Playing football (soccer) indoors has many advantages; you are less reliant on weather conditions affecting your performance and the surface is always the same and won’t become bumpy, too wet or too hard.
However, the surfaces of indoor pitches are usually harder than any other surface so when you choose your indoor boots, comfort and support are essential. Playing on harder surfaces generally puts more strain on your joints so ensure your feet are comfortable will prevent injury and improve performance when playing indoors.
In the past, you would have to reply on regular trainers or astro-turf boots to play indoor football. I wouldn’t recommend this as you will eventually pick up sprains, blisters and feel generally uncomfortable. Luckily now, manufactures have started making supportive, specialist indoor boots to use on harder surfaces.
#1: Nike Mercurial Vapour XII Pro
The Nike Mercurial Vapour XII boots are extremely lightweight yet incredible supportive of your feet. They are designed for comfort, speed and agility but also support your balance with excellent grip. They don’t compromise your technical ability when playing either.
In addition to being extremely comfortable, these boots also look sleek, modern and are available in a range of colours and designs if this is what you desire in your boots. Their stretchy design means you can easily slide them on and give a comfy, spongy feel.
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#2: Adidas Predator Tango 19.3 Indoor Boots
Adidas have created a modern, indoor version of the iconic Predator football boots with the Tango 19.3 design. These boots are extremely comfortable and fit well to your feet with flexible material, which also helps with shooting and passing control. Their rubber soles are perfect for indoor football on harder surfaces and help to support quick turning and give you excellent balance.
Although these boots don’t match the boot version of the Predators in terms of style and aesthetic, they look modern with a stitched design and can be purchased in a range of different colours.
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#3: Adidas Mundial Goal
Wherever I’ve played or watched amateur football in the world, I’ve always noticed players wearing the Adidas Mundial shoes on concrete or indoor pitches. I’ve also seen people wearing them as their everyday shoes!
This is testament to their amazing design and style. They are simple footballing boots with a more historic feel and look compared to more modern football boots with the three stripe Adidas branding and black and white colours.
However, these shoes are also well designed to support your feet on indoor surfaces and provided one of the most durable and long-lasting pair of shoes you can purchase. A definite buy for the nostalgic football player.
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#4: Nike Lunar Gato II IC
The Nike Lunar Gato shoes are one of Nike’s flagship indoor shoe designs and were made specifically with small sided (5-a-side and 7-a-side) matches in mind. A range of quality materials have been used to make these shoes which helps to support player touch and control.
I have seen freestylers wearing these shoes and they produce eye-catching tricks and close control while remaining comfortable and flexible at the same time. But the Lunar Gatos are also very durable when used on harder surfaces and provide a great option if you are playing regular football on these types of surfaces.
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#5: Puma Invicto Sala
The Puma Invicto Sala offers excellent comfort for players due to the high-quality materials used to make the shoe.
A range of materials ensures they shoes are suitable for indoor use whilst also supporting the touch and technique of the player. Although the different materials make the shoes feel slightly heavier, they do not compromise your footballing experience.
If you are a defensive player who receives or makes a lot of tackles, then this shoe should be your first choice. Plenty of protection is offered around the toes and lower foot to prevent injury from impact.
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#6: Puma 365 Ignite Fuse 2
If you are looking for a shoe that fits like a glove and keeps your feet comfortable, then the Puma 365 Ignite 2 range are a great option.
The light materials used on the upper shoe help with the movement of your feet when turning, passing or controlling the ball. These shoes are also suitable for more skilful players looking to get past their opponents with quick tricks or pace.
The 365 Ignite 2s are also extremely stylish. A sleek design compliments the comfort of these shoes well. A blanket colour covers the entire upper of the shoe while a white, rubber material underfoot ensures you have enough grip.
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#7: Puma Future 2.1
Puma attempted to release a modernized boot with the Future 2.1 model. The unique design and style of the boot is extremely modern and the endless ways to lace up these boots makes them unique but also stylish.
Lightweight materials make these boots extremely comfortable and the meshed design has an almost futuristic look without compromising the quality of the boot or your playing experience. World Cup winners Marco Reus and Antoine Griezmann sport these boots showing they are suitable for players with excellent shooting ability and control.
If you want a boot that is modern and breaks the trend of how boots look and feel, then the Future 2.1 boots from model may be the boot for you.
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Conclusion
It’s important to remember that your feet will be under more pressure when playing on harder, indoor surfaces. Whichever shoes you choose for your indoor matches, ensure they fit well before going out and using them on the pitch. Some shoes are slimmer and less flexible so you may need to go a size up to ensure extra comfort.
While the Mercurial Vapours and Adidas Predators are slimmer options, generally, their flexibility provides a good fit for players. If you are playing at a quick pace too, these boots offer great agility as well as support for your technique. But if you want longer lasting, more durable boots, try the Mundials or Nike Lunar Gatos.
