Turf vs Grass: What Parents Need to Know

Choosing the right cleats shouldn't be confusing. One of the most overlooked factors isn't brand or price — it's the surface your child plays on. The current landscape can be confusing even to a seasoned soccer parent.

Many newer sports facilities utilize third generation artificial grass. This artificial grass consists of plastic polymers made to look like natural grass and is filled in with rubber pellets, sand, or cork. Traditional "turf" is flatter, more carpet-like, and was popular in past decades, but has seen less use in sports due to fear of increased risk of injury while playing on it. Unknowing parents and kids commonly refer to all surfaces as "turf" interchangeably. This is part of the confusion when buying soccer shoes.

How Turf and Grass Are Different

Not all soccer fields are the same.

Natural grass fields are softer and allow longer studs to dig in safely. This surface suits the use of a mixture of bladed and conical studs (FG/MG).

Artificial grass fields (3rd generation) look like grass, but are firmer underneath and create more friction. Long studs can make movement feel stiff and uncomfortable. This surface suits the use of conical studs (AG).

Turf fields are carpet-like and are also firm. Bladed and conical studs can't grip because the surface is too flat. This surface suits the use of bumps or nubs (TF).

That's why surface specific options exist.

The Most Common Mistake Parents Make

Many parents buy low quality (FG) cleats (meant to be worn on natural grass) and have their child wear them on all surfaces.

While this can work and many players use only (FG), it can lead to:

• Discomfort
• Reduced mobility
• Unnecessary stress on joints
• Drop in performance

If your child plays on artificial grass or turf, choosing the right type of cleat makes a difference.

What Should You Choose?

If your child plays on natural grass:

Go with FG or FG/MG cleats
These are the standard option and work well on natural fields.

If your child plays on artificial grass:

Go with AG cleats
These are the best option for artificial grass that is raised with plastic fibers and infill.

If your child plays on turf:

Go with TF cleats
These are the best option for turf grass that is flatter and harder than artificial grass.

Still Not Sure?

Every player is a little different.

Use the Cleat Finder to get a recommendation based on your child's surface, budget, and style.