What’s the difference between astroturf and indoor trainers?

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If you play soccer, then you know that there’s nothing more important than having the right pair of boots. But what’s the difference between astroturf and indoor trainers?

If not, don’t worry! If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. A lot of people don’t know the difference between the two.

Luckily, we’re here with the main differences between astroturf and indoor trainers so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Let’s kick off!

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Difference between astroturf and indoor trainers photo showing difference in soles
Indoor trainers vs astro turf boots

What’s the difference between astroturf and indoor trainers?

The biggest difference between turf and indoor trainers is the amount of friction they provide.

Turf shoes provide more friction than indoor trainers, which can be beneficial for players who want to train at high speeds or make sudden stops and turns.

However, too much friction can also lead to injuries, so it’s important to find a balance. 

Indoor trainers, on the other hand, are made with flatter soles that provide less friction than turf. This can be beneficial for players who want to work on their footwork or make small changes in direction.

Indoor trainers are also generally softer than turf, which can help reduce the risk of injuries. 

Another difference between turf and indoor trainers is the surface you play on.

Turf is made up of blades of grass that are held together by a backing, while indoor soccer courts are usually made of wood, concrete, or synthetic materials. 

This means that turf is more similar to playing on a real grass field, while indoor trainers are more similar to playing on a hard surface like a pavement.  

Which surface will I play on?

The first thing you need to consider is what surface you’ll be playing on most often – astroturf or indoors?

If you’re going to be playing primarily on turf, then you’ll want to get a pair of astroturf boots.

These boots have special studs that are designed to grip the synthetic fibers of the turf, giving you the traction you need to make those game-winning plays.

Indoor soccer trainers, on the other hand, are designed for use on hard surfaces like concrete or wood.

They don’t have the same kind of fit or studs as astroturf boots, but they do have a flat sole that will provide good grip and stability when you’re making your moves.

If you’re going to be playing mostly indoors, then indoor soccer trainers are the way to go.

What are astroturf boots?

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Astroturf boots are designed for use on artificial turf surfaces.

They typically have shorter studs than other types of soccer boots, which helps to provide better traction and grip on the synthetic turf.

Astroturf boots are also often lighter weight than other types of boots, which can help you move faster on the field.

What are indoor football trainers?

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Indoor football trainers are designed for use on indoor soccer courts.

They usually have flat soles with no studs, which helps to provide better grip and traction on smooth indoor surfaces.

Indoor football trainers are also often lighter weight than other types of boots, which can help you move faster on the court.

How to choose the right football boots/soccer cleats.

If you’re still not sure which type of soccer boot is for you, this great video breaks it down.

YouTube player
which soccer or football boots should I buy quiz

Which soccer boots should I buy?

Can Astro Turf trainers be used indoors?

Astro Turf trainers are very versatile. They can be used on a variety of surfaces including concrete, asphalt, and even sand.

So yes, technically, they can be used in a sports hall on a hardwood floor. But they won’t provide as much grip as indoor trainers and they may not last as long.

Astro Turf trainers are best used on artificial turf surfaces. We find some turf boots can be quite slippy indoors on smooth surfaces like polished wood or laminate.

So if you’re going to be playing mostly indoors, it’s best to stick with indoor trainers.

Can you wear Astro trainers as normal trainers?

You can if you want to of course. But it’s not a good idea as they won’t support your feet as well as normal trainers.

If you’re driving or walking to practice we find it easier and more convenient to wear them rather than changing into shoes when we arrive.

Just don’t try running in them, they’re only designed for sprinting on turf!

Are indoor soccer shoes the same as turf shoes?

While indoor and turf shoes may look similar, they are actually quite different.

Indoor shoes are not well-suited for playing on turf, as the flat sole can cause the player to slip, and the lack of studs can make it difficult to gain traction.

Likewise, turf shoes would be uncomfortable and slippery on an indoor court.

So really, it’s best to choose the right shoe for the surface you’ll be playing on most often.

I’m a beginner, which type of shoe should I get?

If you’re just starting out, we recommend getting a pair of astroturf trainers.

They’re less expensive than studded boots and they can be used on a variety of surfaces, so you won’t have to worry about getting the wrong type of shoe.

Once you’ve been playing for a while and you know where you’ll be playing most often, then you can start thinking about getting a specific type of boot for that surface.

The final score

Both turf and indoor trainers have their own benefits and drawbacks.

Ultimately, the decision of which one to use comes down to personal preference and what type of training you’re looking to do.

If you’re looking for a high-speed workout with lots of stops and starts, turf may be the way to go.

But if you’re looking for a more controlled environment where you can focus on your footwork, indoor trainers might be a better option.

Whichever one you choose, make sure you’re getting the most out of your boots for the surface you’re playing on. Simple!

This article was written by

  • Anna Adams, Creative Director & Content Lead

    Hi there! I'm Anna Adams, your go-to source for all things women's soccer. I've been crazy about soccer for over 20 years, ever since I was kicking a ball around with my brothers as a kid. I've turned my passion into a career where I get to share all the cool stuff about soccer with you. As a content lead, I've had the awesome opportunity to work with various sports brands and publications. Whether it's the latest gear, pro tips, or just some cool soccer trivia, I'm all about making soccer ac...