8 Best Soccer Turf Shoes
In this post we review 8 of the best soccer turf shoes.
Turf, or astroturf, is a thin carpet-like layer of artificial grass. It is commonly used for indoor pitches, where natural grass would not be able to grow. It is sometimes used on outdoor pitches if regular bad weather would prevent a healthy pitch. The surface is harder and springier than natural grass and it generally allows for faster running.
However, it is so hard underneath that it can lead to sprains and joint problems as well as physical injuries, so getting the best soccer turf shoes is vital. You need something that protects, supports, and facilitates fast movement as well as ball control and striking. Below are 8 of the best options to help you find the ideal pair of turf shoes for soccer.
8 Best Soccer Turf Shoes
1. Adidas Performance Mundial Team Turf Soccer Cleat
Adidas Performance Mundial Team Turf Soccer Cleats are classic turf soccer shoes. The leather shoes offer good protection as well as support for the feet and ankles. They feature Traxion outsoles, which are made of textured rubber and have multiple studs, ensuring good grip that allows for bursts of acceleration and sharp turns.
The uppers, made of suede and leather, are not only supportive but comfortable, and this comfort is further enhanced by the synthetic lining inside. A foam midsole cushions every landing. The Mundial Team Turf Soccer Cleats are a little on the expensive side but the leather is hard-wearing, supportive, and comfortable.
Leather is also heavier than synthetic materials, which can cause some fatigue while you get used to the extra weight.
Pros
- Leather material is durable and provides support
- Soles are grippy and strong
- Cushioned midsole and synthetic lining offer comfort
Cons
- A little pricey
- Heavier than synthetic shoes
2. Umbro Men’s Speciali Pro 98 V22 Turf Soccer Shoe
The Umbro Men’s Speciali Pro 98 V22 Turf Soccer Shoe is another soccer shoe made primarily from leather. The soft leather upper protects while still feeling comfortable. The TPU outsole is grippy and helps support the foot. And the neoprene sole is flexible. Overall, the Pro 98 V22 Turf Soccer Shoe is strong and supportive while still allowing freedom of movement and flexibility.
Like the Adidas Mundial, though, they are a little expensive and the leather material mens they are heavier than a lot of alternatives. Where the Umbros differ is in the flap tongues. These iconic tongues fold over the top of the laces to give a uniform and clear strike zone, potentially improving the precision of shots.
Pros
- Made of durable leather
- Memory foam midsole is well cushioned
- TPU sole supports the foot
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavy leather
3. Adidas Unsex-Child Nemeziz 19.3 Turf Boots Soccer Shoe
Laceless soccer cleats are somewhat polarizing. Some love them because the lack of laces allows for a truer and cleaner strike of the ball, but others dislike the feel of them or the fact they don’t secure to the feet in the same way as laced shoes.
Adidas Unisex-Child Nemeziz 19.3 Turf Boots Soccer Shoes are a laceless design and made from a synthetic material. They are designed to fit snugly to the foot and around the ankle, ensuring they don’t slip off and provide a stable footing during play. The shoes are suitable for narrow to regular feet, rather than wide, and even then, they can be difficult to get on, which helps ensure they stay on during the game.
The Nemeziz shoes are a decent price, but if you’ve never worn laceless boots before, they will take some getting used to. The soles do have good grip, however, and once you do get used to the feel, they are as comfortable as a pair of slippers.
Pros
- Laceless design offers a cleaner, clearer ball striking zone
- Decent price
- Very good grip
Cons
- Not suitable for wide feet
- Laceless shoes take some getting used to
4. Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Academy Turf Shoes
Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Academy Turf Shoes are made from faux leather, which combines some of the durability of leather with a bit more flexibility of synthetic shoes. They are lace-up shoes, which means they are easier to get on and off, but can be tightened to ensure they stay securely on the feet.
There are raised areas around the upper, allowing for precise passing and shooting. And the outsole has been designed for omnidirectional movement so they stay planted when you twist and turn. The Tiempo Legend 9 Turf Shoes can be expensive and the faux leather is not as durable as full leather or as flexible as fully synthetic materials.
Pros
- Raised uppers ensure precise passing and shooting
- Outsole design affords omnidirectional movement
- Not as heavy as real leather
Cons
- Not as flexible as fully synthetic
5. Adidas Men’s Nemeziz Messi 19.4 TF Sneaker
Adidas Men’s Nemeziz Messi 19.4 TF Sneakers are designed for astroturf play. They are made from fully synthetic materials including a rubber outsole with a grip layout designed for turf. The mono tongue is synthetic and comfortable, and they are harder and more durable than a lot of synthetic alternatives.
However, the cleats look and feel plasticky, and the surprisingly rigid synthetic material is uncomfortable, with the shoe really only fitting narrow feet. If you have wide feet, you will find the fit a struggle.
Pros
- Hard synthetic material should prove durable
- Good grip for astroturf
- Comfortable tongue
Cons
- Plastic look and feel
- Not suitable for wide feet
6. New Balance Men’s 442v2 Team TF Soccer Shoe
New Balance Men’s 442v2 Team TF Soccer Shoes are made from full-grain leather uppers. They have a suede toe cap for comfort and flexibility, and rubber outsoles designed for play on astroturf pitches. The outsoles are non-marking and can also be worn for street and court play.
A comfortable lining means that the 442v2 are cushioned and feel good. They cost a little less than most of the other premium options and they have wide sizes, as well as regular fitting, so they should be suitable for medium-wide feet, although even the wide fitting options are a struggle for large feet.
Overall, the shoes are on the small side, which means getting the right fit can prove a challenge.
Pros
- Leather uppers are hardwearing
- Can be worn on turf, court, or street
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Sizes run small
- Even the wide fitting options are still narrow
7. Puma Men’s King Top TT Sneaker
One of the possible drawbacks of leather turf shoes is that the leather is tough and hard. They can take time to wear in until they are comfortable and fit well. This is true of the Puma Men’s King Top TT Sneaker.
The leather, although kangaroo leather, will take some time to wear in. And the shoes are on the narrow side, which is common in sneakers. However, the leather is durable, the rubber soles are grippy, and if you do have narrow feet, they will fit well and stay snugly on your feet while playing which enables you to concentrate on your game and not your footwear.
Pros
- Good fit for narrow feet
- Leather is durable
- Grippy soles
Cons
- Take time to wear in
- Not suitable for wide feet
8. Puma Men’s Future Play Turf Sneakers
Puma Men’s Future Play Turf Sneakers have synthetic uppers that are lightweight and flexible. They have holes that allow a good movement of air into the shoe and around the foot, preventing discomfort, and the synthetic material is lightweight so won’t cause unnecessary fatigue or injury.
The TPU outsole gives a good grip on astroturf and the whole design supports agile turns and explosive pace. The shoes are very reasonably priced, but while they are comfortable for some wearers, they are very narrow so they won’t be suitable for wide feet. And sven some regular feet will find them uncomfortable.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Grippy soles
- Breathable, flexible synthetic uppers
Cons
- Very narrow fitting
Buyer’s Guide
Every player needs the best possible soccer cleats to perform to the best of their ability. Astroturf has different shoe requirements to standard grass because it is harder but springier underfoot. Normal studs would dig into the synthetic material without providing any grip, and would cause injury. As such, you need a pair of decent astruturf or turf shoes.
What Is Astroturf?
Astroturf, or artificial turf, is a synthetic material designed to look like grass and used in indoor arenas. It may also be used on some outdoor pitches, if there isn’t enough exposure to natural light and rain to ensure a good quality playing surface. The higher rate of injuries on artificial grass means it is especially important artificial turf soccer shoes provide protection and support for your feet.
Leather vs Synthetic Shoes
While most modern soccer cleats for natural grass tend to be made from synthetic materials, leather remains very popular in the manufacture of turf shoes. It is stronger and more durable, and it provides more protection and support for the wearer. However, it can take some time to wear leather shoes in and they are heavier than those made from lightweight synthetic materials. Leather is also less flexible, so you need to ensure that you get a good fit, or the shoes will prove uncomfortable.
Stud Material and Layout
The biggest visual difference between natural grass and artificial grass shoes are the studs. Artificial grass studs are much shorter and there are more of them. Artificial grass is two to three inches deep, at most, and you don’t want your studs penetrating down to the surface underneath. The studs should be aligned in such a way that they encourage explosive bursts of speed from a standing position and allow omnidirectional turning when running.
Laced vs Laceless Shoes
Laceless shoes polarize opinions. Laced shoes can be tightened while being worn, which means you can get a snug fit once the shoes are on, but they are still easy to get over the ankle and on the foot. Laceless boots have gained in popularity, however, because the lack of laces means a flatter upper surface on the shoe, which affords more precise passing and greater control when striking the ball. It does come down to personal preference, in most cases, but because laceless boots slip on and off, they can be impractical for wide feet and take some getting used to.
Verdict – What Are The Best Soccer Turf Shoes?
Adidas Performance Mundial Team Turf Soccer Cleats are made from real leather, have grippy soles, and are comfortable for the wearer, although they do feel a little heavy. Umbro Men’s Speciali Pro 98 V22 Turf Soccer Shoe are durable and the memory foam midsole offers comfort on the harder turf surface.
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