Friendly reminder: although temps may drop, games don’t stop. Indoor soccer keeps players moving during the coldest months and lets them sharpen their on-the-ball skills in a focused environment. Whether you’re on turf or court, you need the right equipment, but what exactly does that entail?
Indoor soccer can be played in many ways, but it usually comes down to turf or a flat surface. This breaks down what gear you may need into two categories: soccer balls and footwear.
Playing on Turf?
Though some cleats may work on turf (those with specifically crafted Artificial Ground outsoles, for example), it is almost always recommended to use turf-specific footwear, often abbreviated as TF. These shoes feature soleplates designed exclusively for turf use. As shown in the image above of the Nike Ligera Pro TF, turf footwear has lots of tiny micro-studs across the sole, providing excellent grip and stability without puncturing the turf, for an injury-free, comfortable experience.
As for soccer balls, it depends largely on the venue. Most indoor turf venues use a standard soccer ball; the only difference is ball size based on the player’s age. If you’re playing on a flat surface, such as a smooth gym floor or an outdoor concrete court, you're in the Futsal category.
Choosing your Futsal Gear: Footwear
Futsal is a fast-paced version of soccer played on small, smooth surfaces like gym floors, but occasionally on concrete or rougher surfaces. This means that instead of micro-studs, all Futsal (frequently abbreviated as IC, for Indoor Court) footwear has tennis shoe-like outsoles designed for grip on flat surfaces. Futsal requires a lot of on-the-ball technique, spatial awareness, and clinical finishing. In cases like these, being properly equipped is critical. Let’s start with footwear!
Do you already own a pair of adidas, Nike, or PUMA cleats? Even better! Oftentimes, you will find your cleat also has an IC or TF counterpart. For example, if your cleat of choice is the adidas Predator, skip the guesswork and buy the same shoe in IC! Generally, most of our cleats in-store and online also have IC counterparts.
Now, if you are looking for something more specialized for Futsal, Soccer Post has the perfect options for you, starting with the Nike Tiempo Streetgato Line. This unique Nike footwear line is designed for every aspect of Futsal. It features premium Flytouch synthetic leather (or specialized plush suede on some models) for a smooth touch, an extremely durable Cushlon 3.0 midsole built to withstand the harsh impact of hard surfaces, and a grippy rubber outsole optimized for flat surfaces.
adidas also offers specialized indoor footwear, most notably the iconic adidas Samba. Though this shoe isn't packed with futsal-specific features, it stands out for its versatility. It still features performance characteristics such as a rubber, grippy outsole, soft premium leather throughout, and a suede T-toe overlay to protect your toes. The difference-maker, though, is that you can also wear it for lifestyle purposes. You’ve probably seen people wear these out and about several times, mostly because they're so timeless! If you need more performance features, however, the adidas F50 Hyperfast IC and Predator IC are both great options, and you can usually find them in stores. They feature midsoles designed specifically for Futsal, thin and responsive uppers, grippy rubber outsoles, and more!
Choosing your Futsal Gear: Soccer Ball.
Footwear is the hardest part; next, choose your ball. Because Futsal is primarily played in small-sided flat spaces, you need a specific ball. Futsal balls are designed to mimic the feel of a regular ball on grass. They do this by adding weight and reducing size, making the ball compact and reducing bounce at the same time. When choosing the right futsal ball, consider what you'll use it for. The Nike Maestro Futsal Ball is great for entry-level or youth players, thanks to its textured exterior and competitive price point. For a more premium experience, the Nike Pro Futsal Ball offers exceptional touch and control in small-sided games. Another option comes from adidas, whose Tiro League Sala Futsal Ball is designed for quick passing with a seamless surface.
When you’re ready to hit the court or turf, stop by your local Soccer Post where our expert Retail Specialists will help you every step along the way! Alternatively, we have a large online selection of gear online at SoccerPost.Com
