What Does FG Mean in Soccer Cleats? Uses & Surfaces

Last Updated on: 11th September 2025, 12:01 pm

FG (Firm Ground) cleats are used on natural grass fields. The studs are designed to provide essential support, grip, and cushioning because athletes wear them outdoors when playing soccer. 

Nevertheless, are they applicable to any other type of surface? Focusing on specific grounds, let us find out how FG cleats succeed.

When to Use FG Cleats

The Firm Ground (FG) cleats are made to be used in natural grass fields that are either dry or slightly wet and not muddy. Their molded studs that are strategically positioned offer great traction and stability that enable players to accelerate, change direction, and remain stable without slipping.

FG cleats have shorter plastic or rubber studs compared to the longer metal studs of soft ground cleats, and distribute the pressure evenly throughout the foot, which makes them safe to use and comfortable to wear. The primary aim of FG cleats is to provide players with confident grip over solid natural playing fields, performance in swift movements, and to lessen the chances of injuries associated with inadequate footing.

FG Cleats on Other Types of Surfaces

While FG cleats are primarily designed for natural grass, players often wonder if they can perform well on other surfaces.

Using them on surfaces like turf or artificial grass can reduce grip and increase the risk of injury, as FG cleats aren’t optimized for these grounds.

FG Cleats on Artificial Grass

While firm ground cleats can be used for artificial grass, they are not the best. Natural turf-digger cleats are generally shorter and less shank-like than those for artificial grass. 

FG cleats can work, but be warned that they may eventually wear out on this surface, causing you to lose the desired traction.

FG Cleats on Turf

The FG cleats are specifically designed for natural grass and roll off when it comes to turf. Spike shoes or SG (Stadium Ground) are not the best for this type of shoe, or AG (artificial ground) cleats. 

FG cleats on turf may not have enough traction and might not play well, and the shoes may ruin the turf.

FG Cleats on Multi Grounds

Multi-ground cleats are mostly light, and these boots are specially built to work well on trifactor artificial and firm ground. 

Some come with shorter, evenly spaced studs that make them functional for varied surfaces. Multi-ground cleats provide better balance if you have a game on grass and turf.

FG Cleats on Indoor

Indoor soccer can be played in a shoe that differs from those used on the field. FG cleats are designed with large studs, and therefore, they should not be used when playing indoors. 

Soccer boots used indoors are flat and more like normal shoes, and they have the right degrees of friction that enhance the flexibility needed for indoor compounds.

Are You Getting The Right Soccer Cleats?

This footwear is chosen with great care to perform at the finest level in the field. Thus, the ‘correct’ pair of cleats depends on the bare surface on which the team plays football, his position, and last but not least, ‘fit.’ 

Whether firm ground (FG), artificial grass (AG), or indoor shoes, the right cleats afford the correct grip, support, and comfort. 

Having the wrong type of cleats on can result in poor performance and awkwardness, and may cause injury.