Choosing the Best Cleats for Turf Soccer - Turf VS Grass Cleats

If you play soccer on turf fields, choosing the right cleats can make a big difference in your performance, comfort, and even injury prevention.

Turf surfaces are firmer and less forgiving than natural grass, which means the type of cleat you wear directly affects your traction, stability, and ability to make quick movements without slipping. So, what exactly are the best cleats for turf soccer, and how do they compare to traditional grass cleats?

Let’s break it down so you can make the right call for your game.

What Are Turf Cleats?           

Turf cleats (also called TF cleats) are designed specifically for artificial grass surfaces. These fields are typically made of synthetic grass over a thin layer of rubber or sand, and they can be harder and more abrasive than natural grass.

Artificial turf provides less natural cushioning and can increase impact forces. The right cleats are essential to maintaining performance while reducing injury risk. Turf shoes have features tailored to these unique playing conditions to optimize traction and protect the athlete and the turf surface. 

Key features of synthetic turf shoes include:    

• Short rubber studs: Provide grip without digging too deep. These smaller studs prevent damage to the surface and reduce the chance of getting stuck during quick movements. 

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• Dense stud pattern: Distributes weight and pressure evenly, enhancing stability and balance during quick cuts and lateral moves on the firmer turf.

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• Cushioned sole: Adds shock absorption on hard surfaces, which helps protect joints and reduce fatigue during play.

Turf shoes give you just enough traction for quick cuts, acceleration, and lateral movement without getting stuck in the surface. Something that can cause rolled ankles or knee injuries on artificial grass. 

What Are Grass Cleats?

Grass cleats (also known as firm ground or FG cleats) are made for natural grass fields, especially dry, well-maintained ones. Their longer stud helps soccer players maintain a better grip and avoid slipping on soft ground. Here are the key features that make grass cleats effective:

• Longer plastic or metal studs that penetrate soft grass for better traction.

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• Wider stud spacing prevents mud and grass from clogging.

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• Designed for soft playing surfaces.

Grass cleats are ideal when you need more bite and grip, especially on slippery or uneven fields. However, using these soccer shoes on artificial surfaces such as artificial turf or synthetic turf can be problematic because the hard, synthetic fibers do not allow the longer studs to penetrate properly, increasing injury risks and reducing traction.

Difference Between Turf Cleats and Grass Cleats

The distinction between these two types of soccer cleats goes beyond just appearance. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of how each performs on different surfaces:

Using the wrong soccer shoes on the wrong surface results in decreased traction and heightened injury risk.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Grass Soccer Cleats on Turf

Grass soccer cleats are specifically designed for natural grass fields, and their features don’t translate well to turf surfaces. Wearing them on turf can negatively affect your game performance and foot safety. Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t use grass cleats on synthetic surfaces:

• Reduced traction: The studs don’t interact well with the synthetic surface.

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• Increased injury risk: Your foot might get caught, leading to sprains.

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• Faster wear and tear: Hard turf destroys FG cleats much faster.   

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• Less comfort: The pressure isn't distributed evenly on firm ground.    

So, while you can technically wear grass cleats on regular turf occasionally, it’s not a good long-term choice.      

Can You Use Turf Cleats on Natural Grass?         

In a pinch, you could use turf shoes on very dry, hard grass fields. But they won’t give you the grip you need for soft or wet conditions, where the deeper penetration of longer studs helps. You'll likely find yourself slipping more often, especially when sprinting or turning sharply.

Turf shoes perform best on artificial surfaces but provide less penetration and grip on natural grass, especially when the playing field is soft, muddy, or uneven. This limited grip can hinder performance during competitive matches and increase slide risk.

Best Soccer Cleats for Artificial Turf

If you regularly play on artificial turf, get a pair of turf shoes. They’re safer, more comfortable, and more durable for artificial surfaces. They are specifically designed to match the texture and firmness of artificial fields, reducing joint strain and injury risk. In no ranking order, here are some of the most popular turf shoes brands to check out for enhanced traction include:         

• - Nike Tiempo Legend 10 TF

• - Nike Mercurial Vapor

• - Adidas Mundial Team Turf

• - Puma Future Z Turf

• - New Balance 442 Team TF

• - Nike React Tiempo Legend Pro TF

Stay Injury-Free with the Right Turf Shoes                    

If you play on both grass and artificial turf fields throughout the season, it’s worth investing in two pairs of cleats, one for each surface. Your feet (and knees) will thank you.             

While having the proper footwear is essential, don't forget that your complete soccer setup makes all the difference. At Sports Gear Swag, we provide full soccer uniforms, jerseys, soccer shorts, socks, and more that complement your cleats perfectly, helping you look sharp, play hard, and feel unstoppable on any surface.        

Ready to complete your soccer kit? Shop our collection of soccer gear and take your game to the next level.