Turf Soccer Cleats for Artificial Turf

What is Artificial Turf?

Artificial turf is a type of synthetic grass that is made to look like natural grass and turf soccer cleats are designed specifically for these types of playing surfaces. It is used in many sports fields as an alternative to natural grass. Artificial turf is typically made up of polyethylene fibers and rubber infill. The fibers are usually made of polypropylene or polyethylene and the infill can be either sand or crumb rubber.

Artificial turf has had a contentious past, nonetheless, the quality of these pitches has improved significantly over the years. So much that there are FIFA approved artificial turf field vendors. Artificial turf is more expensive to install but less costly to maintain over time compared to natural grass. The key benefit arguably is for these fields that are in less favorable climates (i.e. have 4 seasons). It provides clubs and teams with a longer training and playing window. In theory you could even clear the snow off and continue to play in the winter! You also do no need to worry about rain outs or wear and tear damage to fields (especially in the goal areas) after heavy down pours.

What are the Different Types of Soccer Cleats?

Turf soccer cleats are specifically made for artificial turf play. They are typically made with a rubber sole and shorter rubber studs which provide more traction on the artificial turf. They are less likely to slip on the artificial surface, an attribute which is important on turf soccer fields especially in wet conditions.

Outdoor soccer cleats are generally made from synthetic material or leather with full length studs. This is your traditional soccer cleat. These types of cleats provide stability on uneven surfaces. They also provide excellent grip for better control on softer surfaces like grass, dirt or wet conditions. They tend to have slightly longer studs so the cleats will bite deeper into the pitch.

Indoor soccer shoes provide a more flexible sole and more cushioning. They are made of synthetic materials such as nylon and neoprene. These shoes tend not to fit as snugly as outdoor or turf shoes but this really is a personal preference. These shoes do not have any studs and have a flat sole. Therefore they are more prone to slipping and have less traction than outdoor or turf cleats. They are meant for use on indoor carpet turf and hard court surfaces.

The 3 different cleats are now commonly made from synthetic material and leather. Leather soccer cleats are becoming harder to find as manufacturers move more towards synthetic materials. Nonetheless, traditionalists still prefer a good pair of tight fitting Kangeroo leather cleats!

What are the Advantages of Turf Soccer Shoes?

Turf soccer shoes are a great option for players who want to play on artificial turf. They provide better traction and stability on artificial turf which means you can play with more confidence on these pitches. There are many different types and styles of turf shoes available in the market today but they all share a few common traits:

• They have a rubber outsole to provide traction on artificial surfaces
• They have a rubber or plastic studs on the bottom to help with grip
• The studs are normally shorter than outdoor cleats. Turf fields won’t grow long deep grass or get extremely soft when the field gets wet
• Decreases injuries especially relating to rolling your ankle or catching your cleat in the turf due to the lower profile of the cleats
• The upper is usually made from synthetic material like mesh, nylon or polyester which does not absorb water easily and dries quickly
• Prefer a tighter form fit? Pickup a leather pair which will form better to your feet over time
• Available in a variety of styles and colors with matching laces to be able to match the team’s color scheme

Traction

Since outdoor artificial turf fields are known to be slippery when wet, turf shoes with softer rubber cleats will provide improved traction in these conditions. Outdoor cleats may be a decent alternative on a turf surface but they are not as effective in wet conditions. Especially shoes with molded and hard plastic soles and cleats. In addition to the poor performance in wet conditions, outdoor cleats may actually increase your chances of rolling your ankle due to the extra height of the cleats. This is even more true for those already with bad ankles or previous injuries.

Some players, especially older adult players may even choose to wear indoor shoes with a flat sole to play on turf. This decreases your traction especially on quick sudden turns and movements. However, this significantly decrease the chances of injury due to your foot or leg catching, overextending or rolling on plays. Many players nursing injuries or prone to these types of injuries find this totally worth the trade off.

With these traits in mind, it’s easy to see how turfs shoes are a great option for players who want to play on artificial turf surfaces.

Disadvantages of Turf Soccer Shoes

Turf soccer cleats have a few minor disadvantages as well

• Some turf soccer shoes may not be as comfortable as other types of soccer shoes. Some turf shoes may not have the same amount of cushioning or support that other types of soccer shoes have. The quality and cost of your cleats will affect this level of comfort.
• They are made for playing on turf and not ideal for use on natural grass, harder or hardcourt surfaces
• Turf soccer shoes tend to carry a higher sticker price. They are typically between $130-$150 for a decent pair, which can be more expensive than other types of soccer cleats
• You have to carry another pair of soccer shoes in your equipment bag

Albeit these are not very serious disadvantages, you should still consider them.

How to Choose a Quality Pair of Turf Soccer Shoes

It is a common misconception that all soccer shoes are the same. This is not true. There are different types of soccer shoes, and they vary in their purpose, design and quality. The best way to find the right pair of turf soccer shoes for you is to know what you need them for and what features you want in your shoe. There are many factors to consider when choosing a pair of turf soccer shoes.

These factors include: the price, comfortability, style, durability, traction, weight and size. You should also consider how often you play or if you have any medical conditions that may require certain features in your shoe such as arch support or orthotics. A good way to find out which brands offer these features is by reading reviews from other customers who have purchased them before or researching the main brand websites.

Price

Prices of turf soccer shoes can vary widely depending on the quality and durability. Brand names offer a wide selection. of high quality, durable and comfortable shoes from low to high end.

Comfortability

The inside of turf soccer shoes are typically padded less than regular athletic shoes. This allows players to have a better feel for the ball as well as increased comfort when playing on artificial turf.

Style

There is a wide selection of styles in turf soccer shoes from more casual designs to more fashion forward styles. Ensure you don’t sacrifice too much comfort and fit for style.

Durability

Turf soccer shoes are typically made with a durable synthetic material that is meant to last. This means you don’t have to worry about paying for multiple pairs of shoes when playing on artificial turf. However, you may need multiple pairs depending on the different types of soccer and fields you play on.

Traction

A lot of different brands feature different traction patterns in their turf soccer shoes. Some help control slipping better than others while others are made to be durable. You may need to experiment with different models and brands to determine which one you prefer the best.

Weight

Weight can vary significantly in turf soccer shoes. A lot of brands offer models that are lightweight and are meant to be durable. For example the premium engineered lightweight Adidas X Speedflow.1 TF Artificial Turf Soccer Shoe is one of the lightest on the market.

Size

There are a lot of different sizes in turf soccer shoes as well. This is due to the wide range of models that are available and the differences in sizing for some brands. There is also a wide selection of styles and prices available in turf soccer shoes.

How to Save Money on Turf Soccer Cleats

Soccer cleats are an important part of the sport. The quality and style of the shoe will affect performance, comfort, and safety. For some folks, your image and style may just be as important. Do your research before purchasing a pair. This important investment will last you many years. There are many ways to save money on soccer shoes without sacrificing quality or performance. Here are some tips that will help you save money while still buying a good pair of soccer shoes:

1. Buy online: Online stores offer discounts on their products that you cannot find in retail stores
2. Shop around: Compare prices at different stores and try outlets before making your purchase
3. Consider buying used if budget is tight: Buying used can be a lot cheaper than new and is better for the environment because it reduces waste and saves resources
4. Look for clearance sales or liquidation sales online or physically to pickup some great deals on shoes

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to know what the different types of soccer cleats and types of fields you are playing on so that you can find the right pair for your needs. There are some disadvantages to adding another pair of soccer cleats specifically for turf fields. Nonetheless, the advantages of a good pair of soccer turf cleats far outweighs the disadvantages.

It is important to take your time to research and find the perfect pair of turf cleats for your feet. It’s always a great idea to save a few dollars on your purchase but don’t sacrifice too much on quality and comfort to save a few dollars. A solid pair of turf cleats can last you many years and potentially save you from some nasty injuries.

If you recently geared up with a new pair of turf soccer cleats and are looking for a team, list yourself today on Subsneeded. List and showoff your skills, set your availability and take bookings from teams desperately looking for a goalkeeper or quality player. If you are a team in desperate need of players looking to join your match on a new beautifully installed artificial turf field, check out our extensive listing of free agent players.