Soccer boots with SG soleplates/studs are designed for superior traction on soft, wet, watered down, or muddy fields. The studs are longer, often made with metal/aluminum-tipped and/or removable studs and are superior at keeping mud from getting stuck to the soleplate. SG cleats are the least used version and many international soccer academies ban the use of cleats containing metal studs.

Soccer boots with FG soleplates/studs are by far the most widely available and sold, as an outdoor pitch with firm soil and freshly-cut grass is considered the classic field type, and most cleats are designed for that purpose. Firm Ground or FG soccer cleats have rubber studs that are either conical or bladed in shape, or some combination of both. However, FG cleats are versatile enough to be used in many outdoor playing conditions. In fact, FG cleats are so common that if you have purchased cleats for your soccer player and don't know if they are SG, FG or AG, they are most likely the FG version.

Soccer boots with AG soleplates/studs are designed specifically for outdoor artificial grass, which is becoming increasingly popular. However, in the United States you will see the majority of players being uninformed and using FG cleats on artificial grass (AG), which is not particularly safe and has been shown to increase the likelihood of serious injury. Studies show that it can be very dangerous to play on an AG pitch, especially with FG cleats that contain bladed studs. The bladed stud pattern is incredibly aggressive and is very likely to get stuck in the very aggressive and very sticky AG pitch type, thus increasing the possibility of damaging knee structures. Additionally, it should be made known that using FG cleats on artificial grass fields can void their warranty. We have personally seen FG soleplates crack from overuse on AG fields, and the black marks left behind from the rubber pellets are a dead giveaway that the boots were indeed used on an AG field. The AG sole plate is very specialized and most commonly have shorter rounded/conical studs, often a higher number of studs and a thicker soleplate, which better disperses the increased pressure and radiant heat associated with artificial grass fields. Additional reinforcements built into the AG soleplate include stronger and stiffer plastic materials, and often an extended lip around the front of the toe box to better cope with the much more brutal AG surface. It should be noted that some brands also have hybrid FG/AG combo soleplates, MG (multi-ground) or FG/MG combo soleplates, if you are looking for only one pair of cleats that may be acceptable for both natural grass and outdoor artificial grass fields. However, they are not as common in the upper-end adult size models. For maximum benefit and safety, we recommend a separate pair of outdoor artificial grass cleats. See below on where to purchase.