The Difference Between Indoor Soccer Shoes and Turf Shoes Explained Simply

Knowing the difference between indoor soccer shoes and turf shoes can help you choose the right footwear for soccer and avoid injuries.

Indoor soccer and turf soccer are fast-paced and high-intensity sports. However, when it comes to the playing surface, each one has unique challenges. Wearing the wrong shoe can hurt your performance, lead to slipping and strain, or even injury.

This article helps you pick the right footwear by explaining the difference between turf and indoor soccer shoes, and where to find high-quality ones that suit your needs.

Adult Turf Soccer Shoes, DMK Sports

Quick Breakdown: Indoor vs. Turf

Indoor soccer shoes have flat, non-marking rubber soles for smooth surfaces.
Turf shoes have small rubber studs to grip artificial grass.
The difference lies in traction, cushioning, and durability.

Both indoor and turf soccer shoes are built for speed and control but perform best on the surface that they’re specifically designed for.

Features

Traction and Grip

One very noticeable difference between indoor soccer shoes and turf shoes is in their soles. Indoor soccer shoes feature a flat bottom that offers good traction on smooth gym floors without leaving marks on the playing surface. They help you make quick cuts and tight turns on wood or even polished concrete.

Turf soccer shoes have multiple tiny rubber studs which are ideal for artificial turf. They give you grip on the rougher surface, especially during sprints and fast changes in direction.

Therefore, considering turf soccer shoes vs indoor ones, wearing indoor shoes on turf leads to poor traction and faster sole wear. At the same time, trying to use turf shoes indoors can damage floors or cause slipping.

Cushion and Comfort

Indoor courts have hard playing surfaces. Indoor soccer shoes are built with low-to-ground cushioning that helps absorb impact. They’re light and responsive.

Turf shoes have more padding and thicker soles to reduce pressure on your feet when running on bumpy surfaces, including turf. The added grip from studs makes them more stable during the game.

Durability on Surfaces

Using the right shoe on the right surface helps them last longer as that’s what they’re designed for. Wearing turf cleats indoors can wear down the studs, while using indoor shoes to play on turf will damage the smooth sole.

Always use the correct pair based on the field you’ll be playing on. If you play on both types often, it’s smart to own both indoor and turf soccer shoes.

FAQs

Can you wear turf shoes for futsal?
No. Turf shoes are too stiff and heavy for court movement.
Can you use indoor shoes on turf?
You can, but you’ll lose grip and wear the shoe out faster.
Can turf shoes be used for indoor soccer?
Not recommended. You risk slipping and hurting the floor.
Do you need cleats for indoor soccer?
No. Indoor soccer shoes do not have studs or cleats.

Now that you’re more aware of the difference between indoor soccer shoes and turf shoes, these answers should seem natural.

Best Use by Surface Type

Surface

Best Shoe Type

Key Feature

Gym floor / court

Indoor soccer shoes

Flat, non-marking soles

Artificial turf

Turf shoes

Rubber studs for grip and balance

Outdoor grass

Outdoor soccer cleats

Long studs for deep traction

How to Choose the Right Pair

Identify your primary playing surface (very important).
Choose flat, non-marking rubber soles for indoor courts.
Pick small rubber studs for artificial turf.
Look for comfort, breathability, and a great fit. Not to mention, try on and get the right size that’s neither too tight nor too loose. The pair should be snug yet offer full range of movement.
Avoid using indoor shoes for turf and vice versa, to stay safe while playing, and to make your shoes last you a long time.

Why Shop at DMK Sports

A wide selection of both indoor and turf soccer shoes
Pages tailored for different foot types and playing surfaces
Up-to-date guides with trusted advice
Featured collections to match your skill level and budget
Easy access to detailed reviews and buying tips

Family-owned soccer store, DMK Sports, offers quality products, real reviews, and expert recommendations, making it your top choice for all your soccer needs. Shop for high-quality soccer footwear from top brands for men, women, and youth, for both indoor and outdoor soccer needs.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what is the difference between indoor soccer shoes and turf shoes helps you make better decisions in investing in the right pair of soccer cleats for your needs.

Finally comparing indoor vs turf soccer shoes, indoor shoes are great for courts with flat soles and quick response, while turf shoes are made for artificial grass with studded grip and added cushioning.

Wearing the right shoe not only improves your performance and protects your feet as you play, they make every match more fun.

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Can You Wear Soccer Cleats for Football? Pros and Cons Explained

By Don Falcone Jr • September 10, 2025

Ever wonder which cleats your favorite pros slip into? Stars like Lionel Messi and Alex Morgan pick boots that boost their speed, sharpen their precision, and keep them comfortable all match long. These aren’t just fancy shoes, they're tools designed with performance in mind to give every player that winning edge. At DMK Sports , we not only showcase the latest cleats but also guide you in choosing the best fit for your game. In this article, we’ll explore the cleats worn by top professionals, explain why they select them, and show you how to pick the right pair for yourself. Why Do Soccer Players Wear Cleats Cleats grip the grass and turf so you never slip. The studs dig in, letting you pivot on a dime and strike the ball with confidence. Without cleats, you lose your footing, slow down, and miss your mark. Different cleats are designed for different surfaces. Some of the most common cleats are Firm ground cleats, while turf cleats and soft ground models are used depending on the conditions. Professional players always select the right pair for the field to maximize performance. Do Professional Soccer Players Wear Metal Cleats The question of whether professional soccer players wear metal cleats often comes up. The answer is yes, but this applies to specific situations. For example: On very soft or muddy grass, some pros use metal studs for extra grip. However, molded studs are more common because they are versatile and safe. Metal cleats are not worn on turf or artificial surfaces. They are reserved for matches played on natural grass where extra traction is needed. What Soccer Cleats Does Alex Morgan Wear Soccer star Alex Morgan prefers Nike Phantom GX cleats. These cleats, which are well-known for their accuracy and support, are perfect for forwards who require comfort and accuracy in front of goal. They are lightweight and crafted for quick moves, making them a great example of how pros select cleats that complement their roles. If you are looking for cleats with supportive fit like Morgan’s, explore what soccer cleats have the best support . Do Soccer Players Wear New Cleats Every Game Another question that has been asked frequently is do soccer players wear new cleats every game? The truth is, no. While some stars switch to new colorways or special editions, most players wear the same cleats for several matches until they feel worn out. Pros always break in their cleats during training before wearing them in matches. This ensures comfort and prevents blisters. For tips on keeping your cleats game-ready, see our guide on cleaning football cleats . Popular Cleats Worn by Pros Lionel Messi – Adidas X Speedportal Alex Morgan – Nike Phantom GX Neymar Jr. – Puma Future Z Paul Pogba – Adidas Predator Megan Rapinoe – Nike Mercurial Each player’s cleat choice reflects their style. Strikers often prefer lightweight cleats for speed, while midfielders may choose models with stronger grip and stability. Do Soccer Players Always Wear Cleats Yes, professional players wear cleats in every official match played outdoors. They are necessary for grip, balance, and safety. Only in futsal or indoor games are different shoes required, such as flat-soled indoor soccer shoes. If you play indoors, check our guide. Can I wear running shoes for indoor soccer . Choosing the Right Cleats for You Knowing what soccer cleats pros wear is helpful, but the best pair for you depends on your needs. Playing position – Strikers prefer lightweight boots, while midfielders may prefer more stable options. Surface – Choose firm ground cleats for natural grass or turf cleats for artificial pitches. Comfort and fit – Many players now choose laceless cleats for convenience. See the benefits of laceless soccer cleats . Youth players – Young athletes need cleats that are supportive yet durable. See what size soccer ball for 8-year-old for related youth gear. Recommended Guides from DMK Sports What Soccer Cleats Have the Best Support Clean Football Cleats Soccer Cleats vs Football Cleats The Benefits of Laceless Soccer Cleats Can I Wear Running Shoes for Indoor Soccer Best Futsal Shoes 2025 What Size Soccer Ball for 8-Year-Old Conclusion So, which cleats do the pros lace up? It depends on each player’s role and style Messi opts for Adidas to maximize agility, while Alex Morgan picks Nike for its blend of comfort and precision. Other stars choose boots tailored to their unique game. For everyday players, the best cleats fit your feet, suit your position, and perform on your playing surface. At dmksports.com , you can find expert guides and top-quality gear to help you choose the perfect pair.