Equipment You Need for Indoor vs. Outdoor Soccer

Space, number of players and a few key rules — those are just a few of the differences between outdoor soccer and indoor soccer, or futsal. Whether playing on an indoor hard court or an outdoor grass field, the type of soccer equipment needed is mostly the same.

All soccer players require a good pair of indoor or outdoor soccer shoes, protective gear and a soccer ball. Oh, and a little motivation is good, too.

Key differences between indoor and outdoor soccer:

• Outdoor soccer allows three substitutions; there are unlimited substitutions in indoor matches.
• Indoor games last 60 minutes with four quarters and several breaks. Outdoor soccer games span 90 minutes with one half-time break.
• Indoor rules prohibit slide tackles.
• When comparing indoor vs. outdoor soccer cleats, you’ll notice outdoor cleats feature studs, while indoor shoes are flat.
• An outdoor game includes 11 players, and indoor pro teams consist of six.
• Indoor soccer is faster-paced, and players can’t keep a ball for more than five seconds.

As premium athletic equipment and apparel retailer, Hibbett | City Gear has put together a shoppable list of must-have soccer gear from Nike and adidas that will have you prepped for success no matter your preferred playing arena.

Indoor Soccer Equipment Needs

Cleats:

Whereas outdoor players require spikes or studs to grip the grass, indoor players need soccer shoes with flat outsoles. These Nike and adidas soccer shoe options feature synthetic or leather flexible uppers that hug the foot for fast-paced indoor action.

• adidas Samba Classic "Core Black/Cloud White/Gum" Men's Indoor Soccer Shoe
• Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 Club Indoor "Black/Dark Smoke Grey/Summit White/Volt" Men's Soccer Shoe
• adidas Predator Edge.3 Indoor "Core Black/Ftwr White" Preschool Kids' Soccer Cleat

Indoor Soccer Balls:

Whether playing on a hard court or on indoor turf, soccer ball options from adidas and Nike offer textured support, official futsal size and weight, and durable, abrasion-resistant construction.

Shin Guards:

Youth and adult players both need protective gear for safe indoor play. Foam- or EVA-backed shin guards absorb impact and contour to the shins while keeping legs protected.

• adidas Tiro League Shin Guards
• adidas Adult Predator Competition Shin Guard-Hi-Res Blue S18/White

Outdoor Soccer Equipment Needs

Outdoor Soccer Cleats:

Cleats that provide the right amount of traction and grip remain crucial for outdoor soccer games. Made for both short-grass fields and artificial turf, outdoor soccer cleats feature studded outsoles that help both youth and adult players achieve unrelenting in-match action.

• Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Academy MG "White/Baltic Blue/Pink Blast" Men's Soccer Cleat
• adidas Predator Edge.3 Laceless FG "Ftwr White/Multi" Men's Soccer Cleat

Outdoor Soccer Ball:

Running drills or dribbling in a game both require outdoor soccer balls tough enough for the pitch. Find training balls and game balls backed by the quality of Nike and adidas.

• adidas FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Al Rihla League Soccer Ball - Size 5
• Nike Strike CR7 Soccer Ball - Size 5

Shin Guards:

Lightweight shin-conforming shells backed with comfortable cushioning keep legs protected from impact in the heat of a game.

• Nike Youth Charge Black/White Soccer Shin Guards
• RIP-IT Women's Cut Soccer Shin Guards

Gloves:

Take the sting out of drives while blocking kicks with the superior impact protection of soccer goalkeeper gloves.

• Nike Jr. Goalkeeper Match Soccer Gloves - Black/White
• Nike Youth Goalkeeper Match Soccer Gloves - Black/Metallic Copper/White

At Hibbett | City Gear, we understand that soccer is more than just a game; it’s a passion. Let us help equip you for the pitch with a range of soccer gear and apparel. Visit your nearest Hibbett location, or browse our online inventory at Hibbett.com.