The right pair of hockey shoes can make a real difference on the pitch. Whether you're playing on water-based astroturf at club level, a sand-based school field, or an indoor surface, the shoe you wear affects your grip, agility, and injury risk. This guide breaks down what to look for so you can make a confident choice.

Why Hockey Shoes Are Different

Field hockey is played almost exclusively on artificial turf surfaces, and that's the starting point for choosing the right footwear. A dedicated hockey shoe is engineered specifically for this environment - it offers a sole pattern designed for turf traction, a low-profile build for lateral stability, and reinforced areas to handle the quick direction changes and low body positions the game demands.

Wearing a running shoe or a general training shoe on turf might seem like a cost-saving shortcut, but it can compromise your grip, overload your ankle, and wear out faster than a shoe designed for the surface. If you're playing regularly, a proper hockey shoe is worth the investment.

Outdoor vs Indoor: Getting the Surface Right

The most important question to answer before buying hockey shoes is what surface you'll be playing on.

Outdoor / Astroturf
Most field hockey is played on water-based or sand-based artificial turf. Shoes for these surfaces have a multistud or pimpled rubber outsole that grips the turf fibres without digging in. They're built for explosive lateral movement, quick pivots, and sustained sprinting. The majority of hockey shoes on the market - including the Adidas Adipower Hockey, Flexcloud, Zone Dox, and Hockey Lux ranges - fall into this category.

Indoor 
Indoor hockey (played on a hard gymnasium floor) requires a completely different sole - a flat, non-marking gum rubber outsole that grips smooth surfaces without scuffing. These are far less common at retail level since fewer players compete indoors, but they're worth considering if you train or play in an indoor facility. If you're unsure, most clubs will specify which surface applies.

What to Look for in a Hockey Shoe

Lateral stability
Hockey involves constant sideways movement - cutting across the D, tracking attackers, and repositioning quickly. A good hockey shoe has a reinforced upper and a wider, more stable last than a running shoe. Avoid anything with high stack heights or excessive cushioning, which can create instability underfoot.

Traction pattern
The sole should grip turf firmly enough to push off cleanly, but not so aggressively that it catches and twists your ankle. Most hockey-specific outsoles use small, closely spaced rubber studs or a waffle pattern that distributes grip evenly.

Cushioning and forefoot responsiveness
Hockey involves a lot of bent-knee, low-body-position play - especially for defenders and midfielders. Cushioning matters, but it needs to be low to the ground. Too much heel cushioning can interfere with your ability to feel and react quickly.

Fit and heel lock
Your heel should feel secure without any slippage. Hockey requires abrupt stops and changes of direction, and heel movement inside the shoe increases your risk of blisters and ankle strain. Try hockey shoes with the socks you'd wear on the pitch.

Upper durability
The upper takes a beating - from stick contact, ball strikes, and turf abrasion. Synthetic leather and reinforced mesh uppers tend to hold up well in this environment.

Hockey Shoe Brands at Poobie Naidoo's

We stock hockey shoes from five brands, covering a range of budgets and playing levels.

Adidas is the most comprehensive range we carry. The Adidas Adipower Hockey 2.1 is a high-performance option for serious club players, with a supportive fit and responsive outsole. The Flexcloud 2.1 offers good cushioning with a slightly lighter feel, making it popular with midfielders and strikers. The Zone Dox 2.2S suits players wanting a balance of grip and comfort. For ladies, the Fabela X Empower and Fabela Zone 2.1 are built specifically for the female foot, with a fit and shape tailored to fit correctly. Juniors are covered by the Adidas Hockey Youngstar.

Asics offers the Field Ultimate FF 2 in both men's and ladies' versions — a well-cushioned, supportive shoe that draws on Asics' running technology and adapts it for turf performance.

Grays brings dedicated hockey brand credibility to their Flash 3.0, available in adult and junior sizes. Grays is one of the most recognised names in field hockey, and their footwear reflects the same turf-specific focus as their sticks and equipment.

Gryphon stocks the Aero Flyte and Aero Flyte 2 in a unisex fit — lightweight options that suit players who prioritise speed and agility over maximum cushioning.

Olympic offers the Match Hockey at an accessible entry-level price point, making it a practical choice for school players or those just getting started in the sport.

Ready to Find Your Pair?

Browse our full range of hockey shoes online and filter by gender, size, and brand. We offer nationwide courier delivery across South Africa, and if you can't find what you're looking for, get in touch - we're always happy to help.

Shop Hockey Shoes at Poobie Naidoo's.