The Different Types of Studs in Football Boots
Jun 24 , 2021
Tags - Different Studs in Football Boots
Football is not always played on the same surface, which is why there are different studs in different football boots.
The reason why they differ is to provide maximum traction on every surface.
As such, before picking any pair, it’s important to know what kind of pitch you will be playing on and then buy the right boots accordingly.
Here are 5 different types of studs in football boots.
1. Firm Ground
One of the most popular types, firm ground studs (sometimes known as moulded spikes), are the one generally recognised as the classic football boot and is worn by the majority of footballers across the world.
Positively, they are designed for optimal traction and stability on natural grass football fields.
Regarding design, a firm ground football boot has a series of plastic studs, either bladed or conical in shape - sometimes a mix - and cannot be removed.
As opposed to metal studs, they provide less pressure on the feet and are the most common because they can be worn on both firm and artificial grounds, and sometimes even in wet conditions.
However, it’s not recommended to wear this type of football boot other than firm ground as it can affect your knees and joints.
Moreover, wearing them on other ground types can cause your football boots to deteriorate quicker as the spikes are not designed for such use.
2. Artificial Ground
As the name suggests, these studs are designed to be worn on artificial grass surfaces, and consist of a larger number of shorter spikes placed across the whole soleplate.
On one hand, this reduces the pressure placed on the joints when playing on harder, artificial surfaces, and on the other, shorter spikes means they will not get stuck to the pitch (as firm ground spikes might) and give better traction when playing.
Lastly, artificial ground spikes have better durability to withstand the pressure from a hard surface - made from stronger plastic.
Above all, artificial ground spikes are a great football boot option as they can be worn to play on most surfaces, including natural grass.
3. Soft Ground
Soft ground spikes are designed for better traction when playing on wet or muddy grounds, made out of metal and can be removed by unscrewing them.
As opposed to firm ground spikes, these boots will have fewer metal studs and are much longer, giving better penetration when turning on wet pitches.
Typically, soft ground football boots will have only 6 metal spikes and are heavier because of how the soleplate is constructed.
In terms of playing, avoid wearing soft ground football boots on surfaces other than natural wet grass fields as other surfaces can cause the metal spikes to quickly get destroyed.
4. Multi Ground
As mentioned earlier, there are many different types of surfaces football can be played on, which can cause confusion as to which pair to buy.
Luckily, some brands have developed a football boot with spikes suitable for multiple ground surfaces.
For example, Adidas uses the acronym FxG, Nike uses MG and Puma names them as FG/AG - to be used on both firm and artificial ground surfaces.
One benefit is that they have a combination of rounded and bladed spikes for the best traction and to distribute the pressure placed on the foot evenly across the whole shoe.
Although they are a cost-effective solution, keep in mind these studs will not be available in metal so may be difficult to wear in wetter conditions.
5. Turf Ground
A turf ground should not be confused with artificial ground.
Simply because turf is specifically designed for sports and is a lot tougher to withstand the volume of running feet and studs, as well as being safer to reduce potential injuries.
Whereas artificial ground is designed for its aesthetic and grass-like appearance.
With that in mind, turf ground football boots are completely flat at the bottom so there are no obvious studs.
However, they do have lots of little small spikes that are made out of rubber - a key difference to artificial ground studs.
Finishing Thoughts
The soleplate and the studs used in football boots are extremely important as it can affect your performance out on the field.
As such, you should buy the correct pair depending on the surface you’ll be playing on.
Doing so will not only prevent injuries, but also extend your football boots’ lifespan too!
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