Various surfaces can be used when playing soccer. They include firm ground, soft ground, artificial grass, turfgrass, or indoor surfaces. The surface you choose to play from dictates eh type of soccer cleats you wear. Soccer is a fun and stimulating game.
It will, however, not be so for you or your child without the right gear. Without this, soccer will be the cause of several injuries and missed goal opportunities. The cleats are the most important elements of soccer gear. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of cleat for soccer players.
When choosing the cleats, there are various elements that should influence the one you pick. One of these is the type of ground you will be playing on.
The outsoles of the cleats stocked by a soccer equipment store are the determinant of their efficacy when playing on various surfaces and their protection from injuries. Firm ground, artificial ground, indoor, soft ground, and turf are the playing surfaces used for soccer.
Here are guidelines for picking the right cleats for the soccer surface you will be playing on.
Firm Ground
This is a surface comprising natural grass with hard firm bases. It is the most common playing surface for soccer though not so professional. The FG outsole is the ideal one for the cleats used on this playing surface.
This is because it will penetrate the grass and thus allow the right traction amount. Amateurs generally use FG outsoles since they play on firm ground.
Soft Ground
This is the one used for professional soccer. It is well mowed with grass approximately 2cm in length and watered with a soft and deep base. Soft surfaces hence provide a cushioned feel for soccer players.
The ideal outsoles for this ground are those with an SG soleplate. These have detachable screwed-in metal studs. The studs have an optimal traction and penetration ideal for this wet playing surface.
Artificial Grass
This playing surface is made of a synthetic material stimulating natural grass. The artificial grass on soccer pitches is installed and built in a particular way according to international standards to mimic natural playing fields. The ideal outsoles for cleats used on artificial grass are AG outsoles.
They feature a lot of studs for the optimal distribution of weight along a player’s feet and aversion of stud pressure. These studs are also shorter and more rounded compared to those in FG outsoles and will thus not penetrate the playing surface and result in injuries.
Turfgrass
Turfgrass is more or less a shallow type of carpet with considerably shorter grass compared to that in artificial grass. The perfect outsoles for playing on turf grass are those with numerous small rubber studs. These give you the traction you will need for this playing surface and boost your cleat’s durability.
Indoor
Indoor soccer is different from soccer football. It is at times played on wooden floors such as those in basketball or cement floors. The ideal choice for cleats used in indoor soccer is those with an indoor outsole.
Most manufacturers will have cleats for the above playing surfaces in different variants to suit a player’s preference. There are some designed for those looking for comfort, others for speed, finishing, and even control. If you shop from the right store therefore, you are guaranteed to get cleats that meet your preference and match your playing surface.
