How to choose football boots: stud types and fit

1. The soleplate codes

• FG (firm ground): natural grass in good condition. The most common soleplate.
• AG (artificial grass): more, shorter studs, designed for artificial grass, which is what many pitches now use.
• SG (soft ground): wet or muddy natural grass. Usually metal or mixed studs; some youth competitions don't allow them.
• TF (turf): lots of small rubber studs, for older artificial turf or hard ground.
• IN or IC (indoor): flat sole for indoor courts and futsal.

Some models combine two types (for example, FG/AG). If you mostly play on artificial grass, an AG or FG/AG soleplate is usually the safest choice.

2. The upper material

• Leather: moulds to your foot over time and is comfortable, but needs more care and can stretch.
• Synthetic or knit: lighter, copes better with water and keeps its shape. The most common option today.

3. With or without a collar

Some boots have a sock-like collar that goes up the ankle. It feels like a “one-piece” boot, but it doesn't support the ankle like a brace. It's a matter of taste: try them on if you can.

4. Size and fit

• Football boots should fit snugly: your foot shouldn't move inside, but your toes shouldn't be bent.
• Try them on with the socks you play in.
• The fit varies a lot between brands and even between ranges of the same brand. If you can't try them on, check the shop's size guide and exchange policy.

5. Ranges of the same boot

The same model often comes in several ranges (for example “Elite”, “Pro”, “League”…), with different materials and prices. If you compare prices, check that it's exactly the same range and soleplate: they're easy to mix up.