With the fall soccer season fully underway, you might begin seeing some new footwear gracing pitches nationwide. More and more games are played on artificial turf and for players, classic firm ground cleats come with a risk. So let’s assess the options available to you and figure out if turf shoes are right for you.
Artificial turf is an abrasive surface. Anyone who has played on it will remember the damage inflicted on their boots after a game. The ball is often painted with the turf’s distinct black smear and players can feel a tangible discomfort on their knees and other joints after their first few sessions.
While most of that wear and tear is unavoidable, many players don’t know that their footwear of choice could make a huge difference. On grass, firm-ground soccer cleats attempt to dig into the ground when planting or cutting for better traction. However, on most artificial turf surfaces, there isn’t enough ground to dig into or the ground is extremely difficult to break free from. The result of this is at best a loss of grip, or worse, an increased risk of joint injuries while playing.
Turf shoes are a great alternative for players who want to keep their classic soccer cleat feel while minimizing their risk of injury. They often come with a rubber outsole pattern featuring smaller studs or added surface texture, offering a more consistent and comfortable feel on foot.
It’s a common belief that wearing turf shoes instead of firm ground cleats will negatively affect a player’s traction, but that is often not the case. Shoes designed with artificial turf in mind allow players to focus on the game and not their footwear while protecting against joint injuries. When joints are exposed to too much stress, especially when cutting or planting, the injury risk jumps (Cote, 2024). Wearing turf shoes massively decreases that risk.
Another benefit of turf shoes is their durability. They’re designed with added protection against sole separation and upper damage that firm ground cleats suffer from. This means you can wear your turf shoes for longer and keep your firm ground cleats in good shape for your next game on grass.
Turfs are available in a wide price range, from $49.99 to $199.99 at Soccer Post, offering savings from elite-level firm ground footwear prices.
Turf shoes are an extremely viable option for anyone who plays on artificial turf regularly and the options are seemingly limitless. For options or more information, visit your local Soccer Post or shop online at SoccerPost.com.
Cote, M. (2024, January 30). Turf vs. Grass Injuries | Mass General Brigham. Www.massgeneralbrigham.org. https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/turf-vs-grass-fields-sports-injury-prevention
