Share the post "Best Indoor Soccer Balls (Great Options)"
Finding the best indoor soccer balls makes a world of difference when you take the most popular outdoor sport in the world inside.
At the same time, tracking down quality indoor soccer balls is nowhere near as simple or straightforward as it might seem on the surface.
Believe it or not, a lot more goes into buying the best indoor soccer balls on the market today. It isn’t just a matter of grabbing a smaller soccer ball and hoping for the best.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn so much more than just what the best indoor soccer balls are. You’ll discover things like:
- Whether or not an indoor soccer ball is really necessary when playing inside
- Whether or not the material of an indoor soccer ball makes a difference
- Why it’s important to get a soccer ball with the right bladder system
- The impact that the number of panels has on indoor soccer balls
… And more!
So if you want to shortcut the process of tracking down indoor soccer balls worth owning significantly, check out the rest of this detailed breakdown.
Important Factors For Indoor Soccer Balls
At first glance, every soccer ball sort of looks like every other soccer ball.
As soon as you look a little closer, though – especially when you start the hunt for the best indoor soccer balls money can buy – you start to realize that even the smallest of differences have a huge impact on the way that ball plays.
Here are a couple of things to remember when you get ready to hunt down your next indoor soccer ball.
Do I really need an indoor soccer ball?
While you could certainly play a few dozen games of soccer inside with an outside soccer ball, those balls are going to get beat up and destroyed a whole lot faster than they would have outdoors – and you’re going to burn right through them.
Indoor balls are made for indoor conditions. They are durable, resilient, and respond well to the always rock-hard indoor surfaces they are played with on.
Yes, if you’re going to be playing a lot of indoor soccer you’ll want to get your hands on a ball designed for that environment.
Does ball material really matter?
The material that the soccer ball you’ve picked out will have a huge impact on the experience.
Rubber balls are going to feel sort of dead, with a different texture and movement qualities than soccer balls made from leather or synthetics.
Definitely invest in the highest quality soccer ball you can afford and you won’t have to worry about material issues hindering your play (whether you are practicing or actually competing).
Is there a difference between bladder types in indoor soccer balls?
Nobody thinks about the bladder in their soccer ball, and it’s not hard to imagine why. Nobody really comes across the letter system all that often.
That’s a huge mistake.
The bladder in your soccer ball is what gives it its shape, its the consistency of movement, and its ability to be kicked over and over (and over) again without deforming or performing erratically.
Invest in the best indoor soccer balls that have only the highest quality bladder systems (latex bladders) and you won’t ever be disappointed.
How many panels should an indoor soccer ball have?
The biggest difference between outdoor soccer balls and indoor soccer balls is the number of panels that these balls have compared to one another.
Some outdoor soccer balls have up to 32 individual panels (sometimes even more than that). Indoor soccer balls, though, have fewer panels to maintain better aerodynamic properties and to boost their speed indoors as well.
The best indoor soccer balls are always going to have fewer panels than outdoor balls. Shoot for six panels and you’ll be good to go!
Our Picks for the Best Indoor Soccer Balls
Mikasa SX50 Indoor Soccer Ball
The Brand
Everything about this brand revolves around speed and performance, especially in the indoor soccer balls that they make.
Highly responsive, always durable, and made from quality construction materials across the board, you won’t ever have to worry about a Mikasa soccer ball disappointing you.
What is the Mikasa SX50 Indoor Soccer Ball For?
This is very much an indoor soccer ball, a handstitched soccer ball with very few panels, fantastic aerodynamics, and a felt covering that significantly improves control as well as durability.
The synthetic materials on this soccer ball are built to last. Each individual panel is hand-stitched as well, giving it a higher level of quality than any of the machine-made indoor soccer balls out there right now.
The Size 5 soccer ball is perfect for youth soccer players, teen soccer players, and adult soccer players that are looking to improve their game as well.
What’s unique about the Mikasa SX50 Indoor Soccer Ball?
The most unique thing about this soccer ball has to be the felt covering.
This little addition dramatically improves overall controllability, especially on slick floor surfaces that a lot of indoor soccer games are played on. It adds just a little bit of extra friction with the floor surface to eliminate the potential for this soccer ball to become a hockey puck and just skate around the pitch.
On top of that, the felt covering offers players more control of this ball as well. If players have boots designed for improved control capabilities (like the Demon Scan from Adidas, for example) all the better!
Mikasa SX50 Indoor Soccer Ball Performance
The performance of this indoor soccer ball is maybe the best in the business.
This is a brand that absolutely knows how to make indoor soccer balls better than (almost) anyone else, and this is their flagship option.
Pros and Cons
- Unisex sizing, perfect for younger athletes playing indoors
- Long-lasting durability that is almost unmatched in the indoor soccer ball space
- Highly controllable and predictable ball striking and ball flight patterns
- Can be a little bouncy before it gets broken in
- Some irregularity issues from the hand stitching
- Hand-stitched Soccer Ball
- Felt cover Soccer Ball
- Size 5 Soccer Ball
- Ball ships deflated. Inflation is required. Pump not...
Product: Updated 2024-04-16 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
Mikasa FT5 Goal Master Soccer Ball
The Brand
Again, Mikasa is one of the most trusted names in the indoor soccer ball manufacturing world today.
This ball is rock solid, safe use indoors for extended amounts of time, and certainly one of the more resilient options available as well.
You know you are getting your hands on something of quality when it is the official ball of a sport. In this case, this specific ball is the official ball for the Foot Volley League.
What is the Mikasa FT5 Goal Master Indoor Soccer Ball For?
This is a purpose-built indoor soccer ball, there’s no question about that.
This ball has a durable hide cover that protects it from the friction inevitably produced by kicking a ball around indoors. The interior is nylon wound, producing an improved rebound experience as well.
The way that this ball holds its shape is second to none, too. It’s nice to know that it isn’t going to become lumpy or bumpy after you kick it all over the place indoors.
It definitely has earned its FIFA Quality stamp, that’s for sure.
What’s unique about the Mikasa FT5 Goal Master Indoor Soccer Ball?
The ability to use this soccer ball indoors as well as outdoors really helps it stand apart from other options, including some of the other best indoor soccer balls money can buy right now.
A lot of other balls are designed exclusively for indoor use alone. This ball really excels in those conditions (and is purpose-built for them), but you’re never going to feel handicapped using this soccer ball outdoors, either.
The aerodynamics are dialed in and the overall performance on slower surfaces is exceptional.
Mikasa FT5 Goal Master Indoor Soccer Ball Performance
Speaking of overall aerodynamics and performance capabilities, this indoor soccer ball is a little bit faster inside than the Mikasa we just mentioned a moment ago – but that’s because it has a smooth, hidden cover surface as opposed to the felt surface of the above option.
This means that this ball is going to play a little faster, but it’s also going to kick a little more true, too.
You’ll have great controllability, should be able to generate a lot of power, and can still have the delicate touch when you need to because of the way this ball has been designed.
Pros and Cons
- True indoor/outdoor soccer ball from top to bottom
- Has incredible durability for hard, slick indoor surfaces
- The official Foot Volley game ball
- Stamped with the FIFA Quality stamp of approval
- So popular there are a lot of counterfeit options out there
- Because it is an indoor/outdoor ball it’s not quite as high performance as other options
ASIN – B08LN9Q62D
Product: Updated 2024-04-16 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
Select Numero 10
The Brand
If you want to play – to train or compete – with an indoor soccer ball that has a legendary history of tradition around the world, it doesn’t get much better than this SELECT brand ball.
The ultimate match and training ball used by professionals and amateurs all over the planet, this brand – SELECT – has been the go-to choice for serious indoor soccer players for decades and decades.
The brand has a reputation for only using the highest quality materials, a top-notch and deadly serious quality control department, and some of the best-handstitched craftsmanship in the business.
This ball – the SELECT Numero 10 – is a perfect example of all those features!
What is the SELECT Numero 10 For?
There might not be a soccer ball on the planet more designed for indoor use than this one.
Approved for use by both the NFHS as well as the NCAA, with approval from the IMS as well, this is the ultimate training and competition ball for indoor athletes.
Those that take indoor soccer seriously might not even want to consider some of the other best indoor soccer balls when they have the chance to get their hands on this one.
What’s unique about the SELECT Numero 10 Soccer Ball?
- A couple of things are really unique about the SELECT Numero 10, including:
- The PU materials that are laminated with neoprene foam to improve the softness of the ball without compromising its durability
- The hand stitching on each of the individual 32 panels for optimal aerodynamic flow
- The inclusion of a zero wing latex bladder for consistent and repeatable kick, pass, and strike performance
… And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
SELECT Numero 10 Ball Performance
Athletes that are demanding of their athletic equipment are going to fall head over heels in love with this indoor soccer ball.
As we mentioned a moment ago, the consistency of this ball is absolutely second to none.
There’s nothing worse than playing indoor soccer and every time you go to receive a pass, fire a pass to someone else, or strike a ball for a goal the ball reacts a little differently than you expected – or then you remember a play or two ago.
That’s never a problem with the SELECT Numero 10.
Combine that with the aerodynamics of the 32 individual handstitched panels, guaranteeing a consistent ball flight that is also quite repeatable, and there’s a lot to like about this indoor soccer ball.
Pros and Cons
- Very lightweight but incredibly resilient and durable
- Latex bladder guarantees repeatable and consistent performance
- Hand stitching is some of the best in the business
- Gets the full stamp of approval from the NFHS, the NCAA, and the IMS soccer associations
- One of the most expensive indoor soccer balls you’ll find today
- A little on the heavy side of things compared to other options
ASIN – B07FCHDB3G
- HIGHEST QUALITY: A legendary match and training ball used...
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: PU material laminated with neoprene foam...
- HAND-STITCHED CRAFTMANSHIP: 32 panel hand-stitched...
- NFHS/NCAA and IMS APPROVED: Meets or exceeds all...
Product: Updated 2024-04-16 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
Brine Evolution Indoor Soccer Ball
The Brand
The folks at Brine definitely know how to make a great indoor soccer ball – and have been making them for years.
One of the preferred options for college and high school soccer teams training indoors, these balls are definitely put through the ringer. If they weren’t able to handle the pressure and abuse they wouldn’t be anywhere near as popular as they are today!
Hand-stitched with a latex bladder system these balls are tough and consistent. These balls make full use of the proprietary BEAR system that Brine engineered.
What is the Brine Evolution Indoor Soccer Ball For?
While these balls can be used in competition, they are really optimized for training purposes.
High school and college players use them all the time for indoor, off-season practice sessions. A big part of that is because of the reliability and consistency of the performance you get from these soccer balls.
It’s not hard to translate the way these balls respond to an athlete to the game on grass.
What’s unique about the Brine Evolution Indoor Soccer Ball?
The “secret sauce” behind the success of the Brine Evolution is in large part thanks to the latex bladder inside the ball.
This bladder, the proprietary BEAR system, is capable of holding consistent air pressure ten times longer than other bladders. You’re going to end up with a ball that performs better longer, but you’re also going to get a ball that becomes a much better investment than other indoor soccer balls.
You won’t have to replace this indoor ball anywhere near as often as you would other options, including those that look okay on the surface but have damaged bladder systems inside that negatively affect performance.
Brine Evolution Indoor Soccer Ball Performance
Again, that latex bladder really helps the Brine Evolution to perform better than a lot of the competition.
The latex system holding all that air is going to deliver more consistent performance when passing, striking, and juggling the ball up and down the indoor pitch.
Players won’t have to worry about “soft spots”, they won’t have to worry about bumps or valleys, and they won’t have to worry about inconsistency problems that can throw off their training or their competitions.
Pros and Cons
- Very lightweight but abrasion resistant
- Soft polyurethane cover is easy to control
- High retention BEAR bladder system evens out performance and increases longevity
- Hand stitching is capable of withstanding very strong shots and quick, powerful passes
- Size feels a little smaller than other size 5 options
- Quality control can sometimes be an issue
ASIN – B00KHR6WNU
- Ball comes deflated; A ball pump is required to inflate the...
Product: Updated 2024-04-16 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
Our Favorite Indoor Soccer Balls
Links to Amazon;
- Mikasa SX50 Indoor Soccer Ball
- Mikasa FT5 Goal Master Soccer Ball
- Select Numero 10
- Brine Evolution Indoor Soccer Ball
References
- https://igeeksoccer.com/top-5-indoor-soccer-ball
- https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/soccer/how-to-choose-a-soccer-ball
- https://www.soccer-training-guide.com/soccer-ball.html
- https://www.select-sport.com/en/indoor-footballs
Share the post "Best Indoor Soccer Balls (Great Options)"
Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.
