Soccer, football, baseball and lacrosse players are among those who have asked themselves can you wear cleats on turf? As more and more fields are converted from natural grass to artificial surfaces, selecting the right footwear is also increasingly critical. You won’t be able to give your best performance, nor will you feel as comfortable—and you might even risk an injury.
This guide explains everything there is to know about Can You Wear Cleats on Turf, the difference between molded cleats on turf or dedicated turf shoes and how to weigh them up when deciding what’s best for your sport.
Can You Wear Cleats on Turf?
Yes — you can wear cleats on turf, but not all cleats are recommended. Firm Ground studs (long, plastic nubs) are made for natural grass. From the artificial turf they cause:
- Provide too much grip
- Increase injury risk
- Wear down faster
- Be uncomfortable for the firmer surface
- Turf The best shoes to use are:
- Turf shoes
- Short-stud molded cleats
- Turf (TF) shoes with AG soleplates specifically for artificial grass
Types of Cleats and How They Perform on Turf
Not all cleats are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of what works best.
Firm Ground (FG) Cleats
These are the classic, long-stud cleats made for real grass.
FG Cleats on Turf: Good or Bad?
Not recommended.
The long studs may:
- Dig too deeply into artificial turf
- Create unstable footing
- Increase ankle and knee injury risk
- Damage the turf surface
- Wear down quickly
FG cleats are fine on some newer, softer turf fields, but they still aren’t ideal.
Turf Shoes (TF)
Turf shoes are made specifically for use on artificial turf.
Best Choice for Turf
They feature:
- Small rubber studs
- Excellent traction
- Balanced weight distribution
- Lower impact on joints
Turf shoes provide a consistent grip without the risk of over-gripping, and are the safest option for added comfort.
You may read How Much Does Artificial Turf Cost?
Molded Cleats on Turf
Many athletes often wonder, Can I wear molded cleats on turf? because molded cleats generally feel more pliable than other kinds of studs, and their lengths are often times shorter.
Are molded cleats OK on turf?
Yes — but only if the studs are short and evenly spaced.
Molded cleats:
- Provide better traction than turf shoes
- Offer more durability
- Can work well on modern turf fields
However, they still don’t beat turf shoes in terms of comfort and joint safety.
Artificial Grass (AG) Cleats
These are specifically designed for artificial grass fields, including thicker turf.
Best High-Performance Choice
AG cleats have:
- Shorter, hollow studs
- More studs across the sole
- Distributed traction to prevent knee strain
- Better cushioning for hard surfaces
If you play regularly on turf, AG cleats are your ideal option.
Artificial Grass vs Turf Cleats: What’s the Difference?
Artificial grass cleats are often mistaken for regular studs, but they are different from one another and serve not the same purpose.
Artificial Grass (AG) Cleats
Designed for 3G turf surfaces with rubber pellets.
Features:
- Lots of smaller studs
- Hollow studs for shock absorption
- Even pressure distribution
- Reduced stud penetration
Best for: Modern turf fields, multi-purpose stadiums, synthetic soccer and football fields.
Turf Shoes (TF)
Designed for older, carpet-style turf or hard, compact surfaces.
Features:
- Dozens of tiny rubber nubs
- Lower profile
- Maximum stability
Best for: Indoor turf, hard outdoor turf, training fields.
Firm Ground (FG) Cleats
Designed for natural grass.
Features:
- Long, hard studs
- Maximum penetration
- High grip
Not ideal for: Artificial turf of any kind.
How Turf Affects Cleat Performance and Safety
Several key factors distinguish artificial turf from natural grass, and the way your cleats hit each surface is different.
Turf Is Harder Than Natural Grass
Because turf has a solid base, cleats don’t dig in the way they do on real grass.
- Foot pressure
- Stability
- Impact on knees and ankles
Short studs help distribute force more evenly.
Turf Can Create More Heat
Artificial turf can become very hot, at times twice the temperature of grass. Cleats designed for turf play have special heat resistant soles so the players can play comfortably.
Turf Has Rubber Infill Pellets
These pellets can get stuck in long FG studs and cause instability.Turf-specific cleats are designed to work with pellet movement.
Safety Risks of Wearing the Wrong Cleats on Turf
Dangers of Wearing the Wrong Cleats on a Turf Field DO NOT put what you want including:
Too Much Traction
Long studs can get “caught” in the turf, causing:
- ACL tears
- MCL sprains
- Ankle injuries
- Twisted knees
Foot Pain
Turf is harder, so FG studs can cause:
- Bruised soles
- Heel pain
- Plantar fasciitis
Faster Wear and Tear
Artificial turf wears down:
- Studs
- Outsoles
- Upper materials
much faster than natural grass.
Poor Stability
Using FG cleats on turf often results in:
- Slipping
- Bad footing
- Loss of quick control
- Missteps during sharp cuts
Safety should always be the top priority.
So, What Cleats Should You Wear on Turf?
Best Overall Choice:
Artificial Grass (AG) Cleats – ideal balance of traction, safety, and comfort.
Best for Training or Hard Turf:
Turf Shoes (TF) – safest option for older or indoor turf.
Acceptable (Not Best):
Short-stud molded cleats on turf – okay for occasional games on modern turf.
Avoid:
Firm Ground (FG) cleats – not designed for turf and pose injury risk.
Tips for Choosing the Right Cleats for Turf
- Match your cleats with the type of turf.
- If you mostly play on synthetic surfaces, go for AG or TF footwear.
- Prefer footwear models that feature shock absorption.
- Opt for pliable soles, which help to lessen the impact on your joints.
- Stay away from long studs or metal ones on turf.
Conclusion
Yes, you can wear cleats on turf, but turf-specific cleats are the safest and most effective choice to protect both your traction and the field. Always consider the type of surface before choosing footwear to avoid injury and maintain performance. If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor spaces with expert care, Robert’s Complete Care is here to help with top-quality Whittier landscape services designed to enhance your property’s beauty and value. Contact us today to transform your yard with professional precision!
FAQs
What type of cleats are best for turf?
Turf cleats or AG (Artificial Ground) cleats are the best choice because they provide safer grip and even pressure on synthetic surfaces.
Can wearing the wrong cleats damage turf?
Yes. Long studs from traditional cleats can dig into turf, damaging the surface and reducing its lifespan.
Are turf cleats safer than regular cleats on artificial grass?
Absolutely. Turf cleats are designed specifically for artificial surfaces, offering better stability and lower injury risk.
Can I use turf shoes on natural grass?
You can, but they won’t provide the same traction as regular cleats on real grass fields.
Do turf cleats last longer than regular cleats?
Generally, yes. Since they’re made for turf’s abrasive texture, they usually hold up better on synthetic fields.
