Do I need hockey shoes, or will trainers do?
It's one of the questions we get asked most. Trainers are built for running in straight lines, and they don't give you the grip, support or protection hockey needs. Hockey shoes have a harder outsole designed to grip on water-based and sand-dressed pitches, and they're built up more at the front and sides, so a stray stick or ball hurts a lot less.
Which hockey shoe brand should I choose?
- adidas: by far our biggest-selling shoe brand. The range runs from the Hockeystar and Fabela Rise 2 up to the Adipower Hockey 4 and the Adizero Lux 3, adidas' lightest hockey shoe. Our adidas 2026/27 guide breaks it down.
- Mizuno: the Wave Panthera 2 and Wave Leopardus, both with Mizuno's WAVE plate for cushioning and stability. Mizuno is our second biggest-selling adult shoe brand after adidas.
- Osaka: the Ryu, Kai and Furo. Our Osaka Ryu vs Kai vs Furo guide explains the differences.
- Grays: the Aero Cage X10, worn by internationals including Zach Wallace and Fiona Crackles, plus the AC Raid 3.0 and Stealth 1.0. Grays shoes are great value for money.
- Kookaburra: the Verve, Aurora and Orbit Junior, good-value shoes for club and school players.
- Nike: the Huarache 9 Elite Turf, a turf shoe with retractable traction pegs.
How much should I spend?
Our honest answer is that the more you spend, the more grip, support and quality of materials you tend to get. As a rough guide, shoes like the adidas Hockeystar, Osaka Furo and Kookaburra Verve come in under £75 and are fine for newer and casual players. Regular club players often land somewhere between £75 and £100, with the adidas Adipower Hockey League, Fabela Zone 3, Osaka Kai or Grays Aero Cage X10. Above £100 you're into the top shoes like the Adizero Lux 3, Adipower Hockey 4, Fabela X 2, Mizuno Wave Leopardus and Osaka Ryu.
How should hockey shoes fit?
- Snug at the heel and midfoot, with your foot not sliding about when you turn.
- About a thumb's width at the toe.
- Try them on with hockey socks, which are thicker than everyday socks.
Looking after your hockey shoes
Knock off the sand or mud after playing, let them dry naturally away from radiators, and pop a Smellwell insert in overnight (your kit bag will thank you). Everything you need is in our shoe care range, and our guide to looking after your hockey kit has more tips.
Want more detail? Read our ultimate hockey shoe guide, or grab a bargain in our hockey shoe sale.
