How to Choose the Right Soccer Cleats: Fit, Playing Surface & Materials

When it comes to playing soccer, having the right cleats can make a big difference to your game. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re at the top of your game, finding the right cleats is important. With many styles and brands to choose from, choosing the right ones for you can feel overwhelming.

To help you out, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to buying soccer cleats, helping you find your perfect match.

Types of Soccer Cleats & Shoes

Soccer cleats come in many styles and colors, designed for different types of playing surfaces. Choosing the right style for your game can help boost your performance, help you avoid injury and of course, look the part! Popular styles include: Firm Ground (FG), Artificial Grass (AG), Multi Ground (MG), Soft Ground (SG), Turf (TF) and Indoor shoes.

Firm Ground (FG) Soccer Cleats

Firm Ground soccer cleats are designed to be worn on natural grass pitches - suitable for both dry or slightly damp conditions. Of all the soccer cleats out there, these are the most commonly used by players, with molded studs that help give players reliable traction out on the field. FG soccer cleats are ideal for both competitive and non-competitive players thanks to their stability, grip and responsiveness.

FG cleats aren’t suitable for artificial turf or hard surfaces, as they can cause discomfort or injury.

Artificial Grass (AG) Soccer Cleats

Artificial Grass soccer cleats have been created especially for 3G and 4G synthetic turf fields. Their studs are shorter, with more studs than other types of cleats to help reduce pressure on your feet, and improve grip on an artificial surface. AG cleats have been designed to be long-lasting, while protecting the artificial turf. 

AG cleats are a must-have style for players who usually play on an artificial pitch, ensuring both comfort and safety. 

Multi Ground (MG) Soccer Cleats

Multi Ground (MG) soccer cleats are a flexible solution for players who switch between natural grass and artificial turf. They have a variety of stud shapes and placements, which helps them work well on both surfaces, providing effective traction and cushioning in a variety of weather conditions. 

MG cleats are ideal for playing on mixed fields or players looking for just one pair to help them play on different surfaces, without sacrificing performance. 

Soft Ground (SG) Soccer Cleats

Soft Ground soccer cleats are designed to be used on wet, muddy or soft natural grass fields. They typically have fewer, longer metal studs to help penetrate the surface to improve grip in slippery conditions. Many SG cleat styles come with removable studs to help you change up your traction according to your needs, making them a flexible choice for players. 

MG cleats are a must-have shoe for serious soccer players who play year-round in rainy or wintry conditions. 

Turf (TF) Soccer Shoes

Turf soccer shoes are ideal for playing on either old-school turf or a hard, artificial pitch. They have a flat, rubber outsole and smaller grips undersigned to boost traction. TF soccer clears are ideal for wear during training, or casual play, where other types of cleats may be uncomfortable. 

One of the biggest benefits of TF soccer shoes is they offer better cushioning and stability compared to other types of cleats, making them suitable for playing on firm or abrasive surfaces. 

Indoor Soccer Shoes

Indoor soccer shoes are made for playing on hard, smooth courts. They have a flat, gum rubber sole that’s designed not to mark, and a low-profile fit, providing better control and stability when playing fast-paced indoor games. They are not suitable to be worn to play on outdoor fields or surfaces. 

Indoor soccer shoes can also be worn in the gym or as a casual shoe outside of play, making them a versatile choice for players. 

How Should Soccer Cleats Fit?

Finding the right fit for your soccer cleats is vital for comfort, performance and preventing injuries. Well-fitting soccer cleats should feel snug without being too tight, and should allow enough room for natural movement. Some of the things to look out for include:

• Snug fit - Cleats should hug your foot securely, reducing the amount of slippage within the shoe. 

• Minimal toe room - Try to keep around a thumb’s width of space between your toes and the front of the cleat. 

• Secure heel - Your heel should feel locked in to prevent rubbing while running.

• No pressure points - Try them on with soccer socks and help ensure there are no uncomfortable tight spots or pressure.

• Break-in period - Most cleats need to a couple of sessions to wear in, and leather cleats will mold to your foot in time. 

Collar types are also important to help determine how soccer cleats fit around the ankle. Collar types to consider include:

• Low-Cut Collar - Offers more movement and flexibility, and is popular with players who prefer a traditional feel.

• Mid-Cut Collar - Adds light ankle support without restricting mobility. 

• High-Cut Collar - Provides a sock-like fit and increased ankle compression for better stability. 

Adidas Adult Shoe Size Guide

The size guide below features Adidas sizing recommendations for the US, UK and EU:

See our Size Guide for more information on other brand sizes. 

Other Soccer Cleat Features to Consider

Beyond choosing soccer cleats for different surfaces and fits, extra factors to consider include gender, age, width, materials and lacing style. 

Women’s Cleat Sizes

Women’s soccer cleats are typically narrower and have a different fit to men’s styles. Most brands offer specific women’s sizing, although conversions can vary. Some brands have recommendations for sizing based on men’s cleat styles. Nike, for example, recommends going 1.5 sizes down from men’s sizes, while Adidas has styles that are more aligned. 

Women's Nike Shoe Size Conversion Chart

Here is a women’s Nike soccer cleats sizing guide:

To help ensure the best fit, consult the brand’s size chart before buying. See our cleat Size Guide for details of individual brands’ sizing. 

Kids and Toddler Cleat Sizes

Kid’s soccer cleats are designed with growing feet in mind, and come with added cushioning as well as easy entry options like Velcro straps or elasticated laces. For younger players, look for toddler soccer cleats with flexible soles, helping to protect their feet as they run around and play. 

Take a look at our Size Guide for information about kids' and toddler cleat sizes, including size charts from different brands. 

Kid's Adidas Shoe Size Conversion Chart

To help, here’s a kid’s size chart from Adidas:

Wide Soccer Cleats

Wide soccer cleats are designed for players with wide feet, providing extra comfort during play. With wide soccer cleats, you can expect extra room in the toe box and midfoot. Finding soccer cleats that are the right width as well as length will help provide additional stability without adding pressure, helping to prevent injury during play.

New Balance is one of the best-known brands for making wide soccer cleats, providing comfortable and stylish designs for different types of play. 

Laceless vs. Laced Cleats

Should you choose laceless or laced cleats for your game? Each one has different properties to help suit your needs. Laceless soccer cleats offer a sleek, clean strike zone and a sock-like feel, while laced cleats provide a more customized fit. While some players love the simplicity of laceless, others prefer the flexibility and security of traditional laced styles. 

Many brands offer both laceless and laced cleats, giving you plenty of styles to choose from to help you find your favorite. 

Material

The material of your soccer cleats can affect their touch, durability and comfort. The most common cleat materials include: : 

• Kangaroo Leather - A popular choice for leather soccer cleats, kangaroo leather is soft and supple for excellent touch and is often used in premium cleat styles. They’re supportive, providing essential protection during play. 
  
  
• Full-Grain Leather - Durable and supportive, full-grain leather cleats are slightly heavier than kangaroo leather, but have the same molding properties to provide a personal fit to the wearer. 
  
  
• Synthetic - Synthetic soccer cleats are generally lightweight and water-resistant, and come in many different color and design options. Synthetic soccer cleats are designed to be long-lasting, maintaining their appearance and performance for longer.
  
• Knitted - Offers a sock-like feel, great flexibility and are usually paired with high-cut collars to provide additional stability. 

Choosing the right material can be based on factors like the weather, your personal preference, and the style of soccer you’re playing. You may prefer wearing different materials for different playing surfaces or conditions. Brands produce soccer cleats in a range of materials, so you may prefer one material type over another within individual brand ranges. 

Popular Soccer Cleats & Shoes: Adidas, Nike, PUMA

Explore styles from some of the most popular adult soccer cleats from the biggest brands in the game. These top picks are trusted by both pros and weekend warriors, ensuring there are styles available for every type of player. 

Nike Mercurial Zoom Superfly 10 (FG)

The Nike Mercurial Zoom Superfly 10 (FG) is built for explosive speed. With a snug FlyKnit upper, Zoom Air cushioning, and a responsive soleplate, it’s the ideal shoe for fast-paced wingers and forwards. The high-cut collar offers ankle support without restricting movement.

Lightweight and aggressive, this dynamic soccer cleat is all about acceleration and quick changes of direction. Available in a range of sizes and color combinations. 

Explore the full collection: Shop Nike Mercurial

PUMA Future 8 Ultimate (FG)

The PUMA Future 8 Ultimate (FG) brings creativity and comfort to enhance your playing style. Featuring an adaptive FUZIONFIT360 upper and Dynamic Motion System outsole, these stylish cleats have been designed with performance in mind. The black, purple and red color combination helps them stand out during play. 

Ideal for agile players who value touch and versatility, this style provides excellent lockdown and flexibility. Recommended for midfielders or those who like to drive play and change direction with ease. 

See the full range: Shop PUMA Future. 

Adidas Copa Pure 3 League Turf (TF)

The Adidas Copa Pure 3 League Turf (TF) has been designed for control and comfort when playing on turf surfaces - a classic style loved by players from all over. With a synthetic upper that mimics the feel of natural leather, it’s a style that’s soft on the foot and built for precise passing and ball control. The rubber outsole grips well on artificial turf, making these cleats a reliable choice for either training or 5-a-side soccer. 

Take a closer look at the Copa collection: Shop Adidas Copa

Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite (FG)

The Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite (FG) is another popular style with both professionals and those who play for fun. Continuing the Tiempo legacy, they are designed with a lightweight FlyTouch+ leather upper that molds to your feet for the perfect fit. Offering elite-level touch and comfort, they are ideal for defenders and midfielders who prioritize control during play. The internal cushioning and adaptive plate provide a stable and responsive type of play - a fantastic soccer cleat for passionate players.

Explore our full range of styles: Shop Nike Tiempo

Adidas Predator Elite (FG)

The Adidas Predator Elite (FG) is engineered for both power and precision. With grippy Strikeskin rubber ribs on the upper, it’s designed to help deliver more accurate shots and passes. The two-piece collar and Controlframe 2.0 outsole provide great lockdown and traction when playing on firm ground. An ideal choice for attacking midfielders and forwards. 

Explore the full Adidas Predator range: Shop Adidas Predator

Soccer Cleats & Shoes FAQ's

Welcome to our FAQs section! If you’ve got a question about soccer cleats, we’re here to answer them. Here are some quick answers to some of the most common things players want to know before buying their next pair. 

1. What is FG vs AG vs SG?

FG stands for Firm Ground - ideal for dry, natural grass pitches. AG, meanwhile, means Artificial Grass - designed for synthetic turf fields. SG stands for Soft Grounds, which is best for either muddy or wet grass surfaces. Understanding the different types of soleplate can help improve your grip during different types of play, helping to reduce your risk of injury. 

2. How tight should soccer cleats be?

Soccer cleats should feel snug and supportive, but shouldn’t be too tight or cause pain. Your toes should be close to the front but without touching it, and your heel should stay comfortably in place with no slipping. A secure fit will give you greater control, improve agility and prevent unnecessary foot movement that can cause painful blisters or put you at risk of injury.  

3. Should you size up or down in soccer cleats?

Most soccer cleats run true to size, but it’s best to check the brand’s sizing guide before you buy. If you’re between sizes, go slightly down for a closer fit as cleats often stretch after a few wears. Always try on soccer cleats with appropriate socks to help you find your best size.

Summary

If you’re shopping for soccer cleats, choosing the right shoe can make all the difference. Making the right decision can be pivotal in enhancing comfort and control, optimizing performance levels and helping you develop and adapt your game. 

Key factors to consider include the size and fit of your soccer shoes, the stud type, the type of playing surface and the material. To make buying soccer cleats easy, it’s beneficial to research sizing, try different styles and sizes, and find out more about which studs you need for different surfaces. It’s also helpful to learn about materials and the advantages they offer. Leather, for example, is hard-wearing and durable while synthetic and knitted boots are lightweight and flexible. It’s also important to consider personal preferences. This will help you choose everything from the design and look of your new soccer cleats to the collar and stud type.