Nike Phantom 6 Low Elite FG football boots

How to Choose Football Boots: FG, SG, AG and TF Explained

Football boots come with codes like FG, SG, AG or TF, and picking the wrong one can ruin your game or even cause injuries. This guide explains each sole type in plain language so you can choose the right boots for the surface you play on.

FG: firm ground

FG boots have moulded studs designed for natural grass pitches that are dry or firm. They are the most common type and the best choice for most players who play on well-kept grass. Our Nike Phantom 6 Low Elite FG is an example of an FG boot.

SG: soft ground

SG boots have fewer, longer studs, often metal-tipped, that dig into wet and muddy grass. They give better grip in heavy conditions but are not suitable for hard surfaces.

AG: artificial grass

AG boots have shorter, more numerous studs made to spread pressure on artificial turf. If you play on synthetic pitches, AG boots reduce the risk of getting stuck and protect your joints.

TF: turf

TF boots have small rubber studs and are made for hard artificial turf, indoor-outdoor pitches and training sessions on firm surfaces.

IC: indoor court

IC boots have a flat rubber sole for indoor courts and futsal. They offer grip on smooth floors and should not be used on grass.

Which one should you buy?

Surface Best sole
Dry or firm natural grass FG
Wet, muddy grass SG
Artificial grass AG
Hard turf or training TF
Indoor court or futsal IC

How to choose your size

Boots should fit snugly without pinching your toes. Leave about a thumb's width between your longest toe and the front of the boot, and remember that football boots usually fit tighter than regular sneakers. On our product pages you will find the sizes in US numbers, from 5 to 11, under the option Talla del calzado (shoe size).

Care tips

  • Clean off mud and grass after each match with a damp cloth.
  • Let them dry naturally, away from direct heat.
  • Do not wear boots with studs on hard surfaces they were not designed for.

Ready to choose?

Browse our football boots collection and find your next pair. Every order includes free shipping to Mexico and 30+ countries and a 30-day guarantee. Looking for a jersey to match? See the full catalog of football jerseys.

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