Kids indoor football boots Buying Guide

Navigating the world of football boots often means focusing on grass, turf, or mud, but when the weather turns (or training moves indoors), the focus shifts entirely.

Choosing the right indoor (IN) boot is not just about avoiding scuff marks on the hall floor—it’s about player safety, optimal performance on a smooth surface, and maximizing grip during quick cuts and direction changes.

Traditional outdoor cleats, even the small-studded turf models, will fail completely here, offering zero traction.

For parents, the key difference to look for is the non-marking, smooth rubber sole found on indoor football shoes (often used for futsal or sports hall leagues).

These soles are engineered for total floor contact, delivering the responsive grip needed for tight turns and bursts of speed in confined spaces.

This guide cuts through the marketing to focus solely on the best models that provide the necessary foot protection, quick handling, and most importantly, the reliable indoor traction essential for fast-paced play.

The picks below focus on kid‑friendly fit, non‑marking traction, and Irish‑retailer availability — with options for narrow/wide feet and budgets.

Note: Prices and availability are subject to change. Please check the retailer's website for the most current information.

Quick buying checklist

• Non‑marking sole: Required for most Irish school halls; prevents black scuffs.

• Grip vs glide: Polished wood needs tacky rubber and good court patterns; too slick = slips, too sticky = clumsy turns.

• Fit first: Snug heel and midfoot with a little toe room. Avoid oversizing “to grow into” — it causes heel slip.

• Foot shape: Wider feet often like leather/adaptive uppers (Copa/Tiempo/Future).

• If you also play on Astro: Keep a separate TF or AG/MG pair for outdoors; don’t use indoor shoes on rough tarmac/3G (they’ll wear fast).

• Care: Wipe dust after sessions (dust reduces grip), air‑dry naturally, avoid radiators.

Stud/surface guide

Where indoor shoes (IN/IC) make sense — and where they don’t

• IN/IC (Indoor): Flat non‑marking rubber for futsal, school halls, indoor domes.

• TF (Turf): Rubber nubs for hard Astro/school yards; more bite outdoors than IN, but not for polished halls.

• AG (Artificial Grass): Many short plastic studs for 3G/4G; not for indoor courts.

• SG: Outdoor studs for sof tnatural grass ground; never indoors (unsafe for floors and kids).

• FG: Outdoor studs for firm natural grass ground; never indoors (unsafe for floors and kids).

Indoor (IN) vs. Astro Turf (TF) Soleplates

The Risk of Mixing Them Up

• Using Indoor (IN) on Astro Turf (TF): The flat IN sole won't have enough grip on the rough, uneven surface of Astro Turf. It will feel slippery and unstable.
• Using Astro Turf (TF) in a Sports Hall (IN): The small nubs on the TF boot will still transfer pressure directly to the sole of the foot on a hard, smooth indoor floor, potentially causing foot pain. More importantly, they may leave marks or lack the consistent, immediate friction needed for quick directional changes on a polished surface.

Choosing the correct soleplate for the correct surface is the most critical step in buying footwear for non-grass play.

FAQ

Are all indoor football boots non‑marking?
Most are, but always check the product page/outsole stamp for “non‑marking.”

Can my child wear indoor shoes on Astro (3G/4G)?
They’ll work in a pinch, but grip will be limited and outsoles wear quickly. Use TF/AG outdoors.

Are running trainers OK for indoor football?
Not ideal. They lack lateral support and have tread patterns for straight‑line grip, not futsal cuts.

Do we size indoor boots the same as outdoor boots?
Usually true‑to‑size in match socks. Some speed models fit narrow; try on if possible.

Gum rubber vs regular rubber — which is better?
Gum rubber grips polished wood well; modern non‑marking compounds also work on PU/vinyl courts. Prioritise non‑marking + traction pattern.