Many soccer teams and leagues are now playing on artificial turf rather than traditional grass pitches.
Turf pitches consist of artificial grass blades that are stitched into a backing material and interspersed with black rubber beads and sand.
There are many advantages associated with playing on this type of surface: costs and upkeep are kept lower than those to maintain grass pitches, and it’s more weather resistant too, meaning there’s a lower chance of games having to be canceled due to rain.
The flat nature of turf pitches also provides a smoother surface for the ball to roll on, meaning players can pass quickly and encounter fewer obstacles like uneven patches and ruts in the ground.
However, whether you’re playing on artificial turf or natural grass, you must have the right type of shoe for the surface, otherwise, your gameplay is going to be significantly affected due to insufficient traction.
A good turf shoe will feature studs that are designed for harder surfaces, so rather than penetrating the pitch, they sit on top of it instead.
This enhances your traction and enables you to grip onto the dense artificial turf.
With thousands of designs to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.
To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of the best turf soccer shoes on the market, so you can find the perfect pair for your needs, whilst enhancing your gameplay and playing experience.
OUR TOP PICK
The Adidas Mundial Soccer cleat is one of the most popular turf shoes on the market.
With an outer constructed from 100% leather, this cleat will mold to the shape of your foot for a more structured fit, perfect for moving swiftly on firm ground. It’s also highly durable due to the naturally tough quality of leather.
Adidas has also taken into consideration your comfort, and this shoe has a soft synthetic lining that wicks moisture, as well as a die-cut EVA insole and molded midsole for a cushioned feel.
The extended tongue and ‘no-chafe’ heel counter prevent rubbing and blisters, while the wedge outsole provides a responsive feel and shock-absorption.
The rubber, ‘Traxion’ outsole provides ultimate traction, while the fine-grain stud pattern effortlessly grips onto the surface of the turf, reducing the risk of injury and slipping.
Pros
- Highly-rated soccer shoe from one of the leading soccer brands
- 100% soft leather for a luxurious feel and maximum durability
- Structured fit for support and responsiveness
- Soft, EVA insole and midsole provides cushioning and comfort
- Extended tongue and ‘no-chafe’ heel
- Durable rubber outsole and fine-grain stud pattern
Cons
- Crafted from kangaroo leather, which isn’t legal in California
EDITORS CHOICE
The Diadora Capitano is a great budget soccer shoe specifically designed for indoor and outdoor turf pitches.
These shoes feature a soft, polyurethane synthetic upper for a breathable feel, while the cotton insole with EVA foam cushioning provides comfort and absorbs shock, minimizing your risk of injury.
These also have a wide, spacious toe box making them ideal for those with wide feet, however, the abundance of cushioning does make them a little heavy, so whilst they’re highly rated for comfort, they’re less successful when it comes to enhancing your speed and touch.
The outsole of the Capitano is constructed of anti-abrasion rubber for maximum durability, whilst the studs provide traction and grip on both turf and hard natural surfaces.
For the price, this is a good quality turf shoe but is perhaps less suited to regular players.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Breathable, soft upper
- EVA foam wedge for ultimate cushioning and shock absorption
- Anti-abrasion rubber and studded outsole for maximum grip
- Spacious toe box for wide feet
Cons
- A little on the heavy side due to all that padding
BEST VALUE
The Predator shoe from Adidas will certainly turn heads thanks to its sleek design and bold color options.
It’s crafted from textile and synthetic materials for a breathable, flexible fit, and the anatomically designed mesh upper wicks moisture while providing support and structure when moving at high speeds.
The sock-like design with stretch collar provides a snug feel and supports the ankle, improving ball control, while the cushioned textile insole provides arch support and creates a plush feel for maximum comfort.
The lightly treaded, TPU-injected outsole stabilizes movement while ‘control embossing’ on the upper improves your handling of the ball.
Pros
- Sock-like design for a more structured fit
- Mesh panels improve breathability and moisture wicking
- Cushioned textile insole for comfort
- Light treads and TPU outsole provides stability
- Control embossing for improved ball handling
- Great range of color combinations
Cons
- Less durable due to synthetic materials
- Sock design can be difficult to get on for those with wide feet
RUNNER UP
If you’re looking for a soccer shoe from a well-established sporting brand, which is also affordable and high performing, then the Adidas Goletto VII could be the shoe for you.
The full-lace fastening allows you to achieve a secure fit for maximum structure and stability, while the padded ankle collar and cushioned insole provide ultimate comfort and support.
The Goletto is constructed from synthetic materials for a breathable, lightweight feel, whilst the rubber sole and molded studs provide good traction when playing or training on firm ground.
The stitch detailing and color contrast finish these shoes off whilst maintaining a simple, classic Adidas design.
There’s also a Ladies version of the Adidas Goletto, which offers the same great features but comes in a white, blue, and coral color scheme.
Pros
- Lightweight feel great for moving at high speeds
- Padded ankle collar and cushioned insole
- Rubber sole and molded studs for traction and durability
- Color contrast and stitching details
- Reliable Adidas quality
- Affordable option
Cons
- Synthetic materials are less durable than leather
- These tend to run small
RUNNER UP
The New Balance 442 soccer shoe has a classic design but also features a range of modern game-enhancing features.
As we mentioned earlier, leather is best for durability, and this 100% leather shoe will see you through many a soccer game or training session.
New Balance is known for its comfortable sneaker designs, and their soccer shoes are no different.
The 442 features a removable EVA insole for plush underfoot cushioning to maximize comfort and minimize shock.
The perforated synthetic PU collar not only provides support and cushioning around the ankle, but it also has a moisture-wicking effect for maximum breathability.
Finally, the rubber sole is highly durable and provides great traction, whilst the stud combination has been specially designed for firm pitches, and the conical-shaped studs provide 360-degree rotational traction to provide all-round grip and stability.
Pros
- 100% leather
- Highly durable
- Removable EVA insole for maximum comfort
- Perforated PU collar for padding and breathability
- Rubber sole for traction
- Conical-shaped studs provide 360 rotating grip
- Great for wider feet
Cons
- These run large, so not ideal for narrower feet
Best Turf Soccer Shoes Buying Guide
If you’re still struggling to find the ideal turf soccer shoe for you, then you may find our buyer’s guide helpful to narrow down your choice and identify the features that will best enhance your play...
Fit
Regardless of the type of soccer shoe you’re searching for, the fit should always be your number one priority.
Without a good fit, the shoe is going to feel uncomfortable and you won’t be able to reap the benefits of its game-enhancing qualities.
Always check the manufacturer’s size guide beforehand and do some research on whether the particular shoe runs small, large, or true to size.
If you have wide feet, you’ll want a soccer shoe with a roomy toe box so your toes have adequate space, while narrower feet will want a more secure and structured shoe that isn’t going to slip off easily or slack around the heel.
Material
Leather soccer shoes are a little more expensive and may take a while to break-in, but once it softens up leather is renowned for being the most durable shoe material and one of the most comfortable too, as leather tends to mold to the shape of your foot over time, so you get a more tailored fit.
Mesh paneling can be great for moisture-wicking, while synthetic and textile materials can be lightweight and are usually cheaper to manufacture (and purchase), but bear in mind they are also likely to be less durable, too.
Rubber is the most common and the most durable material used for the outsole of soccer shoes, as it provides a superior grip and won’t wear down easily.
Cushioning
While you’re after a soccer shoe and not a slipper, comfort is still important, particularly because soccer requires long periods of moving about and puts a strain on specific areas of the feet. Look for a soccer shoe with a padded insole.
Many use EVA, which is a foam-like material that molds to your feet to provide arch support and cushioning. Padding is essential for maximizing comfort and support, but also for minimizing shock when you're passing and receiving the ball.
Weight
Pay attention to how much the soccer shoe weighs, and the materials it’s made out of, as this can impact your gameplay, too.
A soccer shoe should be lightweight so you can move swiftly and smoothly, effortlessly passing and receiving the ball with a quick touch.
If the shoe has too much cushioning, it can feel weighed-down slightly, whilst a shoe that is too light may not provide the structure and support you need to maximize your traction and stability.
It’s all about assessing your needs and striking a balance.
Traction
Different soccer shoes are designed for different playing surfaces, so ensuring you get the right type for playing on turf is essential.
Look for a shoe that is specifically designed for use on turf or firmer ground, as this way the studs will be shorter in length to provide a good grip without penetrating too deeply into the surface.
Rubber is the most popular material for the outsole of soccer shoes and provides excellent traction and grip on a range of surfaces.
Price and brand
The soccer shoe market is largely dominated by big brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma, and these brands have been making soccer shoes and sports gear for decades.
They also tend to be a bit more expensive than some of the lesser-known brands, and, while the brand of the shoe doesn’t automatically decide its quality, in the soccer world, these brands do tend to make better shoes.
That said, there is a broad spectrum of brands out there and these accommodate a variety of budgets.
It’s definitely possible to get a well-designed soccer shoe for playing on turf, just bear in mind that if it’s made from cheaper materials it may not last a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between turf and indoor soccer shoes?
The main difference between these types of soccer shoes is the outsoles.
Indoor soccer shoes usually have a flat, rubber outsole that wouldn’t provide adequate grip on turf, while turf shoes have studs on the bottom which equally wouldn’t provide traction on an indoor surface.
They’re also likely to mark the floor!
Can you use turf soccer shoes on grass?
Like we said above, turf soccer shoes are specifically designed to be worn on artificial grass, and therefore, they have harder outsoles and aggressive treads that are shorter than your average soccer cleat.
Turf soccer shoes aren’t designed for use on real grass pitches as the studs are designed to grip onto the surface of the turf, and not penetrate the material.
Therefore, for playing on grass, you’ll need a soccer shoe with deeper blades or studs than a turf shoe.
Thanks for providing completed guide about the turf and soccer shoes.