Best Soft Ground Football Boots 2024
When you’re more focused on standing up than where your next pass is going, that’s when you know it’s time for new soft ground football boots.
In the UK, horrendous weather is inevitable. If you’re lucky enough for your ref to give the go ahead, the conditions are bound to be tricky.
Your summer-ready boots aren’t going to survive this mammoth struggle, and you’ll be Bambi-on-ice before you know it.
Traction, turns and turbo acceleration. In your local mud bath, that’s what you’re going to get from the best soft ground (SG) boots.
Here are the best of the best.
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When do you need soft ground boots?
Images from adidas
First things first, you need to know exactly when to buy and use soft ground football boots.
Ideally, your kitbag will be prepped with a pair of soft ground (SG) boots ready for when the weather turns sour.
Soft ground boots often have metal studs, and are built for wet, sloppy pitches that have plenty of give underfoot.
In comparison, firm ground (FG) boots should be used for hard, dry pitches. If you need help, we’ve written an article about FG vs. SG boots.
In UK terms, a pair of SG boots will roughly take you through from October to April. Depending on how wet the colder months have been.
If you’d like to know more about which soleplate suits which pitch, we’ve made a detailed guide about boot surface types for you to read.
The best soft ground football boots
10. adidas World Cup SG
Battle-hardened and ready for anything you can throw at it. That’s the adidas World Cup.
It’s been bashing into tackles on grassy wetlands for decades, and it’s still winning its fair share of 50/50s in the 2020s.
Yes, the premium leather’s a little absorbent compared to modern synthetics. But the durability, oh the sweet, sweet durability.
The 6-stud formation is simple and effective and it won’t clog easily. A foldover tongue keeps the knot on your laces dry too, lovely.
You won’t find value like this anywhere else, as you’ll get 5 years out of these, at least.
9. Puma King Ultimate MxSG
Another timeless classic now, albeit an updated version with more weatherproof K-BETTER upper materials included.
The modern Puma King packs synthetic fibres together for a lightweight fit, in any weather. It won’t absorb much moisture either.
Puma’s MxSG soleplate combines 6 traditional metal studs with 5 strategically placed plastic backups. It’s pure boot-to-turf interaction traction action.
It’s a boot which wipes clean fairly easily, so it won’t stay caked in mud (unless you let it, that is).
Because they aren’t as popular as the Future or Ultra models, there are tons of great deals to be had on the King. Go on, crown yourself.
8. New Balance Furon V7 SG
A boot which is too often overlooked is the New Balance Furon. But, we always like to chuck this quality model into debates.
The Furon (Pro) has Hypoknit uppers that are flexible and supportive, yet they won’t allow water to seep in and weigh you down.
Under 200g total and built for pacy wingplay with sharp finishing, their clawing 11-stud pattern is why they still work, even in the worst conditions.
Trusted by Ebe Eze, Bukayo Saka and now superstar youngster, Endrick. This is a model which grows in popularity every weekend.
If you fancy saving some more cash, you can pick up cheaper Destroy or Dispatch takedown models too.
7. adidas Predator Accuracy SG
Even with the release of the 2024 Predator, we can’t look past the sturdiness of the previous adidas Predator Accuracy.
With a laceless model available, you’ll be able to wipe them clean and slip them on and off, even with fumbling frozen fingers.
We love adidas’ commitment to whopping metal studs, as they’re even more gripping than a suspenseful Netflix cliffhanger.
Their Hybridtouch uppers are covered with High Definition Grip, which will help you keep hold of the ball on the greasiest of pitches.
The good news about buying an older generation of boot? The price. Bag a bargain and still get high performance.
6. Mizuno Alpha SG
The Mizuno Alpha is a boot which has had a full year on the market. It isn’t as popular as we expected, but we still think it’s brilliant.
This Japanese manufacturer is a known quantity when it comes to footballing footwear. First the Morelia, then this, the Alpha.
Opting for a mixed SG and FG stud pattern, the traction is strong and the style points are racked up along with it.
Synthetic uppers (with 5 layers) help to both keep you dry and make it an easy cleanup operation after a mushy turf churning session.
Expensive? Yes. Worth it? No doubt. A lightweight speed boot that will have you standing out from the rest.
5. Nike Tiempo Legend 10 SG
A highest ever entry for the Nike Tiempo. That’s thanks to the fact that the Legend 10 is 55% less water absorbent than its predecessor.
All that comes down to the switch from k-leather to synthetic-based materials for the uppers. Do they still feel leather-like though? You bet.
Nike’s patented Anti-Clog tech sits on the soleplate, stopping the Tiempo from compacting the turf and keeping grip where you need it most.
All Conditions Control (ACC) covers the boot, allowing first touch to remain part of your arsenal in slick situations. Watch Leah Williamson in the rain for confirmation.
The Tiempo Legend 10 is the best yet, no question. It’s comfortable, dry and a lot lighter than you’d think.
4. Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 SG
You won’t be shocked to see the highest-scoring football boot of all time still on this list. The Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 SG is all about speed and precision, and it doesn’t care what the weather throws at it.
The Mercurial Vapor 16 feature an updated Air Zoom unit, making it the most responsive Mercurial Nike have ever made.
The new Gripknit material also holds up well in wet conditions, letting you keep close control of the ball when dribbling.
If you're not playing as much over the winter, consider the Pro or Academy takedown versions. They’re still solid options that won’t break the bank.
3. Puma Ultra 5 Carbon MxSG
Just edging out the Mercurial, the Puma Ultra 5 Carbon MxSG is the speed boot we can’t get enough of. With the new ULTRA, you get the sensation of a finely tuned machine at your feet, built to take you from kick-off to the back of the net in record time.
The all-new, precision-engineered SPEEDSYSTEM outsole is designed for optimal speed, while the combination of FastTrax studs and conical screw-in studs ensures maximum traction on mixed soft ground.
As always, the MxSG stud formation performs effortlessly, and the updated tech and vibrant colourways make the Ultra a boot that can’t be ignored.
Plus, it’s still a fantastic and affordable option in FG, so you can grab both and cover the entire season without breaking the bank.
2. adidas Predator 24 SG
We’ve been singing the praises of the latest adidas Predator since we first heard rumours about its release into the wild.
It’s clear that adidas are back with a bang this season, hooking talents like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham into their squad.
The tongue option (with strap) covers up laces and keeps them safe from the elements. The laceless version is useful too, if you prefer that style.
They look exquisite, and the performance from adidas’ SG soleplate is brilliant. All packaged neatly into a scrubbable synthetic outer.
When we think of predators, we think of lions in the heat. But now thanks to SG, we’ll think more of orcas in the freezing wet.
1. adidas F50 SG
If speed is your game, the adidas F50 SG is your ultimate partner. Designed to unlock your full acceleration and movement, these boots are engineered for those who thrive on pace.
The ultra-thin Fibertouch upper wraps your foot with precision, while the Compression Fit Tunnel Tongue ensures a snug, secure fit. Add to that the Sprintweb 3D texture, which keeps the ball glued to your feet, and you’ve got complete control on the ball, no matter the conditions.
The springy Sprintframe 360 outsole provides that extra burst of speed as you push off on soft ground, ensuring the mud won’t slow you down.
Lightweight and powerful, the adidas F50 SG is built for the fastest players.
How can you find cheap boots for soft ground?
We hope you’ve found your perfect pair, but if nothing tickles your fancy - you can browse our full range of soft ground football boots!
If you're attached to a certain brand, we've found 100s of offers for Nike SG, adidas SG and Puma SG boots too.
We compare deals from Pro:Direct, Sports Direct, Lovell Soccer and all leading brands’ sites to bring you the cheapest price, right this second.
