Futsal and indoor soccer shoes are different in the same way that futsal and indoor soccer are different as games. While indoor and futsal shoes may share some similarities, they differ in shape, weight, sole, design, etc. These differences are significant enough to establish a clear distinction between them.
To start the article, we will define futsal and indoor soccer surfaces in depth. Further in the article, you will find the key differences found through our research. With that said, let’s dive right in.
Contents
Playing Surfaces
Knowing both surfaces makes it easy to understand the significance of having separate shoes. Let’s start with futsal.
1. Futsal
Futsal is one of the most popular forms of indoor soccer. While it is considered a type of soccer, futsal differs from traditional soccer in many ways. The most obvious difference is the surface.
For futsal, it is essential to have a hard surface. These surfaces require players to adjust themselves differently than grass surfaces. You need shoes with adequate traction and grip to perform dribbles and other movements effectively on these pitches. The shoes should also be lightweight.
The material of the futsal courts varies from one to another. Wood, however, remains the most frequently used material.
2. Indoor Soccer
When it comes to indoor soccer, there are a wide variety of surfaces to talk about. As we mentioned earlier, the futsal surface is one of the many indoor surfaces. Here are two other indoor surfaces you should know about.
a. Artificial Grass (AG)
A good example of an indoor soccer surface is artificial grass (AG). This is a surface that resembles natural grass surfaces, with a notable exception being the use of artificial grass instead of the original grass.
AG surfaces are harder than natural grass pitches. It is solely the reason why artificial grass cleats feature round studs at the bottom. The rounded/conical spikes prevent your cleats from sticking to the turf while providing you with solid grip and control.
b. Turf
The use of turf (or carpet turf) is becoming increasingly popular in indoor grounds as we speak. These surfaces have very little depth of grass, and hence you need to use turf shoes instead of AG cleats when playing on such surfaces.
AG shoes’ large studs can easily get entangled in turf. Turf shoes, however, do not pose such a threat due to their rubber nubs. The rubber sole, along with the nubs, ensures better traction in the turf.
Differences Between Futsal And Indoor Soccer Shoes
Futsal and indoor shoes have some significant differences, as we stated at the beginning. Let’s find out what they are.
1. Shape of Sole
Indoor shoes and futsal shoes have very different shapes. Futsal boots have a flat sole, whereas indoor shoes have nubs and studs scattered throughout the bottom. Futsal pitches are both flat and hard. There is no other way to move without hindrance on such a surface than with flat-shaped shoes.
Most indoor shoes, such as AG cleats and turf shoes, are equipped with medium to large-sized spikes. On every step, they firmly grip the grass to ensure stability for the user. In turf and AG fields, flat sneakers limit your movement and make it easier for injuries to occur.
2. Profile
The profile of a player’s shoes significantly impacts his movements. You will notice that most futsal shoes have a low-profile design. Your shoes will have adequate contact with the ground with the low-cut pattern. It improves grip and traction so that you can control your movements with ease.
Indoor soccer boots tend to have low-ankle profiles too. However, since high-cut shoes do not impede movement on turf, a great number of indoor shoes have this design as well. This is something you won’t find on futsal shoes.
3. Weight
Another difference between indoor and futsal boots is their weight. Although indoor boots are not too heavy, they are not exactly light either. They come with a little extra weight to help players grip the turf surface better.
For futsal shoes, the weight factor plays a crucial role. Players can move fast and with precision on a hard surface when their footwear is lightweight. For this reason, manufacturers use light materials such as rubber and leather to make futsal boots.
4. Use Limitation
Regardless of how effective futsal shoes are on hard surfaces, they are very stylish and suitable for casual settings. The flat sole allows you to wear the sneakers on any surface, including indoors and outdoors. Moreover, futsal pairs are available in various eye-catching colors and patterns that you can match with your outfit.
If we are talking about wearing indoor shoes casually, it is possible. However, some indoor soccer boots come with high-cut profiles. Those sneakers will limit casual use as several outfits will not go well with them. In addition, most indoor soccer cleats have metal studs. They are not suitable to wear on a casual basis whatsoever.
5. Patterns
You will not find studs on futsal boots as they are supposed to be used in hard courts. However, futsal boots can come in different patterns, including honeycomb and others. Although these patterns provide the same benefits as studs (improved grip), they do not penetrate the floor.
Since indoor pairs such as turf shoes already have spikes embedded, there is no reason to use patterns.
FAQ
Why Are Soccer Cleats Not Good For Futsal?
Soccer cleats are not appropriate for futsal because of the surface differences. Artificial turf and grass are the usual soccer surfaces. Soccer cleats with spikes perform incredibly well on such grounds.
On the other hand, the same cleats will lead to constant slippages when used in futsal. It is because the futsal ground has a hard floor that requires flat rubber soles.
Moreover, futsal surfaces require a lot of traction to move properly. Soccer cleats will be unable to provide that kind of grip and traction. The metal spikes on these cleats can also damage hardwood floors.
We do not recommend wearing soccer cleats for futsal for all the reasons listed above.
Additional Resources
Learn about buying guide of indoor soccer shoes for wide feet.
Final Words
Futsal shoes differ from indoor shoes in terms of the sole, pattern, weight, and profile. Indoor soccer shoes should have spikes or studs, whereas futsal boots should have no studs whatsoever. Most of these differences are caused by the surfaces used for futsal and indoor soccer. Having said all this, when you wear these shoes on the proper surface, both of them will perform wonderfully.
Is there any other difference we might have overlooked? Feel free to add that in the comment section.