Firm Ground Boots with Firm Ground soleplates are only to be used on natural short-grass surfaces that is firm underfoot but may be slightly wet. Designed specifically for this playing surface, they offer acceleration, comfort and enhanced traction, dispersing stud pressure evenly across the foot. FG soleplates are fixed (not removable) and are used worldwide; wetter countries tend to use them spring to autumn. FG boots are not to be used on artificial ground (AG) surfaces as the construction is not designed for the extra friction. FG boots used on AG surfaces will invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty.

Soft Ground Soft Ground (SG) soleplates are specifically designed for use on wet and soft to very soft natural grass pitches that may also be muddy and/or waterlogged. Used worldwide, mainly during winter months, boots made for soft ground have removable, replaceable screw-in studs that can be plastic, entirely metal or metal-tipped and typically come in a six-stud configuration (4 at the forefoot, 2 slightly longer at the heel). Screw-in studs must be checked and tightened before use as during manufacture they are machine-inserted and may be loose.

Turf Turf (also called Astro Turf) is an older, more unforgiving type of synthetic-grass surface consisting of either sand or water-based carpet typically laid on concrete. Subsequently a harder and faster surface, boots for use on turf (TF) usually have a cushioned midsole and a very durable, flat, multi-lugged or dimpled rubber outsole because turf requires light stud penetration. Owing to the hard nature of the surface and the friction it creates, no other outsole type should be used on turf and will result in considerable wear to the studs and soleplate edges and may result in injury.

Artificial Grass Artificial Grass surfaces (also known as an all-weather surface) typically consist of 3G (rubber crumb) or 4G (longer pile, combination of rubber/sand infill, more closely resembling actual grass). Fifth generation artificial grass is yet to be widely used. Boots made for AG are specifically designed, usually with less nylon to increase durability for the extra abrasion associated with synthetic grass and feature more numerous and densely concentrated studs. They may also vary in height for improved traction and/or hollowed-out to reduce weight and enhance cushioning. AG boots can also be used on firm ground (FG), though performance will depend on how dry and firm it is.

Street Street typically describes pitches or surfaces that are often found in inner-city residential areas. They consist of varying hard surfaces such as tarmac, paved or concreted hard-court areas and are often contained by a 'cage' constructed of steel or wire netting. Shoes for play on Street (ST) pitches will have an outsole made of extra hard-wearing rubber with a multi-lugged traction pattern similar in appearance to turf shoes. They also usually have midsole cushioning for shock absorption and comfort and are equipped with extended rubber toe bumpers to cope with scuffing.