Among the many variables involved in a game of soccer, few are bigger (literally) than the playing field under your feet. You’ll likely encounter one of two surfaces: firm ground or soft ground. In this guide, we’re focusing on the former. 

In this short post, you’ll learn about firm ground in soccer—what it is, where you’ll find it, and which cleats you need to play your best on it.

What is Firm Ground? Where Will You Find It?

By far the most common type of surface played on— firm ground in soccer refers to the harder, natural ground typically characteristic of most soccer fields. This ground is “firm” because it’s not meticulously maintained (like many pro fields)—thus the soil itself is hard, and the grass is less lush. 

Here are a few common examples of firm ground:

  • Public parks or pitches in normal-to-dry climates
  • Most youth soccer fields
  • Many outdoor college fields with natural grass in normal-to-dry climates

What Isn’t Firm Ground? Where Will You Find It?

Natural fields that aren’t classified as “firm ground” are “soft ground”—which means they have a softer, spongier, and typically more slippery consistency that requires cleats with longer, stronger studs. For these playing surfaces, the ground is “soft” due to meticulous maintenance and/or a wetter climate. 

Here are a few examples of soft ground:

  • Public parks or pitches in wet climates
  • Highly competitive college or academy fields
  • Most professional soccer fields 

A Note About Artificial Turfs 

You may have noticed that neither of the sections above includes artificial turf: yet another common type of playing field in soccer. 

As far as shoe selection is concerned, artificial turf is its own classification for many manufacturers. That said, on the binary of firm ground cleats vs soft ground cleats, the former will serve you better on artificial turfs, as its shorter studs provide a more appropriate amount of grip. However, you may want to look into “multi-ground” cleats designed for this specific surface for the best performance on artificial turfs.

Finding the Right Cleats for Firm Ground Fields

Each surface in soccer has a different consistency with different characteristics, so each one requires a specific type of soccer cleat. 

Thankfully for soccer shoppers, manufacturers make it clear which surface their cleats work best on. All you have to do is look in the product title for “FG,” “SG,” or “MG” to indicate “firm ground,” “soft ground,” or “multi-ground” respectively. (You may also find a few other distinctions, which we’ll save for another guide.)

In the case of firm ground, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. The big three soccer brands—Nike, adidas, and PUMA—each have a wealth of firm ground cleats to suit all play styles and fit preferences. Here’s just a single sample for each:

  • For Nike, the Nike Zoom Mercurial Zoom Superfly 9 Elite FG combines the brand’s lightweight, grippy Vaporposite+ material with an ultra-supportive high-cut Flyknit collar for uncompromising stability and agility on the pitch. 
  • For adidas, the adidas X Speedportal+ FG showcases the brand’s Primeknit laceless design with Speedskin material on the upper to maximize speed and ball control. 
  • Finally, in the PUMA product line, the PUMA Elements Future Ultimate FG delivers excellent touch with the brand’s PWRTAPE upper material while providing an adaptive fit with the FUZIONFIT360 compression system.

Find Your Footing Here at Soccer Pro

Going for firm ground cleats? Searching for soft ground boots? Whatever field you’re playing on, our team at SoccerPro has the footwear you need to play your best. Shop our extensive selection of releases from today’s top brands—including Nike, adidas, PUMA, and more.