FG vs TF Soccer Cleats for Wholesale Buyers (Stud Guide)
By XIANGCHI · Published 2026-11-06
The fastest way to tell FG from TF is to turn the shoe over. FG outsoles have roughly a dozen longer molded studs (conical, bladed or mixed) on a firm plate. TF outsoles have dozens of short rubber nubs spread across the sole. Match the stud type to the surface your customers play on.
Reading an FG outsole
On an FG cleat, studs are molded into the outsole plate. When you inspect samples, check:
- Stud shape: conical studs help rotation; bladed studs bite harder in straight lines; many cleats combine both.
- Plate material: TPU is the common choice for adult FG plates and is used on most of our FG models; rubber plates are softer and used on selected kids models such as 796H-2 Flyknit Firm Ground Cleats.
- Stud layout: studs at the forefoot and heel carry most of the load; a balanced layout feels stable on firm grass.
Reading a TF outsole
TF shoes spread grip over many small rubber nubs, which keeps pressure low and comfort high on hard surfaces. When checking samples:
- Nub density and height: short, dense nubs suit hard ground and short-pile turf.
- Rubber compound: look for even molding and good bonding at the edges.
- Flex: TF shoes should bend easily at the forefoot.
Side-by-side
| Check | FG | TF |
|---|---|---|
| Number of studs/nubs | Fewer, longer studs | Many short nubs |
| Main material (our range) | TPU plate; rubber on some kids models | Rubber (TPU on 796H) |
| Surface | Natural grass | Artificial turf, hard ground |
| Comfort on hard ground | Lower | Higher |
| Example | G2706-1 Firm Ground Cleats | G2706 Turf Soccer Cleats |
Planning an assortment by stud type
A practical approach for a first order:
- Pick 2–4 designs you like and order both the FG and TF version of each, so customers can choose by surface.
- Add a kids option in each outsole, for example 796H-2 Flyknit Firm Ground Cleats (FG) and 796H Flyknit Turf Cleats (TF).
- Spread sizes across your core range; our product pages list each model's EU size range.
- Reorder winners from stock (1–3 days) and move best-sellers to a custom version with your logo from 300 pairs.
Our current range covers FG and TF only. We plan to add AG and indoor models when stock is available.
Common sourcing mistakes
- Ordering only FG for a market where most pitches are artificial.
- Ignoring kids sizes — youth teams often order in volume.
- Approving bulk without checking the outsole on a physical sample.
See all FG cleats and TF shoes, or compare in FG vs TF: which should you wholesale?
How to inspect samples like a buyer
When samples arrive, compare the FG and TF versions of the same design side by side. Check these points before approving a bulk or reorder:
| Area | What to check |
|---|---|
| Outsole bonding | Even glue line, no gaps at the toe and heel edges |
| Studs / nubs | Complete molding, no flash or missing nubs |
| Flex | Bends at the forefoot, not in the middle of the arch |
| Upper | Clean stitching or bonding, symmetrical left and right shoes |
| Size | Measure inside length against the model's size range |
| Logo | Correct position, color and method for custom samples |
Which stud type for which customer?
- Club and academy suppliers — mainly FG for match days, plus TF for winter training.
- Schools and recreational leagues — TF is often the safer all-round choice on mixed surfaces.
- Five-a-side and cage football centers — TF.
- Online sellers — offer both and link the twins on your listing.
Why we list FG and TF as separate products
Even when two shoes share an upper, the outsole changes the price logic, the size run you need and who buys it. Listing them separately — 23152 Firm Ground Cleats and 23152-1 Turf Soccer Cleats, for example — gives each its own size range, price and inquiry button, and makes your order lines clear.
How to order from XIANGCHI
- Shortlist models in the product center — every page shows materials, size range and FOB Xiamen price.
- Send your list to Candice by WhatsApp or email with sizes and quantities, or your custom brief.
- Get a written quotation with availability, lead time and payment details (PayPal, L/C or T/T).
- Stock orders ship in 1–3 days after payment; custom orders start with a sample (about 15 days), then bulk production (about 35 days).
- Reorder best sellers from stock, or move them to your own logo from 300 pairs per style.
Prefer to talk first? Message Candice on WhatsApp or WeChat at +86 15396653910 — she can answer questions about sizes, stock and customization before you order.
Summary
Turn the shoe over: long molded studs mean FG for grass; many short rubber nubs mean TF for turf and hard ground. Match stud type to surface and customer, check samples carefully, and reorder winners from stock.
Terms
| Term | XIANGCHI |
|---|---|
| Stock MOQ | 1 pair · ships in 1–3 days |
| Custom MOQ | 300 pairs per style (flexible) |
| Custom sample | ≈ USD 250 per style + courier · ~15 days |
| Bulk lead time | ~35 days |
| Price basis | FOB Xiamen, USD 9.5–16.3 per pair by model |
| Payment | PayPal / L/C / T/T |
FAQ
How many studs does an FG cleat have?
It varies by design, but FG cleats have far fewer and longer studs than the many short nubs on a TF outsole.
Are your FG plates TPU?
Most of our FG models use TPU plates; selected kids models use rubber.
Do you make AG or indoor shoes?
Not yet in our current range. We plan to add them when stock is available.
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