Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly IX MDS Elite AG Pro

Boots with Firm Ground (FG) soleplates are only to be used on natural, short-grass surfaces that are firm underfoot but may be slightly wet. Designed specifically for this playing surface, they offer acceleration, comfort, and enhanced traction, dispersing stud pressure evenly across the foot.

Soft Ground (SG) soleplates are specifically designed for use on wet and soft to very soft natural grass pitches that may also be muddy and/or waterlogged. Used worldwide, mainly during winter months, boots made for soft ground have removable, replaceable screw-in studs that can be plastic, entirely metal, or metal-tipped and typically come in a six-stud configuration – four at the forefoot, two slightly longer at the heel.

Artificial Grass surfaces, also known as all-weather surfaces, typically consist of 3G (rubber crumb) or 4G (longer pile, combination of rubber/sand infill, more closely resembling natural grass). Boots made for AG are specifically designed, typically using less nylon to increase durability for the extra abrasion associated with synthetic grass and featuring more numerous and densely concentrated studs. AG boots can also be used on firm ground (FG), though performance will depend on how dry and firm it is.

Turf, also known as AstroTurf, is an older, more unforgiving type of synthetic-grass surface consisting of either sand or water-based carpet typically laid on concrete. Boots for use on turf (TF) usually have a cushioned midsole and a very durable, flat, multi-lugged or dimpled rubber outsole because turf requires light stud penetration. No other outsole type should be used on turf as it will cause considerable wear to the studs and soleplate edges and may result in injury.

Indoor surfaces for small-sided games such as five-a-side and futsal are usually flat, extremely hard and unforgiving, and typically consist of varnished wood, linoleum, or a smooth, painted synthetic or composite material. For grip, indoor outsoles (IN) are usually flat to maximise ground contact, typically using non-marking moulded gum rubber with midsole cushioning for shock absorption and comfort.