Millions of people play indoor soccer in the United States, 4.81 million in 2015, in fact, according to the latest data. That means someone is selling a lot of indoor shoes. The Turf and Boards takes a look at what some players are wearing and who is making them.
Of the players we surveyed Nike Tiempo and adidas X 15.3 were popular styles. Jonathan Greenfield of the Cedar Rapids Rampage and Marcio Leite of the Milwaukee Wave cited the latter as a good shoe for wide feet. “I have very wide feet and adidas indoor shoes are very comfortable for me,” said Leite.
Some players were enthusiastic about their foot apparel. “I only use Nike indoors” said the Wave’s Ian Bennett, who wears Nike Mercurial X Proximo high tops. “I’m a sneaker head, I love shoes!”
Some players were ambivalent to the point they knew what brand they wore, but not the specific model. The Baltimore Blast’s Andrew Hoxie said he usually wears Nike, but when asked if shoes aren’t a factor in how he plays he agreed, “I would say that.” Sam Guernsey of the Rampage had a similar outlook. “I’m not picky,” Guernsey said. “I wear what feels right.”
“I like Joma,” said Franck Tayou of Soles de Sonora. “They are probably the most comfortable shoes ever. I’m not too sure about the model I just like the way they fit.”
Some players switched up depending on their mood or where they were playing. “I alternate basically, but most of the time the one that I’m feeling better to play with,” said the Wave’s Andre Hayne. Baltimore’s William Vanzela and Joey Tavernese of the Syracuse Silver Knights, for example, both cited making special adjustments when they play on the slick turf in Harrisburg. “I wear turfs at Harrisburg for sure man,” said Tavernese.
While there is surely some big money in the indoor soccer shoe market, Nike refused to discuss specifics or even generalities. “Nike doesn’t disclose sales figures and marketing strategies,” said Lauren Steinberg, Nike Communications Product Specialist.
Some MASL players have shoe deals that usually involve free product, but not cash, for wearing their brand exclusively. The Rampage’s Hewerton Moreira and Kraig Chiles of the San Diego Sockers, both had deals with Kelme that were up for renewal this offseason. The Wave’s Robert Renaud has a deal with Joma Canada, from playing for the Canadian national futsal team.
Some other players had various recommendations for Nike. “I wear Nike MercurialX Finale II,” said the Ontario Fury’s Jayme Kapinos. “I like these because they are lightweight and the actual shoe isn’t thick so I get better touches on the ball in my opinion.”
“I wear and love to play in Nike Magista,” said the Rampage’s Joshio Sandoval. “I like the fact that the shoes are light but also grip your foot all around, helping to control the ball in a fast environment like the indoor game.”
The Turf and Boards 