Indoor Football Equipment – Speed, Grip & Protection Indoors
Indoor football, also known as arena football, is a fast and intense variant of American football played in a smaller space and with fewer players. These conditions place special demands on your gear. Whether it’s shoes, helmets, or gloves—indoor football is all about speed, agility, and the right protection. Discover equipment designed specifically for indoor football to help you perform at your best in the arena.
Indoor football (arena football) doesn’t forgive mistakes: less space, higher tempo, and harder hits in tight quarters. Specialized equipment provides grip, agility, and safety. On this page you’ll find everything you need—plus links to our categories and additional equipment guides.
1. Shoes: maximum grip on hardwood & turf
Indoor shoes are the foundation. Lack of traction costs yards—or leads to injuries.
- Flat rubber outsole & microsipes: Provides basketball-shoe-like traction without leaving marks.
- Lightweight: Under 300 g per shoe for quick cuts.
- For a gym with hardwood flooring, any sports shoes with a light-colored outsole are suitable.
- If you’re slipping in your shoes, you should use grip spray for the outsole.
Here you’ll find a selection of suitable turf shoes
2. Helmets: lighter protection, full field of view
Collisions happen faster in tight spaces. Lighter helmets reduce strain on your neck and improve your field of view:
- Minimal weight: Modern carbon or polycarbonate shells from 1.25 kg.
- Flex system & visor options: Distribute impact forces and protect your eyes.
3. Gloves for maximum grip
Indoors—where the pace of the game is faster and the ball gets to you quicker—football gloves with extra grip are a must. They help you secure catches and provide protection at the same time.
- Special grip technology: Indoor football gloves feature a particularly tacky coating, giving you maximum hold even on fast passes.
- Flexible and breathable: The gloves are designed to fit your hand perfectly while staying breathable.
4. Shoulder pads & protective shirts: compact & flexible
Lightweight pads enable quick rotation and a full arm swing.
- Compact fit: Snug and close to the body, protects shoulders & chest.
- Ventilated 3D foams: Stay cool, even when the gym heats up.
5. Extras & accessories
- Neck roll: Helps reduce whiplash risk.
- Mouthguard: A must—best if moldable & ventilated (mouthguard guide).
- Taped fingers / turf tape: For extra grip & protection.
Size chart for indoor cleats
| Foot length (cm) | EU | US Men |
|---|---|---|
| 25.3 – 25.7 | 40 | 7.5 |
| 26.0 – 26.4 | 41 | 8 |
| 26.7 – 27.1 | 42 | 8.5 |
| 27.3 – 27.8 | 43 | 9.5 |
| 28.0 – 28.4 | 44 | 10 |
6. Care tips for indoor equipment
- Shoes: Remove dirt shortly after practice, take out the insole to dry.
- Helmet pads: Remove & clean with lukewarm water + soap, air-dry.
- Gloves: Hand wash, don’t tumble dry—grip lasts longer.
Indoor Football FAQ
Do I need special shoes?
Absolutely. They provide grip without studs—ideal for hardwood or turf.
How much lighter are indoor helmets?
Depending on the model, up to 200 g lighter than outdoor versions.
Can I use outdoor pads indoors?
In theory, yes—but compact pads improve mobility and impact absorption for indoor games.
