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 Copa Pure IV Elite SG
Nike Mercurial Superfly XI Academy SG-Pro Anti-Clog
adidas F50 Elite SG
adidas F50 Hyperfast League Mid SG
Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Vapor XVII Elite SG-Pro
Mizuno Monarcida Neo III Select Mix SG
adidas F50 Hyperfast League SG
adidas Predator Elite SG
adidas Predator Elite Laceless SG
Adult Boots Future 9 Match Sg Blue
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.