Quick answer: Astro trainers with small rubber pimples are fine for beginners and occasional players on sand-based pitches. Regular players, and anyone playing on water-based pitches, are better off in dedicated hockey shoes, which have a turf outsole built for hockey, stronger toe protection and better lateral support. Avoid studded or bladed football boots: most hockey pitches do not allow them.
Turn up to any junior hockey session and you will see a mix of hockey shoes, astro trainers and the odd pair of running shoes. All of them can work at the start, but the pitch you play on and how often you play make a real difference to what you should wear.
What is the difference between hockey shoes and astro trainers?
Astro trainers (also called turf shoes or "TF" boots) are mostly designed for football on artificial grass. They have a flat sole covered in small rubber pimples that grip on short synthetic surfaces.
Hockey shoes are designed for the movements in hockey: low, crouched running, sharp sideways changes of direction and a lot of time on the balls of your feet. Compared with astro trainers, they typically offer:
- A turf outsole with a grip pattern designed for hockey surfaces.
- Reinforced toe areas to protect against stick and ball impacts.
- Stronger side support for lunging and turning.
- Cushioning designed for the crouched hockey stance.
Sand-based and sand-dressed pitches
These are the most common pitches at schools and many clubs. They have a short pile filled or dressed with sand, and they are abrasive. Astro trainers and hockey shoes both work well here. The sand wears outsoles and uppers quickly, so durable rubber and a tough upper are worth having.
Water-based pitches
Water-based pitches are watered before play so the ball runs fast and true. They are the standard for higher-level club and international hockey. The wet surface is slippery, so outsole grip really matters, and your feet will get wet. Dedicated hockey shoes with a hockey-specific outsole grip better here than most astro trainers. Some players like a water-resistant upper, such as the one on the Grays Raid, to keep feet drier.
3G pitches
3G pitches have long synthetic grass with rubber crumb infill and are built for football and rugby. They are not suitable for competitive hockey because the ball does not roll properly, but some schools and junior sessions use them. On 3G, astro trainers or hockey shoes are still the safest choice. Studded football boots may be allowed on 3G for football, but should not be worn onto a hockey pitch.
| Pitch type | Astro trainers | Hockey shoes | Studded boots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand-based / sand-dressed | Good | Best | Not allowed at most venues |
| Water-based | Usable, less grip | Best | Not allowed at most venues |
| 3G (long pile) | Good | Good | Fine for football; not for hockey sessions |
Always check with your club, as many have their own footwear rules.
Do beginners need hockey shoes?
Not straight away. If your child is trying hockey for the first time, a pair of astro trainers or flat turf shoes is fine. Once they are playing every week, or moving onto water-based pitches, hockey shoes offer better grip, more support and more protection. For adults returning to the game, hockey shoes are a worthwhile investment from the start.
How should hockey shoes fit?
Hockey shoes should fit snugly with your playing socks on, with a little room at the toe and no heel slip. Remember you will be crouching and pushing off the front of your foot. If you wear thick hockey socks over shin pads, try shoes on with them.
Top picks from Central Sports
- Kookaburra Vex Hockey Shoes - Grey, £49.99 at time of writing. Traction and support for regular club players.
- Kookaburra Stinger Hockey Shoes - Grey/Yellow, £60.00 at time of writing. Lightweight and agile on synthetic turf.
- Grays Raid Hockey Shoes Adult, £50.04 at time of writing. Waterproof upper and an aggressive grip outsole, well suited to wet pitches.
- Kookaburra Orbit Hockey Shoes, £37.50 at time of writing. A good-value first pair of proper hockey shoes.
- Adidas Hockey Youngstar Junior Shoe, £47.00 at time of writing. Junior hockey shoe with a supportive fit and lightweight EVA midsole.
- Puma Ultra 6 Play TT Turf Shoes Men, £25.62 at time of writing. A low-cost astro trainer for beginners on sand-based pitches.
FAQs
Can I wear astro trainers for hockey?
Yes, especially as a beginner on sand-based pitches. Regular players benefit from hockey shoes, particularly on water-based pitches.
Can you wear football boots on a hockey pitch?
Studded and bladed football boots are not allowed on most hockey pitches because they damage the surface. Flat turf shoes are fine.
What shoes are best for a water-based hockey pitch?
Dedicated hockey shoes with a hockey-specific outsole. A water-resistant upper helps keep feet drier.
Can I wear running shoes for hockey?
For a taster session, yes, but they are not built for sideways movement or for grip on turf. Switch to astro trainers or hockey shoes once you play regularly.
Find the right pair in our hockey shoes collection, or browse everything in our hockey range.
