The letters on a soccer cleat box, such as FG, AG, MG or TF, tell you which ground the outsole is made for. The outsole decides how a boot grips, how comfortable it feels and how long it lasts. For players it is the key to picking the right pair; for retailers, clubs and new brands it is the key to stocking a range that sells and avoiding returns.
Types of soccer cleats at a glance
| Type | Stands for | Best surface | Stud design | Avoid on | Our styles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FG | Firm Ground | Dry natural grass | Bladed or conical studs, usually molded TPU | Short carpet turf, indoor floors | FG soccer cleats |
| AG | Artificial Grass | Long-pile 3G/4G artificial grass | More, shorter, often hollow studs | Wet, muddy grass | AG short stud shoes |
| MG | Multi-Ground | Firm natural grass and artificial grass | Mixed short studs, between FG and AG | Mud, indoor floors | — |
| SG | Soft Ground | Wet, muddy natural grass | Fewer, longer studs, often metal or screw-in | Hard ground, artificial grass | — |
| TF | Turf | Short carpet turf, hard ground, training | Many small rubber nubs | Long or wet grass, mud | Turf (TF) shoes |
| IC / IN | Indoor Court | Sports halls and futsal courts | Flat rubber sole, often gum-colored | Any outdoor grass | Made to order |
Short answer: FG = firm ground (dry natural grass) · AG = artificial grass · MG = multi-ground (natural and artificial grass) · SG = soft ground (wet, muddy grass) · TF = turf (short turf, hard ground) · IC = indoor court and futsal.
You will sometimes see combined codes such as FG/AG or FG/MG. These mean the maker designed the outsole to work on both surfaces; a combined code is a compromise, not a specialist sole.
What does FG mean on soccer cleats?
FG means firm ground. FG boots are the most common soccer cleats in the world. Their studs are long enough to grip dry natural grass but not so aggressive that they get stuck. Most FG outsoles are molded from TPU, which is light and durable. Our own range is built mainly on FG outsoles, in both sock-collar high tops and classic low tops; for example the unisex FG long stud football boots. See all FG firm ground soccer cleats.
What does MG mean on soccer cleats? FG vs MG
MG means multi-ground. MG boots use shorter and more numerous studs than FG boots, so the same pair can be used on natural grass and on artificial grass during the week. Choose FG for players who mostly play on good natural grass, and MG for players who switch surfaces and want one pair.
What is the difference between FG and AG soccer cleats?
AG means artificial grass. As more clubs and schools install artificial pitches, demand for AG shoes keeps growing. AG studs are shorter, more numerous and often hollow, to spread pressure on the synthetic surface. See our AG short stud soccer shoes.
Can you wear FG cleats on artificial grass?
Many players do on longer 3G/4G pitches, but long FG studs can grip too hard on some artificial pitches and wear faster there. Players who mainly use artificial grass should choose AG or MG. On short carpet turf, TF shoes are the better choice.
Is TF the same as AG? Turf shoes vs artificial grass boots
TF means turf. TF shoes have dozens of small rubber nubs instead of studs. They grip on short, hard artificial turf and on hard ground, and feel closer to a trainer than a cleat. That makes them popular for training and for younger players. AG is still a studded boot for longer-pile artificial grass. See our turf (TF) soccer shoes, including the kids velcro turf soccer shoes.
Can you wear turf shoes on grass?
On dry, firm grass, turf shoes work for casual play and training, but they grip less than studded boots. On long, wet or muddy grass they slip, so FG or SG boots are the better choice there.
What does SG mean? SG vs FG cleats
SG means soft ground. SG boots have fewer, longer studs, often metal or screw-in, to cut through wet and muddy grass. On dry, firm pitches they give poor comfort, so FG is the better everyday choice. SG boots are mainly sold in rainy climates, and most stores can treat them as a small seasonal line. Some youth leagues and pitch operators do not allow metal studs, so check the local rules before stocking SG for kids.
What does IC mean? Indoor and futsal shoes
IC means indoor court. Indoor shoes have flat rubber outsoles designed for smooth courts. Studded boots should never be worn indoors: studs damage floors and give poor grip. If you sell to futsal clubs or indoor leagues, indoor shoes are a separate category to plan for. We make indoor and futsal shoes to order; send us your requirement. For badminton and other court sports, see our indoor court shoes.
What are TPU studs?
TPU stands for thermoplastic polyurethane, a light and tough plastic. On most FG and AG cleats, the whole stud plate, studs included, is molded from TPU in one piece. TPU studs are not removable, which keeps the boot light and simple; screw-in metal studs are found on SG boots, and soft rubber is used on TF and IC soles. See our sock-collar TPU long stud soccer cleats.
Bladed vs molded conical studs
FG studs come in two main shapes. Bladed studs are long and narrow, and are designed for grip when accelerating and changing direction. Conical (round) studs make it easier to turn and pivot, and are a common choice for training boots. Many modern outsoles mix both shapes.
How to tell soccer cleat types apart
- Check the code. Most boots carry the outsole code (FG, AG, TF, IC) on the box label, the tongue or the outsole itself.
- Look at the studs. Long studs mean grass (FG or SG). Many short studs mean artificial grass (AG or MG). Dozens of small rubber nubs mean turf (TF). A flat sole means indoor (IC).
- Feel the material. FG and AG plates are usually hard TPU; TF and IC soles are softer rubber.
Which soccer cleat types should a store stock first?
- Start with your customers' pitches. A market with mostly natural grass needs FG first; a city market with many artificial pitches needs AG and TF.
- Cover adults and youth. Youth and junior sizes are a large share of soccer footwear sales, and parents buy every season. See our kids and youth soccer cleats.
- Offer both high and low tops. Sock-collar high tops are popular for their snug fit and look; classic low tops remain a steady seller. See our high top soccer cleats.
- Test before you commit. Order a mix of styles from ready stock, then turn your best sellers into your own branded line.
Source soccer cleats with Wingspeed Sport
Most of our soccer cleats are available from ready stock from 1 pair, and you can add your own logo from 300 pairs per style through our custom OEM service. Tell us about your market and we will suggest the right mix of cleat types.
FAQ
What are the different types of soccer cleats?
There are six common types, named by the surface the outsole is made for: FG (firm ground, dry natural grass), AG (artificial grass), MG (multi-ground, natural and artificial grass), SG (soft ground, wet and muddy grass), TF (turf, short artificial turf and hard ground) and IC or IN (indoor courts and futsal).
What is the difference between FG and AG soccer cleats?
FG studs are longer and made for dry natural grass. AG studs are shorter, more numerous and often hollow, made to spread pressure on 3G/4G artificial grass, where long FG studs can grip too hard and wear faster.
Is TF the same as AG?
No. AG boots still have studs, made for longer-pile artificial grass. TF (turf) shoes have dozens of small rubber nubs for short carpet-style turf and hard ground, and feel closer to a trainer.
Can you wear turf shoes on grass?
On dry, firm grass, turf shoes are fine for casual play and training, but they grip less than studded boots. On long, wet or muddy grass they slip, so FG or SG boots are the better choice there.
Can I wear FG cleats on artificial turf?
On longer 3G/4G artificial grass many players do, but FG studs can grip too hard and wear faster on synthetic surfaces, so AG or MG boots are the better match. On short carpet turf, choose TF shoes instead.
What does MG mean on soccer cleats?
MG means multi-ground. MG cleats use shorter, more numerous studs than FG, so the same boot can be used on both natural grass and artificial grass.
Are SG cleats allowed for kids and youth leagues?
It depends on the league. SG boots often have metal or metal-tipped screw-in studs, and some youth leagues and pitch operators do not allow metal studs, so check the local rules. Most young players are better served by FG or TF shoes.
What are TPU studs?
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a light, tough plastic used to mold the stud plates of most FG and AG soccer cleats. TPU studs are molded into the sole, not screwed in.
Which soccer cleat types should a sports store stock first?
Start with the pitches your customers play on: FG for markets with mostly natural grass, AG and TF for cities with many artificial pitches. Cover adult and youth sizes, offer high and low tops, and test new styles from ready stock before ordering larger quantities. See our soccer cleats.
What is the MOQ for wholesale or custom soccer cleats?
Most styles are available from ready stock from 1 pair, and you can mix styles, stud types and sizes in one order. Custom logo orders start at 300 pairs per style. Ask for a custom quote or read how custom OEM works.
Planning an order?
Most styles ship from ready stock from 1 pair. Custom logo orders start at 300 pairs per style. We reply within 2 hours in China business hours.