Can You Wear Cleats on Artificial Turf?

The use of artificial grass for sports fields is becoming increasingly popular, but can you wear cleats on artificial turf or will they not have the same level of grip?

Artificial turf is low-cost to maintain and clean, making it a popular choice for large fields that get a lot of wear and tear—including soccer fields, football fields, lacrosse fields, and other playing fields where the use of cleats is common. While it may look like real grass though, artificial grass doesn’t function quite the same, and sometimes that means making small changes to adapt.

So, can you wear cleats on artificial turf? Here’s what to know.

The Problem with Cleats on Artificial Turf

First, the good news. Many artificial turf fields are perfectly suited to the use of traditional hard surface cleats, and having players wear them won’t immediately damage the integrity of the surface. That means you won’t have to worry about cleats causing issues that lead to regular repairs and cost you more money in the long run.

Now where cleats can be a problem is in gameplay itself. Without natural soil, cleats may not allow optimal performance since they are not penetrating the surface to get the desired grip. The answer to can you wear cleats on artificial turf then is yes, but with a caveat. You’ll still get the benefits of an artificial turf field, but the cleats won’t function the same. This can unfortunately lead to injury, so you’re better off ditching hard surface cleats in favor of something made specifically for artificial turf play.

What Kinds of Cleats are Best for Artificial Turf?

You’re not totally out of luck when it comes to what shoes to wear on fake grass. You can still get a great grip by swapping out traditional cleats for an artificial surface cleat (also known as a turf shoe), which features small, round studs on the sole that are explicitly designed for use on artificial turf.

The difference between turf shoes vs. cleats goes beyond appearance. Artificial surface cleats are made to hold onto the dense surface of turfgrass instead of penetrating into it. Players will get the same amount of traction as they would if they were wearing standard cleats on natural grass, leading to fewer slips and better grip during practice and games. As a bonus, turf cleats will help your fields stay in top condition for longer, since even with regular use they won’t wear down the surface as quickly as normal cleats would.

Turf shoes are easy to find anywhere that you shop for sports gear. New Balance, Nike, Adidas, and other top shoe manufacturers all make artificial surface cleats for both men and women, including turf cleats that are specially designed for certain sports. A few things to consider when making your purchase are the fit, the quality, and the price of the cleat—all of which would be key considerations when buying cleats of any kind.

Give Your Field a Turfgrass Upgrade

Arizona Luxury Lawns & Greens is the leading artificial grass company in Arizona, and we offer extensive years of experience and guaranteed satisfaction to meet your needs for any residential, commercial, event, or sports-related purpose. Contact us and work with our team on figuring out an ideal solution for your playing field, with careful considerations that take into account both your space and your budget.

When it comes to artificial turf, it makes sense to go with a company with a proven record of exceptional quality. Browse our website for more information on artificial grass installation and all of the benefits of opting for fake turf instead of natural grass on your field, then reach out today for a free quote.