Soft Ground Football Boots
When the grass is wet, deep and cutting up by the second half, soft ground football boots are the ones that keep you on your feet. Their longer screw-in studs dig into heavy pitches where moulded studs just skate across the top.
We compare SG boots from UK retailers side by side so you can grab the cheapest deal. Every pair below has a soft ground soleplate, and you can filter by brand or price.
adidas Predator Pro Tongue SG
Mizuno Morelia Neo V Beta Select Mix SG
Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly XI Elite SG-Pro
New Balance Tekela V5 Elite SG
Mizuno Morelia Neo V Beta Elite Mix SG
Nike Tiempo Maestro Elite SG-Pro
adidas Copa Pure IV Elite Laceless SG
Mizuno Alpha III Elite Mix SG
New Balance Furon V9 Elite SG
adidas Predator Elite Tongue SG
Nike Phantom 6 Low Academy SG-Pro Anti-Clog
Nike Phantom 6 Low Elite SG-Pro
Nike Mercurial Vapor XVII Academy SG-Pro Anti-Clog
New Balance Furon V9 Pro SG
adidas Predator League Tongue SG
Nike Tiempo Maestro Academy SG-Pro Anti-Clog
Nike Phantom 6 High Elite SG-Pro Player Edition
adidas Predator Leather Elite Tongue SG
Mizuno Monarcida Neo III Pro Mix SG
Nike Tiempo Ligera Pro SG-Pro
Nike Mercurial Vapor XVII Elite SG-Pro
adidas F50 Hyperfast Elite Laceless SG
adidas F50 Hyperfast Elite SG
Mizuno Morelia II Elite Mix SG
What makes a soft ground boot?
SG boots have fewer, longer studs, usually six or eight, and some or all of them screw in. Many modern pairs use a mix of metal screw-in studs and fixed moulded ones, which you will see listed as Mix SG or SG-Pro. The longer studs bite into soft ground so you can plant your foot and push off without sliding.
When should I wear them?
Think wet autumn and winter Saturdays, waterlogged council pitches and anything that turns to mud. On a dry pitch the long studs make you feel unstable and put extra pressure on the ball of your foot, so for most of the season a pair of firm ground boots is the better everyday option. A lot of players keep one of each.
Rules on metal studs
Metal studs are not allowed on 3G, 4G or astro pitches, and referees can check them before kick-off. Keep a stud key in your bag, swap any worn or sharp studs, and switch to AG football boots when you are playing on artificial surfaces.
Anti-clog soleplates
Some SG boots come with an anti-clog coating that stops mud from building up between the studs. If you play on heavy clay or very muddy pitches it is worth having, and it does not change how the boot fits.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear soft ground boots on firm grass?
You can, but it is not ideal. Long studs on hard ground can feel unstable and uncomfortable, and they wear down faster.
Can I use SG boots on 3G?
No. Metal and long studs are banned on almost all 3G and 4G pitches because they damage the surface.
Can I replace the studs?
Yes. Screw-in studs can be swapped with a stud key. Check the thread size, as it varies between brands.
What does Mix SG mean?
It means the soleplate mixes metal screw-in studs with fixed moulded studs, giving grip in mud without being quite as aggressive as an all-metal setup.