Turf soccer shoes are specialized footwear designed for playing on artificial turf surfaces. Unlike traditional cleats for natural grass, these shoes feature unique outsoles with shorter, numerous rubber studs or lugs that provide optimal traction and stability on turf fields.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the 10 best turf soccer shoes you can buy today, including their features, pros, and cons. But before getting into that, we’ll go over what turf soccer fields and how they differ from the classic soccer fields.
So let’s get started!
Understanding Turf Soccer Fields
Turf soccer fields are unlike the classic soccer fields made of natural grass. They have distinct features that impact gameplay and influence the choice of soccer footwear. Let’s take a quick look at what makes them different.
1. Artificial Composition
- Synthetic Materials: Turf surfaces are typically made from artificial materials, such as synthetic grass or turf fibers.
- Rubber Granules: Many turf fields incorporate rubber granules to enhance surface stability.
2. Consistent Surface
- Uniform Texture: Unlike natural grass, turf surfaces offer a consistent texture throughout the field.
- Predictable Bounce: The ball tends to bounce more predictably on turf compared to uneven natural grass.
3. Firmness and Impact Absorption
- Firm Base: Turf surfaces provide a firmer base, offering players a stable platform for quick movements.
- Limited Impact Absorption: Unlike natural grass, turf has limited shock absorption, impacting the force transmitted to players’ joints.
4. Temperature Sensitivity
- Heat Retention: Turf surfaces can retain heat, becoming significantly warmer than natural grass, especially in sunny conditions.
Now that you know what makes a turf surface different from other surfaces, let’s take a look at the key features to look for when buying soccer shoes for turf.
Key Features to Look for in Turf Soccer Shoes
Selecting the right turf soccer shoes is crucial for players aiming to optimize their performance on artificial surfaces. Three key features play a pivotal role in determining the effectiveness of turf shoes: Traction and Grip, Durability and Construction, and Comfort and Fit.
1. Traction and Grip
Good traction is essential on turf surfaces to enable quick changes in direction, acceleration, and deceleration. Look for the following features:
- Multi-directional Studs
- Turf-Specific Patterns
- Rubber Studs
2. Durability and Construction
Turf soccer shoes need to withstand the specific demands of artificial surfaces, which can be coarse. Consider the following aspects of durability and construction:
- Reinforced Upper
- Sturdy Outsole
- Stitching and Welding
3. Comfort and Fit
Comfortable and well-fitted shoes are essential for a player’s performance and injury prevention. Look for features that prioritize comfort and fit:
- Cushioned Insole
- Sock-like Construction
- Breathability
- Ankle Support
AG vs. TF Soccer Shoes: What Does it Mean?
In most turf soccer shoes (and in our list), you’ll see the terms AG and TF used a lot with the shoes. What do they mean?
AG stands for Artificial Grass and TF stands for Turf. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two.
AG (Artificial Grass) Soccer Shoes
AG (Artificial Grass) Shoes are specially designed soccer footwear tailored for optimal performance on artificial grass surfaces. The outsoles of AG shoes are equipped with a greater number of shorter, conical studs to deliver improved grip on the uniform and often abrasive artificial grass.
The design of these shoes aims to distribute the player’s weight evenly, preventing excess pressure on specific points and minimizing the risk of injury.
TF (Turf) Shoes
TF (Turf) Shoes are specialized soccer footwear carefully crafted for optimal performance on turf surfaces. These shoes feature a distinctive stud pattern on the outsole, characterized by numerous small, rubber studs that provide excellent traction on the compact and often firm turf grounds.
The design of TF shoes prioritizes stability, allowing players to make quick movements, turns, and stops with confidence.
The Best Turf Soccer Shoes in the Market
| Rank | Indoor Soccer Shoes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | adidas Mundial Team Artificial Turf Shoes | $119.99 |
| 2 | Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Elite AG | $229.99 |
| 3 | Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Pro AS | $129.99 |
| 4 | adidas Predator Accuracy.1 AG | $259.99 |
| 5 | Nike Premier III TF | $99.99 |
| 6 | Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Academy TF | $59.99 |
| 7 | adidas X Crazyfast.3 Laceless | $84.99 |
| 8 | adidas Copa Pure.1 | $89.99 |
| 9 | New Balance 442 v2 Team TF Wide | $99.99 |
| 10 | New Balance Furon v7 Dispatch TF | $69.99 |
1. adidas Mundial Team Artificial Turf Shoes
The Adidas Mundial Team Artificial Turf Shoes are a classic choice for soccer enthusiasts seeking immediate comfort and reliable traction on hard fields and turf. Constructed with a stitched kangaroo leather upper and a reinforced suede toe box, these turf cleats prioritize abrasion resistance and easy break-in for a comfortable fit.
Technical Specifications:
- Upper: Kangaroo leather with a reinforced suede toe box.
- Outsole: Flexible rubber sole for increased traction.
- Weight: 12.7 oz.
Pros:
- Immediate Comfort: Known for their immediate comfort, these shoes offer a comfortable fit right from the start.
- Excellent Traction: The formidable rubber outsole provides great traction on hard fields and turf, contributing to confident and stable movements.
- Abrasion Resistance: Stitched for enhanced abrasion resistance, the kangaroo leather upper ensures durability, making them suitable for prolonged use.
Cons:
- Heavy Weight: Weighing 12.7 oz, these shoes are relatively heavy, which might be a concern for players prioritizing agility.
- Cemented Insole Issue: The cemented insole presents a significant flaw, with users reporting a hole developing after approximately 50-100 hours of play on turf.
2. Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Elite AG
Next up on our list of the best soccer turf shoes are Nike’s Tiempo Legend 9 Elite AG. These shoes boast a blend of innovative features. With a focus on ball command, these boots incorporate strategically placed soft foam pods in the k-leather upper, providing a superior touch and control.
The cushioned insole and flexible mesh tongue contribute to overall comfort, making these boots an excellent choice for players seeking both performance and wearability. The revolutionary stud layout in the outsole further enhances precision in stops and sharp cuts, catering to the dynamic needs of the game.
Technical Specifications:
- Upper: Soft k-leather backed with soft foam pads.
- Insole: Cushioned insole for improved comfort.
- Outsole: Revolutionary stud layout for precise stops and sharp cuts.
- Weight: 7.7 oz.
Pros:
- Ball Command Enhancement: The soft foam pods strategically placed in the k-leather upper contribute to superior ball command.
- Comfortable Design: Featuring a cushioned insole and a flexible mesh tongue, the Tiempo Legend 9 Elite AG prioritizes comfort.
- Revolutionary Stud Layout: The outsole’s revolutionary stud layout provides precise stops and sharp cuts, offering the necessary traction for agile movements on the field.
Cons:
- Build Quality Concerns: Some users express concerns about the build quality, citing issues with the glue on the liner covering only 80% of the inner.
- Loose Touch on the Ball: The thickness of the lining between the foot and the outer leather is noted to affect the touch on the ball, with users describing a lack of a raw feel compared to thinner boots.
3. Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Pro AS
The Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Pro AS stands out as a lightweight speed cleat, delivering a remarkable combination of barefoot feel, touch, and control on the soccer field.
These shoes are crafted with genuine kangaroo leather, nylon, and rubber. Once broken in, they become the epitome of the best-fitting, softest, and most comfortable soccer shoes, outshining competitors in the synthetic and cowhide categories.
Technical Specifications:
- Upper Material: Kangaroo leather.
- Sole Plate: Graded nylon for flexibility and durability.
- Weight: 240 grams.
Pros:
- Supreme Comfort: Once broken in, the Morelia Neo IV Pro AS stands out as the best-fitting, softest, and most comfortable soccer shoe in its class.
- Barefoot Feel: The genuine kangaroo leather construction delivers a barefoot feel, allowing players to connect with the ball effortlessly.
- Exceptional Touch: Users rave about the amazing touch on the ball.
Cons:
- Size Runs Big: Some users report that the Morelia Neo IV Pro AS tends to run big, prompting the need for careful consideration when selecting the appropriate size.
4. adidas Predator Accuracy.1 AG
The adidas Predator Accuracy.1 AG Soccer Shoes marry style with precision. The shoes feature a visually striking design with a grey tongue complementing the green and white upper, and adorned with the classic white adidas stripes on the sides.
Beyond aesthetics, these turf cleats are built for performance, allowing players to create game-defining moments with accuracy and precision. The weighted forefront of the upper redistributes weight for optimal power transfer, while the Soft HybridTouch vamp insole provides a molded fit and reduces weight.
Technical Specifications:
- Upper: Weighted forefront for optimal power transfer.
- Insole: Soft HybridTouch vamp for a molded fit and weight reduction.
- Outsole: High-definition grip technology through individual rubber elements.
Pros:
- Outstanding On-Pitch Performance: Players consistently praise the Predator Accuracy.1 for its exceptional performance on the field.
- Pain-Free Running: The soft padding in the shoe provides a comfortable experience, eliminating discomfort and pain during extended periods of running and play.
- Good Traction: The high-definition grip technology in the outsole offers good traction, contributing to stability and control.
- Overall Comfort: The shoes are lauded for their overall comfort, ensuring players can focus on their game without distractions.
Cons:
- Occasional Feel of Less Lockdown: Some users report a feeling of being less locked into the boot at times.
- Lower Heel Height: The heel is noted to be a little lower than ideal, potentially affecting the fit for some users.
5. Nike Premier III TF Artificial Turf Soccer Shoes
If you don’t want to break the bank on your new turf soccer shoes, then the Nike Premier III TF is for you! The Nike Premier III TF Artificial Turf Soccer Shoes combine premier comfort and touch with an affordable price tag.
Boasting a revolutionary stitching pattern for added midsole cushioning, these shoes feature a sleek design with silky-soft k-leather in the upper and a dotted line on the tongue for customizable cutting. Designed for astro and 3G pitches, the Premier III TF also offers a timeless silhouette with supple leather and a fold-over tongue.
Technical Specifications:
- Upper: Silky-soft k-leather.
- Outsole: Rubber outsole for improved traction on artificial turf.
- Weight: 8.6 oz.
Pros:
- Light on Feet: Users appreciate the lightweight design of the Premier III TF, contributing to agility and ease of movement on the field.
- Exceptional Build Quality: The shoes are also lauded for their exceptional build quality.
- High Quality: The use of silky-soft k-leather in the upper adds a premium touch to the shoes, providing both comfort and style.
- Affordable Price Tag: One of the standout features is the affordability, offering premier comfort and performance at a budget-friendly price.
Cons:
- Bulky Design: Some users find the shoes to be bulky, which might impact the perception of agility and speed during play.
- Sizing Issues: There are reports that the shoes tend to fit a bit large, prompting users to consider sizing down for a better fit.
6. Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Academy TF Artificial Turf Soccer Shoes
The Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Academy TF stands out as one of Nike’s lightest soccer shoes. With a soft leather upper, these turf soccer shoes provide a tough and breathable experience. The cushioned insole, featuring soft foam pads, ensures maximum comfort and precise ball handling throughout each match.
There is also enhanced grip on the outsole contributes to improved traction on artificial turf.
Technical Specifications:
- Upper: Soft and breathable K-leather.
- Insole: Soft foam pads for precise ball handling and comfort.
- Outsole: Enhanced grip for improved traction.
Pros:
- Tough and Breathable K-Leather: The soft K-leather upper combines toughness with breathability, offering durability and comfort during gameplay.
- Solid Heel Plate: Users appreciate the solid heel plate, providing stability and support during quick movements on the turf.
- Soft Foam Pods: The inclusion of soft foam pads in the insole enhances comfort and allows for more precise ball handling.
- Good Width for Stability and Comfort: The shoes are praised for their good width.
Cons:
- Not Ideal for Futsal: The Tiempo Legend 9 Academy TF may not be the best choice for futsal.
- A Bit Clunky: The shoes are described by some as feeling a bit clunky, which may impact the perception of agility and speed.
7. adidas X Crazyfast.3 Laceless Turf Shoes
The adidas X Crazyfast.3 Laceless Turf Shoes stand out as a purpose-built footwear option for turf courts, offering a combination of performance, sustainability, and comfort.
Designed with a synthetic upper constructed from fully recycled adidas PrimeGreen materials, these laceless turf shoes showcase a commitment to eco-friendly practices. The lightweight and layered construction, along with the flat-knit collar, ensures a solid lockdown for players, while the soft EVA midsole contributes to overall comfort.
Technical Specifications:
- Upper: Synthetic, fully recycled adidas PrimeGreen materials.
- Lacing: Laceless.
- Weight: 9.5 oz.
Pros:
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Constructed with fully recycled adidas PrimeGreen materials, these turf shoes showcase a commitment to sustainability.
- Excellent Price/Quality Ratio: Reviews consistently highlight the X Crazyfast.3 for its very good price/quality ratio, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious players.
- Comfortable Fit: Users note the comfort of these laceless turf shoes, ensuring a pleasant experience during extended periods of play.
Cons:
- Narrow Fit: Users have complained that the shoes are initially narrow and tight. However, after a few games, they seem to adjust to the feet pretty well.
8. adidas Copa Pure.1 Turf Shoes
The adidas Copa Pure.1 TF Turf Soccer Shoes embody the essence of classic craftsmanship with modern engineering. These leather boots, featuring a synthetic ground outsole, deliver a great feel, soft touch, and instant break-in, making them an appealing choice for players seeking comfort and performance.
The anatomically shaped outsole with soft cushion studs also enhances comfort and stability, making these turf shoes ideal for short, carpet-like turf play.
Technical Specifications:
- Upper: Premium Calf Leather with Engineered Primeknit.
- Outsole: Synthetic ground outsole with soft cushion studs.
- Fit: Engineered Primeknit for lockdown and support.
Pros:
- Silky Touch: The soft premium calf leather offers a silky touch, providing players with a heightened feel for the ball during play.
- Rock-Solid Stability: The combination of the engineered primeknit and anatomically shaped outsole ensures rock-solid stability.
Cons:
- Small Tongue Volume: The volume of the shoe could be bigger to accommodate the relatively small tongue.
- Fit Bigger: There are mentions that the shoes tend to fit bigger, prompting users to consider sizing down for an optimal fit.
9. New Balance 442 v2 Team TF Wide Artificial Turf Soccer Shoes
The penultimate entry in our list of the best turf soccer shoes is the New Balance 442 v2 Team TF Wide shoes. These lightweight turf shoes are designed to be easily maneuvered on the field, offering a customizable fit with an adjustable lace closure.
The calfskin leather upper provides a softer feel, while the rubber-lugged outsole ensures substantial grip on turf surfaces.
Technical Specifications:
- Upper: Calfskin leather for a softer feel.
- Outsole: Rubber-lugged for substantial grip on turf and street.
- Closure: Adjustable lace closure.
Pros:
- Great Comfort: These shoes are appreciated for their great comfort, making them suitable for extended periods of play.
- Grippy Feel: The shoes are noted for feeling quite grippy on the turf, contributing to stability and control during gameplay.
- Snug and Comfortable Fit: The adjustable lace closure allows for a customizable and snug fit.
Cons:
- Not True to Size: Some users report that the shoes are not true to size, indicating a potential discrepancy between the labeled size and the actual fit.
- Not Wide: Despite being labeled as wide, there are concerns that the 442 v2 Team TF does not provide a wide enough fit for some users.
- Very Stiff: There are mentions of the shoes being very stiff, which could impact the initial comfort and flexibility until they are adequately broken in.
10. New Balance Furon v7 Dispatch TF
The New Balance Furon v7 Dispatch TF soccer cleats are designed for players seeking simplicity, clean ball contact, and distraction-free performance. These lightweight and durable cleats allow players to explode toward the goal with confidence.
The synthetic leather upper, coupled with a knit collar, offers a comfortable and secure fit, while the off-set lacing enhances the strike zone for clean and precise ball contact. The rubber-lugged outsole with strategically placed studs provides good grip and comfort on artificial turf pitches.
Technical Specifications:
- Upper: Lightweight synthetic leather with a knit collar.
- Outsole: Rubber-lugged outsole for traction and comfort.
Pros:
- Comfortable Design: Furon v7 Dispatch TF has an overall comfort, ensuring a pleasant experience during extended play.
- Durable Construction: The cleats are durable, with the synthetic leather upper holding up well over time.
- Good Grip: The rubber-lugged outsole provides solid traction on artificial turf, contributing to stability and control.
Cons:
- Perceived Low-Quality Material: Some users express concerns about the material feeling low quality.
- Narrow Fit: The cleats have a narrow fit, potentially posing challenges for those with wider feet.
Thank You For Reading
I hope you enjoyed our list of the best turf soccer shoes available in the market today. If you did, then do consider sharing it with fellow soccer enthusiasts.
Your support and sharing of this content can help us reach a wider audience and provide valuable information to more people who share our passion for the beautiful game.
Thank you for supporting Soccer Mavericks!
If you liked this article, you will love reading:
- 9 Best Indoor Soccer Shoes in the Market
- Best Soccer Rebounders for Skill Enhancement
- Coolest Soccer Jerseys of All Time
- Can You Use Indoor Soccer Shoes on Turf?
- The 10 Best Soccer Socks For Men, Women, and Kids
- How Long Should Soccer Cleats Last?
- How To Stretch Soccer Cleats (3 Proven Methods)
- Should Soccer Cleats Be Tight? A Detailed Guide
