Not All Soccer Shoes Are the Same: Here’s What Indoor Soccer Shoes Are Really Called

If you’re shopping for indoor soccer gear and feel overwhelmed by the different shoe names—futsal shoes, ICs, turf shoes, TFs—you’re not alone.

So let’s clear things up once and for all.

🔍 So, What Are Indoor Soccer Shoes Called?

Indoor soccer shoes are most commonly referred to as:

Futsal Shoes
Indoor Court Shoes
IC Shoes (short for “Indoor Court”)
Indoor Soccer Shoes

Each term refers to footwear specifically designed for hard, flat indoor surfaces like gym floors or futsal courts—not turf.

💡 Quick Breakdown of Names and What They Mean:

Term	What It Means	Best Surface
Futsal Shoes	Used for futsal, a form of indoor soccer	Hard courts, gym floors
IC Shoes	Short for “Indoor Court” (Nike uses this)	Flat indoor surfaces
Indoor Soccer Shoes	General term	Any hard indoor floor
Turf Shoes (TF)	Sometimes mistaken as “indoor” but designed for artificial turf	Artificial turf, not hard court

⚠️ Don’t Confuse These With Turf Shoes

Many beginners assume “indoor soccer” means any inside facility—including turf fields. But there’s a difference.

Indoor soccer shoes (IC) have flat, non-marking soles—ideal for basketball-court-style surfaces.
Turf shoes (TF) have small rubber studs—best for artificial grass or 2G carpet turf.

So, if you’re playing futsal or on hardwood, you want IC/futsal shoes—not turf cleats.

🧠 Pro Tip: Check the Shoe Code

Most major brands label shoes clearly:

Nike → “IC” = Indoor Court
Adidas → “IN” = Indoor
Puma → “IT” = Indoor Training
Other brands may simply call them futsal or indoor soccer shoes

👟 What Makes Indoor Soccer Shoes Unique?

Flat, grippy rubber soles
Lightweight construction
Low profile for close ball control
Non-marking (won’t scuff gym floors)

🥇 Top Picks in Indoor Soccer Shoes (2024)

Adidas Samba Classic – Iconic and reliable
Nike Tiempo Legend 9 IC – Great control and comfort
PUMA Future Z 4.4 IT – Light and fast
Mizuno Sala Club – For players with wide feet
Joma Top Flex – Loved in futsal communities

✅ Conclusion

So, what are indoor soccer shoes called?
Mainly: futsal shoes, IC shoes, or indoor court shoes—depending on the brand. Just make sure you’re getting the right pair for the right surface. Because wearing turf shoes on a gym floor? That’s a one-way ticket to slipping… and losing.