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Can You Use Indoor Soccer Shoes On Turf?

People who play soccer regularly have a collection of footwear to use on different surfaces. Everyone has the basic cleats that are meant for natural grass, and indoor soccer shoes are pretty prevalent as well.

Since turf fields are not nearly as popular at the current moment as the other two surfaces, not everyone has a dedicated pair. Some might be wondering, what should a person do if they do not have turf-specific footwear for a soccer match? Is it best to go with indoor shoes on turf, or is it not worth the effort?

Can you use indoor soccer shoes on turf? Players should avoid using indoor soccer shoes on turf. They are not going to provide the necessary traction that a person needs to compete on that surface. While it is possible to use in a pinch, a player is generally at a disadvantage.

Why Indoor Soccer Shoes Are a No-Go On Most Turf

A simple look at indoor soccer shoes from the bottom will give people the perfect reason why they can’t really work on the turf. It would be the same as using a casual shoe in many regards on turf, as the overall traction will not be there. Even artificial grass is still a bit too slippery for standard shoes, and players need that little bit of digging into the ground to make proper cuts.

The one positive is that the rest of the foot is properly protected as it should be, since it is a soccer shoe at the end of the day. Some people might be stuck with nothing else to use, and that will make an indoor soccer shoe a better option than any other type of shoe out there. With that said, people will still feel like they can’t go 100% without feeling like they are about to lose their balance.

Where Can Indoor Soccer Shoes Be Used?

Besides having the ability to work as great indoor soccer shoes, these are also built for any outdoor soccer on hard, flat surfaces. Think about playing on cement as one perfect example. Even though there are few matches these days that are played on cement in some countries, others find this to be one of the only places to get practice in.

Indoor soccer shoes will not last as long on hard surfaces like cement, simply because the tread will start to wear down. However, a person will have no problem with proper footwork and moving around, as the soles are similar. Playing on cement with turf or regular soccer cleats would be a disaster waiting to happen, since there is nothing to dig into.

Can Standard Soccer Cleats Be Used On Turf?

In some instances, places will allow players to use their standard soccer cleats on turf. It really depends on the quality of the turf, and specific rules for the facilities out there. Always check to make sure that it is allowed before going on, because it could lead to a stern talking to or even a ban if they have a policy in place.

The turf that mostly resembles standard grass is going to be what works best for soccer cleats. If the turf is a little flatter overall, the cleats will not need to be nearly as deep and well-rounded.

What To Look For In Turf Soccer Cleats

Frustrated that indoor soccer shoes do not work on turf? It is always annoying to have to buy another pair of shoes, but the good news is that there are plenty of turf soccer shoes out there that are relatively affordable. Shopping around and keeping a few of these tips in mind will ensure that the best pair is purchased. You can read our current turf soccer cleats recommendations in this post.

Comfort

This goes for any soccer shoes, but comfort is a big deal. If the shoes are not designed for turf, chances are they are going to be comfortable in real-time use either. This is because a person is constantly slipping around, which could cause some unneeded pressure on the feet.

Materials

Turf shoes are pretty much made of the same materials as standard soccer cleats, as a person still has to deal with the same type of conditions. The only time that material might not matter as much as if the turf is exclusively indoors. When that is the case, a person does not necessarily have to think about slipping around and sliding as much.

Traction

The quality of traction a person feels with their turf shoes should be kept in consideration. Most soccer cleats do a pretty good job doing this, but others are a little hit or miss. Many companies try to make sure that they keep things as minimalist as possible with turf shoes, but it is still necessary to have the proper grip to feel comfortable cutting and running all match.

Durability

Turf is relatively gentle on cleats, so durability is not too much of an issue. They are not going to wear down as quickly as they would on other surfaces, which is a good thing overall. It will also not get nearly as dirty from mud or grass stains, since the surface is artificial.

Some people believe that the turf is a little harsh in certain situations, as the shoe might be rubbed the wrong way in some regard. Just keep an eye out on any places on the shoe showing considerable wear.

Color Choices

It might seem a bit trivial compared to everything else, but color choice does make a difference for many people out there. They want to make sure that they get a look that they need to match up with their team, or something that stands out in the crowd in general.

There is nothing wrong with choosing between two different soccer shoes based on how they look in general. It might seem a bit vain to some people, but others believe that they genuinely play better when they feel more confident with their look.

A Final Thought On Indoor Soccer Shoes On Turf

If a person absolutely has to wear indoor soccer shoes on turf, they can technically get away with it. It will work a little bit better if the turf is indoors, because it will not be quite as slippery. With that said, it is generally not recommended at all, especially for players who take the game seriously.

One of the biggest mistakes a person can make when playing soccer is not having the right equipment for their feet. Turf is becoming more and more popular as a surface, and if someone does not already own a pair of turf cleats, it might be time to invest sooner rather than later. One bad slip and fall can lead to a pretty serious injury if a person is not too careful.