Best Soccer Cleats by Surface: FG, AG, MG, Turf & Indoor
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Time to read 9 min
Choosing the right soccer cleats starts with the surface you play on most. Firm Ground (FG), Artificial Ground (AG), Multi Ground (MG), Turf (TF) and Indoor (IC) soccer shoes use different outsole and stud configurations designed for different playing surfaces.
FG cleats are primarily designed for natural grass, AG cleats for artificial grass, turf shoes for shorter synthetic surfaces, and indoor shoes for hard indoor courts. MG cleats offer a versatile option for players who regularly switch between natural grass and artificial grass.
In Montreal and across Canada, players often move between natural grass, artificial grass, turf and indoor facilities throughout the year. This guide explains which soccer cleats to use on each surface and the differences between FG, AG, MG, Turf and Indoor soccer shoes.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST PREMIUM SOCCER
- Soccer specialty retailer serving players across Canada since 2019
- 4.6/5 Google rating from more than 400 customer reviews
- In-store team with hands-on experience helping players choose soccer cleats for different playing surfaces
Not sure which outsole you need? Visit our Montreal store to compare FG, AG, MG, Turf and Indoor soccer shoes in person and get help choosing the right option for where you play.
FG is designed primarily for firm natural grass, while AG is designed specifically for artificial-grass fields.
MG is a versatile option for players who regularly switch between natural and artificial grass, while Turf (TF) is designed for shorter synthetic turf.
Indoor (IC/IN) soccer shoes use a flat rubber outsole for indoor courts and futsal instead of the studded outsoles used outdoors.
Table of Content
Find the Right Soccer Cleats for Your Surface in 3 Minutes Quick Comparison: FG vs AG vs MG vs Turf vs Indoor Why Surface Matters When Choosing Soccer Cleats Soccer Cleat Types by Playing Surface 1. Firm Ground Soccer Cleats (FG) — Natural Grass 2. Artificial Ground Soccer Cleats (AG) — Artificial Grass 3. Multi Ground Soccer Cleats (MG) — Natural & Artificial Grass Which Soccer Cleats Should You Choose? 4. Turf Soccer Shoes (TF) — Short Synthetic Turf 5. Indoor Soccer Shoes (IC/IN) — Indoor Courts & Futsal Frequently Asked Questions Related Readings Summary
Find the Right Soccer Cleats for Your Surface in 3 Minutes
Quick Comparison: FG vs AG vs MG vs Turf vs Indoor
| Playing surface | Best option | What it means | Best used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural grass – firm/normal conditions | FG | Firm Ground | Natural grass fields that are firm and in normal playing condition |
| Artificial grass | AG | Artificial Ground | Modern artificial grass fields |
| Natural + artificial grass | MG | Multi Ground | Players who regularly switch between natural grass and artificial grass |
| Short synthetic turf | TF | Turf | Shorter, denser synthetic turf and training surfaces |
| Indoor courts / futsal | IC / IN | Indoor | Flat indoor courts and futsal surfaces |
| Wet or muddy natural grass | SG | Soft Ground | Soft natural grass where deeper traction is required |
| Very firm / hard natural ground | HG | Hard Ground | Dry, compact natural-ground conditions |
Why Surface Matters When Choosing Soccer Cleats
Each playing surface interacts differently with the outsole of your soccer shoes. Stud shape, length, number and configuration vary between FG, AG, MG and Turf footwear because each is designed for different field conditions.
Choosing the appropriate outsole can affect:
- Traction on the playing surface
- Stud pressure and underfoot feel
- Comfort
- Durability of the footwear
- How suitable the cleat is for the surface you play on
That is why the surface you play on most should be one of the first considerations when choosing soccer cleats. Once you identify the appropriate outsole, you can compare fit, comfort, brand and playing style.
Soccer Cleat Types by Playing Surface
1. Firm Ground Soccer Cleats (FG) — Natural Grass
Firm Ground (FG) soccer cleats are the most common option for natural grass fields in firm, normal playing conditions. They use molded studs, with the exact stud shape and configuration varying by brand and model.
If you mainly play on natural grass, field conditions matter. FG is the primary option for standard natural grass, while Hard Ground (HG) is designed for very dry, compact natural ground and Soft Ground (SG) for wet or muddy natural grass.
Premium Soccer does not currently carry dedicated HG or SG soccer cleats. For most players shopping our assortment, FG is the primary option for natural grass, while MG is an option to consider if you regularly switch between natural and artificial grass.
Role & Benefits:
- Designed primarily for natural grass
- Best suited to firm, normal natural-grass conditions
- Molded stud configurations vary by brand and model
- Widely available across soccer cleat brands, models and price tiers
Nike.ca
Pros:
- Most common outsole option for natural grass
- Wide selection across brands, models and tiers
- Appropriate for standard firm natural-grass conditions
Cons:
- Not designed specifically for artificial grass
- Not the specialized option for very soft or muddy natural grass
- Players regularly switching between natural and artificial grass may prefer the versatility of MG
2. Artificial Ground Soccer Cleats (AG) — Artificial Grass
Artificial Ground (AG) soccer cleats are designed specifically for artificial-grass fields. Their outsole and stud configuration are adapted to synthetic playing surfaces rather than standard natural grass.
AG cleats generally feature more numerous, shorter studs than traditional FG configurations, although the exact stud shape and configuration varies by brand and model.
If you play primarily on full-size artificial-grass fields, AG is the specialized outsole option to consider.
Role & Benefits:
- Designed specifically for artificial grass
- Stud configurations adapted to synthetic playing surfaces
- Best suited to players who regularly play on full artificial-grass fields
- Available across multiple brands, models and price tiers
Nike.ca
Pros:
- Designed specifically for artificial grass
- Stud configuration adapted to synthetic playing surfaces
- Strong choice for players who play regularly on full artificial-grass fields
Cons:
- More specialized than MG for players who regularly switch between natural and artificial grass
- Not the primary outsole designed for natural grass
- Not intended for short synthetic turf, where Turf (TF) shoes are the more specialized option
3. Multi Ground Soccer Cleats (MG) — Natural & Artificial Grass
Multi Ground (MG) soccer cleats are designed for versatility across multiple playing surfaces, particularly natural grass and artificial grass.
MG can be a practical option for players who regularly switch between field types and want one pair of soccer cleats for both natural and artificial grass, rather than using separate FG and AG pairs.
This can be especially useful for players whose games and training sessions take place on different surfaces throughout the season.
Role & Benefits:
- Designed for use across natural grass and artificial grass
- Versatile option for players switching between surfaces
- Practical for players who want one pair for multiple field types
- Useful for youth and adult players whose training and games take place on different surfaces
Nike.ca
Pros:
- Versatile option for natural and artificial grass
- Practical for players who regularly switch surfaces
- Allows many players to use one pair across multiple field types
Cons:
- Less specialized than AG for players who play exclusively on artificial grass
- Less specialized than FG for players who play exclusively on natural grass
- Not intended to replace Turf (TF) or Indoor (IC/IN) shoes on those surfaces
4. Turf Soccer Shoes (TF) — Short Synthetic Turf
Turf soccer shoes (TF) are designed for shorter synthetic turf surfaces, including many training fields and older synthetic surfaces.
Unlike FG, AG and MG soccer cleats, turf shoes use many small rubber studs across the outsole rather than larger cleat studs. This makes Turf a distinct option for shorter, denser synthetic playing surfaces.
Turf shoes can be a practical choice for players who regularly train or play recreationally on short synthetic turf, rather than full artificial-grass fields.
Role & Benefits:
- Designed for short synthetic turf
- Uses many small rubber studs across the outsole
- Practical for training and recreational play on turf surfaces
- Specialized alternative to AG or MG when playing on shorter synthetic surfaces
Nike.ca
Pros:
- Versatile option for natural and artificial grass
- Practical for players who regularly switch surfaces
- Allows many players to use one pair across multiple field types
Cons:
- Less specialized than AG for players who play exclusively on artificial grass
- Less specialized than FG for players who play exclusively on natural grass
- Not intended to replace Turf (TF) or Indoor (IC/IN) shoes on those surfaces
5. Indoor Soccer Shoes (IC/IN) — Indoor Courts & Futsal
Indoor soccer shoes (IC/IN) are designed for hard indoor courts and futsal surfaces. Unlike FG, AG, MG and Turf footwear, indoor soccer shoes use a flat rubber outsole instead of studs.
This makes Indoor shoes the appropriate footwear type for players competing or training on indoor courts, gym floors and other hard indoor playing surfaces.
Role & Benefits:
- Designed for indoor courts and futsal
- Uses a flat rubber outsole instead of studs
- Suitable for gym floors and hard indoor surfaces
- Purpose-built alternative to studded soccer cleats for indoor play
Nike.ca
Pros:
- Designed specifically for indoor courts and futsal
- Flat rubber outsole suited to hard indoor playing surfaces
- Appropriate for indoor leagues, futsal and gym floors
Cons:
- Not designed for natural grass
- Not designed for artificial-grass fields
- Does not replace Turf (TF) shoes for short synthetic turf
Which Soccer Cleats Should You Choose?
Premium Soccer / AI-generatedThe easiest way to choose is to start with the surface you play on most:
- Choose FG if you primarily play on natural grass in firm, normal conditions.
- Choose AG if you primarily play on full artificial-grass fields.
- Choose MG if you regularly switch between natural grass and artificial grass and want one versatile pair.
- Choose Turf (TF) if you play on shorter synthetic turf surfaces.
- Choose Indoor (IC/IN) if you play on indoor courts, gym floors or futsal surfaces.
Once you identify the appropriate outsole for your playing surface, compare fit, comfort, brand and playing style to choose the soccer cleat that works best for you.
CONCLUSION
Choosing the right soccer cleats starts with the surface you play on most. Different outsole configurations are designed for different playing surfaces, while MG provides a versatile option for players who regularly switch between natural and artificial grass.
Choose FG for firm natural grass, AG for artificial grass, MG for natural and artificial grass, Turf (TF) for shorter synthetic turf, and Indoor (IC/IN) for indoor courts and futsal.
Once you've identified the appropriate outsole for your playing surface, you can narrow your choice based on fit, comfort, brand and playing style.
At Premium Soccer, you'll find soccer cleats and shoes for different playing surfaces, available at our Montreal store and online across Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FG and AG soccer cleats?
FG (Firm Ground) soccer cleats are designed primarily for natural grass, while AG (Artificial Ground) soccer cleats are designed specifically for artificial grass. Their outsole and stud configurations are adapted to their respective playing surfaces.
Can you wear FG cleats on artificial grass?
FG cleats are designed primarily for natural grass, while AG cleats are specifically designed for artificial grass. If you regularly play on artificial grass, choose footwear designed for that surface, such as AG, or MG when you also play on natural grass.
Can you wear MG soccer cleats on artificial grass?
Yes. MG (Multi Ground) soccer cleats are designed for use across natural grass and artificial grass, making them a versatile option for players who regularly switch between the two surfaces.
What soccer cleats are best for both turf and grass?
It depends on what you mean by turf. If you switch between natural grass and full artificial-grass fields, MG soccer cleats are designed as a versatile option for both. Turf (TF) shoes are designed for shorter synthetic turf and use a different type of outsole.
What are turf soccer shoes for?
Turf (TF) soccer shoes are designed for shorter synthetic turf surfaces. They typically use many small rubber studs across the outsole and are a practical option for training and recreational play on short synthetic turf.
What does MG mean in soccer cleats?
MG stands for Multi Ground. MG soccer cleats are designed for versatility across multiple playing surfaces, particularly natural grass and artificial grass.
Do I need SG cleats for wet fields?
SG (Soft Ground) soccer cleats are designed for soft, wet or muddy natural grass where deeper traction is required. They are a specialized outsole type and are different from FG cleats designed for firmer natural-grass conditions.
What shoes should I wear for indoor soccer?
Indoor soccer shoes (IC/IN) are designed for indoor courts and futsal surfaces. They use a flat rubber outsole instead of studs, making them suitable for gym floors and other hard indoor playing surfaces.
Related Readings
Premium SoccerPremium Soccer Team
The Premium Soccer team has been helping soccer players across Canada choose footwear, apparel and equipment since 2019. Our guides combine hands-on product experience, feedback from soccer players and published research to provide practical, evidence-based information.