How Should my Indoor Soccer Shoes Fit?

Introduction

The fit of any shoe is important. However, with indoor soccer shoes (click for full guide), you need the best fit you can get, not only for support and stability but also for ball control. These shoes should fit tightly to give you great touch and feel on the ball, while still being comfortable and supportive.

How to break in Indoor Soccer Shoes?

There are many different ways of breaking in shoes, and indoor soccer shoes are no different in many ways to normal shoes. Some brands use materials where a break-in period is not required such as those made from Kangaroo leather. However, the majority of indoor soccer shoes will require some period of wear in time. Indoor soccer shoes will require less break-in period to normal soccer cleats.

Remember that having the most comfortable footwear is the best way to improve your game and to ensure that you limit your exposure to injury. As indoor soccer is a fast and frenetic game where you are constantly on the run as it were, breaking in your shoe is imperative to have a great performance without worrying about sore feet when kicking or dribbling the ball. So how do you break-in your indoor soccer shoes?

Well, there are various techniques for doing this, however, we give you a breakdown of an easy and efficient way to get your shoe broken in just in time for that important game. First, you should always buy a pair of indoor soccer shoes that fit your feet correctly. This includes making sure that the length and width of the shoe are correct.  If you chose a shoe that is too tight, it will be difficult to break in and can cause not only discomfort and blisters, it can also be the cause of injury to your feet.

Once you have bought your shoes, you should wear them around the house, or whenever you can to break them in by walking in them. Always wear tight, clean socks with them when doing this. Wear your new indoor soccer shoes for short period during training sessions. This will give you a chance to mold them to your feet while playing. Always bring your old shoes with you to ensure that if you start feeling any pain or blistering in your new ones you can swap them out.

As they get more worn in, you can wear them for longer periods until you are completely comfortable in them. If you require something more, you can use the warm water technique. This involves lacing your shoes the way you would while wearing them during a game. Then with a pair of socks and your shoes on, soaking your feet in your shoes, in warm water for around 20 minutes. Allow the shoes to dry on your feet.

This technique works especially well for leather shoes as the leather will mold to your feet as it dries. After you have played in them, stuff them with newspaper to soak up all the excess moisture and ensure they keep their shape. You can also rub leather conditioner or petroleum jelly on your shoes, this will soften them.

If you are still having trouble you can make the uppers slightly damp before you start to practice, do not soak them in this instance, just make them slightly damp to allow them to soften and mold to your foot during practice. Once you are completely comfortable in your shoes you can use them in a match situation. Remember to always keep them clean and dry in between games.

Can you wear Indoor Soccer Shoes on Turf?

Indoor soccer shoes are very versatile and can be worn on any surface. It is important to remember though that they are specifically designed to cope with the surfaces used when playing. They have great traction and are mostly designed with non-slip qualities.

It is always best though to get a shoe that is designed for the surface you are going to play on. If you are going to be playing on turf or grass, you need a shoe that is designed for those types of surfaces.

Can Indoor Soccer Shoes be used for Running?

Yes, indoor soccer shoes can be used for running. In fact, they are designed for you to run in them. However, if you are going to be using them as a running shoe, they are not ideal. The reason for this is that indoor soccer shoes are not made specifically for running. Running shoes are designed to push your toes forward as you would normally run on your toes.

They have padding in this area and the shoe is designed to support your foot as you run. Indoor soccer shoes, on the other hand, tend to have a stiffer sole than running shoes and are designed for multi-directional movement which is required in the game.

Although they are not ideal as running shoes per say, you can use them to run, but you may find you do not get as much benefit from them as you would from specifically designed running shoes.

Conclusion

Having the right pair of shoes for your chosen sport will ensure that you perform at your best always. The right fit is also important to your performance as well as maintaining and caring for your shoe in the correct manner. This will not only make them more comfortable to play in, but also extend their lifespan.