Wrong Surface = Wrong Cleats = Injuries
Soccer cleats are engineered for specific playing surfaces. Wearing firm ground cleats on artificial turf increases your ACL injury risk by up to 2.5x, per a 2023 American Journal of Sports Medicine meta-analysis. The stud pattern interacts with the surface to provide traction — wrong studs on the wrong surface either grip too much (causing knee/ankle injuries) or too little (causing slips).
Firm Ground (FG) — Natural Grass
The most common type. Designed for natural grass fields that are dry to slightly moist. Molded studs (non-removable) in a mix of conical and bladed shapes.
- Stud pattern: 10–14 molded studs, mix of conical (traction) and bladed (stability)
- Best for: Most outdoor natural grass fields in dry conditions
- Season: Spring through fall in most climates
Soft Ground (SG) — Wet/Muddy Grass
Metal studs (usually 6–8, removable/replaceable) designed to penetrate soft, wet, or muddy natural grass. Longer studs prevent sliding on saturated fields.
- Stud pattern: 6–8 metal screw-in studs, longer than FG
- Best for: Rainy conditions, waterlogged fields, winter play in wet climates
- Important: Metal studs are banned on artificial turf and many youth leagues
Turf (TF) — Artificial Turf / Hard Ground
Short rubber studs (dozens of small nubs) designed for artificial turf surfaces. The small studs distribute pressure evenly across the harder surface, reducing joint stress.
- Stud pattern: 20–30+ small rubber nubs
- Best for: Artificial turf, hard dirt fields, recreational play on any surface
- The versatile choice: If you play on mixed surfaces and can only buy one pair, turf shoes are the safest bet
Indoor (IN/IC) — Gym Floors / Futsal
Flat, non-marking gum rubber soles for indoor courts and gym floors. No studs at all — the flat sole provides grip through rubber-on-court friction. Required for futsal and indoor leagues.
Artificial Ground (AG) — The Emerging Category
AG-specific cleats use more studs than FG but longer than TF, designed specifically for modern 3G/4G artificial turf. This is a newer category that major brands are investing in as artificial fields become more common. If you primarily play on artificial turf, AG-specific cleats are worth considering.
Upper Materials: Touch vs Durability
| Material | Touch/Feel | Durability | Price | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kangaroo leather | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | $150–$300 | Low (absorbs water) |
| Calfskin leather | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | $120–$250 | Low |
| Knit (Flyknit, Primeknit) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | $100–$275 | Moderate |
| Synthetic (textured) | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | $50–$200 | High |
Budget Recommendations
Common Mistakes
Sources & Further Reading
- American Journal of Sports Medicine. "Surface-Footwear Interaction and ACL Injury Risk in Soccer." ajsm.org, 2023.
- Nike. "Cleat Finder: Surface-Specific Guide." nike.com
- Soccer.com. "Cleat Buying Guide." soccer.com
- FourFourTwo. "Best Football Boots 2025." fourfourtwo.com
- PUMA. "Boot Technology Guide." puma.com
