Whether you play field hockey for recreation or as a competitive sport, knowing what cleats to wear can certainly be tricky. The wrong shoe choice can result in an off-game or even an injury. That is why it is important to know what types of footwear are suitable for the sport you play. There is no typical โfield hockey shoe’, since the rules and guidelines of the game vary from country to country and from league to league. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on this subject by presenting you with the types of cleats that you should avoid and the ones that you should look out for. Below, you will discover information on what are the latest developments in hockey technology, as well as on the most popular styles and brands.
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Types Of Footwear For Field Hockey
There are four main types of shoes that you will encounter when playing field hockey:
- Non-metallic shoes
- Hard-shell Cleats
- Metallic shoes
- In-Mould Cleats
Each type of shoe presented below will be discussed along with its advantages and disadvantages.
Non-metallic Shoes
With Non-metallic shoes, the main emphasis is on the upper part of the shoe, which is largely made of synthetic materials. These materials are durable, light, and flexible, which makes them ideal for any type of sport where you need to perform on the move. Some of the most popular brands manufacturing Non-metallic shoes include New Balance and Reebok. These brands offer a variety of styles suitable for both men and women. Some of their popular product lines include the Minimus 21, which is light and comfortable for running and the Freeze Frame 16, which is ideal for hockey due to its unique metal toe cap and metal heel counter. Below, you can find examples of these styles.
The major downsides of Non-metallic shoes are associated with the sole, which is made of plastic and/or rubber. These types of materials are not as durable as metal for exteriors and tend to stretch, which can lead to discomfort for long periods of time. Additionally, the upper part of these shoes can deteriorate quickly, which makes the shoe useless once the plastic and/or rubber wearing parts are worn out. In terms of weight, these types of shoes vary from 2 to 4.6 ounces, making them almost as heavy as metallic shoes. If you are looking for lightweight alternative shoes, try out the Minimus 21 or New Balance 574.
Hard-Shell Cleats
Hard-Shell Cleats are a combination of plastic, metal, and rubber, which makes them much more durable than Non-metallic shoes; however, they are still less durable than metallic shoes. The shell of the shoe protects the foot from impact, abrasion, and shearing stress. These types of shoes are common in many parts of the world, especially Europe and Japan, where the sport is highly regarded. Some of the most popular manufacturers of Hard-Shell Cleats include Alpinestars and Icebreaker.
The key difference between Hard-Shell and Non-metallic shoes is that the upper part of the shoe is protected by a hard exterior shell. This exterior shell, consisting of plastic, metal, and rubber, provides protection from impact and abrasion. Because of this protection, Hard-Shell Cleats can withstand a lot of wear and tear, which makes them much more reliable than Non-metallic shoes. The one downside to Hard-Shell Cleats is that they are much less flexible than Non-metallic shoes, which can lead to discomfort during play. Another downside is that the plastic, metal, and rubber parts of the shoe can become highly saturated with water, which can lead to discomfort and even damage to the shoe and ultimately, to the player.
Metallic Shoes
As the name would suggest, Metallic Shoes are made of metal materials, most notably aluminum and steel. These types of materials are highly durable and have the ability to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The steel version of the shoe is much stronger than aluminum ones. In addition to being strong, the material is also lightweight, which makes it ideal for any type of sport where you are likely to experience a lot of movement. Some of the most popular manufacturers of metallic shoes include Nike and Adidas. Below, you can find examples of these styles.
The major advantages of Metallic Shoes are their excellent durability and high strength-to-weight ratio. These types of shoes can last for a long time and are highly resistant to damage and wear. The downside to Metallic Shoes is that they are quite heavy, which can lead to discomfort for long periods of time. Another downside is that the metal in the shoe can become very hot during exercise, which can cause discomfort and even injury to the player. Since these types of shoes are quite popular worldwide, finding a comfortable fit can be difficult. If you live in a country where it gets cold, you may also experience some discomfort due to the cold metal on your feet.
In-Mould Cleats
In-Mould Cleats are a combination of plastic, metal, and rubber, which makes them very durable and flexible compared to other types of shoe presented here. The material is injected directly into the upper midsole of the shoe, where it naturally sets and provides rigidity to the shoe. This type of shoe is highly regarded for its excellent shock absorption and durability, due to the injection molding process. In-Mould Cleats are most popular in Europe and Japan, where the sport is heavily played. Some of the most popular manufacturers of In-Mould shoes include Puma and Reebok. Below, you can find examples of these styles.
The major advantages of In-Mould Cleats are their excellent shock absorption and durability, along with their flexibility. The one downside to In-Mould shoes is that they are quite expensive to produce and require sophisticated technology, which limits their availability to certain countries and/or certain types of companies. If you are looking for a highly durable and flexible alternative to your standard Field Hockey shoe, try out the Beekman Yuletide or Puma Pure.
Which Shoes Are Suitable For Field Hockey?
To play field hockey, the first thing you need to consider is the type of equipment you will use. Below, you will discover information on the most suitable shoe for the different types of hockey sticks and equipment.
Larger Stick
For larger sticks (also known as โice hockey sticksโ), the primary considerations are durability and weight. If you are using a larger stick, you will need to go for one of the above-mentioned types of shoes, as they are heavier than typical field hockey shoes. Below, you can find information on the most suitable shoe for larger sticks.
Rocking The Snell Flap
If you are using a snell-flap-equipped hockey stick (also known as the โNash Flapโ), you need to look for a non-metallic shoe, as they are more suitable for this type of stick. The reason behind this is that the snell-flap makes the stick behave like a ballerina slipper, which is extremely flexible and light. Some of the most popular models of snell-flap-equipped hockey sticks include the Detroit Selectard, Dunlop Prism, and Easton Fastbreak. However, metallic and hard-shell types of shoes can work just as well, depending on your personal preferences. Below, you can find information on the most suitable shoe for the snell-flap-equipped hockey stick.
Smaller Stick
For smaller sticks (also known as โstreet hockey sticksโ), the primary considerations are weight, flexibility, and traction. As the name would suggest, smaller sticks are easier to maneuver, especially when moving around the rink. Additionally, they are more flexible, which makes them easier to control and use during gameplay. On the other hand, larger sticks are more durable and can handle heavier workloads. Below, you can find information on the most suitable shoe for smaller sticks.
To increase the durability of your smaller stick, go for a harder material, while keeping the weight as low as possible. Some of the most popular models of smaller sticks are made out of aluminum and have a black or blue exterior. If you are looking for a highly flexible alternative to your standard street hockey stick, try out the Easton Accolade or Salomon Satori.