Which Cleats are Best for Which Playing Surface?

Elite soccer players give themselves all the resources they need to succeed. Every time they step onto the field, they know they are fully prepared for the task in front of them, and that includes the cleats they are wearing. Your choice of soccer cleats can have a major impact on your performance – both psychologically and physically. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure you’re wearing the right cleats for the surface you’re playing on.

Here are the best cleats for the most common playing surfaces:

When You’re Playing Natural Grass

There is a range of natural grass fields across the United States. For well-maintained natural grass fields, the pitch calls for cleats with longer studs that really dig in to the surface, providing maximum traction and stability. However, the thing about natural grass is that its condition can change based on factors like weather and maintenance. So, the cleats you choose will depend on exactly how hard or soft your field’s natural grass is.

For the standard natural grass surface you see across the States, you’ll want Firm Ground - or “FG” - soccer cleats. These are those classic cleats with non-removable plastic molded variations of triangular or circular studs.

If the natural grass is on the harder side, you should opt for Hard Ground - or “HG” - soccer cleats. These shoes have shorter studs than FG cleats, making them ideal for hardened, sun-baked grass.

Lastly, if you’re playing on wet or exceptionally well-groomed grass, Soft Ground - or “SG” cleats - are the way to go. SG cleats have longer studs because the grass is more difficult to grip. These removable, metal studs can also be customized for different conditions and field types.

When You’re Playing on Synthetic Grass

Synthetic grass can be found on many soccer fields these days and it’s only becoming more prevalent.

For the new standard synthetic fields with the shredded rubber pellets, the classic Firm Ground cleats will do the trick.

On the other hand, Turf soccer shoes - or “TF” - cleats are designed for thin turf and carpet turf surfaces. The bottom of these cleats contain shorter studs arranged in a small, dimpled pattern for minimal penetration. These turf cleats can also be great for younger players (U10 and below) that play on hard natural grass fields.

When You’re Playing on Multiple Surfaces

If you plan on alternating between natural and artificial surfaces Firm Ground soccer cleats are your best bet – they’re the best all-around option.

It’s important to choose the right cleat for your playing surface because choosing the wrong cleat makes more susceptible to injuries, slows you down and increases the chance of mistakes on the field. You’ll also be less comfortable than the other players, putting you at a disadvantage. When your legs inevitably start to ache during a tough game, at least you can say your feet are comfortable and primed to propel you up and down that field as quickly as possible.