🏑 Why Indoor and Outdoor Field Hockey Require Different Gear
Whether you’re making the seasonal switch or starting a new format, it’s essential to know how indoor and outdoor field hockey gear differs. Each version of the game demands specific equipment that enhances your performance and keeps you safe.
From the stick in your hand to the shoes on your feet, let’s explore how your gear should change depending on where you’re playing.
1. 🏑 Sticks: Lightweight vs Power-Driven
Indoor Sticks
- Thinner and lighter for faster handling
- Lower carbon content = more control, less hitting power
- Designed for quick passes and tight ball control
Outdoor Sticks
- Heavier with higher carbon content for power
- Built for hitting, sweeping, and long passes
- More durable to handle turf and rougher conditions
👉 Shop Indoor Sticks | Shop Outdoor Sticks
2. 👟 Shoes: Surface-Specific Grip
Indoor Shoes
- Flat, grippy gum soles for court surfaces
- Non-marking and lightweight for agility
- Low profile for quick direction changes
Outdoor Shoes
- Cleated or studded soles for traction on turf or grass
- More structured and water-resistant
- Designed for uneven terrain and outdoor elements
👉 Shop Indoor Shoes | Shop Outdoor Shoes
3. 🏐 Balls: Smooth vs Dimpled
Indoor Balls
- Lightweight and smooth
- Designed for fast play on hard surfaces
- Usually solid color and slightly smaller
Outdoor Balls
- Heavier with dimpled or smooth texture
- Dimple design helps maintain speed on turf
- Built to withstand rougher conditions
4. 🧤 Gloves: Precision vs Protection
Indoor Gloves
- Strong finger protection, especially for the left hand
- Reinforced yet flexible for tight stick handling
- Usually required in indoor play for safety
Outdoor Gloves
- Optional but useful in colder or wetter climates
- Not as bulky as outdoor gloves
- Open palm options give better grip on the stick.
- Focus more on warmth and grip than impact resistance
5. 🛡️ Protective Gear: Stay Safe, Play Hard
Indoor
- Lightweight shin guards
- Mandatory mouthguards
- Face masks often worn for penalty corners
Outdoor
- Heavier-duty shin guards for impact protection
- Mouthguards are always required
- Additional padding optional depending on position and conditions
🛒 Ready to Upgrade Your Kit?
We’ve made it easy for you to find the right equipment for every surface: