Soccer cleats, soccer boots, soccer shoes, firm ground cleats, or whatever they are called, are a vital resource for playing any type of soccer game. Most soccer arenas or fields are covered with artificial grass; therefore, you might have at one point thought of wearing soccer cleats on such turf.
There are various soccer cleats, including turf cleats, indoor cleats, interchangeable cleats, and others. Each of the above soccer cleats is designed to conform to the specific game surface played.
When playing on a natural grass surface that needs tractions, interchangeable cleats are better used.
For gym floors, asphalt, sports courts, or concrete, using indoor cleats is best. Turf cleats also have their purpose; they are used for fields covered in turfs.
Turf, also known as AstroTurf, is used for soccer fields, baseball, and other types of sports. Regular cleats do not work for turfs because the traction and comfort are poor. And also because they quickly wear down the surface of most turf fields.
A major reason turf soccer cleats are worn is that they are not made to pierce the ground’s surface but are instead made to hold the turfgrass. Therefore, turf soccer cleats give great comfort and traction on turf surfaces because such turf cleats interact uniformly on the turf.
Turf soccer cleats make use of hard outsoles. The hard outsoles contain dense and aggressive treads of different designs. Such treads are usually more shallow than blades or studs on normal soccer cleats.
Turf cleats can also be used on hard surfaces such as short grass, sands, or dirt fields. In addition, turf cleats are efficient for running on natural and artificial surfaces.
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Do I need cleats for turf?
A popular debate in sports is about the need for cleats for turf. Whether you play soccer, baseball, or football, you must have at one point in time faced the option of why cleats are needed for turfs.
A simple answer to the question is yes; you need cleats for turf. However, there are various types of synthetic turf fields; therefore, various factors need to be considered when choosing cleats for turf.
For artificial turf fields, players are allowed to wear hard surface cleats since they do not cause damage to the surface. They also provide a firm grip on artificial turf.
However, most people think that since the sole cannot penetrate the surface correctly, they are not the optimum choice. So instead, smaller round stud cleats are better suited for artificial turf.
Is it bad to wear cleats on turf?
Most people usually ask if it is bad to wear cleats on turf. Cleats users should note that manufacturers of cleats have made various types of cleats for different types of turfs. Normal cleats are not used for turfs because manufacturers make such cleats to penetrate the ground’s surface for traction.
Normal soccer cleats usually don’t provide comfort, and they have poor traction. And also, since such cleats quickly wear down the surface, most turf fields prohibit it.
As a result, cleats’ manufacturers are constantly evolving; that is why cleats with more studs are being manufactured to work on the dense surface of artificial turfs.
Manufacturers have created a different kind of cleat that works well with indoor turf surfaces. Such indoor artificial cleats have been made with small stubs on their sole. These cleats are capable of interacting and are also viable for gripping the surface.
Though buying cleats for sports that you partake in is expensive, each type of cleats has its merits.
When in artificial turf fields, you should make use of a hard surface cleat (traditional pair). However, if you intend to regularly play on artificial turf, then using synthetic field cleats is a better idea.
Can you use soccer cleats on turf?
A simple answer to this question is yes; people can use soccer cleats on synthetic turfs. However, you have to ensure that you know more about wearing cleats on artificial grass as it will ensure that you can buy the right cleats that work well with the surface.
Manufacturers of cleats have made various types of cleats to improve the games played. Each of these cleats is made specially to work with different types of grass surfaces.
You can use molded cleats and interchangeable cleats for natural grass surfaces since the cleats have to pierce into the ground for traction.
Traditional soccer cleats usually pierce the ground surface to enable traction when playing on natural grass, preventing falls or slips.
- Lightweight shoe with stretch tongue for extra comfort
- Low-cut silhouette with a supportive sock-like construction that hugs the foot
- Speedskin upper made of thin, dual-layer mesh for high-speed movements and direct touch
Last update on 2023-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
However, most professionals do not make use of traditional soccer cleats for playing on artificial turf. Also, natural grass blades are less tough than synthetic turf blades.
The above factor makes combining synthetic grass and traditional soccer cleats a bad combination since the traction needed for the material is not provided. Support or comfort is also not provided on fake grass. The above reasons are why fields prevent the use of normal soccer cleats on turf.
Can you use SG cleats on turf?
Wearing any type of cleat depends on various factors such as price range, type of field, foot structure, and more. Various places require that you wear the right soccer cleat for the type of field because of safety and health.
If the wrong soccer cleat is worn, you could get injured, or your shoe could get broken. Therefore you must get the right shoe to wear on turf.
Soft ground (SG) cleats are meant to be worn for muddy or soft natural fields. In Canada, soft ground cleats are usually worn for Rugby. This is because soft ground cleats make use of detachable studs.
Ensure that the suds are tightened before making use of them so that the studs don’t pull off.
Most people also ask if it is possible to wear soccer cleats on synthetic turf. Again, the answer is yes; it can be worn.
Molded cleats or interchangeable cleats best accompany natural grass surfaces since the cleats pierce the ground for traction. Adjustable and longer studs also provide great traction for such terrains.
Soft ground cleats are best suited for wet and cushioned natural grass. Soft ground fields are well watered, mowed, and maintained.
Professional players on high-quality fields mostly use soft ground cleats. However, this doesn’t mean that amateurs cannot use them.
Using soft ground cleats on firm grounds is wrong because you could easily get seriously injured. In addition, joints on the leg and feet can be injured while pivoting or making sharp turns.
Also, if you make use of soft ground cleats with metal studs on turfs or artificial grass, you can cause injuries to your knees. Using such cleats with heel studs easily destroys these surfaces while running or playing.
Can you use FG cleats on turf?
Manufacturers of firm ground (FG) cleats designed it for use on only natural grass. The studs in firm ground cleats are non-removable and are either shaped conical or bladed.
It is wrong to make use of firm ground cleats on the turf because the studs can cause injuries to the feet.
The right field to use firm ground cleats are natural grass fields since they have a dry and hard base surface. For such types of grass, the cleats do not penetrate deeply because the name suggests a firm surface.
In addition, it is quite hard for firm ground cleats to penetrate deeply into the ground because of the ground’s solidness.
Amateur players usually play on firm ground surfaces since they need a pair of firm ground cleats. Firm-ground cleats are usually very versatile.
They can be used to play on virtually every terrain without trouble. Firm-ground cleats can be used on both soft and firm grounds and can also be used in pitches that are not well maintained and have longer grass than expected.
- Synthetic leather upper
- Lace closure
- Flexible ground outsole for maximum traction on firm ground (dry natural grass)
Last update on 2023-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A disadvantage of firm ground cleats is when playing on waterlogged or wet pitches. This is because the sole plates of firm ground cleats have more studs. Therefore mud can quickly accumulate on the bottom of the cleat and impair playing.
This will result in having a hard time running and playing on the field in such conditions. Also, firm ground cleats are usually slippery on such fields.
Some cases allow you to make use of firm ground cleats on artificial grass surfaces. However, it must be considered properly. There are also firm ground cleats models that are not safe for playing on artificial surfaces, like cleats with bladed studs.
Nevertheless, it is paramount to note that either firm ground cleats or soft ground cleats should not be used on artificial turfs, concrete surfaces, or hard wooden surfaces.
Can I wear metal cleats on turf?
Metal cleats and even molded cleats are detrimental to artificial turf. This is because spikes puncture the ground for traction. Metal and molded cleats are better suited for being used on natural grass because they can recover and absorb impacts. However, a turf designed solely for metal cleats has not yet been invented.
Years of experience and caution from turf testing companies and manufacturers have proven that it is not yet turf-friendly for metal cleats.
Experts advise that since metal cleats cut the fiber holding rugs together, tennis shoes, turf shoes, or rubber cleats are preferable.
Taking a look at a non-existent turf warranty proves the disadvantage of using metal cleats on turfs. In addition, athletic shoes and soccer cleats having metal cleats usually also increase in wear.
This is particularly seen in baseball, where metal spikes are worn on the mound, resulting in fast wear and tear.
The recommended turf for metal cleats is natural turf or grass. Sports such as soccer, rugby, golf, and baseball make use of metal spikes.
What soccer cleats are good for turf?
Soccer cleats that are good for turf are firm ground with conical studs and artificial grass cleats. These cleats have a large number of short rubber studs which are closely positioned or have nubs on flat-style soleplates.
The stubs are distributed evenly on the cleat to spread the pressure across the foot, therefore easing joint pains. It also provides better balance on surfaces that do not give a good grip.
Below are some examples of soccer cleats that are good for the turf.
The Nike Men’s Soccer Mercurial Superfly7 Academy Multi-Ground Cleats is a great soccer cleat for turf. It is specially made for speed.
Last update on 2023-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This shoe provides its user service with a versatile multi-ground plate experience with a good Aerostar zone that gives good traction on natural and artificial grass (AG) surfaces.
The shoe is perfectly designed with long-lasting artificial leather and a dynamic fit collar that conforms to its foot and gives a natural fit.
Its unique multi-ground plate gives it traction on natural and artificial-grass surfaces.
Another example of a great soccer cleat for turf is the Adidas Men’s Nemeziz 18.3 Firm Ground soccer shoe. This shoe comes with a bandage construction that provides its users with a game-changing elasticity and a secure fit.
The outsole of this Adidas Men’s Nemeziz is made to suit every jink and quick turn when exploding into action on firm ground.
- Responsive touch and optimum ball control out of the box with soft Agility Mesh
- Engineered bandage provides support and mobility
- Acceleration and direction change on natural grass with the agility stud configuration
Last update on 2023-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Puma Men’s Future 2.3 Netfit FG/AG Soccer cleat is another example of a soccer cleat for turf. This shoe is designed with a long-lasting thermoplastic polyurethane outsole with a lightweight that provides flexibility.
It provides maneuverability and grip and allows for proper use on firm ground as well as artificial grass.
Conclusion
Soccer cleats can be used on turfs. What is important is to consider the type of fields that the soccer cleats would be used on. The type of surface determines the soccer cleats that can be used.
Therefore, extra care should be properly taken when determining the type of soccer cleats (firm ground cleats or soft ground cleats) to be used.
Hi there, I’m Jay.
Soccer is everything in my life! My friends and I have created this blog with all our enthusiasm, passion, and understanding after years of playing pro soccer. Hope you will enjoy it!