AG vs FG cleats – What’s Best for Your Game? 

AG, FG, SG, IC….there are so many choices, stud types and acronyms when it comes to cleats, it can be hard to know which pair will be right for you.

But don’t worry – we’re here to break down the differences between AG vs FG cleats so you can make an informed decision on which type of cleat is best for your game.

Let’s kick off!

AG vs FG—Let’s get back to basics.

The most common type of football boot are the ones known as FG (Firm Ground) or SG (Soft Ground).

FG boots are designed for use on natural grass pitches, while SG boots have longer, thicker studs and are designed for use on wet and muddy surfaces.

For a long time, these were the only two types of football boots available, but over the last decade or so, another type has emerged – AG (Artificial Grass) boots. 

AG boots are designed for use on artificial grass pitches. They feature a combination of short blades and conical studs that provide optimal traction on synthetic surfaces.

This makes them ideal for players who play their matches on astroturf or turf pitches.

AG vs FG: What’s the Difference?

OK so AG stands for Artificial Grass, while FG stands for Firm Ground.

But what does that mean in terms of performance?

It all has to do with traction and stability.

In short, if you’re playing on artificial turf or grass fields with a harder surface, then AG cleats are your go-to choice because they have shorter studs which provide more support.

On the other hand, if you’re playing on natural pitches with softer surfaces such as grass or dirt, then you need those longer studs from an FG cleat so that you can properly dig into the ground and gain traction. 

AG Cleats

Artificial grass or “AG” cleats are designed for use on artificial playing surfaces such as 3G and 4G artificial grass pitches and turf.

AG cleats are designed specifically for artificial fields made from turf or synthetic grass.

These cleats have shorter, conical shaped studs and more of them than their FG counterparts, which allows them to grip the surface better without getting stuck in it.

This makes them ideal for play on newer artificial surfaces because they provide superior traction without damaging the field.

The downside is that they don’t provide as much stability as FG cleats do, so you may find yourself slipping more often when playing on artificial grass.

And some us find them less comfortable due to their shorter studs. 

FG Cleats

Firm ground or “FG” cleats are designed for use on natural playing surfaces such as grass or dirt.

FG (firm ground) cleats are designed specifically for natural grass fields—the kind you’d find in most soccer stadiums around the world.

They typically have longer studs or blades than AG cleats, which helps give players more stability while they’re running around on natural grass surfaces.

This makes them ideal for play on dry, natural grass pitches because they won’t get stuck in the ground like AG cleats can.

The downside is that these longer studs can sometimes damage artificial surfaces so if you plan on playing on an artificial surface it’s best to stick with AG cleats instead.

FG cleats can be heavier and less flexible than AG ones so if you’re looking for something lightweight you might want to opt for an AG pair instead. 

The Benefits of Each Type of Cleat 

No matter which type of cleat you choose—AG or FG—you can look forward to improved control, stability and comfort during games.

With AG cleats, you get better traction on harder surfaces like artificial turf or hard-packed grass fields due to their shorter studs.

And with FG cleats, your feet are more secure as they dig into softer surfaces like natural grass fields thanks to their longer studs.

Plus both types of cleats feature modern designs with lightweight materials to give you a comfortable fit that won’t slow down your game play. 

Watch and learn: How to choose between FG, SG and AG soccer cleats.

Here’s a great video that shows you the different types of soleplates and helps you figure out which one is the right fit for you.

Is AG or FG right for me?

When it comes to choosing between AG and FG cleats, there are a few things to think about.

What surface do you play on?

The first thing to consider when deciding between AG and FG cleats is the surface that you play on.

If your team plays mostly on artificial turf, then AG cleats are your best bet.

The shorter studs mean less damage to the playing surface and will power you up to get the maximum pace and skill out of the pitch. 

If your team plays mostly on firm ground (natural grass), then buying some FG cleats is probably your best option.

They have longer studs that provide more stability and grip than AG cleats, allowing players to move more quickly and confidently while running on natural surfaces.

Longer studs also mean more damage done to the playing surface over time, so if your team plays mainly on natural grass surfaces then it’s important to buy quality FG cleats that will last a long time without damaging the field too much. 

What’s your playing style?

Another factor to consider when choosing between AG and FG cleats is your playing style.

Do you like making quick turns and agile moves? Or do you prefer a slower, more controlled game? Depending on how you like to play, one pair of cleats may be better suited for your needs than the other.

If you’re a midfielder who likes making fast cuts and quick passes then AG cleats may be a better option since they offer more maneuverability than their FG counterparts.

If you’re more of a super striker who likes taking hard shots from distance, then FG cleats may be better suited since they provide extra stability that allows for faster acceleration when running with the ball. 

Do you need both AG and FG?

Plenty of brands like adidas and Nike make AG/FG boots that are suitable for all surfaces.

If you’re just starting out then you may want to opt for a pair of AG cleats until you become more comfortable with playing outdoors and can determine which terrain works best for your skill level.

Regardless of which type of shoe you choose, make sure to invest in quality soccer cleats that fit properly so that your feet feel comfortable during playtime! 

Can you use FG cleats on AG?

While they may look similar on the surface, it’s not a good idea to use FG cleats on AG surfaces.

This is because FG cleats are designed for extra stability and traction on natural surfaces, and the longer studs can have too much grip and cause damage to artificial surfaces (or your legs!) over time.

Instead, AG/FG cleats or MG (multi-ground) cleats will work for all surfaces and provide you with better traction and control when playing.

Can you wear AG cleats on grass?

Absolutely! AG cleats can actually do quite nicely on grass too!

While they aren’t as good on grass as FG cleats are, they still get pretty close.

They also tend to be much more affordable than their counterparts.

MG cleats are a good choice if you play on both artificial grass and natural grass pitches and more and more brands are replacing AG cleats with this multi-purpose boot.

Plus, it’s always nice to have a shoe versatile enough to handle different surfaces.

Do pro soccer players use FG or AG?

Pro soccer players always look pretty stylish on the pitch, so you might be wondering what kind of cleats they wear!

Well, soccer pros play on natural grass, so FG or SG are the preferred types of cleats they usually go for.

Whether they opt for FG (Firm Ground) or SG (Soft Ground) really depends on personal preference, as well as the wetness and evenness of the turf.

AG cleats are for artificial grass and are used by players who play on artificial surfaces or indoors.

Regardless of which type of cleat they choose, pro soccer players often go for top-tier brands and quality materials since their shoes are exposed to a lot of wear and tear during games.

Can you wear FG cleats on astroturf?

No, it’s not a good idea. This is because FG (Firm Ground) Football Boots are designed for use on natural grass and artificial pitches have different types of surfaces.

The studs are too long and an astroturf pitch can be super hard – we’ve played on some that are like felt carpeted concrete!

Wearing a pair of the wrong football boots can increase your chances of injury and give you reduced traction when changing direction quickly.

To stay safe and get the most out of your training sessions or competitive matches, make sure you’ve got the right type of boots for the surface you’ll be playing on!

The final score

All in all, when choosing between AG vs FG cleats it’s important to take into account where most of your games will be played as well as your individual playing style.

Both types offer unique advantages depending on the situation so make sure you weigh all options before making your decision!

And remember not to be afraid of trying out different types until you find one that suits your needs – soccer should always be fun!