What are turf shoes and how do they differ from regular cleats. Why are turf shoes essential for playing on artificial surfaces. How do turf shoes enhance performance in field hockey and other sports. What features make the Nike Vapor Drive ideal for field hockey players.
Understanding Turf: Natural vs. Artificial Surfaces
Before delving into the world of turf shoes, it’s crucial to understand the playing surface they’re designed for. Turf, in its natural form, consists of grass and the underlying soil held together by roots. However, the term “turf” has evolved to encompass artificial surfaces as well.
Artificial turf is a synthetic alternative designed to mimic natural grass. It has gained popularity in various sports arenas and residential applications due to its low maintenance requirements and ability to withstand heavy use. Despite these advantages, artificial turf does have some drawbacks, including limited lifespan, cleaning needs, and potential health concerns.
The Rise of Artificial Turf in Sports
The concept of artificial turf gained significant attention in the 1960s with the construction of the Astrodome. AstroTurf®, the pioneer brand in this field, has since become synonymous with synthetic playing surfaces. With over four decades of experience and millions of square feet installed worldwide, AstroTurf continues to lead in innovation and quality.
Turf Shoes: Specialized Footwear for Artificial Surfaces
Turf shoes are a specific type of athletic footwear designed to provide optimal performance on artificial turf surfaces. Their primary function is to ensure athletes maintain proper footing and traction during play. While primarily intended for use on synthetic grass, these shoes can also be effective on natural grass under certain conditions.
Key Features of Turf Shoes
- Durable rubber outsole
- Small rubber studs or patterns on the outsole
- Low-top design for enhanced mobility
- Flexible sole for quick movements
- Numerous small studs with minimal spacing
These features work together to provide excellent traction on artificial surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls during intense gameplay.
Turf Shoes vs. Traditional Cleats: Understanding the Differences
While turf shoes and traditional cleats may seem similar at first glance, there are several key differences that set them apart. The most notable distinction lies in the design of their studs or cleats.
Stud Design and Configuration
Turf shoes typically feature smaller studs compared to traditional cleats. These studs are often more numerous and closely spaced, creating a fine-grained pattern on the outsole. This design allows for better grip on artificial surfaces without damaging the turf.
Traditional cleats, on the other hand, have larger, more pronounced studs that are ideal for penetrating natural grass and soft ground. These larger cleats provide excellent traction on natural surfaces but can be less effective and potentially damaging on artificial turf.
Flexibility and Mobility
Turf shoes are generally designed with greater flexibility in mind. The soles are often less stiff compared to traditional cleats, allowing for quicker movements and better overall agility on harder surfaces.
The Nike Vapor Drive: A Premium Field Hockey Turf Shoe
The Nike Vapor Drive Field Hockey Turf Shoe represents the pinnacle of turf shoe design for field hockey players. This specialized footwear combines Nike’s innovative technology with sport-specific features to enhance performance on artificial turf surfaces.
Key Features of the Nike Vapor Drive
- Lightweight, breathable upper material
- Responsive cushioning for comfort during extended play
- Optimized stud pattern for excellent traction on artificial turf
- Durable construction to withstand the demands of field hockey
- Low-profile design for enhanced feel and control
These features work in harmony to provide field hockey players with the stability, comfort, and performance they need to excel on artificial turf surfaces.
Choosing the Right Turf Shoe for Your Sport
While the Nike Vapor Drive is specifically designed for field hockey, turf shoes are available for a variety of sports played on artificial surfaces. When selecting the right turf shoe, consider the following factors:
- Sport-specific requirements
- Playing surface characteristics
- Personal comfort and fit preferences
- Level of play and intensity
- Durability and value for money
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a turf shoe that best suits your needs and enhances your performance on artificial surfaces.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Turf Shoes
To ensure your turf shoes, such as the Nike Vapor Drive, maintain their performance characteristics and longevity, proper care is essential. Here are some tips for maintaining your turf shoes:
- Clean your shoes after each use, removing dirt and debris from the studs
- Allow shoes to air dry naturally, away from direct heat sources
- Store shoes in a cool, dry place when not in use
- Rotate between multiple pairs of shoes if possible to extend their lifespan
- Replace shoes when the studs show significant wear or the upper material begins to deteriorate
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure your turf shoes continue to provide optimal performance and protection throughout their lifespan.
The Future of Turf Shoe Technology
As artificial turf surfaces continue to evolve, so too does the technology behind turf shoes. Manufacturers like Nike are constantly innovating to improve performance, comfort, and durability. Some emerging trends in turf shoe technology include:
- Advanced materials for improved breathability and support
- Data-driven stud patterns optimized for specific sports and playing styles
- Integration of smart technology for performance tracking
- Sustainable manufacturing processes and eco-friendly materials
- Customization options for a more personalized fit and feel
As these technologies continue to develop, we can expect to see even more specialized and high-performance turf shoes hitting the market in the coming years.
The Impact of Turf Shoes on Athletic Performance
The right pair of turf shoes, such as the Nike Vapor Drive for field hockey, can significantly impact an athlete’s performance on artificial surfaces. But how exactly do these specialized shoes contribute to improved play?
Enhanced Traction and Stability
The primary benefit of turf shoes is their ability to provide superior traction on artificial surfaces. This enhanced grip allows athletes to make quick cuts, accelerate rapidly, and maintain balance during dynamic movements. For field hockey players, this translates to improved agility when dribbling, passing, and shooting.
Reduced Risk of Injury
By providing better traction and stability, turf shoes can help reduce the risk of slips and falls on artificial surfaces. This is particularly important in sports like field hockey, where quick changes of direction are common. The proper footwear can help prevent ankle sprains, knee injuries, and other accidents related to loss of footing.
Improved Comfort and Endurance
Many turf shoes, including the Nike Vapor Drive, incorporate cushioning technologies to enhance comfort during extended periods of play. This added comfort can contribute to improved endurance, allowing athletes to maintain their performance level throughout a match or training session.
Sport-Specific Performance Features
Turf shoes designed for specific sports, like the Nike Vapor Drive for field hockey, often include features tailored to the unique demands of that sport. For field hockey players, this might include reinforced areas for improved durability during drag flicks or optimized stud patterns for quick lateral movements.
Do turf shoes really make a difference in athletic performance? Research and athlete testimonials suggest that properly chosen turf shoes can indeed provide a competitive edge on artificial surfaces. The combination of improved traction, stability, and sport-specific features allows athletes to move with greater confidence and efficiency, potentially leading to improved overall performance.
Comparing Turf Shoes Across Different Sports
While we’ve focused primarily on the Nike Vapor Drive for field hockey, it’s worth exploring how turf shoes vary across different sports played on artificial surfaces. Each sport has its unique demands, which are reflected in the design of their respective turf shoes.
Soccer Turf Shoes
Soccer turf shoes typically feature a low-profile design with a large number of small, evenly distributed studs. This configuration provides excellent traction for quick lateral movements and sudden stops, which are crucial in soccer. Many soccer turf shoes also incorporate technologies to enhance ball control and striking power.
American Football Turf Shoes
Turf shoes for American football often have a slightly more aggressive stud pattern compared to soccer shoes. They may also feature additional ankle support and reinforced toe areas to withstand the physical nature of the sport. Some models include removable studs, allowing players to customize their traction based on playing conditions.
Baseball Turf Shoes
Baseball turf shoes are designed to provide excellent traction for quick sprints and sudden stops. They often feature a combination of small studs and treaded patterns to offer versatile grip on both artificial turf and dirt infields. Many baseball turf shoes also incorporate metal cleats for added traction during batting.
Field Hockey Turf Shoes
As exemplified by the Nike Vapor Drive, field hockey turf shoes are designed to offer a balance of speed, agility, and stability. They typically feature a low-to-the-ground design for better feel and control of the ball. The stud pattern is optimized for quick directional changes and explosive acceleration, which are crucial in field hockey.
How do turf shoes for different sports compare in terms of performance and design? While there are similarities in the basic principles of turf shoe design across sports, the specific features and stud configurations are tailored to meet the unique demands of each game. This specialization ensures that athletes in each sport can perform at their best on artificial turf surfaces.
The Environmental Impact of Artificial Turf and Turf Shoes
As the use of artificial turf and specialized turf shoes becomes more widespread, it’s important to consider the environmental implications of these products. Both artificial turf and the shoes designed for it have potential environmental impacts that are worth examining.
Artificial Turf: Pros and Cons
Artificial turf offers several environmental benefits, including reduced water usage and elimination of pesticides and fertilizers. However, it also raises concerns about microplastic pollution, heat island effects, and end-of-life disposal issues.
Turf Shoes and Sustainability
The production of specialized turf shoes, like any footwear, requires resources and energy. However, many manufacturers, including Nike, are making efforts to incorporate more sustainable materials and production methods into their turf shoe lines.
Is it possible to balance performance needs with environmental concerns in the world of turf shoes and artificial surfaces? While challenges remain, ongoing research and innovation in both artificial turf and shoe design are addressing many of these environmental concerns. For example, some manufacturers are exploring biodegradable materials for artificial turf and incorporating recycled materials into turf shoe production.
As consumers, athletes can contribute to sustainability efforts by choosing products from environmentally conscious brands and properly maintaining their turf shoes to extend their lifespan. By considering both performance and environmental factors, it’s possible to make more informed choices about turf shoes and playing surfaces.
Turf Shoes
What are turf shoes?
First of all, what is turf.
Sod or turf is grass and the part of the soil
beneath it held together by the roots, or a piece of thin material. In
British English such material is more usually known as turf, and the
word “sod” is limited mainly to agricultural senses.
Artificial turf is a surface of synthetic fibers
made to look like natural grass. It is most often used in arenas for
sports that were originally or are normally played on grass. However, it
is now being used on residential lawns and commercial applications as
well. The main reason is maintenance—artificial turf stands up to heavy
use, such as in sports, and requires no irrigation or trimming. Domed,
covered, and partially covered stadiums may require artificial turf
because of the difficulty of getting grass enough sunlight to stay
healthy.
But artificial turf does have its downside: limited life,
periodic cleaning requirements, petroleum use, toxic chemicals from
infill, and heightened health and safety concerns. Artificial turf first
gained substantial attention in the 1960s, when it was used in the newly
constructed Astrodome.
The inventor of synthetic turf,
AstroTurf® is one of
the most iconic brands in American sports — as legendary as the athletes
who’ve battled on it. The brand that created the category is once again
the leading innovator in synthetic turf. American-owned and operated,
AstroTurf is the only synthetic turf brand with true vertical asset
integration, ensuring that every inch of product meets and exceeds the
highest standards of performance, quality and durability. With over 40
years of experience and 160,000,000 square feet of turf in use
worldwide, AstroTurf brings more technological expertise and real world
know-how to the game than any other brand.
AstroTurf is backed by
Textile Management Associates, Inc. (TMA), one of the leading suppliers
to the synthetic turf industry. Textile Management Associates, Inc. is
part of a 35-year-old, family owned manufacturing group based in Dalton,
Georgia. The company has owned the AstroTurf brand, including all assets
and intellectual property, since 2004.
OK, now we have a better understanding of turf, synthetic grass, and
Astroturf.
Now let’s learn about the types of shoes that are
appropriate for playing sports on turf.
The primary goal of turf shoes is for an athlete
to keep their footing on turf fields. Some people say that they
are specifically designed for play on artificial turf surfaces.
However, they can also be used on real grass under certain conditions.
Turf shoes or turf boots (outside the USA)
usually have an extremely durable, rubber outsole.
Artificial turf
shoes have small rubber studs or patterns on the outsole to improve
traction on hard, natural fields and artificial turf. Turf shoes are
also great for soccer training and can be used as a back-up pair of
shoes for play on hard surfaces.
Turf shoes can be considered
cleats and are designed with maximum
mobility in mind. Most turf shoes are designed to offer
very little stiffness on the sole of the shoe. The height of turf
shoes is mostly low-top, and the underside of the shoe features dozens
of small rubber studs with very little spacing between each stud.
The small rubber studs grip the turf surface and assist in pushing off
on a foot with minimal slippage. Again, the primary goal of this
type of footwear is to help gain traction on artificial grass surfaces.
Turf shoes help players reduce the possibility
of slipping. Turf shoes can have cleats (studs) or fine-grained
stud like patterns.
Cleats and turf shoes are a bit different even
though some turf shoes have cleats on the sole. The studs under
cleat shoes are generally smaller on a turf shoe design.
The blades or cones on the bottom of sports shoes that are there to
improve traction are called studs or cleats. The size of these studs
help determine which shoes can be categorized as turf shoes.
The word “turf shoe” often gets intermingled when
discussing the sport of indoor soccer. Indoor soccer can be played
on turf fields (artificial grass) or on hard wood floors. When
playing on hardwood floors, the proper shoe is actually an “indoor
soccer shoe” not a turf shoe. The
indoor
soccer shoes have a relatively flat bottom (not studs).
They have groves for traction, but not actual studs.
If you are a consumer, you should consult your
local shoe stores to make sure you are purchasing the proper shoes for
the surface that you plan to play on.
Also, make sure to ask your
coach regarding the appropriate footwear style. It would also be a
good idea to consult with specific league rules.
For more information about soccer shoes, we suggest
you visit the Soccer.com site to view the
soccer shoe guide.
Below are a few examples of turf shoes. It is important to note
that we have categorized them by sport but this does NOT mean that all
turf shoes for that particular sport look the exact same or that the
shoes can’t be used for other sports. The shoes and soles of the
shoes vary by brand, style, manufacturer etc. These are simply a
few examples of various turf shoes. They are not the only options
or neccessarily the absolute best design for a specific sport.
Soccer Turf Shoes
Nike Men’s Hypervenom Phelon II Tf Turf Soccer Shoe: Getting to the
goal is a breeze with the high performance power of the Nike Hypervenom
Phelon II TF soccer turf.
- synthetic-and-leather
- rubber sole
- Agility traction pattern provides faster release and maximum
responsiveness - Shortened, asymmetrical lace area increases the size of the vamp
and strike zone - Full-length nonmarking rubber outsole designed for use on
artificial turf
Baseball Turf Shoes – The sports of baseball &
softball sometimes involve a field that consists of both artificial turf
and dirt. While turf shoes may provide excellent traction on the
artificial turf in the outfield, the players may find that cleats allow
for much better traction on the dirt infield. The shoe version a player
selects may take into account their position on the field. Some
players may wish to change shoes when they are up to bat so they can run
more effectively on the dirt infield.
Nike Men’s Lunar Trout 2 (year 2016): Take your domination from the field to the
street in the Trout II.
NikeSkin technology on the quarter panels
combine with a polyurethane and mesh upper to deliver a durable
lightweight feel for an improved fit and added stability. The Nike®
Lunar Trout 2 Turf baseball shoe has Flywire technology that wraps the
midfoot and arch for a locked in supportive fit while a Lunarlon foam
midsole offers superior padding for long lasting comfort.
Features:
- Built to the exact specifications of Mike Trout
- Polyurethane and mesh upper with NikeSkin technology offers a
durable lightweight feel and added stability - 4-way stretch mesh inner sleeve acts as a base layer for your
foot - Flywire technology locks down your midfoot and arch for a snug
supportive fit - Full-length Lunarlon foam midsole ensures maximum cushioning and
responsive support - Flex Grooves delivers an improved range of motion
- Nubby rubber outsole provides superior traction and speed on a
variety of surfaces
Football Turf Shoes
adidas Performance Men’s Turf Hog LX Mid Football Cleat (year 2016): Being quick
off the ball is the difference between a first down reception and a QB
sack.
These men’s football cleats with a mid-cut construction are primed
for big plays on any surface. Designed for step-in comfort from kickoff
to the final play.
- Manmade
- Imported
- Synthetic sole
- Breathable coated leather and textile upper
- No-tie elastic laces
- Designed for step-in comfort
- EVA cushioned midsole
- Foam lining; Multi-surface grip outsole
Lacrosse Turf Shoes
Reebok Men’s Bulldodge Turf Mid Lacrosse (year 2016): Proper training
is critical to success, and proper gear is critical for a successful
training. If you take the game seriously, then the Reebok Bulldodge Turf
Lacrosse cleats are just what you were looking for. This pair of shoes
features: Performance synthetic leather upper is lightweight, breathable
and requires little break in.
Mid-foot support power strap for a perfect
fit and amazing style. Molded padded collar for ankle comfort and
protection. Breathable lining with Play Dry wick moisture away to help
keep the foot cool and comfortable. Dual-density. anti- microbial
footbed with ETC adds breathability, top cover helps reduce friction and
heat build up. Cushioned, removable insole. Griptonite anti-slip inner
heel coating adds superior heel lock down. TPU midfoot arch bridge
designed for excellent midfoot stability and rigidity. Rugged rubber
outsole with cleat like surface offers excellent traction. Your team is
only as strong as your weakest link, so make sure that your feet aren
not to blame with the Reebok Bulldodge Turf Lacrosse cleats.
- synthetic leather
- rubber sole
- Proper training is critical to success, and proper gear is
critical for a successful training. If you take the game seriously,
then the Reebok Bulldodge Turf Lacrosse cleats are just what you
were looking for.
- Performance synthetic leather upper is lightweight, breathable
and requires little break in. - Mid-foot support power strap for a perfect fit and amazing
style. - Breathable lining with Play Dry wick moisture away to help keep
the foot cool and comfortable. - Dual-density. anti- microbial footbed with ETC adds
breathability, top cover helps reduce friction and heat build up.
What is the difference between turf shoes and cleats?
Thank you for using the Apparel Search website.
How to pick the right baseball and softball turf shoes? | Forelle Teamsports
The right baseball/ slowpitch softball or fastpitch softball turf shoes are essential when you want enough grip and don’t want to slip when training. But do you need a high or low pair of shoes? This guide will help you decide when your looking for new turf shoes.
Wearing the right pair of shoes can help you to improve at your best during every training. You can go with molded or metal cleats to take it away but these don’t come in handy when training on artificial turf.
Turf cleats are shoes for baseball and softball but they have a rubber nub or tread pattern instead of spikes. This gives them more of a sneaker look. They sit really comfortable and provide more traction and grip on artificial turf. Therefore these type of cleats are best for playing and training on artificial turf.
Why turf cleats?
There are three main reasons why you should wear these while training on artificial turf.
- More traction on the field
- Prevent causing damage to the playing field
- The safety of a player
Rule number one is to never wear metal cleats on artificial turf. This can cause great damage to the field and make it unplayable in the future. These spikes work by puncturing the ground for grip and traction.
Natural grass can absorb this way better and recover naturally.
Also, the artificial turf is more shallow than natural grass. So spikes have less surface to dig into. The turf cleats have their shorter nubs and tread pattern that require less depth for the perfect traction. This makes them the ideal cleat for artificial turf.
Wearing turf cleats can also prevent injuries for yourself. The improved traction that the cleats provide can help you control your movements better such as stopping and turning.
What are Turf Trainers?
Players can also opt for turf trainers. These trainers have a less aggressive nub or tread pattern and can also be more comfortable than turf cleats. Trainers are a great option for practice off the field and training sessions such as batting practice and other pre-game warmups. Turf trainers are also popular amongst coaches.
How do I choose?
Before buying a pair of turf cleats or trainers, there are a few things that’ll have impact on the final decision.
The fit
Just like when going for regular baseball or softball cleats, these should fit snug and nice to your feet. A little room in the toe is important, otherwise you will get blisters. Look at it from a different perspective. Fit these just as you would fit your favorite sneaker or running shoe.
Height
Most of the turf cleats offer a low-top design. This increases the maneuverability but decreases the ankle support. For more ankle support, try to go for a mid-top turf cleat.
When trying on turf cleats, remember to wear your practice socks. This helps you determine the overall fit better.
Best Football Boots for Artificial Turf
Get the right footwear for modern 5-aside pitches.
Artificial turf pitches are sprouting up in footballing communities all over the world. They’re starting to be a very popular option as they’re much easier to set up and require less efforts maintaining than natural grass especially as they’re impervious to weather conditions.
Artificial turf pitches are built different from their natural counterparts and do require a different type of footwear for you to play comfortably on it. Artificial turf is often quite shallow with a concrete base and a rubber layer in between the base and the plastic grass. Wearing traditional firm ground (FG) studs on artificial turf would cause a lot of stud pressure and on some level it would be pretty dangerous as each stud could get lodged into the rubber layer.
For shallow artificial surfaces, you’d need a sole that is flatter with minimal grip to help you move around without slipping or causing injury. Here are the best football boots for artificial turf.
For more on the differences between all the soleplates, you can read about them here.
adidas X Speedflow .1 TF
Speed Merchant
adidas X Speedflow.1
Prodirect Soccer
The People’s Speed Boot returns
With demand for artificial turf shoes being relatively small, brands don’t usually develop turf variations of their top, premium models.
Often, you’re left buying the takedowns if you’re buying a turf shoe. However, with the adidas X Speedflow .1, adidas has got you covered with a turf shoe that is very close to the firm ground model.
It is slightly more padded though you still get ultra light and thin Fluroskin upper for a close touch on the ball. You may not get the carbon fiber plate from the FG version but instead, the X Speedflow .1 TF has a sole friendly rubber outsole and cushioning to keep each stride comfortable. Despite being a .1 model, this is still cheaper than the FG version by a good 45%.
If you’re looking for a premium model and/or a speed boot for turf, look no further than the adidas X Speedflow.1 TF.
adidas Predator Freak + TF
Grip monster
adidas Predator Freak + TF
Multiple stores
Grip all over the upper to help with your touch and add ballspin.
More than other brands, adidas has shown a big love for turf as they seem to have most of their top range models for turf players.
It doesn’t get more premium than their laceless + variant and with the adidas Predator Freak + TF, you get the same model worn by some of their sponsored players like Paul Pogba and Miralem Pjanic.
The premium treatment is seen in the provocative and very grippy Demonskin spikes that help you control the ball and add spin to your shot and passes. The spikes are generously spread across the upper, from the instep to the lateral side, so that every touch of the ball can be aided with grip.
It’s got a stylish mid-cut collar which is very easy to slip in to due to its split cut design and expect the collar to keep the artificial turf’s rubber pellets out from your shoes.
Nike Phantom GT 2 Pro React TF
Unrivalled cushioning on turf
Nike Phantom GT Pro React TF
Multiple stores
Nike React cushions every step on hard and harsh artificial turf.
The Nike React foam has been one of my favourite cushion soles when it comes to running shoes.
It’s got a great mix of a springy, bouncy sensation with comfortable cushioning that keeps my runs and long walks a joy.
Nike has introduced this same React technology in selected artificial turf shoes and the Nike Phantom GT is the current model sporting this technology. Most of the Nike turf shoes, especially the Pro level ones, are pretty solid but if you want to elevate your experience with some excellent cushioning, spend that little bit extra for those with React midsoles.
Puma Future Z 1.1 Pro Cage TT
Lock it down
Puma Future Z 1.1 Pro Cage TT
Multiple stores
Security and lockdown across the midfoot.
The Puma Future Z was built with lockdown and perfect fit in mind. Unlike with previous Puma Future boots, this new model eschews Netfit’s custom lacing technology for a knitted compression band across the midfoot to keep your feet in place.
The Puma Future Z 1.1 Pro Cage TT (couldn’t they have picked a shorter name?) carries the same compression band technology in a package built for artificial turf.
It’s got the same amazing knitted upper as the FGs with the grip texturing all across. Expect these to provide a lot of security as you twist and turn during your game of 5-a-side.
adidas Mundial Team TF
Tough, old school durability
adidas Mundial Team TF
Multiple stores
Classic leather feel with old school good looks and durability.
The legendary adidas Copa Mundial has been a mainstay for generations due to its undying solid qualities. For those who always loved this classic, you can get them for artificial turf in the form of the adidas Mundial Team TF. It’s got full K-leather upper and the sole is lined with EVA-foam all in the name of comfort for the entire 90 minutes.
The boot’s lip is also reinforced to withstand abrasion if and when your feet drags the boot through the harsh artificial turf surface or even worse, gravel. Above all, it’s got the same classic good looks that has made the Copa Mundial relevant since its inception in the late 70s.
Picking Proper Soccer Shoes
Picking Proper Soccer Shoes
If you’re on the hunt for a new pair of soccer shoes, the task can seem a lot more overwhelming than you might expect. Do you want a leather or synthetic boot? Are you looking for turf shoes, outdoor cleats, or indoor shoes? Maybe your poor choice of footwear has gotten you kicked off the field by one of our refs. This blog will provide you with the information you need to pick out the best possible shoe for your upcoming season. It will also prevent you from having to borrow another pair of torn-up, over-sized shoes from our lost and found.
Leather vs Synthetic
Bright synthetic shoes with flashy patterns might be easier to find these days, but they’re not necessarily the best for your game. Yes, leather shoes will typically cost you a little bit more dough, but they’re usually worth the extra change. Leather shoes will mould and stretch to fit your foot more comfortably. The leather is a thicker material that provides more protection for your foot and is built to last longer. The downside to the leather is that it’s much more absorbent and can weight your foot down in wet conditions and can also be more difficult to clean.
Outdoor Cleats vs Turf Cleats vs Indoor Shoes
It’s really important to think about what type of soccer pitch you play on. Is it an indoor turf field, an indoor gymnasium or outdoor grass field?
Turf shoes are ideal for indoor turf surfaces. The extremely durable rubber outsole is designed to create traction on turf pitches. These shorter, mini-cleats are typically made of rubber and are found in higher quantities than the firm ground shoes.
Indoor shoes have flat-surface outsoles and are usually low-cut with a slightly harder outsole than running shoes. These should be used on gym floors and other dry artificial surfaces.
Outdoor cleats or firm ground cleats are best used on outdoor grass fields. The studs on the bottom of outdoor cleats are typically bladed or a combination of bladed and conical.
Artificial grass (AG) cleats are best used on modern synthetic turf fields. The studs are a little bit longer than the rubber turf stubs but shorter than the firm ground cleats. The cleats are hollow, helping to provide increased support in a field full of rubber pellets.
What shoes can I wear at the Soccerworld dome?
Indoor shoes and turf shoes.
Recommended: turf shoes
What shoes can I wear on the Toronto RUSH FC fields?
Firm ground cleats, soft ground cleats, artificial grass cleats or turf shoes.
Recommended: artificial grass cleats
Making sense of shoe terms
| Bladed studs: | Bladed studs provide greater traction and speed. There is less stud pressure which can be more comfortable for players. |
| Calfskin leather: | You will often find calfskin in the mid-price shoe range. It’s a tougher leather that is more durable than kangaroo leather but not as flexible. |
| Collared boot: | These half-sock, half traditional soccer shoe create a seamless sock-like fit for players. The sock part provides more support and ankle coverage for players. |
| Conical studs: | Rounded studs that distribute pressure. They offer a quicker release and greater stability. |
| Kangaroo leather: | High-quality leather that moulds to your foot; It’s lightweight and very comfortable. It’s typically the most expensive type of shoe to purchase. |
| Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU): | A durable material with elasticity, transparency and resistance to abrasion. It’s often used in soccer shoe studs for lightweight stability. |
4 Tips to Choosing Your Turf Shoes
Indoor sport facilities, whether they be air supported or brick and mortar, all have one thing in common: artificial turf.
Grass doesn’t grow inside—unless you have a very sophisticated setup—so artificial grass is the closest you can get.
Turf technology, though, has come a long way to reproducing the actual feel of real grass, so much so that many outdoor fields have opted for artificial over real grass.
But there are still differences between artificial turf and the real thing, so you’ll need to consider these before kitting yourself up for the winter indoor season. Traditional soccer cleats can do damage and without a surface that grows and repairs itself, this is an issue for any indoor sport field maintenance crew.
The shoes you wear on turf need to be gentle on the surface, but still give you the support and balance needed to compete, so here are some tips on picking out the best shoes to play your indoor sport.
1. Buy Actual Turf Shoes
This tip is pretty obvious, but a lot of players still think that their regular sneakers will do just fine on artificial turf. The reality is that actual turf shoes are designed to give you the most grip and manoeuverability on artificial turf surfaces.
Outdoor cleats shouldn’t be worn (and are likely not allowed) on artificial turf as the aggressive spikes can create holes or tears in the turf which then need to be repaired.
2. Slippyness
Turf shoes will typically have short rubber spikes, instead of cleat spikes, that are grouped closer together. These will bite into the surface and give you the traction you need, without damaging the turf.
Try out a few pairs before buying though, as too much grip can be a bad thing as well. A small amount of slide isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and depending on the sport, you might want to be able to slide around. Like for slide tackling the ball in soccer.
3. Proper fit
As with any shoe, making sure it fits properly is important for comfort and function. Make sure they fit right when you buy them and keep in mind that you won’t need to use thicker socks to keep your feet warm. Playing inside means the temperature won’t be an issue when deciding which footwear to buy and you won’t need to consider any added insulation.
4. Avoid wearing them Outside (If You Can)
While turf shoes might also work well on grass, you may want to avoid wearing them on other hard outdoor surfaces.
Being mostly rubber, you’ll likely wear out the small rubber spikes faster, making them not work as well when you’re back playing on turf.
If you’re going to be playing sports indoors this winter, don’t forget to use the proper gear. Especially if you’re competitive and want to gain an edge, having the proper shoes just might do it.
Indoor sports fields and artificial turf are a great option for playing sports during the winter, but unless you have the right equipment, you might not enjoy the experience as well as you could!
Stay Healthy & Injury-Free on Artificial Turf
Artificial grass, known as artificial turf, is used for many playing surfaces from professional sports to local parks. Some people think artificial turf increases muscle and bone injuries because of friction it creates.
Foot injuries
Playing on turf increases friction to your foot and ligaments. A ligament is a strong band of tissue that holds joints together. When you stop running, your foot, or great toe, stops movement first. While your foot stops, the rest of your body continues to move forward. This creates torque force.
This torque force creates greater impact because of sudden deceleration or slowing down. Two of the most common injuries are turf toe and ankle sprains.
For turf toe, when you jam your big toe, the torque force created occurs through the great toe joint. For ankle sprains, the torque force occurs in surrounding ligaments.
Full ligament ruptures can lead to long-term instability and arthritis if not taken care of properly. Symptoms of ankle sprains include swelling, bruising and not being able to bear weight.
Podiatry is medicine that focuses on the foot and ankle. A podiatrist specializes in feet and ankles. You should make an appointment with a podiatrist if your symptoms last longer than two weeks.
How to stop injuries
You can stop turf toe injuries and ankle sprains by finding the right footwear. Proper footwear keeps the toe joint from bending too much. You can also use shoe inserts to help your feet with discomfort and cramping.
Wear the proper footwear
Many shoes are not suited for turf fields. Traditional shoe cleats use long plastic or metal studs that can get caught in turf. This can raise your chances of non-contact muscle and joint injuries. Running shoes don’t provide enough traction on turf and can lead to slipping.
Look for specific shoe cleats with protective padding made to hold up on turf and give support. These types of cleats use shorter and rounder rubber studs, gripping the surface and assisting in pushing off with less slippage.
Tips for proper footwear
Choose cleats based on playing surface. Even with turf shoes or other proper footwear, there is still a chance of injury.
Wear sports or athletic socks. They will keep your feet from sliding and help stop blisters. They also have padding to protect from impact and pressure of harder surfaces like turf.
Look out for hot turf
Artificial turf surfaces hold heat easily. This can create a sauna-like result. Hot air temperatures outside can cause turf temperatures to go above 140° F.
Get help for ankle and foot injuries
Getting a proper evaluation can help you get back to playing sooner. If you have questions about ankle and foot injuries, contact The Polyclinic podiatry department for all of your ankle and foot care needs.
By Sarah Burns, DPM, FACFAS and Daniel Lowinger, DPM, FACFAS
8 Best Turf Soccer Shoes
3. Adidas – X Ghosted.3 Turf Shoes
Adidas is making all the right noise with its soccer cleats and our next product has been well-received by the soccer community. This turf soccer shoe proves ideal for players looking to deceive opponents with crafty maneuvers. Other than that, it offers breathability, meaning it ranks among the best turf soccer shoes available out there.
Product Highlights
Due to the lightweight design and superior traction, the Adidas turf shoes are perfect for use on artificial turf and outdoor pitches. Plus, the sole and stud pattern allow you to bend the ball into the top corner.
The Good
Firstly, this pair of artificial turf soccer shoes from Adidas comes in a wide range of colors, highlighting versatility. But we suggest you opt for the black shoe, given the elegant yet professional design. However, that’s not the only good about it with the many available options making it one of the more popular units in the market.
Moving on, the lightweight and comfortable design ensure users don’t have trouble playing turf soccer. Whether it’s indoor or outdoor surfaces, the semi-translucent mesh upper offers optimal traction for all situations. So, you can dribble past many opponents at top speed without any difficulty.
Now, coming to its craftsmanship, you’ll love the streamlined outsole of these turf shoes which improves the reaction time. These cleats wrap around your feet, while the regular fit lace closure adds to the stability, allowing you to churn out match-winning performances.
We must mention the speed-skin upper, permitting you to take accurate shots while playing turf soccer. Plus, coupled with the extra grip provided by the EVA rubber sole, this is a product worth the investment.
The Bad
We don’t like the rigid nature of this turf soccer shoe. It’s made of synthetic leather, which is less flexible compared to genuine calfskin leather. Therefore, it takes time to wear-in these Adidas soccer cleats compared to other shoes. It would be best to remain patient with these turf shoes, so your feet can adjust to the skin-hugging design.
How to choose artificial turf shoes
Playing on artificial turf is different from playing on natural. It provides a stronger grip on the shoe, which makes it difficult to move in a classic boot and increases the risk of injuries such as ankle sprains.
Special footwear will help reduce the risk of injury. Two types of shoes are suitable for playing on artificial turf: the AG boots and the centipede turf. To find the right option, look at the labeling.
Shoes for artificial turf
- AG (Artificial Grass / Ground) boots are special shoes for artificial turf / surfaces.They have more studs (from 20), while the studs are tapered and about 10 cm long. A smoother sole will better distribute body weight over the foot and provide better grip.
- TF (Turf Trainer) or AST (Astro Turf) boots – centipede turfs are well suited for synthetic surfaces of high rigidity. Unlike classic football shoes, they do not have spikes. The outsole is covered with short, flat rubber “bumps” that provide good traction on smooth surfaces.
When choosing children’s soccer shoes, the more spikes the better. Since the foot is still forming, it is important that the load is distributed correctly, and with a small number of studs this is not possible. When there are enough spines, the foot is in the anatomically correct position. This reduces the risk of injury and disruption during growth.
Weather conditions
Another important consideration when choosing shoes for artificial turf is the weather. Any type of footwear can be used in dry weather.In rain or snow, the coating becomes more slippery and hard. The AG studded boot is the perfect choice for this situation. They are stiffer, the top is usually water-resistant, and are more comfortable to play in bad weather. Turfs are not suitable as they have a soft top that quickly absorbs moisture. For playing on an icy field, turfs are more suitable, which provide a large grip area.
One of the main advantages of artificial turf is the absence of dirt. Therefore, you can safely choose shoes made of fabric and synthetic materials.They provide air access, fit well on the foot, are lightweight and become a comfortable alternative to sports shoes made of genuine leather.
Do-it-yourself beautiful lawn: we select the right seed variety
Well-groomed grass on the site pleases the eye no less than flower beds, and the benefits of the lawn are impressive. During the season, half a hectare of planted grass absorbs about 30 tons of dust, which means that the owner of the lawn breathes healthy air. Are you interested in a miracle clearing on the territory? Then we will find out the important nuances of landscaping the territory.Before starting excavation work, you need to decide on the type of lawn that will further decorate the territory. There are several types of lawn grasses, so you need to decide before going to the store.
Sports turf. It is sown in places where a playground, children’s area or recreation area is planned. The sports lawn contains grasses that are not afraid of trampling, so bald spots will not appear on the lawn over time. It is important that the seeds that make up this composition do not tolerate shade well, therefore planting is possible only on the sunny side.
Parterre lawn. This type of lawn is the absolute opposite of a sports lawn. It is intended only for admiring, the mixtures are composed of expensive delicate herbs that require good soil, constant care and careful handling. In the landscape, such a lawn looks very luxurious and expensive, but it is worth remembering that this is a purely decorative corner, where tea drinking and picnics are excluded.
Garden and park lawn. This is the most common and unpretentious type of lawn.The grains included in the composition tolerate shade and scorching sun well, and are well accepted on poor soils. Therefore, if you plan to decorate a recreation area with a lush green lawn, this is a suitable option.
Meadow lawn. Or, as it is also called, Moorish. Will please connoisseurs of field herbs. The seeds entering the meadow lawn will sprout with the flowers of the meadow, and will delight you with the richness of colors. Most often, the mixture is selected so that the flowers will bloom in turn throughout the summer season – the same amount you can admire the beauty of your field.Naturally, such lawns are rarely mowed, only in order to remove faded plants and allow a new generation to germinate. It is not recommended to walk on such a lawn, because the tall, about 10 cm grass will crumple underfoot, and are unlikely to restore their previous appearance.
Universal lawn. Such lawns are created very quickly, because they use rolled grass strips. They are sold with turf and quickly take root in a new place. With the help of roll materials, they equip any zones on the site in which movement is planned.
Do-it-yourself ideal lawn in the country – proper lawn care
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Content :
- Main types and types of lawns
- Preparation of a site for a new lawn
- Lawn Care Secrets
Every summer resident or gardener knows that any green spaces cannot be left on their own. To make them beautiful, you need to take care of them, water them, fertilize the soil and do many more things.As a reward, you will receive the perfect garden, vegetable garden or lawn. Grass is no exception. She also requires careful maintenance. The future lawn will be beautiful only if you took the time to prepare and create it. Throughout the article, we will tell you how to make your lawn perfect and decorate your area with a lawn.
Choosing a lawn for the site
There are several types of lawn, which differ in their characteristics. Below we describe their main features.
Sports Turf
If the purpose of creating a lawn is to equip a children’s or sports ground, you need a sports lawn. It can also be used to walk or train animals. A sports lawn is often chosen by people who breed purebred dogs.
The main feature of a sports turf is a high level of resistance to stress and trampling. When creating it, you need to select special varieties of seeds.The lawn grass should be tough and not afraid of walking. Before planting the grass, it will be necessary to prepare the site in a special way and provide for the presence of a reinforcing substrate that will ensure the stability of the coating.
English (parterre) lawn
The complete opposite of a sports turf is an English turf. Of all the types of lawns, this one is the most delicate. You can not only walk or run on it, but even sit using a mat. On the parterre lawn, which is intended solely for admiring, expensive and delicate plants are planted.This type can be found in landscape design compositions, where it has a luxurious appearance.
Caring for an English lawn is a difficult task that requires investment. If you are new to this business, it is better to start your acquaintance with lawns by choosing a different type. Otherwise, you risk spending a lot of time and money without getting the desired result.
Garden and park lawn
A garden and park lawn will look best in the country, around the pool or patio.It tolerates stress, hot sunlight or wind well. For a garden and park lawn, cereals are chosen that do not require any special conditions. You will need to spend several weeks preparing the site, but it will be worth it.
Meadow (Moorish) lawn
Meadow lawn, also called Moorish lawn, is an excellent choice for those who love field grasses. On meadow lawns, various flowering grasses grow, which give a specific variegated color.You can choose a set of herbs for your lawn or buy ready-made seed mixtures. The main thing is that some plants do not drown out others, they bloom well and coincide in growth time. The end result is a great rug with lots of colors.
Maintenance of the Moorish lawn will be needed only after it has faded. You will need to remove dry flowers and cut. It is better to avoid walking on such a lawn, since the average height of the grass can reach 20 centimeters – any bumps will be visible on the surface of the lawn.
Universal Roll Lawn
To quickly equip the territory, use a roll lawn. You can buy the already sprouted grass along with a layer of fertile soil. This format ensures that the grass will easily take root in the new location. Areas lined with a roll lawn can be used for outdoor activities, walks, dog walking. The grass on it has good resistance, but is poorly suited for decorative purposes. Among other things, a rolled lawn will cost more than other types, and also requires proper preparation of the site.
Preparation of a site for a lawn
Site Selection
Each type of lawn has its own preferences. It would be a mistake to think that any herb can feel comfortable anywhere. Here are some tips to help you understand what your lawn will have to meet its conditions:
- If you decide to choose a parterre (English) lawn, know that it needs a perfectly flat area, which has no shaded areas or wind.
- Any type of lawn will feel better where there is no shade.If you place it in the immediate vicinity of buildings that cast a shadow on it, it will not fully reveal itself.
- Creating a beautiful lawn under the trees is an impossible task. A strong root system will pull most of the nutrients out of the soil. In addition, the grass will not have enough sunlight due to the foliage of the trees. It is possible to compromise and cut the lower branches of the trees, but the usefulness of this measure leaves much to be desired. Rather than spoil the developed plantings, it is better to choose another place for the lawn.
- Grass does not tolerate excess moisture very well. In conditions of excessive watering or too humid natural conditions, the root system of the grass cover will begin to rot. In this case, before sowing, due attention should be paid to the drainage system, which will remove moisture.
- The lawn assumes the presence of a flat surface of the site. If you see irregularities with an angle greater than 30 degrees, be sure to fix them. If you leave the pits, water will accumulate in them, and the humps are subject to intense erosion.In addition, you will have significant difficulty mowing your lawn. It is much better to take care of an even lawn right away than to suffer later when caring for it.
Now the idea of creating grass paths in the country is popular. This solution improves the visual characteristics of the site. When choosing a grass, you need to choose resistant varieties, choose seeds for a sports lawn, or buy a roll lawn. However, if the path is rather narrow and there are many people walking in the same place, no grass will survive.The problem is solved by using stones or wood cuts, which will be laid in the path. It will be possible to move along them comfortably, and the grass growing around them will not threaten anything.
Site Preparation
When the choice of the type of lawn and the location of the site are left behind, it is time to prepare the site for subsequent planting. This is painstaking work that can take from one week to a month.
Marking
Pegs and ropes are used to make quality markings.The pegs must be driven along the perimeter of the future borders of the lawn, and then tied with rope. To delineate the boundaries more accurately, you need to position the rope as close to the ground as possible so that you can better see the contours. Marking allows you to assess the area of areas covered with grass and adjust them. When the grass rises, you don’t need to redo it all over again. Low green areas rarely exceed 5 centimeters in height. It is better to give them a clear shape and even borders. But lawns of a meadow or English type will look great if they get wavy outlines.
Weed cleaning
Weeds should be dealt with at the earliest stage. The final result will depend on how well you process the soil now. If you see a lot of weeds after the grass emerges, you will have to do the weeding of the lawn. The most effective way is to treat the area with herbicides. If two weeks have passed after the first treatment, check the area for new shoots – some seeds may remain after the initial treatment.The most problematic areas may have to be processed several times.
It is best to spray in early spring, as in the fall the seeds go deeper into the ground and are more difficult to reach.
Alignment
After the plants dry up, the site is carefully weeded, the remnants of the roots are removed, the debris is removed and the relief is leveled with a rake. If the natural conditions for the growth of grass on the site leave much to be desired, you will need to purchase a layer of soil.It will be expensive, but it will get rid of unwanted plants once and for all. Before unloading the soil onto the ground, a layer of non-woven fabric is laid, on top of which the soil will be located.
Soil preparation
Another week may be spent on preparing the soil – the formation of conditions depends on this stage, which will affect the further growth of the grass on the lawn.
You will need fertilizers – their exact type depends on the specific composition of the soil on your site. You need to determine its composition and structure.Acidity can be determined using testers that are sold at any gardening store. Excessive acidity of the soil will need to be neutralized by adding slaked lime or ordinary chalk to the ground.
Not every soil structure is suitable for a lawn. If it is dense and contains a lot of clay, add humus or humus there – as a result, it will become more airy and friable.
When purchasing seeds, you can read on the package a list of fertilizers that are needed for their best growth.Suitable fertilizers also depend on the season, for example nitrogen fertilizers are best used in spring. They help plants thrive and promote vigorous growth. But before wintering, the grass will need phosphorus and potassium. If you added vermicompost before fertilizing the soil, then you need to reduce the amount of fertilizer.
You can use an ordinary rake to evenly distribute the fertilizer. It will also help loosen the topsoil.Using a watering can, keep the soil moist and then fluff it up. The ideal soil condition is when it is still damp but does not stick to the tool.
The next step is to compact and level the area with a special heavy roller. Its weight must be at least 50 kg. Roll the soil until it is as flat as possible. Any bumps will need to be cut off, and the pits will need to be filled in, after that, repeated rolling.
Now you need to give the site a few days for it to settle down.If you are not limited in time, wait about a week. This is enough for all weed seeds remaining in the soil to germinate. You can weed the area and level it again with a rake.
Sowing grass
If you want your lawn to have a uniform density over the entire area, and it can survive the winter without damage, you need to sow it correctly. If the lawn is small, you can do it in one day, and large areas will have to be sown for several days.
Here are some simple yet powerful tips to help spread seeds evenly throughout your area:
- Before buying seeds, calculate the area of the plot you will plant.Seed packages often indicate the optimum area to sow with them. If you still have doubts, it is better to overdo it than underdo it. A dense lawn always looks good, and a lack of seeds will affect bare areas. For the norm, you can take about 50 grams per square meter. When the lawn is overwintering, you will need more seeds to restore its density.
- In order for the seeds to lay down on a site with a uniform density, you need to divide it into several parts in advance and estimate how many packs of seeds you have for each of them.
- Using manual sowing is difficult. Experienced owners of summer cottages recommend first sowing seeds across the site, and then walking along – this will provide a better result. There is a clever trick that prevents the seeds from sticking to your hand. It is enough to mix them with a little sand. If you have a planter, use it. It is worth sowing more seeds near the garden paths and borders of the plot, as the grass will be trampled here.
- Make sure there is no wind on the day you plan to sow.Otherwise, you can lose up to half of the seeds.
- If the soil is too dry, you can moisten it. The main thing is not to pour the water with a stream that will wash away the seeds.
- Use a French rake to loosen the soil and let the seeds go underground – they should not be pecked by birds.
- At the very end, use the feed roller again to level the ground and lightly water it.
In order not to compact the soil with your feet during sowing, you can put a piece of cardboard that will distribute the load.After sowing, you will be able to loosen the soil more easily.
Sowing time is best done in late spring or summer (May or August). Accordingly, the preparation of the soil must be carried out in advance, calculating the required time for each stage.
Tips for lawn care
How to water your lawn
To keep the lawn beautiful and well-groomed, it needs to be watered regularly. The strong pressure of water can damage fragile grass, so it must be watered using sprayers.There should be enough water to penetrate 5-7 cm into the ground. The grass is considered fortified only when the lawn is at least 2 years old.
Haircut
Although the lawn cannot develop normally without mowing, it is stressful for the grass. Experienced gardeners advise not to mow more than a third of the grass height in one cut. The best assistant for mowing lawn grass is a lawn mower.
For the first time, a lawn can be mowed no earlier than the moment when the grass grows at least 10 cm.You only need to remove 1 centimeter, so raise the mower blades to the appropriate height. Remember that if the knives are not sharpened well enough, they will begin to chew on the grass and pull it out along with the roots.
When the lawn has survived several mows, you can gradually lower the blades until the grass is 5 centimeters high. Do not forget that you will not be able to choose such a cutting height until the grass grows by 15 cm. After each treatment with the lawn mower, new shoots will appear in the grass, which contributes to an increase in the coverage density.
Read also : How to choose a lawn mower for your lawn?
Be sure to give your lawn time to rest. Each haircut or walk on it negatively affects the stability of the root system, so you do not need to mow the grass too often. You can determine the readiness for mowing by the height of the grass. If it has reached at least 12 centimeters, you can take up the lawn mower.
Lawn care after winter
In winter, the grass on the lawn weakens, so it is better to expose it to as little stress as possible and try not to walk on it too often.It is good if it snows – it will protect the lawn from the winter cold winds and low temperatures, so do not completely remove the snow from the lawn.
In the spring, when the snow starts to melt, the lawn can start to rot due to the large amount of moisture that accumulates in one place. If the area of the lawn is large, you should take care of the timely removal of snow, use a pitchfork to pierce the ground, helping the water to absorb. In small areas, problems should not arise.
When the relatively warm season comes, it will be possible to start adding nitrogen fertilizers to the soil.After the soil is dry, remove dry grass and debris. After hibernation, areas with uneven grass density may appear in the lawn. To restore its beautiful appearance, new seeds will need to be sown.
If you devote enough time to site selection, soil preparation and lawn maintenance, it can become a worthy decoration for your site. A correctly selected type of lawn will guarantee that it will fit into the design of the garden, summer cottage or local area. Remember to cut and water it on time to keep it perfect.
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