Best Turf Soccer Shoes to Bring Your A-Game

Buying footwear of any type is often a pain with so many choices and styles from which to pick. Getting the best turf soccer shoes is no different—unless you know what specs and features matter most. The industry has come a long way from the high-top sneakers back in the day. Today, you’ll find products specialized designed for the playing field and position which you play.

The primary concerns are comfort and fit. Let’s face it. Soccer is sometimes grueling with blazing-fast action that makes the right shoe critical to your gameplay. Traction and support are vital. However, you also need something that feels comfortable that toes the line between snug and relaxed. Our guide will take you through the steps for choosing the right pair from the upper to the heel counter.

In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks…

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1. Adidas Performance Mundial Team Turf Soccer Cleat

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Adidas Performance Mundial Team Turf Soccer Cleat looks more like a traditional athletic shoe than any of the products we reviewed. It is a classic in every sense of the word. It has a kangaroo leather upper and a suede band at the toe, which gives it the softness and durability we’d expect from these materials. The bottom is rubber for added traction on a variety of surfaces.

The heel counter has additional straps for improved stability and balance. The tongue is well-padded. The fit through the construction is top-notch with plenty of protection and support where you need it. That makes it a suitable choice for those who have frequent food pain. Although they are somewhat heavier, they make up for it in performance and durability.

Pros:

  • The leather is soft and comfortable.
  • The design is classic Adidas.
  • The protection is excellent.
  • The shoes provide great support throughout the build.

Cons:

  • The shoes are a bit heavier because of the construction.
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2. Under Armour Horizon STR Soccer Shoe

Under Armour Mens Magnetico Select Turf
  • UA FormTrue technology in toe box flexes under pressure for stability at high speeds
  • An internal layer of flexible, auxetic material molds around the foot for a precise, glove like fit & feel that’s truly customized to every foot
  • Soft, synthetic material wraps around your ankle & midfoot for extra stability & locked in support
  • Form fitting toe box is incredibly soft for unmatched touch & feel
  • Under Armour

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Under Armour Horizon STR Soccer Shoe is one of the more attractive products we reviewed. It has a sleek design that screams class with its low profile and good-looking lines. The construction is synthetic with the company’s Innovative ClutchFit technology. The fit is spot-on and is snug enough for decent support and comfort. The soleplate and studs are also rubber for improved traction.

Overall, they are an excellent pair of shoes that succeed in fit and design. They’re ready for the field out of the box. The anti-microbial liner is a welcome addition, along with the superior breathability that makes them even more comfortable to wear. They come in four colors, including the classic black shoe that we loved. The cleats are well-made and built to last.

Pros:

  • The design is attractive.
  • The fit is excellent.
  • They have an anti-microbial liner.
  • The shoes are lightweight.

Cons:

  • The sizes run a bit small and narrow.
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3. PUMA Men’s King Allround TT Soccer Cleat

PUMA Men's King Allround TT Soccer Cleat
  • Soccer cleat featuring quilted vamp and contrast tongue with bold logo
  • PUMA CELL ultimate cushioning
  • EverTrack multi-studded Ground Control outsole
  • Sole with CELL shock absorption

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The PUMA Men’s King Allround TT Soccer Cleat is the heaviest of the shoes we reviewed. While that may turn off some buyers, they offer fantastic protection throughout the build. They are made of leather, which brings softness and durability to the forefront. Well-placed cushioning makes them comfortable while providing a snug fit.

The shoes have a good-looking design, right down to its unique stud pattern on the rubber sole. The upper is laced with a quilted vamp for an added power boost. Individuals with wide feet or feet that swell a lot during gameplay will find these cleats especially comfy. The arch support could be better. Also, some may find them too heavy. Overall, it’s a classic design with quality construction.

Pros:

  • Protection and support are excellent.
  • The traction is grippy and secure.
  • The fit is snug without binding.
  • The shoes are a great choice for players with wide feet.

Cons:

  • Some may find the design bulky and heavy.
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4. Nike Hypervenom Phelon II NJR Turf Shoes

Nike Men's Hypervenom Phelon II Fg Soccer Cleat
  • Anatomical design creates a glove-like fit that enables agility
  • Asymmetrical lacing system expands the ball control area and strike zone
  • Synthetic leather upper is textured for improved touch
  • Forefoot blades and split-toe design improve agility
  • Firm-ground (FG) cleats for use on short-grass fields that may be slightly wet but rarely muddy

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Nike Hypervenom Phelon II NJR Turf Shoes is a classic example of the brand with its flashy good looks that fit its name. The construction is a combination of leather and synthetic materials which brings the best of both worlds to the table. The soleplate and studs are rubber for better traction on slick surfaces.

The upper is laced with a padded collar and an oval-shaped opening. The rubber of the soleplate extends for about a half-inch up the heel to provide added support. Overall, the shoes are comfortable and are snug enough without binding. It certainly helps that they are affordably priced with the genuine Nike guarantee so that you know you’re getting the real thing.

Pros:

  • The toe box is roomy
  • The rubber soleplate gives the shoes better traction.
  • The shoes fit well.
  • They provide enough grip for grass surfaces, too.

Cons:

  • The padding on the tongue is lacking.
  • The sizing runs a bit small.
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5. Adidas Performance Ace 16.3 TF Soccer Shoe

adidas Performance Men's Ace 16.3 Primemesh TF Soccer Shoe
  • Turf-specific shoes for the playmaker
  • Experience improved ball control and zero wear-in time with a PRIMEMESH upper that provides a comfortable, sock-like fit
  • Synthetic PRIMEMESH overlay
  • GROUND/CONTROL stud design creates a slight pocket underfoot so you can put more studs on the ball for greater control
  • Move with high-speed control and stability on artificial turf (short-bladed synthetic fiber) with the TOTAL CONTROL outsole

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Adidas Performance Ace 16.3 TF Soccer Shoe succeed admirably when it comes to breathability with the company’s PRIMEMESH technology. The entire shoe has synthetic materials. The stud pattern is excellent, providing decent traction on the turf. It has a low collar with just enough padding. We liked the fit, which felt snug against our feet, providing plenty of support throughout the construction.

The upper has laces with some knit fabric around the collar. It has a low-profile with a comfortable feel to them. The design is durable and built to last. They provide good protection all through the construction. On the downside, the shoes run narrow, making them unsuitable for some players. Overall, they are well-made with quality materials.

Pros:

  • The traction is great.
  • The shoes fit snug and provide adequate support.
  • The product is well-made.
  • Comfort is top-notch with the enhanced breathability technology.

Cons:

  • Some may find the color choices garish.
  • The shoes run narrow.
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Buying Guide for the Best Turf Soccer Shoes

The first thing you’ll probably notice when shopping for the best turf soccer shoes is the vast diversity of choices. That fact reflects the innovations and specializations within this segment of the industry. After all, you can play the sport on a variety of surfaces for which you must have footwear for balance and stability. The cleats you wear on firm ground isn’t the best option for turf.

You likely have your own playing style, too, which your shoes can complement. Certain positions also have different demands, making some products better picks than others.

Things to consider include the following:

  • Playing surface
  • Material
  • Collar
  • Upper
  • Construction
  • Heel
  • Soleplate
  • Soccer position and playing style
  • Other factors

Learning about each of these points is essential for choosing the right soccer shoe for you. The wide variety of choices and styles is also reflected in the price. You can find a pair for under $50 or well north of $400 for the serious athlete.

Playing Surface

The playing surface of the soccer field and the type of shoe go hand-in-hand. The main difference lies with the construction and design of the soleplate or the bottom. Because of the varying demands of where you might play the sport, you’ll see products labeled to identify the surface for which they are made.

They include:

  • Firm ground or natural grass (FG)
  • Soft ground or soft earth (SG)
  • Artificial grass or turf (AG, MG, or FG/AG)
  • Artificial turf or indoor turfed fields (TF)
  • Hard court, typically indoors or outdoors played on asphalt (IN, IC, or IT)

You might also see some proprietary descriptors from different manufacturers. Adidas, Nike, and Puma, for example, are active in R&D. You may find products designed for professional players with specialized components or technologies. FG shoes are typically the most expensive of the lot.

A word about artificial grass and turf. The two may sound the same, but they are worlds apart in texture, something you’ll notice right away on the playing field.

The former is a newer technology that is appropriately named since it does a better job of replicating the real thing. The latter is the rougher, scratchy surface you likely associate with the term. Hence, you’ll see different soccer shoes that cater to the distinctions between them.

Material

The materials of turf soccer shoes are similar to what you’d see in any athletic footwear. They each have pros and cons, which transcend into different sports. Essentially, there are two broad categories, either synthetics or leather.

Leather offers several advantages. It is durable and can handle the punishing play of soccer. It is also soft and can mold to your feet for the optimal fit. Think of a comfortable, well-worn pair of shoes. They last forever, too. You’ll see both calfskin and kangaroo leather. The benefit of the latter is that it does what leather should do better. On the downside, these products are more expensive.

Synthetic materials have come a long way in recent years, thanks to the innovations of the top players in the industry. They strike an excellent balance between the comfort of leather with tweaks in the design to improve breathability and water-resistance. They are also lighter, which can make a big difference in your gameplay. Many products have anti-microbial properties, too.

The disadvantage of synthetics is that it’s a what-you-see-is-what-you-get deal. They don’t offer the give and break-in period that defines leather shoes. So, if the fit isn’t right from the get-go, it isn’t likely to improve much, if any.

Knit is another material that has gained attention recently. The design of shoes with it are just as you may expect. The upper contains a fabric collar that extends up the ankle. While the fit is ideal, there are downsides with durability and water retention. The latter may cause odors if not treated or coated with something to prevent it.

Collar

The collar is the opening of the shoe in which you stick your foot. They are classified based on where they sit in relation to your ankle bone, going from high to mid to low. It’s a matter of preference. Generally, the higher it is, the more support you have. However, it can also interfere with your freedom of movement.

The most important consideration is comfort. The shoes need to fit snug without putting undue pressure on your ankles or causing any chafing. We suggest looking for durable materials like leather if just on this portion, which can handle the use that this part of the cleat will get.

Upper

The upper, particularly the vamp, is the business end of your soccer shoes. That’s where we go back to the materials since they will affect your comfort level and gameplay. Another consideration is whether you want laces or laceless cleats.

Laces, especially those that are visible on the top of the shoe, add a wild-card element when it comes to striking the soccer ball. The uneven surface can affect your control. However, they also add stability to the fit. You’ll see products that have none or cover them to give you that flat upper.

Construction

When we refer to construction, we are talking about the midsole area and the amount of cushioning that the shoe provides. It is a vital feature because of its role to prevent hotspots and blisters. It can also affect how you move, which can, in turn, cause foot or knee pain. This feature sits squarely in the realm of proprietary products.

You’ll often see the same technologies used in running shoes for soccer footwear. After all, the activity is essentially the same with a like amount of pressure on your feet. We’d suggest using the things you like about these products and bring them to the table when looking for turf soccer shoes.

Heel Counter

The heel counter is another vital part of a soccer cleat. It provides crucial support for this part of your foot, which can help protect against injury. It is one aspect that differs from running shoes. You’ll likely find that it is stiffer. The fast action of the sport demands this kind of construction. Like cushioning, it will protect other parts of your legs, too.

The two critical factors are fit and comfort. The shoes should feel snug without binding or putting pressure on any part of your heel.

Soleplate

The soleplate with its type and pattern of studs is the defining feature of the different types of soccer shoes. Generally, rubber ones are best for indoor gameplay to provide the necessary traction to prevent slipping. Many of these products resemble everyday footwear.

Cleats on other surfaces have studs made with the same materials you’ll find with soccer balls, including polyurethane (PU) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), along with rubber. They may or may not be metal-tipped. The shape will also vary from circular, conical, or blades. The length of the studs also differs.

For turf soccer shoes, you’ll see more studs and longer ones across the entire soleplate to help distribute your weight better. Bear in mind that artificial turf is also hard. These products provide optimal grip to match the demands of the surface. We strongly urge you to stick with this type of shoe if that’s the field on which you play. On the bright side, many cleats will cross into different surfaces, if it’s a vital consideration.

Soccer Position and Playing Style

You likely play a certain position because of the abilities you bring to the game. Likewise, turf soccer shoes do the same. The ideal cleat for a goalkeeper will vary from a forward darting around the field. Factors to consider include weight, support, and construction of the upper for striking. Protection is also a primary feature for those in the line of fire, such as defenders.

Other Factors

Of course, soccer gear isn’t much different than any other type of sports equipment when it comes to the bells and whistles that manufacturers add to their products. You’ll see it most frequently in the colors and styles of the shoes. Some products may have sock liners to improve the fit. You’ll find a host of proprietary materials for breathability and odor control, too.

Some products have removable insoles, which we like to see for customizing the shoes to your liking. Others have other comfort features, such as padded tongues. We suggest thinking about the issues you have with athletic shoes and home in on cleats with technologies that solve these problems. Protection is also a part of the game, no matter what position that you play.

We prefer products that have a satisfaction guarantee and a warranty if just on the construction. Make sure to review the seller’s return policy before you buy them to avoid any nasty surprises. Try them on inside to test the fit before heading to the field.

Top 3 Brands

Nike

Nike is an iconic brand that has transcended from the playing field to fashion with its classic Swoosh logo and catchy slogan, “Just Do It.” The Oregon-based company began in 1964. By 1980, it had captured half of the athletic footwear market. Its portfolio includes other well-known names, such as Jordan and Converse.

Adidas

Adidas is second only to Nike as one of the leading brands in the sports industry. Soccer is its lifeblood as the official ball provided for FIFA. Founder, Adolf “Adi” Dassler, cemented the company’s place in history as the supplier of the spiked running shoes worn by U.S. sprinter Jesse Owens at the 1936 Summer Olympics. The rest, as they say, is history.

Puma

Puma was the brainchild of Rudolf Dassler, brother to Adolf of the Adidas brand. Soccer or association football is its primary focus as sponsors of several national teams across Europe, the Middle East, and South America. The company also has partnerships with several other sports and athletes, including cricket, track, and basketball.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you use turf soccer shoes on grass?

A: The short answer is yes. Turf soccer shoes work well because of the excellent traction they provide. That makes them almost a multi-purpose cleat for newer artificial and natural grass surfaces. The fact that they typically have plenty of studs across the entire soleplate gives them the edge.

Q: What is the difference between turf and indoor soccer shoes?

A: Because of the term, artificial, it’s probably a natural segue to think that you can use them indoors, too. The difference, again, lies with the soleplate. Indoor shoes are typically flat without the pattern of studs that define turf shoes. Unless they are made of rubber, you might not get the proper amount of traction for effective gameplay.

Q: Can you wear turf shoes every day?

A: While their sporty looks make them attractive, you’ll probably find that they are awkward to wear for casual use. The studs will work fine over grass surfaces, but they won’t give you the grip you’d need for walking on floors or other smoother surfaces. Also, you’ll likely wear down the studs faster if they’re made of rubber and you walk on concrete. You’re better off with a pair of sneakers than turf shoes.

Q: How do you break in turf shoes?

A: The best way to break them in is by wearing them. We’d suggest wearing them indoors, preferably on carpeted surfaces. That will give you a headstart on softening leather shoes before you take to the field. You should do it for several days until you notice a difference in the fit. Generally, kangaroo leather will mold to your feet quicker than calfskin.

Final Thoughts

Our pick for the best turf soccer shoes is the Adidas Performance Mundial Team Turf Soccer Cleat. It caught our attention with its superior construction out of kangaroo leather for durability and comfort. We also loved the class look of them. We even thought that they had a certain swagger to them. The key takeaway is that a good fit is essential in a pair that will last for the long haul. We found it with these shoes.