Soccer Cleats/Boots & the things to consider (The FG/AG/TF/MG debate)

[Anonymous]

So where do I begin. Over the past couple of years, I have read about the differences in soccer boots. Which manufacturer of boots are best for my player and to reduce the possibility of injury. Not just what’s the coolest looking. This is just some of the information I have found, and my hope is that the information may be useful to one you on selecting the proper boots for your soccer player.

I started off by looking at turf vs grass and which is better playing surface. Injuries happen on both and there is no quick answer. Studies have found that grass (Firm Gound (FG)) playing surfaces reduce the risk of non-contact injuries (ACL, MCL, just to name a few) versus playing on Artificial Grass (AG) and Turf (TF). But there are other conditions to consider when playing on FG surfaces, for example the maintenance of the grass surface. No one wants to play on a lumpy, patchy grass field with 6-inch tall, uncut grass. So, this led me to look at the different styles of boots because I’m not able to control the surface they play on, but I can find the best boots to reduce the risk of non-contact injuries.

I began to dig into the world of the differences between the sole plates (the tread) of soccer boots/cleats. The FG cleat vs AG/TF, boots and so much more. I decided to look at building protection from the shoes up, just like runners. There are some additional considerations to think about when selecting boots like the distance that they cover per game, cost, playing surface, foot size, the width of the foot, and lastly the weight of the boot. Think of it like this, our soccer players at this level are running on average from 3 to 8 miles per game with the mileage going up at each level. So, let’s begin. Remember these are just my thoughts based on information available to in search of the best boots for my soccer player and my attempt to reduce the impact of non-contact injuries. It is crucial that you have the right equipment.

Cleat/Boot Sole Plates (the tread)
Firm Ground (FG) - For grass playing surfaces only! In most cases with the higher end model, you may violate the warranty if you wear them on turf surface. Traditionally, few open-ended bladed studs allow for better traction on grass surface. Generally, 8 to 10 contact points (studs).

Artificial Grass (AG) – Is a thick turf that looks more like grass and has some pliability within the surface. May be worn on grass or turf surfaces. Generally, 12 or more contact points (studs). AG studs are conical in shape, that is hollowed out in the center or closed bladed (triangle shaped). This allows for better traction on the synthetic surfaces and doesn’t hold the boot in place when turning, which leads to reduced chance of a non-contact injury. The studs are about a quarter inch shorter than FG studs.

Turf (TF) – The surface is typically composed of three layers – padding and backing material at the bottom, infill in the center (pesky turf rocks), and artificial grass blades on top. The grass blades are made of plastic. Turf boots may be played on both traditional turf and artificial grass. Not recommended for use on FG surfaces as it provides very little traction and will cake up with dirt and debris. Multiple short little teeth along the surface of the sole plate which provides traction and all TF and AG surfaces.

Multi-ground (MG) – This sole plate is generally good for both TF and FG surfaces and is designed for a less aggressive feel. These studs are much shorter than the FG plate with 10 to 20 plus contacts. Example, the Puma Future 7 Ultimate (MG) is one of the better models reviewed. This boot is not available in the US. Generally, the better and higher rated AG and MG boots are available overseas because they do not wear TF boots. For example, the Puma Future 7 Ultimate (FG/AG) listed on most US web sites is completely different than the Puma Future 7 Ultimate (MG). The studs/contact points are completely different, and it really makes a difference.

Manufacturers of Soccer Boots – Focused on the two brands that seem to have the most options available. There are so many manufacturers to choose from and you need to figure out what works best for your player. No matter what, when you are looking to invest in new boots, plan to spend some time and find the version that best meets your kiddo’s requirements within specific price ranges. The last thing I thought about was the color. It does make a difference. Black boots are HOT! Late Spring and through the early fall, black boots cook your feet. I bet someone will think, hey, this will warm my toes. No, it won’t, it will COOK them. Just throwing it out there for consideration. Below is some info on a few of the manufacturers and articles on studies related to non-contact injuries on playing surfaces and the type of boots. Enjoy.


Nike
Nike makes three models of boots based on toe box, materials, and width of foot. Here is a quick breakdown. They provide multiple tiers of boots from the top being Elite to the basic Academy. Here is a link and best describes the breakdown of the different tiers; Nike has come out with boots designed for women and they are the Luna’s.

Phantom – This boot has a wide toe box. Typically has extra ball traction knit designed into the inside of the front of boot.

Mercurial – These boots provide a narrow toe box with a true to foot fit and light weight in the elite/pro vs the academy tier.

Tiempo – Made of a composite and or kangaroo leather firm upper. For a more traditional type of boot that only comes with laces. Sorry, there is no slip-on option with these boots. All about stability.


Adidas
Adisas makes three models of boots based on toe box, materials, and width of foot. Here is a quick breakdown. They provide multiple tiers of boots from the top being Plus (+) to the basic League. Here is a link and best describes the breakdown of the different tiers; https://www.worldsoccershop.com/guide/soccer-cleat-price-tiers#adidas. Sorry, no women designed specific boots.

Predators - This boot has a wide toe box. Typically has extra ball traction surface designed into the front of boot.

X – The X’s and the current model is the F50 or Crazyfast which are synthetic boot upper with a narrow toe box that provides the true to fit feel. They also have a second tiered system going from .1 to .3 along with Elite to League. So much to track.

Copa - Made of a composite and or kangaroo leather firm upper. For a more traditional type of boot that only comes with laces. Sorry, there is no slip-on option with these boots. All about stability.


IDA Sports – Boots for Women. This is a new company that specializes in boots made for women and most of their products are AG. Designed with a narrower heal cap, better arch support, wider toe box, and shorter conical studs.



Dated but good information
National Center for Health Research: Injuries Related to Artificial Turf
https://www.center4research.org/injuries-related-to-artificial-turf/

Mass General Brigham, Turf vs. Grass Injuries: What Athletes Need to Know, January 30, 2024
https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/n...ts-injury-prevention

Understand Ortho - The Impact of Cleats & Artificial Turf on ACL Injuries, May 31, 2023
https://www.understandortho.com/article/the-i...urf-on-acl-injuries/

National Library of Medicine(NLM): Lower Extremity Injury Rates on Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass Surfaces in the National Football League During the 2021 and 2022 Seasons
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11363235/

[Anonymous]

It's a racket where players need multiple shoes for multiple surfaces. We need one type for turf and grass OR we need better turf (which can be too hot and cause certain type of injuries).

Good article on turf: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/26/business/artificial-turf-grass-sports.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Zk8.T2xu.mhXNPI4scGTP&smid=url-share

[Anonymous]

My kid is running with AG for most fields in the DMV. Also have a backup set of pair of FG for wet grass when playing in Richmond. Indoor turf is much better with TF as it's really not AG unless your playing at ST-J. yeah, this is a racket for sure.

[Anonymous]

My son, on a top level u16 team in DMV, has worn AG on all surfaces. He plays half grass/half AG with one pair of quality boots. He has never had a problem in the DMV with the AG studs (not even in and after heavy rains on SoccerPlex grass).

I consider it irresponsible how heavily the top brands market the wrong sole plates to 99.9% of players. It should not be hard to find safe studs, but it can be. Look for AG unless you have a good reason not to.