Whether you’re starting out on your soccer journey or it’s just time for a refresh, getting a good pair of soccer cleats on deck is an important step. If you’ve ever wondered how to buy soccer cleats that’ll help you perform your best on the pitch, read on for our complete guide.
Types Of Soccer Cleats
The two most prevalent types of soccer shoes are Firm Ground cleats (abbreviated as ‘FG’), made for natural grass fields, and Artificial Grass/Ground cleats (‘AG’), which are better suited for artificial grass. Multi Ground cleats (‘MG’) incorporate some elements of both, allowing players to traverse from natural to artificial surfaces.
Finally, turf shoes and indoor soccer shoes replace cleats with rubber studs and soles, providing enhanced traction for you without damaging the surface you’re playing on.
What Soccer Shoes Do I Need?
The soccer shoes you need ultimately depend on the type of surface you will be playing on. Keep reading to explore the various types of cleats:
Firm Ground (FG) Cleats
Firm Ground cleats are the most common type of soccer shoe. Built for speed, traction and stability on natural grass fields, they’re made for outdoor play. Their studs are typically conical or bladed and are very pronounced, allowing them to more easily dig into soil that has a bit of give to it.
Artificial Grass (AG) Cleats
Artificial Grass cleats are specifically made for long-bladed artificial grass fields; the shoe’s shorter, more conical studs distribute weight evenly. You may risk injury by playing in firm ground shoes on artificial grass, because their longer studs can pierce the shallower surface too deeply (thus decreasing your mobility).
Multi Ground (MG) Cleats
Also called Flexible Ground cleats, Multi Ground shoes are made for both natural and artificial outdoor surfaces. The primary difference can be found in their soles, which feature short studs that are both bladed and conical. They are a great option for harder outdoor surfaces in summertime weather, like dry soil and grass, or even frozen grass fields.
Turf Shoes
Turf fields offer a consistent and firm playing surface with a uniform feel due to its synthetic fibers and rubber infill, which contrasts with the natural variations and softer give of grass. As a result, turf shoes offer the best protection and stability against what is known to be a very hot and abrasive surface. Instead of cleats that penetrate the ground, their soles feature durable, evenly distributed rubber studs that emphasize grip and control, as well as extra cushioning for comfort.
Indoor and Sala Shoes
Indoor soccer shoes are actually more akin to your typical sneaker, but their soles are crafted for traction and grip without leaving marks on the surface, as well as improved flexibility and comfort. You can also wear them casually off the field, just like your favorite everyday kicks.
When To Get New Soccer Cleats
If you use your soccer cleats regularly each week, it is generally advised to replace your soccer cleats every season—or every five to ten months. Replacing your shoes regularly can prevent injuries and improve your overall speed and precision. This is especially true for younger athletes with growing feet; they may find that the cleats they purchased last year are already too small and uncomfortable.
Some other factors that can contribute to replacing cleats include:
- The soles on old and overused cleats can lose traction.
- Their insoles can wear down over time.
- The comfort and protection of new cleats can help you recover from injuries.
You can draw out the lifespan of your cleats by keeping one pair for training and another for competitive matches, as well as using them only on their appropriate surfaces and handwashing them regularly. Additionally, leaving your cleats to dry out in open air after each use will help prolong their life.
adidas Soccer Cleats
adidas is home to several iconic soccer cleats, from iconic Predator that is engineered for goals to the classic Copa to the explosively fast F50. Here are just a few standout FG and AG cleats available now, each with a different emphasis:
F50 Elite Firm Ground Cleats
The F50 cleat is engineered for speed. It’s a lightweight model of firm ground cleats designed to support stronger acceleration, quicker turns, and faster dribbling. These Elite soccer cleats have a thin Fibertouch upper with a Compression Fit Tunnel Tongue for adaptable fit and lockdown that helps you feel secure for quick turns. Sprintweb 3D texture helps keep the ball close when you're flying. Designed for dry grass pitches, the springy Sprintframe 360 outsole supports relentless pace and explosive acceleration.
Predator Elite FG Cleats
One of the most disruptive soccer cleats in the history of the sport, the Predator franchise has been breaking new ground since its debut in 1994. The latest Predator Elite offers unmatched accuracy thanks to its signature textures across the coated textile upper, which help you take each shot with pinpointed precision and power. The HybridTouch upper with a fold-over tongue and rubber Strikeskin fins help provide perfect contact with the soccer ball, and the Controlframe 2.0 firm ground outsole and adidas PRIMEKNIT collar are designed to give you a stable stance when staring down the goal. Speaking of goals, learn how to shoot a soccer ball with our guide.
Copa Pure.3 FG Cleats
The adidas Copa is an iconic soccer cleat that dates back to 1979 and has been worn by several of the sport’s all-time greats. Inspired by the silhouette’s rich heritage, the Copa Pure.3 features a classic design with a leather upper for sustained comfort from the moment you slip it on. Its firm ground outsole adds stability on dry natural grass fields.
F50 Messi Elite FG Cleats
Want our F50, but with modifications made to meet Messi’s exact preferences? Look no further than the F50 Messi. This cleat was built for the superstar himself, with a cushioned Hybridtouch upper for a comfortable, soft touch on the ball. Plus, it has Messi’s iconic burrito tongue and the high-paced F50 Sprintframe 360 tooling designed for explosive acceleration and a pace that doesn’t quit.
F50 Sparkfusion
Entirely designed and created for Her. The F50 Sparkfusion presents a fusion of anatomical insights to create the perfect cleat for the female athlete—you’ll see players like Trinity Rodman, Lindsay Horan, and Linda Caicedo wearing Sparkfusion.
We already know F50 is known for fast. This extremely lightweight cleat is no different, designed to play at the fastest speeds on the field. Sparkfusion features an updated Fusionlast for a better fit and more comfort. Lower instep, optimized toe box area, and a narrower heel with additional padding provide the ultimate lockdown she’s been looking for at top speeds. An engineered mid cut Primeknit collar offers a full lockdown only offered in the Sparkfusion. The new Sprintframe Fusion outsole is designed for women’s biomechanics, supporting increased agility and mobility on multiple surfaces. That’s right—this is an FG and AG cleat, with shorter semi-conical studs, an additional lateral 4th stud. And a 360-rotation zone to provide extra protection and pivoting with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soccer Cleats
What Kind Of Cleats Do I Wear For Soccer?
Picking the right soccer shoes is a crucial part of playing the Beautiful Game; whether they’re Firm Ground cleats, Artificial Grass cleats, Multi Ground cleats or even soccer shoes made for indoor surfaces, each shoe has unique advantages specifically for the field you are playing on. The right choice can also help prevent injuries in the long run.
How Should Soccer Cleats Fit?
Generally, your soccer cleats should have a snug, sock-like fit on your foot, but with enough room in the front to comfortably wiggle your toes. More than anything, it’s important to take your time and try out different sizes of cleats to identify what works best for you.
How Tight Should Soccer Cleats Be?
Soccer cleats offer the most amount of precision and control when they are snug; too big, and they may cause you to trip or produce blisters as your foot slides around in the shoe. Conversely, if they are too small, they will feel painful and can affect circulation.
Ready to hit the field? Shop the best adidas soccer cleats online to find the best cleats or multi ground soccer shoes for your game. After you’ve grabbed your gear (including a soccer ball in the correct size), brush up on the rules of soccer and grab some teammates to practice some essential soccer passing drills to improve your game.