Turf vs Indoor Soccer Shoes
Turf soccer shoes and indoor soccer shoes are designed for different playing surfaces and have distinct characteristics to provide optimal performance and safety for the players. Understanding the difference between the two can help players choose the right shoes for their game and prevent injuries.
Turf soccer shoes are designed for artificial surfaces with rubber studs for traction, while indoor soccer shoes are designed for indoor surfaces with a flat, non-marking rubber sole for traction. The choice between the two depends on the playing surface and the player’s personal preference.
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Turf Vs Indoor Soccer Shoes
The major differences between turf and indoor soccer shoes have been summarized in the table below:
| Turf Soccer Shoes | Indoor Soccer Shoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Outsole | Rubber cleats or studs designed for turf surfaces | Non-marking gum rubber outsole designed for low-pile carpet surfaces |
| Tread | Deeper and more pronounced tread pattern for traction on turf | Minimalist tread pattern for quick and precise movements on indoor surfaces |
| Upper | Durable synthetic or leather material with reinforced areas for protection | Lightweight and breathable material such as mesh or synthetic leather |
| Cushioning | Additional padding or cushioning in the insole and midsole to absorb shock | Varies, but often includes some level of padding or cushioning for comfort |
| Ankle Support | Varies, but often includes a sock-like collar or other design elements for added ankle support | Varies, but typically less emphasis on ankle support due to the nature of indoor soccer |
| Durability | Designed to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor play | Designed for indoor use and may not be as durable as turf shoes over time |
To understand the difference between the designs of turf and indoor soccer shoes, we need to know how they are intended to be used, which surfaces will they be used on, what kind of games will be played while wearing them, etc. Find out which shoes are the best for indoor soccer.
The most important factor that decides the kind of shoe we choose is the type of playing surface. Turf shoes are named for the surface they are used on. Indoor soccer shoes are used on indoor court surfaces, like hardwood floors or ceramic floors. In some cases, indoor soccer is played on carpet turf, a thin layer of artificial grass carpet.
What is Turf?
If you’re a sports enthusiast, you’ve likely heard of the term “turf” being used to describe a playing surface. But what exactly is turf, and how does it differ from natural grass? We’ll explore the basics of turf, including what it is, how it’s made, and its advantages and disadvantages.
Turf, also known as artificial turf, or carpet turf, is a synthetic surface that is designed to simulate the look and feel of natural grass. Turf is known for its durability, low maintenance, and consistent playing surface, making it a popular choice for sports facilities.
This synthetic playing turf surface is made from a combination of plastic fibers and a mixture of sand and rubber infill. The surface is designed to mimic the look and feel of natural grass, but with the added benefits of durability, low maintenance, and consistency in playing conditions.
The top surface is made of plastic synthetic fibers. The fibers are woven into a backing material, which is made of a blend of rubber and foam. The backing material provides cushioning and support for the fibers, which are then infilled with sand or a mixture of sand and rubber particles. This infill helps to keep the fibers standing upright, provides added cushioning, and helps to control the speed and bounce of the ball.
Turf Vs Natural Grass
Artificial turf is far more durable than natural surfaces. Although natural grass is cheaper to install, it tends to be destroyed much more easily during play, and needs to be frequently replaced/repaired/maintained. Artificial turf may cost more to put in, but it lasts much much longer than natural grass. It is also easier to clean turf and turf will not need to be mowed, or watered or fertilized.
Artifical turf also provides a smooth, consistent playing surface that natural grass can never mimic. It is also independent of seasonal changes
In our experience, when it comes to the question of which playing surface to use, the choice between natural grass and artificial turf often depends on several individual factors like climate, resources, and maintenance facility.
What are Turf Shoes?
Turf shoes are specially designed footwear used for sports that are played on synthetic turf surfaces. These shoes are constructed with features that help provide better grip and traction on the turf, while also protecting the player from injuries. In the next lines, we’ll explore the construction and design of turf shoes in detail, and how they provide better grip on turf.
Sole design: The sole of a turf shoe is a crucial part of its design, essential for providing the necessary traction and grip on the turf. Turf shoe soles are made with small rubber studs placed close together. These are like cleats on soccer shoes but are smaller and denser than the ones found on cleats designed for grass fields. This design allows the studs to penetrate the turf surface, providing better grip and preventing slipping or sliding.
Additionally, the sole of a turf shoe is often made with rubber or other high-friction materials to increase grip and reduce the risk of injuries. Here are some of our favorite turf soccer shoes:
Insole design: Turf shoes often feature a shock-absorbing insole that helps reduce impact and pressure on the player’s feet, while also improving overall comfort and reducing the risk of injuries.
Upper: The upper of a turf shoe can be made of natural or synthetic leather and mesh, which are lightweight, durable, and flexible. The upper can also have added featuers, such as padding or mesh panels, that improve the shoe’s breathability and reduce sweat buildup during extended play.
What is Indoor Soccer Playing Surface?
Indoor soccer is typically played on
- smooth hardwood or ceramic floors, or
- a synthetic surface made of a low-pile carpet material with a rubber or foam backing. The carpet surface is installed over a concrete or wooden subfloor, which provides a solid and level playing surface.
Both these surfaces provide good traction and allow for fast and precise movements, which are important in the fast-paced nature of indoor soccer.
What are Indoor Soccer Shoes?
Indoor soccer shoes are specifically designed to provide excellent traction and support on the indoor court surfaces. These shoes feature a non-marking gum rubber outsole, with grippy tread patterns that provides superior grip on the synthetic surface while also being gentle on the surface itself.
Sole design: The outsole of the shoe is typically flat and low-profile, with a minimalist tread pattern that allows for quick and precise movements on the indoor surface. The sole is also flexible, allowing for a natural range of motion in the foot while maintaining stability and support.
Upper: The upper of the shoe is usually made of a lightweight and breathable material, such as mesh or synthetic leather, which helps to keep the foot cool and dry during play. The upper is also designed to be durable, with reinforced areas around the toe and heel to protect against wear and tear.
The focus in indoor soccer shoes is traction and agility. Traction is provided through light tread patterns on the sole and agility is ensured by keeping the shoes light and snug. There is minimal cushioning in either the insole or the midsole.
There is a more detailed guide on indoor soccer shoes which you can read if you’d like a more in-depth analysis. Meanwhile, you can browse some of our favorite soccer shoes for indoor courts:
Difference Between Turf And Indoor Soccer Shoes
The main difference between turf and indoor soccer shoes lies in the type of playing surface they are designed for. Turf shoes are designed for use on artificial turf surfaces, while indoor soccer shoes are designed for use on low-pile carpet surfaces, or hard smooth floors in indoor arenas or gyms.
The outsole of turf soccer shoes has rubber cleats or studs that are designed to provide excellent traction on the uneven surface of artificial turf. The cleats are less deeper and less pronounced than those found on other types of soccer shoes, allowing for better grip and stability on the turf.
In contrast, indoor soccer shoes have a non-marking gum rubber outsole that is specifically designed for the smooth and flat surface of indoor soccer courts. The outsole of indoor soccer shoes often has a shallow tread pattern that allows for quick and precise movements on the indoor surface.
Another difference between turf and indoor soccer shoes is in the upper. The upper of turf or indoor soccer shoes is typically made of lightweight durable synthetic or leather materials with reinforced areas around the toe and heel to protect against wear and tear. The difference is that turf shoes may have more padding added under the upper as compared to indoor soccer shoes.
There is also variation between them in terms of cushioning and ankle support. Turf shoes often feature additional padding or cushioning in the insole and midsole to absorb shock. Indoor soccer shoes also vary in terms of cushioning and ankle support, but place less emphasis on these features due to the nature of indoor soccer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear turf shoes for indoor soccer?
Indoor soccer shoes must have non marking soles that can grip the indoor court surfaces properly. The studs on turf shoes are small, but can nevertheless damage the indoor soccer floor. There will also always be the danger of slipping. It is much safer to use sport specific shoes.
What is the difference between indoor and turf?
Indoor surfaces are of hardwood, thin carpet turf, or other flat synthetic materials. Turf, on the other hand, is made up of synthetic grass-like fibers which is spread upon the ground on top of a little sand and pebbles. There are differences in durability, maintenance, and of course traction. If you like, you can read all about it in the article above.
What kind of shoes do you wear for indoor soccer?
Light-weight, flat-soled shoes with patterned, non-marking, gum rubber soles.
Can you wear soccer turf shoes on gym floor?
No. Gym floors are similar to indoor soccer courts, so the turf shoes will not be able to provide the necessary traction, thus increasing the risk of injury.
Can I use turf soccer shoes on concrete?
Just like gym surfaces, turf shoes are not advised for use on concrete. However, they may be used if all you’re doing is walking around without any strenuous activity.
Can you wear turf soccer shoes on grass?
They can be used on extremely short, synthetic grass. If the grass is too long or the filed is natural, the turf shoes will not perform well. The short nubs are not long enough to penetrate the grass and grip the ground beneath, so players in such situations are at high risk of injury through slipping.
Can you wear turf shoes for futsal?
For the same reasons as indoor soccer, ideally turf shoes cannot be used on a futsal field. Futsal shoes also need to be flat with shallow cuts in the soles. Turf shoes will slip on the futsal surfaces.
Can I use indoor soccer shoes on turf
Ideally, no. Indoor soccer shoes do not have as good a grip on turf as they do indoors.
If you are just starting to play a sport, it’s always a good idea to thoroughly research your options based on you requirements before committing to a particular shoe. Explore material, surfaces, and design in addition to comfort and fit. Head on to our blog section if you’re looking for more interesting stuff about turf and indoor soccer.
