FG, AG, MG, SG or Futsal? How to Choose the Right Football Boot Sole

The letters on a football boot tell you which surface the sole is built for. Pick the wrong one and you either slip, or your studs grip too hard and load your knees. When you resole a pair, you get to choose again. Here is how the main types differ, with the soles we use as examples.

FG: firm ground (natural grass)

Longer studs that dig into dry or firm natural grass. The stud shape changes the feel:

• Bladed studs (our STUD-01) grip hard on turns and are often preferred by defenders.
• Round or triangular studs (STUD-02, STUD-03) release more easily when you pivot, which strikers tend to like.
• One-piece plates (STUD-08, STUD-11) mold the plate and studs together, as on many brand-name boots. They are light and very wear-resistant.

Long FG studs on artificial turf can grip too hard and wear down quickly. If most of your games are on turf, look at AG or MG instead.

AG: artificial grass

Many short studs spread the load across the sole, so you get a stable feel on modern artificial pitches without your studs catching in the rubber infill. Our STUD-12 and STUD-15 are made for artificial turf, and the kids' STUD-04 uses tough natural rubber that is popular on turf.

MG: multi-ground (turf and dirt)

A middle ground for players who switch between surfaces. Our MG soles (STUD-14, STUD-14-1) have many studs about 5 mm shorter than FG, which is easier on the knees and stays stable on artificial turf and dirt.

SG: soft ground (metal studs)

Screw-in metal studs for wet natural grass and dirt pitches. When they wear down, you replace only the studs, not the whole sole. Our STUD-05 is this type. SG is usually not allowed or not suitable on artificial turf, so check before you play.

Futsal and turf (TF)

Flat rubber soles with small nubs, for futsal courts and short-pile turf. Cushioned versions add a soft midsole layer for comfort over long sessions. We have several, from a basic non-cushioned sole (STUD-06) to cushioned ones in white, black and clear. For indoor wooden floors there is a separate indoor sole (STUD-07).

Quick guide

• Dry natural grass: FG
• Artificial grass with rubber infill: AG
• A mix of turf and dirt: MG
• Wet grass or soft dirt: SG
• Futsal court or short turf: Futsal / TF
• Indoor wooden floor: Indoor

Already own boots with the wrong sole?

You do not need a new pair. Resoling lets you switch, for example from FG to AG, or from MG to a turf sole, while keeping the upper you are used to. See how resoling works and what it costs.