There are four basic types of soccer shoes: molded cleats, interchangeable cleats, turf shoes and indoor shoes. Molded cleats and interchangeable cleats are best for natural grass surfaces where you need shoes to bite into the ground for traction. Indoor shoes are best for gym floors, sport courts, asphalt and concrete. This leaves turf shoes, which are ideal for use on artificial turf.
Turf
Turf, or Astroturf, is an artificial grass material used for sport fields in soccer, football and baseball. Turf consists of two parts, the artificial grass blades and the mat to which they are attached. The artificial grass blades are tougher than normal grass and the turf mat is impermeable. Normal cleats will not work for turf, because cleats are designed to penetrate the ground surface for traction. Normal soccer cleats will provide poor traction and comfort, not to mention they are prohibited on most turf fields because they wear down the surface faster.
Turf Shoes
Turf shoes are ideal for turf surfaces. Turf soccer shoes have hard outsoles that feature aggressive and dense raised treads of various designs. These raised treads are more shallow than the studs or blades on normal soccer cleats. Turf shoes are not meant to permeate the mat surface, but rather to hold onto the dense turf grass. As a result, turf shoes offer effective traction and comfort on turf surfaces because they interact with the turf uniformly.
Fit
When choosing turf shoes, you should consider fit above all other features. A turf shoe for soccer needs to fit snugly in both the heel and toe to improve touch on the ball and prevent your foot from sliding around inside, causing blisters and sore feet. Avoid turf shoes that may be too narrow and pinch your feet. Consider leather versions that will stretch and conform to your foot over time for a more comfortable, custom fit. When you try on soccer turf shoes, wear your normal soccer socks and shin guards, if they are equipped with an ankle guard that affects your shoe fit.
Considerations
Turf shoes are ideal for turf, but they can also be used for hard natural surfaces, including dirt, sand and short-grass fields. They are efficient training shoes for running on both artificial and natural surfaces. You can even use them as a backup for your normal cleats. Having a pair of cleats and turf shoes gives you more choices in footwear before each game, so you get the best traction and comfort in all field conditions.
References
- Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation; Soccer Shoes: So Many Options; Bruce Getz
- Dick's Sporting Goods: How to Buy Soccer Cleats
- "The Soccer Goalkeeper"; Joe Luxbacher, Gene Klein; 2002
- "Dr. Rob's Guide to Raising Fit Kids: A Family-Centered Approach to Achieving Optimal Health"; Robert S. Gotlin; 2008
- World Soccer Shop: Soccer Shoes, Boots or Cleats
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