For a lot of people, AG (artificial grass) has become the default playing surface. Artificial surfaces are widespread, but many boot brands seem to struggle when it comes to releasing boots with AG-specific soleplates, with a majority still focusing on FG (firm ground) boots.
Almost anytime I talk about boots with people, one of the first things people will ask when I give recommendations is if there is an AG outsole option available. It is getting easier to say yes, and there are some great options out there.
Some of the best football boots around have been adapted into astro turf versions, with the big hitters like Nike, Adidas, Puma and Mizuno all making waves in these 'turf wars'. But other brands like Mizuno and Sokito are getting in on the act now.
If you're looking for the most comfortable football boots, the best football boots for strikers, or even the best football boots for wide feet then be sure to check out our other guides. But for now, we are concentrating on the very best options for astri turf.
The quicklist
Highly rated in 2024, the Scudetta is now available with an improved AG soleplate. Its thoughtfully designed layout reduces stud pressure while maintaining excellent grip on artificial turf. The boot retains its soft BIOTouch upper, thin touch, excellent midfoot stability, and comfortable heel cushioning.
A top choice owing to its comfort and versatile soleplate. New Balance updated the Multi-Ground (MG) configuration, unlike other brands that neglect non-FG options. Its slightly longer boots allow use on firm ground. This comfortable boot also offers a clean, thinly cushioned touch on the ball.
Comfortable and highly durable for artificial grass (AG). Crucially, its boot layout is specifically designed for older 2G/3G AG pitches, addressing a common issue ignored by other brands. It also provides the enjoyable shooting experience that the Predator line is legendary for.
A strong option thanks to its soft, pliable upper and improved touch. Crucially, Skechers now offers a well-designed AG outsole with smaller circumference boots to reduce drag on artificial turf, making it one of the better AG options available.
A comfortable, high-performing boot with an excellent AG soleplate that rivals the FG version. Its slightly taller boot work well on most types of turf, and the reinforced toe lining boosts durability on synthetic surfaces. Despite a poor heel quality, it offers a great thin touch and grip.
A rare, classic speed feel with a super thin upper and great lockdown. While the upper is stiff to break in, its standout feature is the best-in-class multi-ground soleplate. With 24 low-profile studs, it provides superior grip and even pressure distribution on hard AG surfaces.
More models
A comfortable speed boot with fantastic lockdown, thanks to the ZeroGlide lining. Its AG soleplate is well-designed and features the pressure-reducing Enerzy midsole. The upper provides a thin, premium touch. While the Japan model is expensive and the midsole lacks stiffness, the overall performance and durability make it a strong AG option.
Best football boots for astro turf
Best overall
It finally happened. Many places declared the Sokito Scudetta as their boot of the year for 2024, myself included, yet the aggressive boot layout meant that it was too much for most people to wear on AG.
Sokito took their time designing the AG outsole, to make sure it was not just another AG outsole, but one of the best. The layout is well thought out, helping decrease boot pressure while still allowing for great grip on artificial surfaces.
The rest of the boot is still the Scudetta that wowed so many last year. The upper has this thin, light touch on the ball.
The BIOTouch forefoot wraps the foot yet is still soft and has a short break in period. The heel has good cushioning for a speed boot without feeling like there is too much material.
I also always appreciate when a brand offers an extra lace hole in order to do a runner’s loop. The midfoot stability is excellent so that when you are cutting from side to side, your foot does not roll. The Scudetta is still probably my favourite boot available and I am glad there is now an AG option so that more people have a chance to experience it.
Best lightweight
Starting with a boot that returns from our Most Comfortable Football Boot guide, the Furon V8 Elite MG is an easy choice for this list. This is partially because of the comfort aspect of the Furon, but also because New Balance is one of the few brands that not only has an AG soleplate option, but now has an updated MG (multi-ground) option.
I appreciate that the brand did not just make one AG soleplate for their boots to use from the beginning, but actually updated it. A lot of brands are all too willing to constantly update their FG soleplates, while everything else gets forgotten about.
Although the boots are a bit longer than other MG boots on the market, this does mean that the boots could be used on a hard ground field if needed, which is handy during the summer months. We also have to talk about the fact that the boots are comfortable and offer a nice, thinly cushioned touch on the ball.
For me, the New Balance Furon V8 Elite MG is an easy choice for this list.
Best boot layout
The Adidas Predator Elite is another boot that makes it from our Most Comfortable Football Boots list. Instead of the Fusionskin upper however, this is the Hybridtouch upper model.
It is not as soft as the leather model, but the upper is still soft and breaks in quickly. It is also more durable than the leather upper option, which is useful for an AG boot as AG surfaces cause a lot of heavy wear on boots with a leather upper.
However, the biggest reason these Predators are included on this list is the fact that the stud layout is specifically designed for those older AG pitches that cannot take a stud as easily as a newer 4G surface can. This issue is something that seems to be ignored by a lot of brands when it comes to designing their AG options.
I really appreciate the fact that Adidas has a standard AG option along with this 2G/3G soleplate option. Of course, there is also the fact that Predator is one of the most enjoyable boots in the market to play in when it comes to the shooting experience.
Best fit
This is probably the odd one on this list, as many people are still coming around to the idea that Skechers now make football boots. However, the SKX 2 has been a game-changer for the brand in a lot of ways, with more than a few reviewers asking themselves if it could possibly be boot of the year.
The upper has been much improved versus the previous model, and it is much softer and more pliable this time around. There is also the fact that the touch on the ball is nicer, too.
For many people though, one of the best changes is the fact that Skechers now offer an AG outsole option. What’s more, is that the outsole looks as if some thought was put into it.
What I mean to say is that often brands will give the boots rounded studs and call it an AG soleplate. However, Skechers have not just shortened the stud length, but the circumference of the studs themselves is smaller.
This means that the studs are less likely to 'drag' when used on AG surfaces. I personally would prefer if the soleplate had a bit more stiffness through the forefoot, but that does not take away from the fact that this soleplate is one of the nicer AG ones on the market.
Best Nike
There is a bit of a theme with this list in that many of the boots that appeared in our Most Comfortable Football Boots guide appear here. It is no different with the Nike Phantom 6.
This is the best boot currently on Nike’s line up and the boot is enjoyable to use. We have also rated it the best boot overall for 2026.
I really like the AG soleplate, even more than the FG plate to the point that I prefer the AG on grass surfaces over the Cyclone 360 soleplate that the FG model has. The boots are slightly taller than ones found on other AG boots, but it is still great for use on the majority of AG surfaces.
It may seem like a minor thing, but I especially appreciate the outer lining on the end of the toe because it helps protect the Gripknit from being torn up by synthetic surfaces, thus increasing the durability.
It is a shame that even on the AG models, the heel quality is still poor, as it stops the boot from being easier to recommend. Still, we need to commend Nike for giving us a good AG option, as their Mercurial AG boots are far too tall to recommend.
Occasionally, especially on dry days, the Gripknit can feel too grippy on the ball. Overall, though, the Phantom 6 is a great option for AG as it does just about everything you would want from a modern knit boot: thin touch on the ball, great grip, and plenty of comfort.
Best Puma
Puma has been much-aligned over the last few years because their boots have not received much acclaim. In spite of that, the Ultra 6 (as well as the Ultra 5) has a classic speed boot feel which is harder and harder to find on the market these days.
What this means is that the upper is super thin and puts almost nothing between your foot and the ball. The lockdown is also good. There is a lot of stability in the boot as well, but the trade-off is that the upper takes a bit longer to break in.
The heel cup is cushioned well, but it is also fairly stiff. However, the main reason this boot makes this list is because Puma has probably the best MG soleplate on the market.
Traditionally, this is an area where Puma has excelled, and the current MG is no different. The studs are numerous (24 in total), which helps distribute pressure more evenly across the foot so that even on the hardest of AG surfaces, your feet will not feel boot pressure.
The boot height is also great as it is just long enough to give you grip while still allowing you to run comfortably in the boots. More brands should learn from Puma’s MG soleplate.
Best lockdown
No list would be complete without a Mizuno boot. I could have chosen pretty much any Mizuno boot, but I went for the Alpha as the durability is better on AG versus the leather options.
The lockdown is fantastic because of Mizuno’s ZeroGlide lining, which locks the foot into place. When combined with the ZeroGlide insole, grip socks are unnecessary and can feel like overkill.
The insole is also nicely cushioned, and the Mizuno Enerzy midsole is excellent at keeping pressure off of the bottom of the foot. I also appreciate the new external heel cup on the AG soleplate, and the soleplate itself is well-designed for AG surfaces.
Frustratingly, there are few things that hold the boot back. The first is that there seems to be very little stiffness through the midsole, which means the boots do not have much stability.
The second is that the Japan-made models are ridiculously expensive. There are a lot of positives however that make up for a lot of this.
The Elite model is cheaper than others on the market. The upper breaks in quickly and has a nice, super-thin touch on the ball.
While the Japan model obviously has amazing quality, even the upper on the Elite model feels premium. It is great that a boot that looks like this is this comfortable, since speed boots traditionally have focused more on performance than comfort, but the Alpha 2 has both.
How we test football boots for artificial grass
An expert member of our team takes each pair of football boots through a rigorous testing process, helping provide them with enough information to determine the true performance levels of each boot. On this occasion, our tester wore each pair on a number of occasions during their 5-aside and 11-aside matches on artificial grass, giving them a clearer picture of what did and didn't work.
Key factors our testers always consider are comfort, stability, fit and feet, though on this occasion they also took into account how safe they felt on artificial grass, and simply what their performance was like on the surface, too.
How to choose the right football boots
Each brand claims that they've developed the best technology that will transform your game - though 99 times out of 100 that's not the case. Navigating the market, therefore, can be tricky, but thankfully we've done as much of the leg work to help you in your decision.
Your choice needs to take into account what suits you best and works best with your game. But there are still some important things to consider when making your decision...
Getting the right fit
We've all been there, finding what we think are the perfect football boots only to find that they don't fit, the material creates blisters on your feet and you're dreading putting them back on again.
So, if you can, we'd always suggest people go to a shop that sells football boots and try them on in person, because then they'll have a better idea of what works with their feet, what doesn't, and which model is best-suited for the surface and style they want.
Styling
While getting the right-fitting football boot is of paramount importance, choosing the style and colour you want that boot in can be just as important mentally to how you perform. Each model of boot now regularly comes in a range of different colourways, meaning there's always something to suit each individual. But don't be alarmed if there isn't, what matters is that what you're wearing on your feet is the most optimal to help you perform to your absolute maximum.
Best Football Boots For Astro Turf: FAQs
Which boots are best for astro turf?
Boots specifically made for artificial grass are your best option for astro turf. That means looking out for the letters AG when choosing your next boots and either looking for moulds or plastic studs. You'll want to avoid metal studs as they're not suited to astro turf, they can ruin the pitch and they can feel uncomfortable at the same time.
What are the best astro turf boots 2026?
We think the Sokito Scudetta AG are the best astro turf boots for 2026. Highly rated in 2024, the Scudetta is now available with an improved AG soleplate. Its thoughtfully designed layout reduces stud pressure while maintaining excellent grip on artificial turf. The boot retains its soft BIOTouch upper, thin touch, excellent midfoot stability, and comfortable heel cushioning.
Do you need special boots for astro turf?
You should have specialist boots for astro turf and while you can play football on astro turf with boots suitable for natural grass, we recommend that you don't. Specialist boots for astro turf will offer you suitable support and comfort for a surface that has less give than natural grass. The best boots for astro turf will provide support when twisting and turning provide added grip on the ball.
The studs play a massive part in offering sufficient support. Regular studs are designed to break the surface of the ground, to provide traction. Studs suitable for astro turf are designed to provide enough traction but not get caught in the ground or break the surface, allowing you to change direction and speed up and slow down with increased safety. Metal studs can also damage an astro turf surface and some facilities won't allow you to play on astro turf without suitable boots.
What does FG, SG and AG mean?
FG is short for firm ground, which will often refer to a dry, hard surface, but isn't specific to outdoor, indoor, natural or artificial grass. So, FG can be suitable for an astro turf surface.
SG refers to soft ground, which will usually mean a natural, outdoor surface and is best suited for wet and muddy conditions. These will often provide the best traction and grip underfoot.
AG refers to artificial ground, which is where astro turf comes in. Usually meaning synthetic pitches, AG boots are designed to give you the comfort and support you need on astro turf instead of in wet and muddy conditions. AG boots can be used on dry outdoor surfaces, but are best suited for astro turf.
