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Soccer Cleats

Moulded FG and AG cleats for natural grass and turf

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Soccer cleats: how to choose

Moulded cleats (FG, for firm ground) are the standard in outdoor soccer: light, maintenance-free and built for grip on natural grass and firm pitches. It's the most common type of soccer shoe, from recreational play to competition. Here are the four criteria that determine the right pair.

1. The playing surface

This is criterion number one. FG targets natural grass: longer, fewer studs designed to penetrate the ground. AG (artificial ground) has shorter, more numerous studs, better distributed, to avoid pressure points on synthetic turf. Some FG/AG models cover both surfaces — handy if you alternate.

Playing on the wrong stud type wears the outsole out much faster and increases the risk of twisting. In Canada, where a large share of fields are synthetic, it's worth checking before you buy.

2. The upper material

Leather stretches and moulds to the foot over time: softer touch, better comfort, ideal if you have a wide foot. Synthetic is lighter, dries fast, cleans easily and holds its shape longer — often the better choice on abrasive turf.

3. Your style of play

The major brands split their cleats into three families: speed (ultralight upper, reactive plate), control (textured surface for ball touch) and comfort (soft touch, generous fit). At Puma, that maps to the Ultra, Future and King lines. Joma, Umbro, Under Armour and Diadora follow the same logic, often at more accessible prices.

4. The size

A soccer shoe should fit snugly, with about 5 mm of room in front of the big toe — enough not to cramp, not so much that the foot slides. Measure both feet, go with the larger one, and always try them on with your soccer socks. Our size guide gives the conversions by brand.

Making your cleats last

Remove mud after each match and let them air-dry — never on a radiator or in direct sun, which harden and crack the upper. Also avoid walking on asphalt in your cleats: that's what wears them down fastest.

Also shop our artificial grass shoes, our indoor soccer shoes, our men's, women's and kids' models, or all our soccer shoes.

To go further, our guide walks through the whole method: choosing the right soccer shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which soccer cleats can be used on synthetic surfaces?

There are different studs configurations on soccer cleats.

1. FG (Firm Ground) studs

FG cleats are designed for use on dry or slightly damp natural grass pitches. They are fitted with molded plastic or rubber studs, arranged to provide optimum traction on firm surfaces.

2. AG (Artificial Grass) studs

AG soccer cleats are specifically designed for artificial grass surfaces. They feature more studs, shorter and often hollow to distribute weight more evenly.

3. FG/AG studs (Hybrid)

FG/AG cleats are designed for use on both firm ground and artificial turf. They combine the characteristics of both types of studs to offer optimum versatility.

How to choose the perfect pair of soccer cleats?

To choose the ideal pair of soccer cleats, first look at the components.

Here's a detailed overview of the main features to consider:

1. Upper material

The upper is the top part of the soccer shoe, which can be made of different materials to achieve different ball touch and control. Options range from natural leather to synthetic materials.

Leather shoes, especially those made from kangaroo leather, offer unrivalled touch and feel of the ball. This material adapts to the shape of your foot, offering a personalized fit over time.

Recently, Puma debuted a new material, K-Better, which is a synthetic leather that offers the same characteristics as natural leather.

In general, leather is more stretchable than synthetic materials, but the latest soccer shoe models have revolutionized the game with stretchable textile uppers that offer a perfect fit.

2. Cleat configuration

Cleat configuration is a necessary feature to understand to ensure you have the right shoe for the playing surface.

Studs can be configured for Firm Ground (FG), Artificial Grass (AG) or a combination of both (FG/AG).

3. Weight

Lighter shoes can make a significant difference in terms of speed and agility, allowing you to move more freely and react more quickly on the pitch.

While lightweight shoes are beneficial, it's important to strike a balance between weight and the level of protection and support needed for your playing style.