Is your footwear non marking?
We’re really excited about our new sports hall floor, and to help keep it looking great for years to come, we’re asking everyone to please wear non-marking soled shoes when playing.
If you’re not sure whether your shoes are non-marking, don’t worry! We’ve put together some helpful tips below:
- Look for Labels or Markings:
- “Non-Marking” or “Non-Scuffing”: Many manufacturers actually print “non-marking” or “non-scuffing” right on the sole, tongue, or packaging of the shoe. That’s usually the easiest way to tell!
- “Indoor Court” or Sport-Specific Labels: Shoes made specifically for indoor court sports (like badminton, squash, volleyball, indoor football/futsal, tennis, or basketball) are almost always non-marking. Look for terms such as “Court Shoe,” “Badminton Shoe,” and so on.
- Symbol: You might even spot a special symbol, like a shoe with a line through it, indicating it’s non-marking.
- Examine the Sole Material and Colour:
- Soft, Gum Rubber: Non-marking soles are typically made from a softer, gum-like rubber or synthetic material. This type of material gives you good grip on smooth indoor surfaces without leaving any marks behind.
- Lighter Colours: While it’s not a hard and fast rule, non-marking soles are often lighter in color (think white, light brown/gum, or even clear). Darker soles, especially black ones, can be marking, but there are definitely non-marking black-soled shoes out there too. The key is really the material, not just the color.
- Minimal Texture: You’ll notice non-marking soles usually have flatter, less aggressive tread patterns compared to outdoor shoes, which might have deep cleats or very textured soles for grip on uneven ground.
Just a couple of things to remember:
- Outdoor vs. Indoor: Shoes designed for outdoor use (like many running shoes or everyday trainers) often have harder carbon rubber soles that can easily scuff up indoor surfaces.
- Cleanliness Matters: Even if your shoes are non-marking, always make sure they’re clean before stepping onto the sports floor. Dirt and debris on the sole can still leave marks!
If you’re still unsure about your shoes, or if you notice them leaving marks on the floor, we kindly ask that you use a different pair. We really appreciate your help in keeping our new sports hall in great shape!