Types of Soccer Cleats: FG, TF & Kids Buying Guide

By XIANGCHI · Published 2026-11-06

Soccer cleats are grouped by the playing surface their outsole is made for. The two types most buyers stock first are firm ground (FG) cleats with molded studs for natural grass, and turf (TF) shoes with short rubber nubs for artificial turf and hard ground. Kids models come in both.

Why surface type is the first decision

A soccer cleat is basically an upper (the part that wraps the foot) on top of an outsole designed for one kind of ground. The upper decides look, touch and comfort; the outsole decides grip and safety. Players and coaches shop by surface first, so wholesale catalogs, store shelves and online listings are organized the same way. If you sell to clubs, schools or retailers, sorting your range by surface makes ordering easier for everyone.

The industry uses short codes for each surface. The most common are FG (firm ground), TF (turf), AG (artificial ground), SG (soft ground, often with removable studs) and IN/IC (indoor court). This guide focuses on the categories we produce today — FG, TF and kids sizes — because they cover most training and match needs for teams and retailers.

Firm ground (FG) cleats

FG cleats have molded studs, usually conical, bladed or a mix, fixed to a stiff plate. They are made for natural grass that is dry to slightly wet. The studs penetrate the surface for traction when a player accelerates, turns and stops.

• Best for: grass pitches, match play, outdoor club training.
• Typical outsole: TPU plate (ours are mostly TPU; selected kids models use rubber).
• Who buys: sporting-goods stores, club suppliers, academies and online sellers.

Examples from our range: 23152 Firm Ground Cleats, 2608M Firm Ground Cleats and LM001 Firm Ground Cleats. See all 17 FG models.

Turf (TF) shoes

TF shoes use a flat rubber outsole covered with many short nubs. They spread pressure over a larger area, which makes them comfortable and stable on artificial turf, hard ground and training surfaces where long studs grip too much or are not allowed.

• Best for: artificial turf, five-a-side, training, hard and dry ground.
• Typical outsole: rubber with short nubs.
• Who buys: retailers in cities with many turf pitches, schools, training centers.

Examples: 2608M-1 Turf Soccer Cleats, 23152-1 Turf Soccer Cleats and X2601-1 Turf Soccer Cleats. See all 16 TF models.

Kids and youth cleats

Kids models are not just smaller adult shoes. Younger players need lighter uppers, easy closures such as hook-and-loop straps, and a full run of small sizes. Our youth range starts at EU 28 and covers both outsoles: 315 Kids Firm Ground Cleats and 796H-2 Flyknit Firm Ground Cleats (FG), and 315-1 Kids Turf Soccer Cleats, 1689 Turf Soccer Cleats and 796H Flyknit Turf Cleats (TF). Several adult models also start at EU 32–33, so a club can order one style from youth to senior teams. Browse the kids range.

Comparison table

What should a wholesaler stock first?

Look at where your customers actually play. Markets with many natural grass pitches lean toward FG; cities with lots of artificial turf and indoor-outdoor training lean toward TF. Many buyers start with a mixed order and adjust after the first season. Because most of our FG models have a TF twin on the same upper, you can offer both versions of one design without doubling your design work. For example, 2606E Firm Ground Cleats pairs with 2606E-1 Turf Soccer Cleats.

Stock orders start from 1 pair, so you can test a few styles before committing. When a style sells, move to an OEM version with your logo from 300 pairs per style.

The other surface types (and why we don't list them yet)

Soft ground (SG) cleats usually have fewer, longer studs — often metal-tipped and removable — for wet, muddy grass. Artificial ground (AG) cleats use more, shorter and often hollow studs designed for modern long-pile artificial grass. Indoor (IN/IC) shoes have flat gum-rubber soles for sports halls and futsal courts. These are real categories, but our current factory range focuses on FG, TF and kids sizes. We will add AG and indoor models when stock is available, rather than list products we cannot ship.

Uppers: PU vs flyknit

Across all surface types, the upper material changes how a cleat feels and how it should be marketed:

• PU (polyurethane) uppers are durable, easy to wipe clean and hold their shape. They suit training, schools and value-focused retail. Most of our models use PU uppers.
• PU + flyknit uppers use a knitted textile zone for a softer, sock-like fit. Our kids models 796H Flyknit Turf Cleats and 796H-2 Flyknit Firm Ground Cleats use this construction.

Collar height is another visible difference. Many of our designs, such as 2606E Firm Ground Cleats, have a high knit collar; others, like LM001 Firm Ground Cleats, are low-cut. Offer both if your customers have mixed preferences.

How to describe cleat types in your own listings

Retail customers search with simple words — “soccer cleats for turf”, “firm ground boots”, “kids soccer shoes”. When you list our models in your shop, put the surface type in the product title (for example “FG” or “Turf”), list the size range clearly, and add a one-line note on which surface the shoe is for. It reduces returns from customers who buy the wrong outsole.

Summary

Start with the surface, then choose upper style and size range. FG for grass, TF for turf and hard ground, and kids sizes in both. You can see every model, its materials and its FOB Xiamen price in our product center.

Key terms at a glance

FAQ

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