Sporting clubs utilise different types of pitches, making it challenging to determine the appropriate footwear. We strongly recommend reaching out to your local club to ascertain the specific pitch type for training and matches. The complication arises from the varying rules associated with each pitch. This guide aims to assist you in selecting the most suitable boots, specifically focusing on the type of sole. The safest choice is a boot with a rubber stud sole, as it can be worn on all types of pitches.
For 99% of pitches (excluding indoor), we would recommend rubber or plastic rounded studs based on advice from multiple artificial pitch manufacturers. After consulting with them, it's clear that these studs are the optimal choice.
Selecting boots for a traditional grass pitch is straightforward since there are no specific rules governing the type of boot sole you can use. We recommend opting for boots with studs or blades for this type of pitch. It's advisable to avoid flat-soled trainers, especially during the winter months, as they won't provide adequate grip.
Navigating boots for this type of pitch can be challenging, as rules can vary from venue to venue. It's highly recommended to verify the specific regulations with your local club. Generally, a safe choice for this type of pitch is footwear with a rubber stud or a combination of blades and studs but 80% round stud to 20% blade. It's important to note that flat-soled trainers are typically prohibited on most artificial pitches, so it's best to avoid them.
For any indoor hard court, your best choice would be to purchase flat-soled trainers and avoid studded-soled boots altogether. However, it's a good practice to check the facility's specific rules, as some may only permit clear-based trainers to prevent floor marking.
