Artificial grass: studs or moulded studs? FG, AG, TF and IC explained

Modern artificial grass is what AG football boots (soccer cleats in the US) with moulded studs are built for; combined FG/AG or FG/MG soleplates are a compromise for players who switch between grass and artificial pitches. Which sole is right depends on the surface, the pitch rules and what the brand says about the model. Screw-in studs (SG) belong only on soft natural grass and are explicitly banned on many artificial pitches. For older, hard artificial pitches and ash (cinder) pitches, TF shoes with lots of small rubber studs are the better fit; for indoor football (soccer), IC or IN shoes with a flat sole.

These codes appear in the product name of almost every football boot. Once you know them, you will not buy the wrong boot for your pitch again. This overview is based on the explanations published by Nike and PUMA.

What do FG, AG, MG, SG, TF and IC mean?

Each code describes the surface the soleplate is built for. The labels differ slightly between brands, but the logic is the same:

• FG (firm ground): plastic moulded studs for natural grass. Nike calls FG its most common soleplate, meant for short, dry or slightly wet grass, not for mud.
• AG (artificial ground): shorter, mostly round (conical) studs. According to Nike, this pattern spreads the pressure better on hard artificial grass.
• FG/AG and FG/MG: hybrid soleplates for natural and artificial grass. Nike describes MG (multi-ground) as a sole for most surfaces, except indoor courts and concrete.
• SG (soft ground), and MxSG at PUMA: screw-in studs or a mixed stud layout for wet, soft natural grass. Nike explicitly advises against wearing them on artificial grass or firm ground.
• TF (turf), or TT at PUMA: a rubber sole with lots of small, short studs for older, hard artificial pitches and hard ground.
• IC or IN (indoor court), or IT at PUMA: a flat rubber sole for sports hall floors. Nike says they also suit streets and concrete.

Which boots are best for modern artificial grass (3G)?

On modern artificial grass with rubber crumb or sand between the fibres, the AG soleplate is the design brands intend for it. FG/AG and MG soles are made for both natural and artificial grass, so they are a compromise and not the same as a dedicated AG sole. Nike describes AG soles as built for relatively hard surfaces, which is why the conical studs are a little shorter. A pure FG sole is built for natural grass, and an SG sole does not belong on artificial grass at all. What counts is the brand's information on the model and the rules of your pitch.

For players who switch between artificial and natural grass, hybrid soleplates are practical. According to PUMA, the PUMA Ultra 6 Match FG/AG has three rounded studs on the side so you can move between firm ground and artificial grass. The PUMA Future 9 Match FG/AG arranges its studs around the pivot point. The Jako RS89 Team FG/AG is a moulded boot for natural and artificial grass, made in Europe. On the Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 Academy, chevron studs at the heel and forefoot provide traction on artificial and natural grass.

When are TF (turf) shoes the better choice?

TF shoes are the better choice on older, short-pile and hard artificial grass, on ash pitches and on kickabout pitches. Nike describes turf soles as made for older artificial pitches that are shorter and firmer than modern ones. Nike mentions smaller, shorter studs, but more of them, on a rubber sole. PUMA says its TT sole gives stability and balance on such pitches.

A TF shoe is also a hard-wearing option for small-sided training or for children who play both in the school playground and on the pitch. The Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Club TF has a rubber outsole developed for traction on turf. For children and teenagers, the adidas F50 League TF J offers a rubber outsole for artificial pitches and a perforated tongue.

Can you wear screw-in studs on artificial grass?

No, as a rule you cannot. Many German towns state in their pitch rules that artificial pitches may only be used with moulded or rubber-studded shoes. The rules in Kleve, for example, say that shoes with screw-in studs or spikes damage the surface and are banned. Similar rules apply in Blumberg and Wolfsburg (all in German). Ask your club what applies on your pitch.

On natural grass, screw-in studs have their place: when the ground is soft and deep after rain, as it often is in the Eifel in autumn and winter. The PUMA Future 9 Match MxSG has a light soleplate with metal screw-in studs for soft natural ground. The adidas F50 League SG has an outsole designed for soft ground and wet grass. For clubs with both grass and artificial pitches, that often means two pairs of boots in the kit bag.

Which shoes for indoor football?

In a sports hall (gym) you need shoes with a flat rubber sole, labelled IC, IN or IT. Studs of any kind are off limits there. PUMA describes indoor soles as made for grip and comfort on hard surfaces. Many sports halls also require non-marking soles. What parents should look for when buying for children is covered in indoor shoes for kids.

Is there one boot for every pitch?

For grass and artificial grass, yes; for every pitch, no. An FG/AG or MG soleplate is designed for dry natural grass and modern artificial grass, which makes it a versatile first boot for many children and recreational players. It remains a compromise: if you play almost only on artificial grass, a dedicated AG sole is the more specialised choice. On deep, muddy grass it lacks grip, it is unsuitable indoors, and on very hard ground a TF shoe is more comfortable.

Which line from the big brands suits which style of play is explained in PUMA Future and Ultra, Nike Mercurial and Phantom, adidas Predator, Copa and F50. How to get your boots clean and dry after a game on artificial grass or in the mud is covered in caring for football boots.

Checklist: the right soleplate in four questions

• Which pitch do you train on, and which do you play matches on? Both count.
• Modern artificial grass: AG; FG/AG or MG as a hybrid if the brand and the pitch rules allow it. Old, hard artificial grass or an ash pitch: TF.
• Soft, wet natural grass: SG or MxSG, but never on artificial grass. Dry natural grass: FG.
• Indoors: IC, IN or IT with a non-marking sole.
• If in doubt, check the pitch rules or ask the coach before you buy.