Indoor Court Shoes

Human beings have come a long way from needing simple protection for the feet to having specialized shoes for every occasion. These days, we don’t have sports shoes; we have soccer cleats, indoor court shoes, baseball shoes, tennis shoes, running shoes, walking shoes and so many more. 

While it’s no doubt very useful to have the perfectly tailored shoe for your needs, this plethora of shoe varieties can be confusing and mildly panic-inducing. What if you show up wearing tennis shoes for your indoor soccer game? How do you know which specs are important and which you can compromise on? That is where we come in use. We research into the depths of shoe shapes, designs, and materials, and present the sum of our conclusions to you so that you can choose the best options for yourselves, whether you need shoes for indoor soccer or for any other game. 

Indoor Court Shoes

Indoor court shoes are designed as low topped, lightweight shoes with soft, non-marking soles. The exact design will vary greatly and depends on the specific sport. In this article we discuss shoes designed for the most common indoor sports.

Indoor court shoes are used for all sports played on hard, artificial surfaces. Some of the most popular indoor sports are:

• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Badminton
• Pickleball
• Racquetball
• Squash
• Table Tennis
• Futsal (indoor soccer)

Parts of An Indoor Sports Shoe

Upper: The top of the shoe that covers the foot and is usually made of natural or synthetic materials like mesh or leather.

Toe cap: The top front end of the shoe which is sometimes reinforced to give extra protection to the toes.

Tongue: The tongue is the flap of material under the lacing system. It adds a layer of support and cushion between the foot and the ball and also helps balance the pressure from the lacing system. 

Insole: The removable layer inside the shoe, between the lining and the foot, that provides additional cushioning and arch support.

Midsole: The layer between the upper and the sole that provides cushioning and support.

Outsole: The bottom of the shoe, which is made of rubber and provides traction on indoor court surfaces.

Heel counter: The back of the shoe which is often reinforced and has some cushioning to provide stability and heel support.

Lacing system

Key Features To Consider

When researching indoor court shoes, there are many things that you will need to know. Based on the requirements of your sport, you can focus on the specific characteristic of the shoe that is most important to you. 

Some general characters should be taken into consideration no matter the chosen sport. In most sports, players’ performance highly depends upon their gear. In games where movement is the focus, the shoes become the most important piece of equipment. Some important features to consider are:

• Comfort and fit are essential factors while choosing shoes. Uncomfortable shoes can reduce performance and increase your chances of injury. Read our article to get more of an idea of how indoor soccer shoes should fit.

• Durability depends on the type of materials used in the shoes. Shoes that use synthetic materials usually last longer than shoes using natural leather. 

• Support is usually less in indoor sports, but you can look for ankle support or extra heel protection. 

• Playing surface is perhaps the most important deciding factor. In most indoor sports played on indoor courts, players would be required to make fast moves, quick turns and run about on hardwood, or ceramic or other artificial flooring. To play well on these surfaces, shoes are made with grippy, non-slipping soles.

• Price changes from sport to sport and varies greatly between brands. It is a good idea to take an overview of the average market prices for any shoe, as well as any offers, warranties, or refund policies related to them.

Here are a few specifications to look for when looking for a particular sports shoe, summarized in a table form. Keep in mind that the specifications (like weight, etc.) are for an average male foot, and may not exactly suit every foot.

Types of Court Shoes

Since so many games are played on indoor courts, and each sport has its own demands, the shoes for each game differ from each in one or more characteristics. We can broadly categorize indoor court shoes into:

• Shoes for indoor sports such as basketball, volleyball, and handball that require jumping and quick movements. These shoes should have a reasonable heel cushion and thicker than average midsole.
• Shoes for indoor sports such as badminton, racquetball, and squash that require fast movements and sudden stops. These shoes should provide stability and have good heel and ankle support.
• Shoes for indoor sports such as table tennis that require quick movements and precise footwork.These shoes should make the player more agile, be lightweight, flexible and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
• Shoes for indoor soccer, also known as futsal, that require good traction and agility on a hard surface. These shoes should have extremely good grip on indoor surfaces.
• Shoes for general indoor court activities, such as pick-up basketball or indoor running, that may not have specific sport-specific features.

Importance of Choosing the Right Indoor Court Shoe

It is important to carefully select the right shoe based on the demands of your game. The most obvious reason is increased performance. Shoes that are specifically designed for your sport can provide the necessary support, cushioning, and traction to help you move quickly and effectively on the court.

Also, wearing the right shoes can help prevent injury. Shoes that provide proper support and cushioning can help absorb shock and reduce the impact on your feet, knees, and back during play. Shoes with good traction can also help prevent slips and falls, reducing the risk of injury.

Lastly, wearing the right shoes can also extend the life of the shoes. Shoes that are designed specifically for your sport and court type are more likely to hold up to the demands of the game and last longer.

Caring for Your Indoor Court Shoes

Proper care and maintenance of your indoor court shoes will help to keep them in good condition and extend their life. Here are some tips to help you care for your shoes:

Clean them regularly: After each use, wipe down the shoes with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or sweat. Avoid using harsh chemicals or soap, as this can damage the shoes.

Store them properly: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid storing them in a damp area, such as a bathroom or basement, as this can lead to mold and mildew.

Air them out: After each use, allow your shoes to air out and dry completely before storing them. This will help prevent odors and bacteria from forming.

Rotate them: Alternating between multiple pairs of shoes can help extend their life and prevent them from wearing out too quickly.

You can read up more about your indoor soccer shoes in the buying guide here.

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