The Different Types of Soccer Cleats Explained

Narrow Down Your Soccer Footwear

Soccer footwear is broken up into two main categories—soccer cleats and soccer shoes. Whether you need a soccer cleat or soccer shoe depends on the playing surface—natural grass, artificial grass, turf, or court.

If you’re playing on long grass or artificial grass, you’ll wear soccer cleats.
If you’re playing on short turf or court surfaces, you’ll want to wear soccer shoes.

Expert Tip | Before buying new soccer cleats, be sure to check your soccer league’s rules and regulations for additional guidance.

Types of Soccer Cleats & Shoes

Beyond the difference between cleats and shoes, the soleplate and stud configuration determines how soccer footwear performs on different surfaces. Choosing the right pair starts with understanding where you’ll be playing. Our Footwear Experts break down the key features and recommended uses for each type:

1. Firm Ground (FG) Soccer Cleats

Firm ground (FG) soccer cleats are the most common type of soccer cleats available on the market. Designed for natural grass surfaces, they work well on dry or slightly wet grass fields. With firm ground cleats, the studs are slightly longer than other types of soccer cleats. They typically have non-removable molded studs, which provide more stability, support, and control on firm ground surfaces.

Firm ground (FG) soccer cleats are the most common type of soccer cleats available on the market. Designed for natural grass surfaces, they work well on dry or slightly wet grass fields. With firm ground cleats, the studs are slightly longer than other types of soccer cleats. They typically have non-removable molded studs, which provide more stability, support, and control on firm ground surfaces.

2. Multi-Ground (MG) Soccer Cleats

Multi-ground (MG) soccer cleats are ideal if you play on different types of surfaces—natural grass and artificial grass. With multi-ground cleats, the studs are slightly shorter and more evenly distributed across the sole, meaning multi-ground soccer cleats can grip and dig into both surfaces equally well to offer reliable traction.

Depending on the brand, this type of soccer cleat can be called flexible ground or artificial ground as well.

Multi-ground (MG) soccer cleats are ideal if you play on different types of surfaces—natural grass and artificial grass. With multi-ground cleats, the studs are slightly shorter and more evenly distributed across the sole, meaning multi-ground soccer cleats can grip and dig into both surfaces equally well to offer reliable traction.

Depending on the brand, this type of soccer cleat can be called flexible ground or artificial ground as well.

3. Turf Soccer Shoes (TF)

Turf soccer shoes are designed for players who play or practice on AstroTurf (carpet turf). They have shorter rubber studs than multi-ground cleats for better traction on thin turf surfaces. The rubber studs also provide a more comfortable fit and better cushioning, protecting the feet from injuries on the harder surface.

Turf soccer shoes are designed for players who play or practice on AstroTurf (carpet turf). They have shorter rubber studs than multi-ground cleats for better traction on thin turf surfaces. The rubber studs also provide a more comfortable fit and better cushioning, protecting the feet from injuries on the harder surface.

4. Court Soccer Shoes (Indoor or IC)

If you play futsal or recreational soccer, court soccer shoes are designed with a traction pattern optimized for court or pavement surfaces. Indoor soccer shoes are lightweight, low profile, and have a flat rubber sole, which provides better grip on indoor surfaces. These shoes also have a thin layer of cushioning for added comfort.