Can You Wear Indoor Soccer Shoes on Turf?

Last Updated on: 3rd December 2024, 09:13 am

It is not advisable to wear indoor soccer shoes while playing on turf, although their design is ideal for such a surface. Indoor soccer shoes do not have long studs, making them different from turf or cleats, which are ideal for smooth, hard playing surfaces.

Soccer shoes, or boots, have rubber soles with special plastic spikes that are more suitable for the synthetic ‘Astro Turf’ surface, but some cleats even use black metal, large cone-shaped studs for better grip in marshy and slippery surfaces.

Wearing indoor soccer shoes on the turf means the players are likely to perform poorly and can easily get injured due to poor traction.

Soccer Cleats vs. Turf Shoes: What’s the Difference?

These kinds of shoes are worn in very close relation to performance and safety. So, cleats and turf shoes are categorized based on the type of playing field, and knowing the distinctions between the two will assist you.

Soccer Cleats:

Studs: 

Cleats have longer studs that ease into the ground and help grip the surface. They are ideal for grass fields especially when the ground is soft as is the case with red clay.

Metal studs can dig into the turf and provide grip and traction during acceleration, deceleration, and direction changes.

Traction: 

Cleats are designed for natural grass to prevent slipping and allow for seamless high-speed turns and movements. 

However, on turf, the studs can very often catch, leading to more frequent ankle and knee injuries.

Turf Shoes:

Studs: 

Turf shoes have fewer protruding spikes and numerous spikes around the shoe sole’s base. These spikes are specifically made for imitation grass and provide sufficient friction that does not snag.

Traction: 

Turf shoes have a nice ground feel on artificial surface turf and offer good protection because they prevent your foot from sliding while enabling lots of movement. 

They are also safe for hard natural surfaces, making them ideal for various field types of surfaces.

Types of Soccer Cleats

Soccer cleats are special footwear designed to be worn specifically during soccer activities. Choosing the right type of soccer cleats is very important for the specific ground on which the game is to be played. 

Cleats are among the many different types of soccer cleats, every type of soccer footwear created for certain field conditions.

Firm Ground (FG) 

cleats are shoes intended for use on natural grass surfaces of football fields that have not been watered; hence, they are hard.

These cleats are designed with moulded studs, ensuring football players grip well on a firm surface. 

These are the most general types of cleats and can be used in most of the playing conditions commonly encountered outside.

Hard Ground (HG) 

cleats are desirable for very hard, dry natural grass or artificial turf. These cleats are equipped with grip-shorter studs, which increases their number and better distributes the pressure of the foot and hence does not slip on hard terrains. 

They are well suited in compacted and firm ground conditions where the user requires a firm footing and good grip.

Soft Ground (SG) 

Cleats are specifically suitable for wet and muddy playing fields or natural soft-grass fields.

These cleats have longer studs, which can sometimes be removed. They powerfully clamp to the ground, offering better stability and traction on weightless and slippery terrain.

It is perfect when played in games in poor weather when the ground is soft.

Turf (TF) 

Studs, peaks, or artificial ground tiles called spikes, artificial grass shoes, or turf cleats are designed for appropriate artificial grass or turf surfaces.

Turf shoes have many tiny rubber spikes. They provide solid ground contact and support on synthetic fields while not harming the ground, and they do not get caught in.

They are intended to have sufficient traction and cushioning on the tough bearing compared to natural grass.

Indoor Court (IC) 

shoes are for playing indoor soccer on hard, smooth surfaces such as a gymnasium. The outsole is flat and made of rubber to provide adequate traction and flexibility on indoor surfaces.

They are lightweight and have a good touch on the ball, which is appropriate for indoor soccer.

Choosing the Right Footwear for Different Surfaces

If you play on multiple types of surfaces, it’s beneficial to have both cleats and turf shoes. Cleats are usually more suitable for natural grass surfaces especially soft ground on which they can gain traction by penetrating it. 

Artificial grass requires players to wear special turf shoes since regular boots with studs pose many dangers when playing on the synthetic material.

A soft ground cleat can be considered an “Everything boot,” which also includes hard ground cleats that suit both natural firm ground and artificial surface firm ground. Soft ground cleats are ideal for wet and muddy terrains; however, they are not so convenient for other types.

Selecting the appropriate footwear will enhance your performance and minimize the risk of injuries, allowing you to play your best game.

Read More | Can You Wear Football Cleats for Soccer?

Best Brands for Turf Soccer Shoes

Choosing the right turf soccer shoes involves several considerations based on the quality, performance, and comfort of the shoes manufactured by different companies. 

Below is a list of the top brands to consider

Nike: 

Nike brand produces several types of turf soccer shoes that are stylish and have the latest technology.

Their models are usually characterized by outstanding grip, use of light materials, and comfortable fit that makes them suitable for the players.

Reebok: 

Turf soccer shoes from Reebok provide the best support and can be used for an extended period.

They offer proper grip and balance, especially on artificial surfaces, which makes them suitable for players who seek long-term performance.

Adidas: 

This company often produces high-quality soccer shoes. It is also precise with its turf shoes, which provide extra grip, comfort, and fashion.

Many Adidas models contain more developed such as cushioned insoles and breathable fabrics.

Under Armour: 

Some products that Under Armour offers include turf soccer shoes that are designed to offer comfort and performance. 

Common features of their designs include lightweight, powerful traction, and a high support level, which is suitable for players who need reliable shoes for artificial turf.

Buyer Advice

One cannot play soccer and run wearing the wrong shoes without feeling the difference in performance. To summarize, choosing the right footwear depends on the surface, with indoor soccer shoes akin to indoor football shoes for smooth surfaces costing about $50-80. 

However, they are not appropriate for use on the turf as they do not provide enough traction on the synthetic turf surface, which can cause an accident.

Turf shoes are ideal since they are designed for games on an artificial surface. They offer good grip and security on the roads and are normally priced between $60 and $100. This means that these shoes will be good on synthetic surfaces while keeping you safe and comfortable.

Cleats are the preferred wear for natural grass; however, different types depend on the field. Specifically for dry and firm ground, Firm Ground (FG) studs that are popular among cleat-wearing footballers cost between $70 and $120. It often costs 60 US dollars to 100 US dollars to buy cleats meant for hard or dry ground, such as the HG cleats. In wet or muddy conditions, soft ground (SG) cleats should be worn, and they cost between $80 and $130.

If you are active on outdoor and indoor fields, cleats coupled with turf shoes are a necessity. This allows you to wear the right shoe for each kind of field, which will, in turn, help you produce your best results while preventing you from getting injured.

Final Words:

Specifically, indoor soccer shoes are not designed for turf play because they do not have the appropriate traction and expose the players to common injuries. For artificial surfaces, there are turf shoes since they have a better grip. 

Cleats are good for the natural grass field, where you play most games. To get the best result and avoid hazards, wear appropriate shoes for every type of ground.

FAQs:

Can you use turf soccer shoes indoors?

Yes, it is possible to play localized soccer in shoes specifically designed for turf. These shoes offer good traction on synthetic surfaces and can be used on indoor courts, although one has to look at the specific design.

Can you play indoor soccer with turf shoes?

Yes, you can play indoor soccer, and it is common to wear turf shoes during the game. These shoes can provide grip and cushioning on synthetic turf and thus can be used for indoor activities.

Nonetheless, specific indoor court shoes could give greater traction on exceedingly polished surfaces.

What cleats are best for turf soccer?

Turf soccer requires using turf Shoes, referred to as (TF). They have a small, rubber-like spike or cleat that is ideal for playing on artificial turf and does not tear up the turf.

Are turf shoes better than cleats?

Turf shoes are more suitable for synthetic carpets because of the structure of small, densely located studs that ensure good grip and balance.

Cleats are better for natural grass because the sturdiness is generally longer and wider, giving a better grip on soft surfaces.

Can I Wear Running Shoes for Indoor Soccer?

Running shoes are unsuitable for indoor soccer. They lack the grip and stability needed for quick and controlled movements on smooth surfaces.