What soccer cleats are right for me?

Are you new to the game? Looking to step up your performance on the field? Picking the right cleats/shoes can be a tough choice, but don’t worry, we’ve got the guide for you!

Finding the Perfect Cleats and Shoes

Picking the perfect pair of cleats can be tough, especially for beginners of the game. From cleats made for Firm Ground (FG) surface to Artificial Turf  (AG & TF) knowing what you need for the season is essential. Here is a total breakdown of what you should look out for when purchasing a pair of soccer cleats.

Surface

This is one of the most important items when picking out your cleats for the season. You may be asking yourself, “I’m not sure what kind of cleats I need and what surface I am playing on. What is best for me?”

Firm Ground (FG) is the most common and most popular surface and style of soccer cleats on the market. FG Cleats are made for more traditional soccer surfaces that use natural grass. For most players, FG cleats are the perfect pair of cleats as they have the most aggressive stud patterns and advanced designs to meet the needs of the modern soccer player. If you play on Artificial Turf Surfaces, it is up to you on whether you think FG cleats will work for you. While they are not made for turf, they can be the perfect option if you switch between surfaces.

Artificial Ground (AG) has been on the rise for the past decade and proven to be another great option for soccer players. Artificial ground is typically the artificial turf and Astroturf surface that has risen in popularity due to its minimal maintenance and longevity. Due to this, AG cleats have become popular and are a great option for those that spend a majority of their playing time on turf. These cleats use a more engineered approach to grip and traction with a stud pattern that is more forward with conical studs that are shorter so there is not too much grip on the ground.

Turf (TF) is a very popular option for those that play on artificial turf surface. More typically worn indoors for arena soccer and indoor turf surfaces, TF soccer shoes are a great option for those that are looking for a more modern approach to turf surfaces. Instead of a stud pattern, TF soccer shoes use a lug rubber outsole that uses ridges and textures to give you more grip on TF surfaces. This is a less agressive approach than AG and is preferably worn indoors.

Indoor/Court (IC) shoes are the perfect shoes for street soccer, futsal, and games on courts. Like a TF shoe they use a hard lug rubber outsole, but these shoes are non-marking and flat on the bottom. Similar to basketball shoes, they are very grip for court and hard surfaces to give you traction and stability.

While there are several different surface options, making sure you have the right shoes for the surface you play on is essential. Many players have a pair of FG/AG cleats in their bag and a pair of TF/IC to cover all of their bases. If you play year round it is best to make sure you multiple options in your bag to ensure you have the right shoes for the right surface.

Style

While making sure you have the shoes for the right surface is important, knowing the style of cleats you like and want is also incredibly important. From speedy cleats to classic leather to modern boots that are designed for wide feet, finding the perfect pair is more complicated than ever before. Check out all the different options and what is best for your game:

Speed boots are some of the most modern and technology forward cleats in the modern game. Using some of the most modern technology in the game, these cleats are perfect for players that are looking to up their speed and show off their skills. Often the lightest boots in a cleat line up, speed cleats use lightweight design to alleviate some of the pressure on your feet while giving you a more dynamic fit. These cleats are typically worn by attacking players that are looking for speed and a more dynamic fit.

Speed Boots: Nike Mercurial Vapor & Superfly, PUMA Ultra, New Balance Tekela, adidas F50

Precision cleats have been growing in popularity and are arguably the most well-thought out cleats that are hitting the field. Using a combination of a highly engineered upper and more strike focused sole plate, precision cleats are arguably changing the game. The precision cleats of the game are being worn by players in nearly every position and are becoming the cleat of choice for players that are looking for a more full coverage boot.

Precision Cleats: Nike Phantom 6, PUMA Future, adidas Predator, New Balance Furon

Control boots are the most classic and long standing cleats in the game. Worn by legends and icons like Pele, Zidane, Ronaldinho, and more, the control boot has been a long standing member of the game. Typically crafted with leather, control boots focus on giving players a controlled touch and feel on the ball. While many manufacturers are moving towards synthetic leather, there are many that continue to use classic leather for a more classic style.

Control boots: Nike Tiempo Legend X, PUMA King, adidas Copa Pure and Copa Mundial, New Balance 442, Mizuno Morelia

Wide fitting cleats are becoming incredibly popular in the game. Many players are looking for a more relaxed fit or have a wide foot that can feel restrained by classic have been stepping into Wide fitting cleats. New Balance offers a wide version of all three of their silos and give players an option to wear their favorite cleats with a more comfortable fit.

Finding your perfect pair of cleats and shoes for the season can be tough, but now that you have a better look into how soccer cleats are designed and their purpose making that pick has never been easier!