Inddor football trainers
Back in this post I talked about the need for indoor football trainers that provided a decent level of cushioning from the hard impacts of indoor surfaces.
Since then I have tried a few different makes, more specifically Lotto, Uhlsport, Puma and Joma. The models I tried were all their indoor specific models. None of them enjoyed anything like the kind of shock absorption I have been used to in the Nike ‘Nine Zero Max’ (my two pairs of these now have split air cushions and they aren’t available any more).
Which lead me to Asics, a brand famous for running/shock absorption shoes. Sadly, they don’t yet produce a shoe for indoor football, a point I raised with them in an email. However, kudos to Asics UK as they replied within the day with the following information:

“Hi Ben

Thank you for your enquiry regarding Asics Footwear.

Unfortunately we do not stock an indoor football boot in the UK and as far
as I am aware there are no immediate plans to introduce a shoe of this
nature to the collection, however I have forwarded your enquiry to our
Product Manager for her information.

The Gel Sensei may prove suitable, these shoes are intended for use whilst
playing Squash/Badminton, however I cannot think of any reason why you
cannot use them for indoor football. The Sensei is designed for a multi
directional sport and therefore the support features should not cause a
problem, also the upper of this particular shoe is light weight and well
fitted, so it should not prove to bulky around the toe box, finally this
shoe should provide plenty of cushioning both in the heel and forefoot.

I hope this information proves helpful and if I can be of any further
assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards

Jamie Homer
Asics UK”

On their advice I tracked a pair down and I have to say they are superb. There are a few minor modifications that could be done to make them more suitable for football e.g. a fold over tongue to cover the laces or side mounted laces, lower grip at the inner toe box etc. but in terms of comfort and stability they are far better than any of the ‘indoor football’ specific models I tried from other manufacturers. Anyone looking for an indoor shoe that provides a little more comfort than the usual offerings might do well to consider a pair. They are bright blue though, so expect a ribbing when you first turn up in them…