Indoor soccer can have a hectic, fast-paced feel to it, so you’ve got to feel confident in your ability to move around freely. You’ll want to be able to feel like you can cut on a dime at any moment and always make pure contact with the ball. For these reasons, it’s ultra-important that you find the best indoor soccer shoes to suit your game.
Jump straight to our reviews of the top 5 indoor soccer shoes:
- Our Top Pick: adidas Performance Men’s Samba Classic Indoor Soccer Shoes
- Worth the Investment: Nike Lunar Gato II Indoor Shoes
- International Favorite: Joma Men’s Top Flex Soccer
- Best for Wide Feet: Diadora Men’s Capitano TF Turf Indoor/Outdoor Soccer Shoes
- Best for Kids: Diadora Kids Cattura TF Jr Turf Soccer Shoes
Other than the pitch, how is indoor soccer different?
At its core, soccer is all about space. The best teams are the ones that can master the right positioning and movements to close space on defense and to create space on the attack.
In a traditional 11v11 outdoor soccer game, there’s plenty of space to work with. Players with good speed or passing range can really thrive in this kind of environment. Indoor games on the other hand completely change the dynamic of a typical soccer match. Straight-line speed and sharp passing are helpful, but the indoor game is geared more towards agility, change of direction, and crafty movement.
How can I choose the right indoor shoe for me?
Finding the right pair of indoor soccer cleats can be difficult. It’s hard to determine how things such as soles, cushioning, or uppers can impact your game. And how can you know which shoes will be best for hardwood courts or artificial turf? Well, not to worry, we’ve done all the hard work for you. Read on to see our review guide on how to find the best indoor soccer shoes on the market today.
The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Soccer Shoes
Playing indoors typically means you’ll be playing on harder surfaces. As such, you’re going to want to wear indoor soccer shoes that offer you the best combination of grip, stability, and comfort. To help you find shoes that’ll give you the confidence to play at your best, here are a few main features you should look for:
Outsoles
When searching for a new indoor soccer shoe, one of the first things you’ll want to consider is the level of traction or grip that each pair has. The outsole—the part of the shoe that contacts the ground—is most responsible for how well the shoes will grip the surface you play on.
Selecting indoor shoes based on their outsoles should depend on the most frequent surfaces that you play on. The most common types of outsoles are made of gum-rubber, solid rubber, or rubber studs:
- Gum rubber outsoles are made from natural rubber, so the material is soft, flexible, and lightweight. A gum rubber outsole is very sticky which helps the shoes maintain a strong grip. Choose a shoe with a gum rubber outsole if you’re playing on hardwood surfaces such as basketball and futsal courts.
- Solid rubber is harder in comparison to its gum rubber sole counterpart. While shoes with a rubber sole can feel a bit stiffer on the bottom, they tend to be more durable in the long run. If you’d like to play with a pair of indoor soccer shoes that you can wear in the gym, on a tennis court, and even on the street, solid rubber outsole shoes are a great option to give you that versatility you’re seeking.
- Indoor shoes that have rubber studs are the best way to go when playing on artificial turf surfaces. These types of outsoles place more emphasis on traction than grip. If these are what you’re looking for, be sure that the studs are long enough to dig into the ground effectively but short enough to maintain stability so you can change direction with ease.
Read the Best Soccer Shoes for Artificial Turf to find the right soccer cleats if you’re playing on turf.
Materials
The materials of a pair of indoor soccer shoes are very important factors to consider. This is because the materials will influence things such as comfort, performance, durability, and price.
You’ll find that most of these soccer shoes are made from either genuine leather or a synthetic leather material. Genuine leather tends to stretch more, and it makes it easier for the shoes to conform to the shape of your feet.
The three most common types of leather on indoor soccer cleats are calf-skin, k-leather, and suede.
- Calf-skin leather is a more durable and firm type of leather. It offers nice flexibility and touch while being able to last for longer periods of time.
- Kangaroo leather, aka K-Leather, is the most expensive of the three. Indoor shoes with k-leather usually offer maximum comfort and ball control, but they may wear out sooner.
- Suede leather is thinner, so it provides a softer fit and feel of the ball while maintaining its quality over time.
In relation to leather, synthetic leather is much thinner. This adds to its lightweight feel and added breathability. Indoor shoes made from synthetic leather are typically very affordable and durable, but they do not stretch as easily as genuine leather shoes.
Read Soccer Cleats 101 for a deep-drive.
Construction
Another one of the main things you should look for when searching for new indoor soccer shoes is how the shoes are constructed. Specifically, you’ll want to pay close attention to the shape, inner cushioning, and the upper of each pair. These features are vital to the type of injury prevention, stability and comfort that each pair of shoes can offer.
In regards to shape, look to select a pair of shoes that’ll provide comfort for the shape of your feet and that allows the type of movement you seek. The best way to do this is to examine the type of material along with the size of the boot opening of each pair. Some shoes will be more suitable for people with wider feet. If this is the case for you, it’d be beneficial for you to browse shoes that are made out of leather and that have a wider opening.
Maybe you’re looking for something that’ll provide more stability for your ankles and knees. EVA insoles do a great job providing shock absorption to help you prevent injuries.
To aid in injury prevention, you can also look for indoor soccer shoes with a mid to high-cut upper. A shoe upper is the portion of the shoe that covers the top of your foot. You’ll want to pay special attention to the type of upper because that’s where the ball contacts your foot when you shoot, pass, and dribble.
Our Reviews of the Best Indoor Soccer Shoes
Our Top Pick
adidas Samba Classic Indoor Soccer Shoe
The Samba Classic provide an impressive history and top performance. With these shoes, you’ll be getting a product that has stood the test of time because of its top-of-the-line quality and durability.
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The Samba Classic provide an impressive history and top performance. With these shoes, you’ll be getting a product that has stood the test of time because of its top-of-the-line quality and durability.
The Samba is a lively and colorful dance that originates from Brazil. And when I think of Brazilian soccer, I think of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and the rest of those early 2000s Brazilian soccer players that played the game with such flair and style.
The adidas Performance Samba Classic, therefore, is a fitting name for shoes that sport such an impressive history and performance. With these shoes, you’ll be getting a product that has stood the test of time because of its top-of-the-line quality and durability.
The construction of the shoe is simple but effective. It has a non-marking gum rubber sole that is slip-resistant and flexible. Even on dusty hardwood floors, you can depend on this pair of shoes to provide a stable grip so you can plant and cut effortlessly.
With its upper made of kangaroo leather, you can feel at ease knowing that the adidas Performance Samba Classics will stretch and conform to the shape of your foot. The shoes also have suede overlays around the foot and toe-box. This ensures that they won’t fall victim to wear-and-tear while being able to maintain proper ball-to-feet control. Additionally, the adidas Performance men’s Samba Classics are shoes that can pass as casual or stylish tennis shoes in your day-to-day life. Bottom line: the Samba Classic is the ultimate classic indoor soccer shoe.
Pros
- Strong grip on hard courts
- Durable
- Highly affordable relative to its top quality
- Removable arch inserts help with extra arch support
Cons
- Lots of fake sellers on Amazon; look carefully before you buy, or purchase from another retailer like World Soccer Shop or Dick’s Sporting Goods
While on the pricier side, it’s only a proper reflection of the shoes’ high-quality materials. This is a pair of indoor soccer shoes that’ll provide you with top-notch performance without sacrificing comfort.
The only Nike pair on our list, this pair of indoor soccer shoes checks all the boxes. The first thing you should know about these shoes is the quality of their material. Its upper is made from goat-leather, which is typically hard to find in an indoor shoe. Goat leather isn’t as strong as k-leather and calf-skin leather, but it’s noticeably softer. This gives the shoe an almost unrivaled feel of the ball. Kicking or passing the ball feels like a breeze while wearing these shoes.
The lunarlon foam insoles may have you thinking that you’re wearing a strong and stable pair of comfy slippers. On the outside of each shoe, there’s Nike’s patented design called hyperfused—it’s a mesh-like material that gives the shoe ultimate breathability and flexibility. And with its gum-rubber insoles, you can play at top speed without having to worry about slipping.
And while the Gato II was designed as an indoor soccer shoe, many say it is a great cross-training shoe as well.
These shoes are on the pricier side, but it’s only just a proper reflection of the shoes’ high-quality materials. This is a pair of indoor soccer shoes that’ll provide you with top-notch performance without sacrificing comfort.
Pros
- High-quality material
- Breathable
- Bends easily
- Close control of the ball
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Expensive relative to other shoes
The Joma Men’s Top Flex Soccer shoe can be hard to find at times because it’s an international brand, but it’s worth the effort.
Here we have a brand of shoe that’s very popular in European and South American futsal circles. The Joma Men’s Top Flex Soccer shoe can be hard to find at times because it’s an international brand, but it’s worth the effort.
The shoes sport leather uppers and are supported by a suede toecap. The leather upper makes it a flexible shoe for dribbling and juggling, and the suede toe cap provides a strong exterior for those cheeky toe pokes. One thing to be aware of, however, is the larger surface area of the suede toecap. It reinforces the shoes’ durability, but some may find that it gets in the way of their touch.
In terms of material, the shoe is multi-faceted as it uses various types of material. It uses a technology 360 system which enhances the breathability of the shoe while also making it easier to break in.
The shoe is spacious enough to fit wider feet while the gum-rubber outsoles provide superior grip and flexibility, especially on hard court surfaces. Overall, it’s a strong, dependable, and lightweight shoe that is perfect for indoor futsal games.
Pros
- Superior grip for hard court and gym surfaces
- Tough exterior that prevents jams
- Durable
- Flexible outsole
Cons
- Can be hard to find because of international supply
One of the prominent features of these shoes is the amount of padding they contain. If you have wider feet, you may find these shoes adapt well to the width of your feet and provide additional comfort so you can play longer games. 
This pair of indoor soccer shoes come with EVA foam insoles that help with shock absorption as well as rubber studs on the outsoles that provide nice traction on artificial surfaces. Due to its polyurethane leather upper, it’s got a lightweight feel and can help manage a closer feel of the ball.
One of the prominent features you’ll notice about this pair is the amount of padding it contains. For some, the EVA foam and fixed cotton can make the shoe feel a bit stiff. But if you have wider feet, you may find these shoes adapt well to the width of your feet and provide additional comfort so you can play longer games.
Pros
- Rubber soles provide great traction
- Shock absorption helps prevent injuries
- Comfortable fit
- Affordable
Cons
- Uncomfortable break-in period
Diadora Kid's Cattura TF Jr Turf Soccer Shoes
This pair of Diodoras, designed specifically for youth and junior players, does a great job providing everything kids need to enjoy their indoor soccer games.
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This pair of Diodoras, designed specifically for youth and junior players, does a great job providing everything kids need to enjoy their indoor soccer games.
This pair of Diodoras, designed specifically for youth and junior players, does a great job providing everything kids need to enjoy their indoor soccer games. (Alternatively, check out our recommendations for the best outdoor soccer cleats for kids.)
For starters, the insoles are made of strong EVA foam that helps with shock absorption and injury prevention. The foam is also constructed to provide a snug, comfortable fit.
The outsoles are made of rubber studs, which is very helpful as kids are growing into their bodies and need that extra level of traction to stay upright. Made solely out of synthetic material, it’s a shoe that’s very durable and lightweight, and its polyurethane upper helps prevent painful knocks and bruises to the top of the foot.
The laces may tend to rip or wear out after extended use, but the overall construction of the shoe is strong and durable.
Pros
- Suitable for kids
- Helps kids stay upright
- Lightweight
- Fits wider feet
Cons
- Laces can rip and wear down too quickly
Conclusion
There’s a lot to love about playing indoor soccer. Not only is it convenient to have a place to play when the weather’s not so friendly for an outdoor soccer game, but it gives you the chance to work on your technical skills and ball control in small spaces. The pace of the game zips by, so you’ve got to be on the top of your feet at all times.
Indoor shoes are the only equipment you need – other than a soccer ball, naturally – but they’re massive when it comes to your performance and enjoyment of the game. As you begin your journey towards finding a pair of shoes that you love, remember to take your time, read all you can, and choose a pair that suits your most important needs.
