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Choosing the right indoor court shoes is more important than most people realise. The type of sole you wear can affect your performance, your safety, and even the condition of the court you play on. Whether you play badminton, squash, volleyball, basketball, or futsal, understanding the difference between marking and non-marking shoes helps you pick the right pair for your sport.
This guide explains everything you need to know from how the soles differ to how they impact movement, grip, and court protection.
Marking Shoes
Marking shoes have hard rubber soles that can leave dark streaks or scuff marks on polished indoor floors. They are meant for rough outdoor surfaces like asphalt or concrete where leaving marks is not an issue.
Non-Marking Shoes
Non-marking shoes are designed with soft gum soles that do not leave stains, streaks, or scratches on indoor courts. They offer controlled grip, smoother movement, and greater flexibility during fast, multi-directional play.
Most indoor sports facilities strictly require non-marking shoes to protect the court surface. Polished wood and PU floors can easily get scratched or damaged by hard rubber soles. Once the surface is marked, it is difficult or impossible to repair.
Non-marking shoes are made from softer, more flexible materials that still provide traction without damaging the court. They also support quicker movements, safer pivots, and stable landings during intense games.
Using marking shoes on an indoor floor can result in:
◉ Black streaks on the surface
◉ Scratches and long-term damage
◉ Slippery patches
◉ Distraction during gameplay
And that’s exactly why you’ll see this rule in every indoor court: “Non-marking shoes only.”
Although they might look similar at a glance, marking and non-marking shoes are built very differently. Their materials, flexibility, grip style, and intended uses vary based on where they are supposed to be worn.
Material Differences
Marking shoes use hard, dense rubber that withstands tough outdoor courts. This provides strong traction but also causes friction that scratches indoor floors.
Non-marking shoes are made from soft gum rubber, which offers better flexibility and controlled grip without leaving marks on polished indoor surfaces.
Sole Colour & Texture Differences
◉ Marking shoes typically have dark-coloured, hard soles with deeper patterns.
◉ Non-marking shoes usually have light, beige, white, or translucent soles made from soft rubber.
However, colour is not the deciding factor.
A white sole can still be marking, and a dark sole can sometimes be non-marking. What matters is the material and friction level.
| Feature | Marking Shoes | Non-Marking Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Material | Hard, dense rubber | Soft gum rubber |
| Grip Behaviour | Strong grip; can stick too much on indoor floors | Controlled traction for polished courts |
| Suitable Surfaces | Concrete, asphalt, outdoor courts | Wooden, PU, vinyl indoor courts |
| Court Safety | Leaves scuff marks and scratches | No marks or scratches |
| Sole Colour | Usually dark | Usually light or translucent |
| Flexibility | Relatively stiff | Flexible and responsive |
| Noise Level | More squeaking | Smoother and quieter |
| Durability | Lasts long outdoors | Lasts long indoors; wears faster outdoors |
| Sports Use | Outdoor basketball, training, casual wear | Badminton, squash, indoor volleyball, futsal, table tennis |
| Traction Style | Aggressive, high friction | Balanced grip for fast pivots |
| Movement Feel | Rigid indoors and can affect agility | Smooth, controlled, and safe on indoor courts |
| Court Policy | Often not allowed | Required in most indoor facilities |
Here are simple ways to check:
1. Rub Test
Lightly rub the sole on a clean white surface.
◉ If it leaves a dark streak → it’s marking.
◉ If it leaves no mark → non-marking.
2. Flexibility Check
◉ Soft soles bend easily and feel more elastic.
◉ Hard soles resist bending.
3. Transparency or Light Colour
◉ Many non-marking soles have a translucent or light-coloured appearance.
(Not always guaranteed, but common.)
4. Manufacturer Label
◉ Some brands print “Non-Marking” on the sole or inside the shoe.
5. Common Misconceptions About Non-Marking Shoes
◉ White soles are always non-marking → Not true.
◉ Running shoes can be used indoors → They don’t provide indoor traction and may damage floors.
◉ Non-marking shoes are only for professionals → Beginners and kids also need them.
◉ Any indoor shoe is non-marking → Some indoor-style casual shoes still mark.
Non-marking shoes are recommended or required for:
◉ Badminton
◉ Squash
◉ Volleyball
◉ Basketball (indoor courts)
◉ Handball
◉ Futsal
◉ Table tennis
◉ Pickleball
◉ School indoor sports
Each of these sports involves quick stops, pivots, and jumps movements that need safe traction and a sole that won’t damage the court.
Non-marking shoes improve performance by offering:
◉ Better agility
◉ Safer pivots and direction changes
◉ Proper shock absorption
◉ Reduced slipping
◉ Less strain on knees and ankles
◉ Smoother transitions during rallies and jumps
Marking shoes, when used indoors, can feel stiff, slippery, or overly sticky — affecting your movement and control.
◉ Marking shoes last longer outdoors but lose grip indoors.
◉ Non-marking shoes last longer indoors but wear out faster on concrete or asphalt.
Using the wrong shoe on the wrong surface shortens its lifespan.
Marking shoes are the right choice for:
◉ Outdoor basketball
◉ Playground courts
◉ Jogging tracks
◉ Street sports
◉ Training on concrete
They should not be used indoors because they damage polished surfaces.
When buying indoor shoes, look for:
◉ Good cushioning
◉ Secure heel support
◉ Lightweight design
◉ Fine grip sole pattern
◉ Breathable upper mesh
◉ Flexible sole
◉ Comfortable fit
◉ Toe protection for jumps and lunges
These features make a big difference during intense indoor play.
At Gadz, we focus on offering high-quality, performance-driven indoor sports shoes that meet the needs of both beginners and professionals. Our non-marking shoes are crafted with soft gum rubber soles that provide excellent grip without damaging indoor surfaces.
Each pair is designed for comfort, breathability, and durability, ensuring you can move confidently and safely during every game. Whether you’re learning the basics or training at an advanced level, Gadz provides reliable footwear that supports your performance.
The difference between marking and non-marking shoes may seem small, but it matters for your performance, your safety, and the protection of indoor courts. Choosing non-marking shoes keeps the court clean, supports quick movements, and gives you a more controlled playing experience.
Explore the latest collection of non-marking indoor court shoes at Gadz and step onto the court with confidence.
Which is better, marking or non-marking shoes?
For indoor sports, non-marking shoes are always the better choice because they protect the court and provide safer, smoother traction. Marking shoes are better for outdoor use.
What is considered a non-marking shoe?
A non-marking shoe has a soft rubber sole that does not leave dark scuff marks or scratches on polished indoor courts.
How to check if a shoe is non-marking or not?
Do a rub test on a clean surface or check the flexibility and texture of the sole. Many brands also label their shoes as “non-marking.”
