Learn About Footwear: Hard Ground Cleats (3 of 6)

Hard Ground Cleats

Hard ground cleats have been a relatively new concept-or should i say recently new “product type.” Prior to this “hard ground” cleat categorization, players only had the choice of molded cleats or turf shoes. Companies found that there was a consumer interest and a need for a specialized cleat made just for extremely hard surfaces, such as dried hard grass, dirt and rock fields, and firm sandy field. Although they do provide stable traction for the hard surfaces, they still remain a very optional alternative to your cleat collection.

The molded stud construction is very similar to the firm ground cleats, made of rubber or plastic. Only differences are the stud size and the number of studs. Generally there are twice as many studs on a pair of hard ground’s than their firm ground counter parts, and their stud height is generally half as tall. With significantly more studs that are smaller in size, the cleats provide optimal traction on hard surface.

Hard Ground Cleats

Recommended for:

• Any Hard Natural Surfaces
• Short Synthetic Turf

Bottom Line: Hard ground cleats are specific to harder surfaces or short field turf. They are an optional choice for players looking for footwear that resembles a cross between turf shoes and molded cleats.  Also, if you know that the surface or fields you play on are going to be mostly hard dirt fields or always turf, then this might be a good choice.

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