Artificial Grass vs. Turf Soccer Shoes: What's the Difference?

The footwear you have on your feet when playing soccer makes a sizable difference to your gameplay, whether you realize it or not.

The growing use of artificial playing surfaces is significant amongst those in youth and pro soccer teams. It’s therefore important for players to choose the right type of shoe to enhance their performance, comply with field rules, and most importantly, prevent injury.

This article will explore the differences between artificial grass vs turf soccer shoes and what makes them unique in their own right. Understanding the differences in sole plates, performance, and use cases will help ensure that the right soccer cleats are purchased.

Artificial Grass vs Turf vs Firm Ground Soccer Cleats

Artificial Grass Soccer Cleats (AG, FG/AG, or MG)

Artificial grass soccer cleats provide traction systems underfoot that grip the surface and provide more bite. This is needed when it comes to AG surfaces as they’re typically longer than TF.

Most of these soccer cleats have been designed for 3G and 4G synthetic turf fields. These surfaces are usually firm and have a rubber infill. AG boots help to distribute pressure through short, rounded, and hollow studs.

The design of the studs helps to provide better grip while also reducing the risk of injuries where cleats can otherwise get caught in the turf.

Firm ground boots (FG) aren’t ideal for artificial grass as they penetrate too deeply and increase injury risk as a result. They’ll also wear down a lot faster. Here are some of the core features or benefits of wearing AG cleats:

• Shorter, evenly spaced conical studs
• Better pressure distribution for synthetic fields
• Prevents stud lock and turf-related injuries
• Often includes extra cushioning in the soleplate

Any player who’s playing soccer on artificial grass should ideally be wearing AG cleats. So whether these are youth players or adults, AG cleats are the preferred choice with this surface type.

Turf Soccer Shoes (TF)

Turf soccer shoes are used for short-cut turf surfaces. Often referred to as TF for short, they can be used on artificial grass with low profiles or on an Astroturf-like surface.

Turf soccer shoes look similar to baseball shoes. The only difference is the bottom of the sole, which is the cleats that provide the traction.

There are a few key advantages to using turf shoes, and these include:

• Rubber nubbed outsole for grip
• Low-profile design and high flexibility
• Excellent for small-sided games or indoor turf
• Durable and comfortable for long sessions

You should choose TF shoes over AG for shorter, harder, or older synthetic surfaces. Think school gyms and 2G turf, for example. These short, numerous, rubber studs often end up providing better traction and less surface damage.

Firm Ground Soccer Cleats (FG, FG/AG, or MG)

Firm ground soccer cleats are the most common type of soccer shoe. Usually referred to as FG for short, they’re built to provide speed, stability, and traction. Made for outdoor play, usually on natural grass fields. They can be particularly effective on dry, well-maintained pitches.

The studs are typically bladed or are very pronounced in their shape, which allows them to easily dig into the soil. A few key features of these soccer cleats include:

• Bladed or mixed conical/bladed studs for traction on grass
• Engineered for grip and quick movement on natural ground
• Not ideal for turf or AG fields due to stud pressure
• Can lead to discomfort or slippage if used on synthetic surfaces

Players who compete on natural grass fields should wear the FG cleats. They’re also ideal for all levels of outdoor soccer, providing confidence for players looking to make quick sprints and cuts.

Key Differences Between AG vs TF vs FG Soccer Cleats

There are some key differences between AG vs TF, vs FG soccer cleats. To break this down clearly, here are some side-by-side comparisons that will help you figure out which ones are best when comparing cleat types.

Can You Wear Artificial Grass Cleats on Turf?

No, it’s not wise to wear artificial grass cleats on turf surfaces. These can cause damage to the field as well as risk injury to the player wearing the boots. AG cleats can be worn on some types of turf, but they’re not necessarily ideal for short-pile turf like indoor or school turf.

There are potential issues, like stud pressure, reduced grip, and less maneuverability, which can impact gameplay performance.

Can You Wear Turf Cleats on Artificial Grass?

Yes, you can wear turf cleats on artificial grass because they provide a safe and stable, low-profile base. The studs are designed to distribute pressure in order to provide better balance and weight distribution.

TF shoes can be used on artificial grass, but aren’t designed for most modern 3G/4G surfaces. There are risks that come with wearing them, including faster wear, possible slipping, and reduced traction.

Which Soccer Cleat Should You Choose?

Like all soccer shoes, the right cleat will depend on the surface you play on most often as a soccer player. So if you’re on turf more often than not, TF shoes will be better than anything else. The best cleats for each surface are:

• FG cleats – for dry natural grass
• AG cleats – for artificial grass (3G/4G)
• TF shoes – for turf carpet, futsal, and indoor fields

It’s important to match the cleats to the main playing surface you’re on, not just for performance but for your own safety too.

AG vs TF vs FG Soccer Cleats FAQ’s

1. Can I wear FG cleats on turf?

It’s not advised to wear firm-ground cleats on artificial turf because the rigid and long studs can get caught up in the synthetic surface. That can lead to an increased risk of injury, especially when it comes to your knees and ankles. Best to wear AG or TF boots instead.

2. Are turf cleats soft ground or firm? 

Turf cleats are advised for firm artificial ground, like an older AstroTurf pitch or frozen, natural fields, for example. These cleats have small, rubber nubs or studs that provide the extra grip without digging into the hard surface.

3. Can you play with turf shoes on hard ground? 

No, it’s best not to play with turf shoes on hard ground. These shoes are designed for softer surfaces like artificial turf. The rubber nubs on turf shoes will wear down a lot quicker on hard surfaces, too. That increases the risk of slipping or injuring yourself, as well as poor traction in general.