Hockey Shoe Buying Guide
Choosing the right hockey shoes is essential for grip, comfort, protection and confidence on the pitch. Hockey involves repeated sprinting, stopping, turning, tackling and side-to-side movement, so proper field hockey shoes are designed very differently from standard running trainers or casual astro turf shoes.
Why do I need specialist hockey shoes?
Specialist hockey shoes are built for artificial hockey pitches. They usually feature grippy outsoles for sand-dressed, sand-based and water-based surfaces, supportive uppers for lateral movement, reinforced toe areas for protection and cushioning for repeated impact during training and matches.
Standard running trainers are designed mainly for forward motion, while hockey requires sharp changes of direction, low body positions and quick reactions. A proper pair of hockey shoes can help reduce slipping, improve stability and give your feet better protection from sticks, balls and pitch contact.
Which hockey shoes should I choose?
The best hockey shoes depend on your playing style, position, fit preference and pitch surface. Some players want the lightest possible shoe for speed, while others prefer extra cushioning, durability and support.
- Adidas hockey shoes: best for players who want modern hockey footwear with strong grip, comfort and a wide choice of models such as Adizero, Adipower, Fabela, Youngstar and Lux League.
- Mizuno hockey shoes: best for players who want lightweight speed, responsive movement and athletic cushioning from ranges such as Wave Panthera and Wave Leopardus.
- Osaka hockey shoes: best for players who want stylish, performance-focused hockey shoes with strong grip, comfort and modern design.
- Grays hockey shoes: best for players who want dependable hockey footwear with durability, pitch grip and protection.
- Kookaburra hockey shoes: best for club players and juniors who want reliable hockey shoes for regular training and matches.
- Nike hockey shoes: best for players looking for turf-style performance shoes with speed, grip and athletic comfort.
Are hockey shoes good for astro turf?
Yes, hockey shoes are designed specifically for artificial hockey pitches and astro turf surfaces. Their outsole grip is built to help players accelerate, brake, turn and move laterally without losing traction.
For hockey, specialist hockey shoes are usually a better choice than standard trainers or football astro shoes. Hockey shoes are designed for the unique demands of the sport, including wet pitches, low playing positions, stick tackles and fast changes of direction.
What is the difference between hockey shoes and running trainers?
The main difference is that hockey shoes are built for side-to-side movement, grip and protection, while running trainers are built mainly for straight-line running. Hockey shoes usually have a flatter, wider and more stable base, with outsole patterns designed for artificial turf.
Many hockey shoes also include reinforced toe protection and more durable upper materials to help protect your feet from ball impact, stick contact and wet pitch conditions. Running trainers may feel comfortable, but they usually do not provide the same grip or lateral support for hockey.
Which hockey shoes are best for speed?
If speed and agility are your main priorities, look for lightweight hockey shoes with a responsive feel. Fast forwards and attacking midfielders often prefer shoes that feel light underfoot and allow quick acceleration, sharp turns and fast pressing.
Good options include Adidas Adizero, Mizuno Wave Panthera, Mizuno Wave Leopardus and selected Osaka hockey shoes. These ranges are well suited to players who rely on quick feet and explosive movement.
Which hockey shoes are best for support and stability?
If you want more support, cushioning and stability, choose hockey shoes with a secure upper, strong heel hold and a stable outsole. These features are useful for defenders, midfielders and players who make powerful movements, tackles and repeated changes of direction.
Support-focused options include Adidas Adipower, Adidas Fabela, Grays hockey shoes and Kookaburra hockey shoes. These are strong choices if you want a more secure feel during regular training and match play.
Which hockey shoes are best for juniors?
Junior players should choose hockey shoes that are comfortable, supportive and easy to move in. The right junior hockey shoe should give young players enough grip for artificial pitches while still feeling light and manageable during school or club hockey.
Browse our junior hockey shoes collection for younger players, including suitable options from Adidas, Kookaburra, Grays, Osaka and other hockey brands. Junior players should prioritise comfort, fit and grip rather than choosing the most expensive or technical model.
Which hockey shoes are best for men and women?
Many hockey shoes are suitable for a wide range of players, but fit can vary by brand and model. If you know you prefer a specific fit, it can help to start with a more focused collection.
- Men’s hockey shoes: best for players looking for senior sizing, performance footwear and adult hockey shoes across leading brands.
- Women’s hockey shoes: best for players looking for women’s-fit and suitable senior hockey shoes, including models such as Adidas Fabela.
- Adult hockey shoes: best for senior players who want to compare all adult hockey footwear in one place.
Do hockey shoes fit true to size?
Most hockey shoes fit close to standard trainer sizing, but the best size can depend on the brand, model and shape of your foot. Some players prefer a snug fit for quick movement, while others prefer a little extra room for thicker hockey socks.
Your hockey shoes should feel secure through the heel and midfoot, with enough room at the toes to stay comfortable during longer sessions. If your shoes are too loose, your foot may move inside the shoe when changing direction. If they are too tight, they may become uncomfortable during matches and training.
Are hockey shoes waterproof?
Most hockey shoes are designed to cope with wet artificial pitches, but they should not be treated as fully waterproof boots. Many models use water-resistant materials, synthetic overlays or durable uppers to help keep your feet more comfortable in wet conditions.
After playing, allow your shoes to dry naturally and avoid leaving them in a closed kit bag for long periods. You can also browse our hockey shoe care collection to help clean, dry and maintain your footwear through the season.
Can I wear hockey shoes for running or gym training?
Hockey shoes are designed for artificial turf and hockey-specific movement, not road running or general gym training. Their grip pattern and structure are built for pitch use, lateral movement and fast changes of direction.
Using hockey shoes on roads, concrete or indoor gym floors may wear the outsole faster and may not give you the right cushioning or support for those activities. For best performance and durability, keep your hockey shoes for suitable hockey surfaces.
Complete your hockey footwear setup
Once you have chosen your hockey shoes, make sure your lower-body setup is comfortable and protected. Pair your shoes with cushioned hockey socks to help reduce rubbing and improve comfort, and wear reliable hockey shin pads for protection during training and matches.
You can also browse our hockey shoes sale for discounted footwear, or shop by brand through Adidas, Mizuno, Osaka, Grays, Kookaburra and Nike.
