Hockey Shoes: Sports Shoe Giants vs. Hockey Specialists – Which Should You Lace Up?
, by HFS Team , 7 min reading time
When you think of Adidas or Asics, hockey shoes might not be the first thing that comes to mind. And when you think of Grays or Osaka, it’s probably sticks and kit bags, right? Yet both worlds collide on the turf: the global sports powerhouses bring their cutting-edge tech into hockey footwear, while the hockey-first brands craft shoes that feel like they were born for the pitch.
So, which way do you go? The high-tech innovation from global giants, or the hockey soul of specialist brands? Let’s dive in.
The Sports Giants: Borrowing Tech from the World Stage
These brands are household names—ones you’ll see across running tracks, football fields, and Olympic podiums. When they make hockey shoes, they don’t start from scratch; they borrow tried-and-tested technology from other sports and tweak it for the turf. Back in the early 1990’s when Synthetic pitches were merely a glint in the eye of hockey clubs, playing on grass meant mostly playing in football boots or trainers/running shoes depending largely on the weather.
The change to synthetic surfaces – which at the time were laid on very hard bases without much compression. Over the mid to late 1990’s the need for compression midsoles became clear. At the time, the most sophisticated test I heard about was for an insole company. An adult male running fast then stopping fast would create 5G of force at the heel strike. By the time that energy had reached the chin it would be 0.5G. The body (mostly knee, pelvis and upwards) would absorb the missing 4.5G.
It became clear that the better midsole technology had the advantage.
Most hockey shoes at the time (Puma, Dita etc. sold for between £20 - £30 a pair. But the Adidas SRS (which was supplied with holes in the heel part of the midsole into which support rods (soft/medium and hard) were inserted so that players could choose their personal level of support and absorption. They sold for approx. £65.
Adidas is the king of crossovers. Their hockey shoes often feature Boost™ cushioning (yep, the same stuff runners love) and clever sole patterns borrowed from football boots. Result? Lightweight shoes with explosive energy return, perfect for fast, attacking hockey.
Fun fact: Adidas was one of the first global brands to put serious R&D into field hockey footwear, cementing its reputation at elite tournaments.
If comfort is your top priority, Asics has you covered. With roots deep in running technology, Asics hockey shoes are known for GEL™ cushioning and excellent stability. It’s the kind of shoe that’ll keep your feet happy through long training sessions and double headers.
Fun fact: Asics started as “Onitsuka Co.” in post-war Japan, making basketball shoes before becoming the running powerhouse we know today.
Precision and performance are Mizuno’s trademarks. Known for their meticulous Japanese craftsmanship, Mizuno’s hockey shoes often take inspiration from their world-class running spikes and multi-sport footwear. Expect superb grip and stability, perfect for quick turns and powerful tackles.
Fun fact: Mizuno made its first baseball products over a century ago—and their dedication to detail hasn’t slowed down since.
Why choose the giants?
- Borrow world-class sports science from multiple disciplines
- Stylish, globally recognized, and easy to find
- High-end cushioning and sole technologies
The Hockey Specialists: Shoes Made For Hockey, By Hockey Now let’s talk passion. These brands live and breathe hockey. While they may be smaller on the global stage, their focus is razor sharp: every lace, sole, and stitch is designed specifically for hockey players.
Dutch brand Brabo is famous for its bold, colourful sticks—and now quality hockey shoes. They’ve expanded their range recently, offering sizes up to UK 9, making them more accessible for younger and smaller-footed players.
A true shoe pioneer in hockey, Grays has been around since the 19th century. Their shoe range is broad, with models for beginners, casual players, and pros alike. If you’re after variety and trusted heritage, Grays has it.
Indian Maharadja
This stylish Dutch-Indian brand is relatively new on the hockey scene but growing fast. Their hockey shoes combine sleek designs with practical performance, perfect for players who want to stand out on and off the pitch.
An Aussie icon! Kookaburra’s hockey shoes are known for being slightly wider fitting than most—great for comfort seekers. They also offer plenty of budget-friendly options without skimping on quality.
The fashion-forward disruptor. Osaka brings urban style into hockey, with shoes that look just as good in the city as on the turf. Their Furo is a more budget-friendly option, while their premium shoe was developed by ex-employees of top sports footwear companies, making it a perfect blend of hockey know-how and world-class design.
Why choose the specialists?
- Designed with hockey-specific movements in mind
- Deep understanding of hockey culture and player needs
- Often more budget-friendly options alongside elite models
The Showdown: Tech vs. Tradition
- Sports Giants = Innovation borrowed from other sports, proven shoe science, and global style appeal.
- Hockey Specialists = Hockey-first thinking, tailored fit for the game, and a closer connection to hockey culture.
At the end of the day, the best hockey shoe depends on what matters most to you. Do you want to feel like you’re wearing Formula 1 technology on your feet? Or do you want a shoe born and bred from the hockey pitch itself?
Either way, today’s hockey shoe choice has never been more exciting—or more competitive.
Foot Protection
During the last 12 months, a new product has been made available to protect the upper metatarsal bones. The metatarsal bones are five long bones in the midfoot, located between the tarsal bones (heel and ankle) and the phalanges (toes). They are numbered from one to five, starting with the first metatarsal beneath the big toe.
Originally, the protectors were designed for short corners, but can be worn for all training, and I expect it will, in future, be able to be used in games too.
There is the ClubColors (£99.95) version and by October a new Blokka (£25) version will be available.
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