Complete Guide To Soccer Cleat Ground Types
We talk you through every cleat for every surface
20 June 2022
SG, FG, AG, TF, IN – you’ll see one of these after each cleat online. Don’t worry, they aren’t new positions for one of Jurgen Klopp’s complex pressing systems, they’re simply abbreviations for what type of surface the cleat is designed for. Let’s go through them, shall we?
SG: What Are Soft Ground Soccer Cleats?
Soft ground soccer cleats or studded soccer cleats are what you’d call in old money… screw in studs. This is your grass pitch go-to when the ground is soft. Not much more explaining to do here.
FG: What Are Firm Ground Soccer Cleats?
Does exactly what it says on the tin. Firm ground soccer cleats or molded soccer cleats are for grass pitches when the ground has a bit of give in it. Somewhere in between hard and wet. The most popular choice for players.
AG: What Are Artificial Grass Soccer Cleats?
Artificial grass soccer cleats are your choice for playing on astro-turf, 3G and 4G pitches. While some players will wear FG on astro, we’d advise AG is better suited as many astro facilities will insist on all players wearing rounded studs. Not only that, FG studs could be too long for astro, meaning you have more chance of twisting an ankle or inflicting another injury.
HG/MG: What Are Hard Ground or Multi Ground Soccer Cleats?
More and more players are also wearing AG plates in early pre-season. When grass pitches are rock hard in the summer AG (sometimes called HG or MG) plates provide better comfort and prevent blisters. Think about it, if the FG studs aren’t going into the ground, you’re running on top of them, so more chance of slipping/ankle twisting. Hard ground soccer cleats and AG plates have shorter studs and also more of them to help distribute weight more evenly.TF: What Are Turf Soccer Shoes?
Turf soccer shoes are another option for astro pitches, but TF is also the go-to plate for soccer on concrete. With cage football on the rise in urban areas brands are dedicating more time and innovation to making their TF options as good as their FG and SG elite cleats. Elite upper technology on TF soleplates.
IN: What Are Indoor Soccer Shoes?
We’re in the sports hall here. Indoor soccer shoes use grippier and flatter soleplates for futsal and indoor surfaces. Sometimes referred to as IC - Indoor Court - with non marking soles and plenty of support for the faster paced small sided games.
Anti-Clog: What Are Nike Anti-Clog Soccer Cleats?
Anti-Clog soccer cleats use a Nike exclusive technology that features across all Nike soft ground soccer cleats silos. Once wet, the innovative technology on the soleplate prevents mud from sticking to the soles and in turn keeps the cleats unclogged to dramatically reduce your chances of slipping on pitch. Ideal for when SG pitches are extra heavy.