What does SG mean in football (soccer) boots? Get the lowdown.

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What does SG mean in football boots?

You’ve seen the letters “SG” on plenty of football boots, but what do they stand for? In short, SG stands for “soft ground.” Football boots with this designation are designed to provide good traction and stability on wet, soft pitches.

If you’re a regular football player, you probably already have a pair of SG boots in your cupboard. However, if you’re new to the sport or are thinking about making the switch from FG (firm ground) boots to SG boots, there are a few things you should know.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at SG football boots and offer a few tips on how to get the most out of them. Let’s go!

What does SG mean?

SG stands for “soft ground.” These boots are designed to provide traction on wet, soft surfaces such as grass that has been newly watered or is naturally soggy. If you’re playing on a muddy field, SG boots are the way to go. 

Types of SG Boots

There are two main types of SG boots: metal-studded and plastic-studded.

Metal-studded boots are best for really wet conditions, while plastic-studded boots offer better traction and are lighter weight.

If you’re unsure which type of boot to get, ask your coach or a salesperson at a sports shop. They’ll be able to help you choose the right boot for the conditions you’ll be playing in.

When should I wear SG boots?

SG boots are designed for playing on wet grass fields.

If the field is too dry, the boots won’t provide enough traction; if it’s too muddy, they can actually make it harder to run and change direction quickly.

So, how can you tell if the field is too dry or too wet?

A good rule of thumb is that if your footprints are visible after taking a few steps, the field is probably too dry; if there’s water pooling on top of the grass, it’s too wet.

The perfect time to wear SG boots is right after the field has been watered but before any puddles have formed.

what does SG mean in football boots inforgraphic

What are the different types of football boots

There are different types of football boots depending on the playing surface. In addition to SG cleats, there are also FG (Firm Ground), AG (Artificial Grass), and TF (Turf) shoes.

FG boots are designed for use on firm, natural surfaces such as grass that has been dry for a while. They have shorter studs than SG boots which can include moulded studs or blades.

AG cleats, on the other hand, have shorter studs that are more closely spaced together and they’re meant for artificial grass pitches

And finally, TF shoes have small rubber or synthetic turf spikes and they’re worn on turf fields that don’t have a lot of give to them. 

TYPES OF FOOTBALL BOOTS

FG: FIRM GROUND

SG: SOFT GROUND

MG: MULTI-GROUND

AG: ARTIFICIAL GROUND

TF: ASTRO TURF

IC: INDOOR

Watch and learn: How to choose the right football boots for you.

When choosing soccer cleats, you’ll want to take the playing surface into consideration. Here’s a great film that helps you choose the right soles for you.

YouTube player

What is the difference between FG and SG boots?

When it comes to FG and SG boots, there are a few key differences to keep in mind.

First, FG boots are designed for use on firm natural surfaces like grass or turf, while SG boots are designed for use on softer surfaces like mud or sand.

Second, FG boots tend to be lighter and more comfortable than SG boots.

And finally, FG boots usually have more interchangeable parts than SG boots, so you can customise them to your needs. So whatever your preference, make sure you choose the right boot for the job!

What is the difference between FG and AG football boots?

FG boots are designed for use on firm natural surfaces, such as grass. They have studs that are evenly spaced and relatively short, which helps to provide good traction and speed.

AG boots, on the other hand, are designed for artificial surfaces, such as 3G and 4G pitches.

They have fewer studs, and the studs themselves are longer and spaced further apart. This helps to prevent the boot from getting stuck in the turf, but it also offers less grip than an FG boot.

If you’re planning to play mostly on artificial surfaces, then AG boots would be a better choice.

However, if you’re planning to play mostly on natural grass surfaces, then FG boots would be a better option.

The final score

Now that you know what SG means in football boots, you’re ready to hit the pitch!

Just remember to choose the right boot for the conditions—metal-studded for really wet fields and plastic-studded for everything else. And don’t forget to ask your coach or a salesperson at a sporting goods store if you’re not sure which type of boot to get. Happy playing!

This article was written by

  • Anna Adams, Creative Director & Content Lead

    Hi there! I'm Anna Adams, your go-to source for all things women's soccer. I've been crazy about soccer for over 20 years, ever since I was kicking a ball around with my brothers as a kid. I've turned my passion into a career where I get to share all the cool stuff about soccer with you. As a content lead, I've had the awesome opportunity to work with various sports brands and publications. Whether it's the latest gear, pro tips, or just some cool soccer trivia, I'm all about making soccer ac...