Unlike Hockey Sticks, Hockey Shoes are not an essential item for playing hockey. However, this item can easily elevate your game to the next level!
We at Total-Hockey know that buying a new pair of Hockey Shoes for yourself or others can be overwhelming.
Understanding the Basics of Hockey Shoes
Hockey shoes-also known as field hockey shoes-are non-metal cleated athletic shoes built for dynamic movement across various playing surfaces. These shoes are commonly used on natural grass, water-based synthetic turf, or sand-dressed pitches. Their design emphasizes rapid directional changes, sprint bursts, and ball control, making them essential for competitive play.
With increasing participation in amateur leagues and school programs, demand for reliable, position-optimized gear has surged.
Hockey shoes are specialized footwear engineered for athletes participating in field hockey, offering superior grip, support, and durability compared to general athletic sneakers. Unlike ice hockey skates, these are ground-based shoes tailored for grass, artificial turf, or indoor surfaces.
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The Evolution of Hockey Shoe Protection
We have all been there when a hockey ball or a hockey stick has hit your foot hard. And it is pretty easy to say that it is not much of a comfortable feeling!
Modern Hockey Shoes have changed how they protect your feet from the early iterations. Early hockey shoes were heavier and looked ‘clumpier’ due to the high levels of protection.
Hockey shoe protection has been designed to give maximum protection in the most in-need areas. The main areas of protection are around the toes, arch, and heel of the foot. These are the places where you are most likely to get hit. The other shoe areas will not be as well protected, as you are less likely to get hit there.
Key Features to Consider
Grip and Maneuverability
Hockey Shoe grips are made from hardened rubber. The most significant difference between a hockey shoe grip and the likes of a football boot grip is the depth. Football boot grips are usually a deeper metallic stud to give them the grip on a grass football pitch.
Hockey Shoe grips have also been designed to give you the best maneuverability possible due to the constant twisting and turning needed while playing hockey. You always want to make sure you have a hockey shoe that will allow you to make quick movements while giving you the best grip possible.
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Support and Structure
Support and structure in a hockey shoe are vital in ensuring you have the highest comfort and support for your feet. Hockey is a sport that can be very taxing on your feet and knees.
Hockey Shoes are specifically designed for sports twisting, turning, and planting nature. And that is why you will find higher levels of structure in them. It will make sure your foot stays in place within the hockey shoe.
Kids Hockey Shoes vs. Adult Hockey Shoes
Kids Hockey Shoes Vs. The difference between Adult and Kids’ hockey shoes is in their structure. A junior or kids’ hockey shoe is much softer, similar to a trainer but in a hockey shoe style.
This is because kids want to have something soft and comfortable to get them used to wearing a hockey shoe. Junior Hockey Shoes typically follow a similar style to adult hockey shoes. However, the difference lies in the narrower fit and a softer sole to the shoe. Again, this is to try and make sure kids get used to wearing hockey shoes.
Senior Hockey Shoes are designed to give you the best possible grip and support to be confident with the grip on the hockey pitch.
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Each hockey shoe brand brings its unique style and fits for the shoe. If you are lucky enough to have small feet to fit into kids’ hockey shoes, you have plenty of options! Most kid’s hockey shoes go up to a UK 5.5 or a UK 6. Just remember that kids’ shoes will be much softer. Adult hockey players can wear kids hockey shoes, if your feet are small enough!
Choosing the Right Size
We would always suggest going up a half or a full size in your hockey shoe compared to your regular everyday shoes.
Popular Hockey Shoe Brands
Adidas Hockey Shoes have become the market leader for hockey shoes for all levels and ages. Adidas Hockey Shoes have become increasingly popular in both Adult and Kids sizes.
Asics Hockey Shoes feature the latest technology, wrapped in stand-out, stylish designs. Asics Hockey Shoes have been developed alongside running footwear to ensure you get the best shoe possible for your feet. Asics pride themselves on creating some of the best and most technologically advanced hockey footwear.
Grays Hockey Shoes have become increasingly more popular due to the development and technology that has been added to the Grays Hockey Shoes. Grays Hockey offers Male and Female shoes in both Adult and Kids sizing. We can find you a Grays Hockey Shoe that fits you no matter what.
The trendy Hockey Shoes have been developed to provide the ultimate cushioning and protection for you when training and playing matches. Some leading experts in footwear design and manufacture have developed OSAKA Hockey Shoes.
OSAKA Hockey has made it possible for hockey players to experience these elite shoes by making them in Adult and Kids sizes and a Slim and Standard Fit.
Different Types of Hockey Shoes
Different field conditions and player roles call for distinct types of hockey shoes.
- Molded Cleats: Made with rubber or TPU studs permanently attached to the sole, these are ideal for dry grass and firm artificial turf.
- Replaceable Cleats: These allow users to swap out individual studs depending on field moisture and surface hardness. They are most beneficial during official matches and training sessions on appropriate surfaces.
Adidas Hockey Shoe Models
Here are some Adidas Hockey Shoe models:
- Lux 2.2S: The range leading shoe that has high-performance crammed into every inch.
- Shape: Standard-cut trainer style shoe fitted with Geofit TPU heel counter technology & SensoPods to support your natural ankle & heel movement.
- Upper: Mesh upper reducing weight & improves breathability made from a ripstop material for durability & support. Stitch free toe-box reduces irritation & neoprene re-enforcement gives added protection.
- Lacing: A standard tongue & lacing system works together with the internal cage creating a 360°supportive structure holding your midfoot in place to prevent foot slide & lateral rotation.
- Midsole: LightStrike foam technology gives exceptional energy return for propulsion & superb cushioning for joints during explosive movements. Balanced for weight & cushioning a thicker heel also adds mass to the shoe to improve impact absorption.
- Outsole: TPU plastic pyramid lug outsole offers lightweight durability & exceptional grip. A high-performance shoe designed for powerful players with the widest fit in the range.
- Shape: Standard-cut trainer style shoe with the widest fit in the range. Fitted with Geofit TPU heel counter technology & senso pods to support your natural ankle & heel movement.
- Upper: PrimeGreen mesh upper made from recyclable materials reducing weight & improves breathability. Stitch free toe-box reduces irritation & synthetic overlays re-enforce the toe & lower ankle areas.
- Lacing: A standard tongue & lacing system works together with synthetic overlays to support your midfoot preventing foot slide & lateral rotation.
- Midsole: Bounce cushioning midsole is highly responsive & flexible with a slightly firm ride ideal for explosive movements.
- Outsole: Trail running cleat style lug made from rubber allowing for explosive multidirectional movement on sand based or water-based surfaces. A high-performance women’s hockey shoe with superb grip & highly efficient energy return midsole to reduce foot fatigue & protect joints. Ideal for men& ladies looking for a narrow fitting shoe.
- Shape: Standard-cut trainer style shoe with a narrower fit. TPU heel stabilizer counter supports your natural ankle & heel movement.
- Upper: RipStop mesh upper keeps weight down & improves breathability. Stitch free toe-box reduces irritation & synthetic overlays re-enforce the toe & lower midfoot areas.
- Lacing: A standardlacing system works together with all-in-one sock like fitting giving a super snug fit.
- Midsole: BOOST technology improves running efficiency& reduces foot fatigue through responsive energy return, giving a super bouncy feel when running.
- Outsole: Thick pyramid TPU outsole gives aggressive grip ideal for water based & sand base pitches. A high-performance shoe designed to give a women’s hockey shoe with superb grip &EVA midsole for those looking for a firmer ride.
- Shape: Standard-cut trainer style shoe with a standard fit. TPU heel stabilizer counter supports your natural ankle & heel movement.
- Upper: PrimeGreen mesh upper made from recyclable materials reducing weight & improves breathability Stitch free toe-box reduces irritation & synthetic overlays re-enforce the toe & lower foot areas.
- Lacing: A standard tongue & lacing system works together with synthetic overlays to support your midfoot preventing foot slide & lateral rotation.
- Midsole: EVA foam midsole provides ultra-lightweight cushioning with a slightly firmer ride improving proprioceptivefeedback during quick agile movements.
- Outsole: Thick pyramid rubber outsole gives aggressive grip ideal for water based & sand base pitches. An understudy to the Lux 2.2S, the Zone Dox has the same shape with Continental rubber outsole & standard foam midsole to give a high-quality value for money hockey shoe.
- Shape: Standard-cut trainer style shoe with a standard fit. TPU heel stabilizer counter supports your natural ankle & heel movement.
- Upper: Mesh upper reducing weight & improves breathability made from a ripstop material for durability & support. A shoe that facilitates agility & confidence by combining the heritage of trail running shoes with the specialist needs of a hockey player.
- Shape: Standard-cut trainer style shoe with a standard fit. TPU heel stabilizer counter supports your natural ankle & heel movement.
- Upper: Robust mesh upper reducing weight & improves breathability made from recycled materials for durability & support. The women’s version of the Flexcloud 2.1 facilitating agility & confidence by combining the heritage of trail running shoes with the specialist needs of the lady hockey player.
- Shape: Standard-cut trainer style shoe with a standard fit. TPU heel stabilizer counter supports your natural ankle & heel movement.
- Upper: Made from recycled materials. The lightest shoe in the Adidas range offering a classical hockey shoe with low profile midsole ideal forthose who like to stay fleet of foot & like a narrower fit.
- Shape: Standard-cut trainer style shoe with a standard fit. A specialised hockey shoe for junior hockey players. Exceptionally lightweight & loads of cushioning to protect young joints & allowing positive physical development
- Shape: Standard-cut trainer style shoe with a standard fit. TPU heel stabilizer counter supports your natural ankle & heel movement.
- Upper: A lightweight synthetic upper expertly balances lightweight, breathability with improved support & durability.
- Lacing: A standard lacing system works together with all-in-one sock like fitting giving a super snug fit.
- Midsole: A luxurious EVA foam midsole provides ultralightweight cushioning with good energy return, giving a super bouncy feel when running.
- Outsole: cut out rubber outsole massively reduces weight with a standard multi-stud grid configuration for maximum grip without compromising on agility.
- Colour ways available: Black/White/Gold, Navy/White/Grey & White/Black/Green
- Sizes: Available in half sizes from Kids 13 to UK6.5
- Sex: Unisex.
Tips for Selecting the Best Hockey Shoes
When selecting the best hockey shoes for performance and comfort, prioritize a snug fit, durable synthetic or leather upper, and excellent ankle support-especially if you're playing on turf or indoor courts. Look for models designed specifically for field hockey, as they offer optimal grip and lateral stability.
For players asking how to choose hockey shoes that balance traction, breathability, and foot protection, consider cleat type (molded vs. replaceable), cushioning level, and whether your position demands quick cuts or long-distance running.
The global rise in organized field hockey-particularly among youth and collegiate athletes-has driven increased interest in sport-specific equipment. Parents and coaches now emphasize proper footwear to prevent injuries such as ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and turf burns. This shift toward safety-conscious gear selection explains why more players are researching what to look for in hockey shoes before purchasing.
Here are some tips for selecting the right hockey shoes:
- Identify Your Playing Surface: Grass? Wet turf? Indoor floor?
- Try Before You Buy: Visit a specialty retailer to test fit and feel.
Buying the RIGHT Hockey stick to best suit your game!
Value and Brands
Value-for-money picks often fall in the $80-$100 bracket, combining reliable performance without unnecessary frills. Leading brands like Grays, OBO, and TK Hockey dominate the market due to consistent innovation and athlete endorsements. The Gripstar Pro X stands out for its balanced weight and torsional rigidity, appealing to all-around players.
Reselling and Maintenance
If reselling, confirm whether the manufacturer allows third-party distribution and review warranty transfer policies. Extend shoe life by cleaning mud and debris post-use, air-drying away from direct heat, and storing in ventilated areas. Safety-wise, worn-down studs increase slip risk-replace molded cleats when tread depth falls below 3mm.
Final Recommendations
Selecting the right hockey shoes involves aligning your playing style, surface type, and fit preferences with technically sound features. Prioritize models that offer secure lockdown, appropriate traction, and adequate protection for your position. While budget options exist, investing in a well-reviewed mid-tier shoe often delivers the best long-term value. Always try multiple brands if possible, consult real user feedback, and double-check return policies before finalizing your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about hockey shoes:
Q: Can I use running shoes for hockey?
A: It’s not recommended.
Q: How often should I replace my hockey shoes?
A: Typically every 6-12 months with regular use.
Q: Are there different shoes for indoor and outdoor hockey?
A: Yes. Indoor shoes have flat soles for smooth floors, while outdoor versions use cleats for turf grip.
Q: Are premium hockey shoes worth the investment?
A: For serious players, yes-premium models offer better materials, fit precision, and durability.
Q: How can I ensure a proper fit?
A: Ensure correct sock thickness and lacing technique.
Summary Table: Hockey Shoe Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Grip | Hardened rubber grips designed for quick movements and optimal traction. |
| Support | Structured design to provide comfort and stability, reducing strain on feet and knees. |
| Protection | Reinforced areas around toes, arch, and heel to protect against impacts. |
| Material | Durable synthetic or leather uppers for longevity and performance. |
| Fit | Snug fit with excellent ankle support to prevent injuries. |