How To Pick the Right Indoor Soccer Shoe for You

Wearing the right kind of shoe is important regardless of what sport you play. But with soccer, wearing the right shoe depends not only on your playing style, but the surface, too.

Read on to learn about important qualities in an indoor soccer shoe, and the best Nike indoor soccer shoes to level up your game.

The most obvious difference between indoor and outdoor soccer shoes is that outdoor soccer shoes have spikes on the sole, whereas indoor soccer shoes have textured rubber soles to provide maximum traction for hard surfaces.

In order to match the demands of indoor soccer play, the outsole of indoor soccer shoes is different from your go-to outdoor cleats.

“Most players like a synthetic outsole because it can increase your grip on the ball,” said Matt Wessels, general manager of Cascade Indoor Sports and member of the United States Indoor Sports Association. Indoor soccer requires even quicker footwork than its outdoor counterpart and keeping tight control of the ball is very important, he said.

(Related: The Most Common Soccer Injuries Explained)

Another important criterion to find the optimal indoor soccer shoe for you? Figuring out your playing style. Whether you’re an attacker or defender will play a significant role in helping determine what shoe to wear.

Forwards, for instance, should look for shoes with a clear striking surface that will offer a raw touch on the ball and a snug fit that will help you efficiently maneuver past defenders and strike goals, Wessels said. Defensive players, on the other hand, might benefit from shoes that tout tough uppers to help guard their feet and a grippy outsole to give you control of the ball while maximizing agility, he added.