear and what has treated you so well over the years.
- If it's good enough for Messi and Ronaldo, it should be good enough for you.
4. Latest Not Always Greatest
- The super X widow multi fly 5000 may be the latest shoe to drop but that doesn't always mean it's the best for you.
- Shop around and it may even be last years model that suits the touch, comfort and look you want more than the latest indoor shoes that just arrived from the Moon.
5. Stiff & Bulky
- If you like it big and bulky no problem then go for it but try and avoid these reinforced indoor shoes that look like they are for hiking up Mount Everest.
- They will hurt your feet and your game so look to get something durable but still flexible and will move with the shape of your foot not keep you locked up inside.
Where Can I Buy The Best Indoor Soccer Shoes?
1. Nike.com
2. Soccer.com
3. Dicks Sporting Goods
Top 5 Best Indoor Soccer Shoe Brands
1. Adidas
2. Nike
3. Joma
4. Puma
5. Lotto/Diadora
What's The Difference Between An Indoor Soccer Shoe & A Turf Shoe?
Now you're asking the million dollar questions (or at least hundred dollar question). Where things get confusing is you can use indoor shoes indoors (obviously) and you can even use turf shoes indoors, but what kind of indoors? Let's back up and let me break down for you.
Indoor Soccer Shoes
- They typically made with a gum rubber bottom and can be used on hardwood courts, futsal courts and most indoor turf surfaces.
- There may be some turf surfaces where these gum rubber indoor shoes may have you slipping so that's why many people wear turf shoes on these surfaces just in case.
Turf Soccer Shoes
- Turf shoes are for just that, turf surfaces but can also be worn on indoor soccer fields that have that low carpet type turf as well.
- Definitely not suitable for court, Futsal or grass fields.
Should I Bring Indoor Shoes If I’m Going To A Pro Tryout Or Preseason?
Absolutely. Even if it’s obviously an outdoor trial you never know if the field has a little indoor pitch they like to play in once a week or if the weather is going to be poor and you’ll be forced indoors.
Another possibility would be having gym workouts where you need such footwear to participate in so yes bring them.
Also I’ve been to trials where the coach had has us play some Futsal or some other fun event indoors where your indoor shoes are necessary.
So don’t forget to pack them because you’ll look unprepared and like an amateur if it’s time to play indoor and all you have are some dress shoes.
Can I Go For Long Runs In My Indoor Soccer Shoes?
You can, but I wouldn’t suggest it. You’ll beat them up in no time and will be buying a new pair sooner than you wanted to. Get a pair of running shoes to do all your fitness training unless you’re doing it indoors then you can use your indoor soccer shoes.
Not only will you beat your shoes up you might do damage to your body wearing shoes to do long runs in that weren’t designed for that. Keep your knees and feet safe and use a pair of runners.
Do Pro Teams Play Indoor Soccer Much?
Sure do. When I was playing in Serbia majority of our off-season was indoors due to the snow covering the fields. We would train in the mornings outside without the ball, either fitness or strength training then afternoons we would be on an indoor pitch.
Some coaches believe that indoor soccer and Futsal help a team develop its technical ability and speed of play. For this reason indoor soccer is being played by more pro teams, more regularly to get more touches in and develop the technical aspect of their game.
How Long Do Indoor Shoes Usually Last?
This really depends on how often you play and use them. If you use them to play, run, walk around in, go out in and garden in then of course they will be run down fairly quickly.
Generally you can make them last a couple indoor seasons before needing a new pair. I’ve known teammates who keep their indoors for four or five years because they say it brings them luck, I say it brings them fly’s.
5 Ways You Know It’s Time For New Indoor Soccer Shoes
1. Holes by the toe.
2. Sole coming off.
3. No tread on bottom and you’re slipping every time you play.
4. Only tape is keeping them together.
5. You feel like you’re one hard shot away from them completely exploding.
Indoor Shoes Specifications
- How Attached To Upper: Cemented
- Insole Material: EVA foam
- Insole Removable: yes and no
- Outsole Material: Gum rubber
- Suitable For: Indoor Artificial Surfaces (Indoor turf, carpet, hardwood, cement)
- Size and Width: All Shapes
What’s Better? Indoor Soccer Shoes Or Turfs?
What’s better a bike or a car? Well it depends if you’re driving through a road or forest. For turfs and indoors it really depends on the surface. Most people like indoors because of the closer touch on the ball while others like turfs because of the better all around traction.
Turfs work on almost all playing surfaces expect grass so they may be your safer bet. But it truly depends on what you’re more comfortable with and that changes player to player.
When Should I Wear Them?
Mainly to bed. Kidding of course, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that indoor soccer shoes are to be worn INDOORS!
Artificial indoor turf, carpet, gym floors, hardwood etc. Below is the different field conditions and how these shoes perform on that pitch with a rating of Poor, Below Average, Average, Good, Perfect.
Field Conditions
- Not too hard or Soft: Poor
Some More Strengths & Weaknesses Of Indoor Soccer Shoes
Even though they can look deadly with a pair of jeans every shoe has it's strengths and weaknesses.
Most indoor shoes are designed for comfort, control and a touch of style, and we all know that some things never go out of style, copa's and samba's please stand.
Strengths
- Comfortable and spacious.
- Durable upper and lower body.
Weaknesses
- Gum & Turf Bottoms not suitable for alternate surface.
- There you have it! Everything you'll ever need to know, now no more questions about Indoor Soccer Shoes, EPL is on!
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