Whether it's functional fitness, circuit training or indoor soccer - indoor training is booming. Especially in the cold season, many sports enthusiasts move their workout from the outdoor area to the hall. What is often overlooked: The flooring in halls places very specific demands on the equipment - especially the shoes.
Because if you want to train healthily, you should know this: The wrong footwear can have a negative impact on posture and movement sequences - and, in the worst case, lead to overloading or injury.
Indoor floors have special requirements
Sports halls generally have smooth, hard floors - usually made of parquet, PVC or PU. Although these surfaces offer good conditions for fast movements, they are not very flexible. When jumping, landing or stopping suddenly, high forces are exerted on joints, tendons and muscles.
Added to this are frequent changes of direction, short sprints and high loads on the ankles and knees - especially in sports such as indoor soccer, badminton or HIIT training.
This makes it all the more important to train with a shoe that supports the foot, cushions movements and offers sufficient grip at the same time.
Indoor soccer: dynamics meets precision
One of the most popular indoor sports is undoubtedly futsal or indoor soccer. Here, technique, reaction speed and coordination are key - and the shoe plays a central role.
Those who value agility and feel for the ball will often work with specially developed models that focus on grip, flexibility and proximity to the ground. Many players therefore fall back on tried and tested brand models - such as popular adidas indoor shoes, which are characterized by precise feedback and good traction on smooth surfaces.
What features does a good indoor shoe need?
Not every sneaker is automatically suitable for indoor sports. A good indoor shoe must meet specific requirements:
Non-slip sole: essential, especially on slippery floors - ensures safety during fast movements.
Low weight: Allows dynamic play and quick changes of direction.
Cushioning: Protects joints from shock loads - especially when jumping.
Breathability: Prevents excessive sweating and increases comfort.
Stability: Supports the foot during lateral movements and reduces the risk of twisting an ankle.
The following applies: The shoe must fit the type of sport and the individual foot profile - it is best to try it on with sportswear and test it directly in motion.
Health starts with the feet
Anyone who regularly trains in the gym knows that even minor incorrect loads can add up over time. A bent foot, insufficient support or a lack of cushioning can lead to long-term complaints - from heel spurs and shin splints to back pain.
Training shoes should therefore always be seen as a health factor - not just as a sporting accessory. Ambitious amateur athletes or trainers who spend many hours on the gym floor in particular will benefit from a high-quality model.
Sports scientists recommend changing indoor shoes regularly - ideally every 12-18 months, depending on the amount of use. A worn sole profile or decreasing cushioning are signs that the shoe is no longer fulfilling its full function.
Indoor training in the cold season - tips for safe indoor workouts
As temperatures drop, the number of athletes moving their sessions indoors increases. Here are a few tips to ensure that indoor training doesn't become a burden:
Don't forget to warm up: Joints and muscles need time to adapt to the room temperature and movement.
Choose your shoes carefully: Don't train in running shoes or street shoes - these are often too soft or don't offer enough support.
Socks with grip: Non-slip sports socks increase stability in the shoe.
Air shoes regularly: Even breathable materials need care - prevents odors from forming.
The right indoor shoe is more than just a detail
If you want to train healthily and efficiently, you can't do without good footwear. Especially in indoor sports, where the focus is on dynamics, changing direction and ground contact, the shoe is a decisive factor in training success - and in avoiding injuries.
Whether functional training, futsal or group courses - indoor shoes are part of the equipment and should be chosen just as carefully as dumbbells, clothing or mats. If you think long-term, you are not only investing in performance - but also in health.
Source: eleven teamsports GmbH
Image source: #352027098 Koonsiri / stock.adobe.com
Published on: 29 April 2025