Your stick might be the most important piece of equipment if you are into field hockey, but its importance drops if you fail to support it with another type of equipment. At this point, shoes are probably the next most important things to consider.
Why are shoes so important in field hockey? Easy – they give you flexibility, agility and speed. Of course, you can play field hockey in hiking boots too. But then, your movements will obviously suffer from it, hence the importance of getting the right thing.
So, what are the best indoor field hockey shoes for women then? Hard to tell. It depends on so many factors, such as the shape of your feet. But then, there are a few front runners that dominate the industry. They work wonders on thousands of players, so there must be something good about them.
Before getting into small details, let me tell you what you have to look for in such shoes. You need to know what to pay attention to, not to mention assessing your personal needs. Once you have the guide, it becomes much easier to browse the market.
What to look for in indoor field hockey shoes for women
Knowing what factors to consider will lead you to a better decision.
Traction
Traction is critical in field hockey, so you have to consider the surface you play on. When you play indoor, it is usually hardwood or even concrete. At first glance, the best indoor field hockey shoes for women look like running shoes. Running shoes do work, but the grip is not aggressive enough. Quick turns or stops will have you slip over. The traction is just as important for goalkeepers.
Support
Now, what kind of support do you expect? Simply put, you must look after your knees, ankles and feet. As a general rule of thumb, make sure the flex around the ball of your foot is good, but at the same time, it should be quite strong around the heel. Stay away from flimsy shoes, as they do not provide enough support and you will most likely get injured.
Comfort
If your shoes are not comfortable, you will probably fail to enjoy the field hockey experience. The game will no longer be fun for you. Imagine blisters on your soles after a game – you would have to take a week break while facing the discomfort of walking. This is why I recommend quality brands, as they actually pay attention to cushioning.
Durability
Field hockey shoes are more expensive than regular shoes. It might seem annoying to spend too much on them, especially after you have already spent a good amount of money on sticks and other equipment. I totally disagree with that. Buy a pricey pair of shoes and they will barely last for half a season.
Buy a proper one (a bit more expensive) and they will last for over a season. To me, this is like an investment. I would rather buy a pair a year than two of them. Costs are lower and quality is higher.
Now, what are the best indoor field hockey shoes for women?
Top 5 Indoor Field Hockey Shoes For Women
Asics Womens Gel-Rocket 8
I found these shoes a bit bulky at first, but they are incredibly lightweight. Honestly, I felt like I was flying. They come in a few different colors and pretty much any size – including middle sizes. They are 100% synthetic.
The sole is made of rubber, which provides a good grip indoors. The shaft is about the low top from arch, while the forefoot gel cushioning system (known as COURT) will clear any shock away. You will love how flexible you will be on the court.
Asics has also brought in a system technology to reduce the sole weight without sacrificing the overall integrity of the shoe.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Great support
- Lots of traction due to the rubber sole
- More colors to choose from
Cons
- Sizes tend to be half a size smaller than in other brands
Asics Womens Gel-Tactic 2
Based on personal experience, Asics has managed to design the most durable field hockey shoes, so most of my recommendations come from this company. This model is also rated among the best indoor field hockey shoes for women due to its support and durability.
The shoes are synthetic and feature a rubber sole. They have an open mesh upper for breathability and comfort – nothing to complain about here.
Just like other shoes from Asics, these ones come with the same lightweight profile. Also, this model has a seamless design – less friction and irritation from stitches. It is a great option if your feet are sensitive.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfy
- Seamless design
- Plenty of colors and styles
- Breathable
Cons
- Not suitable for really wide feet
Nike Women’s Zoom Hyperace 2
Nike is a top player when it comes to athletic shoes, so I had to give them a try too. This particular model is based on mesh, so it is extremely lightweight. It comes in more colours. I got the white shoes, but I got them stained with some sort of coal, so I could never take the stain out.
These shoes come with the Zoom Air technology, which provides extra cushioning without compromising the weight. Also, the pull tab on the heel ensures an easy entry. Even if you get a perfect fit, you will never struggle to put them on.
When it comes to stability and support, you have a TPU cage – a feature that most brands in this segment should implement in my opinion. Also, I loved the rubber outsole for traction. It provides full support when turning quickly or stopping – maybe too much support.
Pros
- Lots of support and stability
- Flawless traction and grip
- Extra cushioning for comfort
- Easy to put on
Cons
- Mesh is not the most durable material in the world
Asics Women’s Upcourt 2
These shoes from Asics – as well as many other sports shoes used in field hockey – are designed for volleyball. Volleyball is another generally indoor sport that requires lots of support and traction, so what works there will always work for indoor field hockey too. So said, so done.
These shoes look quite simple – only available in three color combos, but that is not relevant. They are lightweight and feel like socks. Honestly! You cannot tell that you wear shoes. They are synthetic and feature a gum rubber sole that stops when you stop – no slipping.
The shaft measures appropriate low top from arch, while the rear foot is based on gel. It provides extra support, whether or not you feel like you need it. This feature is even better for those with heel problems, as it prevents pains.
Pros
- Rubber sole that will never slip on an indoor surface
- Extremely lightweight
- Gel support for the heels
- Plenty of flexibility
Cons
- They tend to become a bit sticky after a few wears
Adidas Women’s Crazyflight Team
I just could not overlook Adidas from my list – a top manufacturer of sports shoes with a good reputation. These shoes – again – are designed for volleyball, but they work wonders on the field hockey pitch too – as long as you play indoors. The fit is as expected – no need to buy bigger or smaller sizes.
These could be some of the best indoor field hockey shoes for women because they have a high percentage of synthetic materials (lots of textile materials too) and they still provide good breathability – no stinky feet and no sweaty sensations. The shaft is low top from arch, while the sole is synthetic.
You will love the lockdown lacing system for a better fit, as well as the mesh upper. It is breathable, but it also comes with TPU yarn reinforcement for extra stability on the sides. The midsole features EVA quality standards, as well as a Springblade insert for comfort and stability. As for the rubber sole, you can count on plenty of grip and traction.
Pros
- Built with support and stability in mind
- Breathable materials in its composition
- Lots of colours and styles to choose from
- Great traction
Cons
- Could do with more arch support
Conclusion
Bottom line, it is up to you to decide what the best indoor field hockey shoes for womenbare. I tried my best to explain what to look for, but also to introduce the best-rated shoes out there. I have personally tried each of these shoes and they work wonders, but just like you have probably guessed already, each pair has its own strengths.
At this point, it is up to you to determine your priorities and figure out what works for you. No matter what you choose, chances are you will not be disappointed.
