Let us talk about shoes. Specifically, the shoes your child wears to indoor sports sessions — because every single season, without fail, we have kids show up in outdoor runners caked in parking-lot gravel, basketball shoes with worn-flat treads, or (our personal favourite) soccer cleats.
This matters more than people realise. The right shoes protect ankles, prevent slipping, and keep the gymnasium floor in usable condition for everyone. Here is what our coaching staff recommends.
What “Non-Marking” Actually Means
When we say “clean, non-marking indoor court shoes,” we are referring to shoes with a gum-rubber outsole — usually a translucent or light-coloured sole that will not leave black scuff marks on hardwood or sport-court flooring. Most shoes labelled as volleyball shoes, indoor court shoes, badminton shoes, or squash shoes have this type of sole.
Running shoes designed for outdoor use almost always have a dark rubber outsole with deep tread patterns that leave streaks on gymnasium floors. Even if the tread looks clean, the rubber compound is different and will mark the surface.
Our Top Picks for Kids (Without Breaking the Bank)
You do not need to spend $150 on a pair of youth court shoes. Here are three options that our coaches have seen work well season after season:
ASICS Upcourt Series — These typically run between $45 and $65 CAD depending on the size. Good lateral support, gum rubber sole, and they hold up well over an eight-week block. Available at most sport retailers in Regina and online.
Mizuno Cyclone Speed — A bit lighter than the ASICS and popular with our volleyball athletes. Expect to pay around $55 to $70 CAD. The traction on polished hardwood is excellent.
Nike Court Lite / Renew — If your child already owns a pair of Nike court shoes from tennis or school PE, those usually work fine. Just make sure the outsole is gum rubber and clean.
What to Avoid
- Outdoor running shoes — the outsole compound is wrong and the tread pattern provides poor lateral grip on smooth floors.
- Fashion sneakers — Converse, Vans, and Air Force 1s look great but offer minimal ankle support and no lateral stability.
- Cleats of any kind — we have had kids arrive in both soccer and football cleats. These will damage the floor and are a safety hazard on a smooth surface.
- Sandals or slides — it happens more often than you would think.
The Two-Shoe Rule
Many of our families keep a dedicated pair of indoor court shoes in their child’s sport bag. The shoes never touch the parking lot, they never go through mud, and the soles stay clean and grippy. It does not need to be an expensive pair — just something that stays exclusively indoors.
If you are unsure whether your child’s shoes will work, snap a quick photo of the sole and send it to us through the Contact page. We are happy to give you a straight answer before the first session.