Field hockey is played on a variety of terrains. In the United States it’s common for athletes to play on grass or multi-purpose turf fields during the outdoor season, while indoor field hockey uses turf that tends to be shorter and denser. Elite field hockey, such as the Olympic games, may even be played on water-based turf, adding an extra layer for terrain-specific footwear.

Your footwear and the terrain interact to affect your movement, so your shoes need to work with your playing surface. For example, the studs on a turf shoe will be shorter to reduce friction and reduce impact on the harder surface. Meanwhile, longer studs increase grip on softer, grass fields, especially in poor weather conditions. For turf, the game moves faster across the even surfaces, so you may opt for lighter weight shoes to keep up with the quicker pace.

It hurts to get whacked with a stick or struck by a wayward ball! While other footwear like soccer cleats may provide traction, field hockey shoes are specifically designed to reduce injuries by providing an extra layer of protection for your feet. Harder reinforcements are added along the heel and toe areas, and higher tops provide more coverage around the ankles where your shin guards end. Field hockey shoes also tend to have thicker midsoles to lift your feet higher from the ground, farther away from the ball.

Your center of gravity is different in field hockey because the playing stance brings you closer to the ground. Coupled with the quick lateral movements, staying on your feet can be a challenge. Field hockey cleats are designed to improve your stability through treads sporting an all over cleat pattern, with wider cleats at the heels and sides for stopping and changing directions. You may also notice that the midsole is structured to allow for more side-to-side movement and the extra sturdiness around the heel adds support.

The balance of stability and weight that works best for you depends on your playing style, position, and personal preference. Defenders may prioritize stability more to make strong tackles, while offensive players may require lighter weight shoes for agility and reduced fatigue.

Comfort should not be overlooked. If your shoe is causing you pain, or highly impacting your mobility, it can affect your play. Here are some ways that brands are building comfort into their field hockey shoes:

● Mesh in the uppers is designed to increase breathability

● Water resistant textures or materials in the uppers keep your feet from getting water-logged on water-based surfaces or in poor weather conditions

● Foam cushioning on the inside can add softness to counteract the hard protection in the uppers

● The outsoles may include design features to improve flexibility

If you’re trying out a new shoe and you’re getting blisters, slipping within the shoe during a game, or experiencing other discomfort, other shoes may be a better fit.

In the past field hockey players were mostly limited to soccer cleats. Now there are more footwear options than ever before, and brands like Mizona, Osaka, Adidas, and Asics continue to revolutionize their products as participation in the sport grows. It’s a good time to try out the sport - you may just stick with it!