Soccer is among the USA’s most popular children’s and adult sports, but choosing the correct footwear isn’t always straightforward. If someone is looking for soccer shoes, they might wonder what the difference is between them.
The main difference between futsal and turf shoes is the sole. Futsal shoes have a flat, patterned sole – ideal for flat hard surfaces. Turf shoes have a thicker sole with rubber studs, making them more suitable for softer artificial surfaces.
Playing soccer in the wrong shoe can hinder performance, cause injury, and even ruin the shoes, so choosing the correct ones is essential. See the guide below to learn more about futsal and turf shoes.
Futsal Shoes
Futsal shoes have a low profile and are generally more lightweight than turf shoes. They have flat, cushioned soles, usually made from gum rubber, with a pattern cut into the sole, which provides grip on smooth surfaces.
If you’re a futsal player, you know that having the right shoes is crucial to your performance on the court. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at what futsal shoes are and the benefits they provide.
Futsal is played indoors with a smaller pitch, fewer players than regular soccer, and is faster-paced. The pitch has a smooth, solid surface, such as varnished wood or rigid synthetic materials.
The flat sole on futsal shoes makes them ideal for firm indoor and outdoor courts. The soles on futsal shoes are more durable than the ones on turf shoes and won’t leave marks on the floor.
Futsal shoes are lightweight and less bulky than turf shoes – this gives the player more mobility around the ankle and allows them to be more nimble on the court. They usually don’t have ankle support because there’s less chance of the player slipping on a hard, dry, indoor surface.
What Are Futsal Shoes?
Futsal shoes are designed specifically for playing futsal, a soccer variant played indoors on a hard court surface. These shoes have a flat, non-marking rubber sole that provides excellent grip and traction on the court, allowing you to make quick turns and sudden stops easily.
The shoe’s upper is typically made from a flexible material, such as leather or synthetic leather, that conforms to the shape of your foot for a comfortable fit.
One of the key features of futsal shoes is their low profile. Unlike traditional soccer cleats with long studs that can dig into the ground, futsal shoes have a flat sole that keeps you closer to the ground. This allows for greater control over the ball and more precise movements on the court.
Benefits of Futsal Shoes
There are several benefits to wearing futsal shoes when playing indoor soccer. First and foremost, these shoes provide excellent grip and traction on the court, allowing you to make quick turns and sudden stops without slipping or sliding. This can be especially important when playing on a hard court surface, which can be slippery and unforgiving.
Another benefit of futsal shoes is their low profile. By keeping you closer to the ground, these shoes provide greater control over the ball and more precise movements on the court. This can be especially important when playing in tight spaces, where quick reflexes and agility are essential.
Finally, futsal shoes are designed to be lightweight and flexible, allowing you to move quickly and easily on the court. This can be especially important when playing a fast-paced game like futsal, where every second counts.
Turf Shoes
The most distinctive thing about turf shoes is the sole, which is thick and covered in dozens of small rubber studs. The studs are molded into the sole and packed closely together. The labels AT (Artificial/Astro Turf) or AG (Artificial Ground) are often found on turf shoes.
If you’re considering playing futsal, you may wonder if you can wear turf shoes. In this section, we’ll cover what turf shoes are and the benefits of wearing them for futsal.
The rubber studs on turf shoes gently penetrate an artificial turf surface to give the player more grip, traction, and stability and help prevent slipping. Turf shoes aren’t suitable for hard, indoor surfaces because the rubber studs can unbalance the player on a firm, flat surface.
The studs on turf shoes will also wear down quickly on a hard surface and may leave stains on the floor.
Turf shoes are usually bulkier than futsal shoes and often have ankle support. Ankle support offers more protection against slipping but will reduce the range of motion around the ankle.
What Are Turf Shoes?
Turf shoes are designed for use on synthetic and turf surfaces. They have a rubber sole with small rubber studs or nubs that provide traction on the turf. Turf shoes can be worn indoors and outdoors, depending on the terrain.
Unlike other soccer shoes, turf shoes have shorter and denser studs. This design allows for better grip and stability on artificial turf surfaces. Turf shoes also have a low profile, which means they are lightweight and provide excellent ball control.
Benefits of Turf Shoes
When playing futsal on turf surfaces, wearing turf shoes can be beneficial in several ways. Here are some of the benefits:
- Turf shoes provide excellent traction on synthetic and turf surfaces, allowing you to make quick and precise movements without slipping.
- The rubber sole of turf shoes helps to absorb shock and reduce the impact on your feet and legs, which can help prevent injuries.
- Turf shoes are lightweight and have a low profile, providing excellent ball control and allowing you to move quickly and easily around the court.
- Turf shoes are typically less expensive and more versatile than other types of soccer shoes. They can be worn on various surfaces, making them a good investment for players who play on multiple fields.
Overall, if you’re playing futsal on turf surfaces, wearing turf shoes can help you perform your best while protecting your feet and legs from injury.
Differences between Futsal and Turf Shoes
Futsal and turf shoes are both soccer shoes. They are similar but not the same. Futsal shoes are suitable for playing on hard soccer surfaces, like wood, while turf shoes are better for artificial turf pitches.
There are many types of soccer shoes – which are suitable for different playing surfaces. Futsal and turf shoes are very similar but have some crucial differences.
Soccer is played on many surfaces, including grass, synthetic turf, and solid, gymnasium-type surfaces. This means that many types of soccer shoes optimize performance on each surface.
Futsal and turf shoes look similar. They have a comparable design with rubber soles and a soft leather or synthetic upper. But they have different textures on the soles, and we shouldn’t wear futsal shoes on turf or turf shoes for futsal.
Sole
The main difference between futsal and turf shoes is the sole.
- Futsal shoes have a flat sole made of rubber, which provides a better grip on the hard and flat surface of the futsal court.
- On the other hand, turf shoes have a sole that is designed for use on synthetic and turf surfaces. The cleats on the sole are shorter and more numerous than those on outdoor soccer shoes, and they are also flatter to provide better traction on artificial turf.
Material
Another difference between futsal and turf shoes is the material used to make them.
- Futsal shoes are often made of leather or other flexible materials, which allows players to move their feet freely and comfortably.
- Turf shoes, on the other hand, are made of synthetic materials that are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They are also designed to be lightweight and breathable, which makes them more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Design
The design of futsal and turf shoes also differs.
- Futsal shoes are often low-cut and resemble everyday low-top sneakers. They are designed to be lightweight and flexible, which allows players to move quickly and change direction easily.
- Turf shoes, on the other hand, are designed to provide more stability and support to the foot. They often have a higher cut and padding around the ankle to prevent injuries.
When choosing between futsal and turf shoes, it’s important to consider the type of surface you will be playing on.
- If you play on a futsal court, it’s important to have shoes with a flat sole that provides a good grip.
- If you are playing on artificial turf or other synthetic surfaces, turf shoes are the better option as they are designed to provide better traction on these surfaces.
Which One to Choose? How to Know
These are the factors to consider when deciding whether to get futsal or turf shoes.
Playing Surface
When choosing between futsal shoes and turf shoes, the playing surface is an important factor to consider.
- Futsal shoes are your best bet for playing on a futsal court. These shoes are designed specifically for futsal courts and provide better traction and control on the surface.
- On the other hand, if you’re playing on a turf or synthetic surface, then turf shoes are the way to go. These shoes are designed to provide better traction on turf and synthetic surfaces.
Personal Preference
Another important factor to consider when choosing between futsal and turf shoes is personal preference. Some players prefer the feel of futsal shoes, while others prefer the feel of turf shoes.
Futsal shoes are generally lighter and more flexible, benefiting players who value speed and agility. On the other hand, turf shoes are generally more durable and provide better support, which can benefit players who value stability and protection.
Budget
Budget is also important when choosing between futsal and turf shoes.
- Futsal shoes are usually more expensive than turf shoes but are also more specialized and designed for a specific purpose.
- On the other hand, turf shoes are more versatile and can be used for various sports and activities, making them a more cost-effective option.
Ultimately, the choice between futsal and turf shoes comes from your preference and the playing surface. Choosing a comfortable shoe with the support and traction you need to perform your best on the court or field is the most important thing.
Best Products for Indoor Soccer
Having the right gear can make a big difference. Knowing the big names in the industry can help you get started, so we’ll cover that, too.
What Are the Best Brands of Futsal Shoes?
The brand leaders in Futsal shoes are Puma, Nike, and Adidas, with Adidas being the most popular. The price of futsal shoes from a leading brand range from $25 to $130.
The crucial thing to look out for in futsal shoes is the soles. The soles must be well cushioned to absorb impact on hard surfaces and have a good grip to provide traction.
- Adidas children’s futsal shoes (like these) are a solid choice while being budget-friendly, despite limited color options.
- Here’s another Adidas option (with far more color options) for futsal shoes.
What Are the Best Brands of Turf Shoes?
Adidas, Diadora, Nike, and Puma are leaders in most types of soccer footwear, including turf shoes. People can expect to pay between $40 and $400 for a pair of turf shoes from one of the leading brands.
A good pair of turf shoes will have dozens of rubber studs molded on the sole, which are set closely together. Many turf shoes also come with ankle support, but some don’t, so choose this feature according to personal preference.
- Adidas has these turf soccer shoes in various sizes and colors while still not being bad on the budget.
- Puma’s got some great options available in the budget-friendly realm, too.
- Here are Nike’s turf soccer shoe options, though as of publication, they’re harder to get and more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
This article is dedicated to helping you understand and have the right information. Next up, let’s answer some FAQs. If we haven’t answered your question yet, we hope to do so here! Please let us know if we miss your question on our contact us page. We’ll do our best to respond directly to your emailed question – and update this article so that other readers get their answers, too.
Are Futsal and Turf Shoes the Same?
To find out more, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between the two below:
Can You Wear Futsal Shoes on Turf?
Wearing futsal shoes on turf is not a good idea – because they do not provide much grip and traction on artificial grass or Astroturf. The wearer will be more at risk of slipping, especially if the surface is wet, and will be at a disadvantage to the other players.
Using the correct shoes for the playing surface is crucial to reduce the chance of injury and enhance performance.
Are Turf and Indoor Soccer Shoes the Same?
Turf and indoor soccer shoes are very similar because indoor soccer is generally played on turf. They both have rubber studs on the sole to provide extra traction and help keep the player balanced.
That said, players shouldn’t wear indoor soccer shoes if they play indoor soccer on a hard, gymnasium-style floor. Instead, they should wear futsal-style soccer shoes without rubber studs.
Can You Wear Indoor Soccer Shoes for Futsal?
Players should not wear indoor soccer shoes for futsal. Indoor soccer is different from futsal. They are both indoor sports, but futsal is played on a hard surface, while indoor soccer is usually played on turf.
If players wear indoor soccer shoes for futsal, they will wear them down much quicker because they have softer soles and may leave marks on the pitch floor. Furthermore, there’s a higher chance they might injure themselves or become unbalanced on a hard, flat surface.
Can You Wear Indoor Soccer Shoes Outside?
There is no law to say that players cannot wear indoor soccer shoes outside. Many people wear them outside, even when they are not playing soccer. However, to prolong the life of soccer shoes, players should only use them for soccer.
Depending on the style, players can also use indoor shoes to play soccer on outdoor turf courts. Indoor turf shoes with rubber studs are well suited to outdoor turf courts but aren’t suitable for grass pitches.
Futsal-style indoor soccer shoes without studs aren’t ideal for artificial turf surfaces. They don’t have as much grip or traction, which makes it easy for the wearer to slip during the game.
Next Steps
Using the correct shoe for soccer is essential because it will enhance performance and reduce the chance of injury. If a child plays futsal, parents should choose futsal shoes – if they play soccer on indoor or outdoor turf, they need turf shoes.
Futsal shoes are smaller and lighter than turf shoes and have a flat, patterned sole to suit the smooth, solid surface of a futsal court. Turf shoes, on the other hand, have dozens of rubber studs on the sole, which dig into the softer turf surface, giving the players more control and stability.
Resources
Learning from your own experiences is important, but learning from others is also smart. These are the sources used in this article and our research to be more informed as a family of sports nuts wannabes.
- Chanis, A., & Chanis, A. (2018, November 21). Can You Wear Indoor Soccer Shoes on Turf? | Master Soccer Mind. Master Soccer Mind | Feel the Soccer Fever. https://mastersoccermind.com/can-you-wear-indoor-soccer-shoes-on-turf/
- Lee, J., & Lee, J. (2021, January 5). Futsal vs. Indoor Soccer. Box to Box Soccer Life. https://boxtoboxsoccerlife.com/futsal-vs-indoor-soccer/.
- McGowan, T., & McGowan, T. (2023, February 27). Best Futsal Shoes. Football Boots. https://www.footballboots.co.uk/futsal.html
- Riggs, A. (2023, January 18). 10 Best Turf Soccer Shoes of 2023: EXPERT Opinion & Bonuses. This Is American Soccer. https://www.thisisamericansoccer.com/footwear/best-turf-soccer-shoes