TLSS TIPS | EP.13 : one simple principle "using the right gear for the right purpose" (English Version)
Although the MG outsole existed long before TLSS, it is also true that many football enthusiasts in Thailand first came to know about, or even hear the term “MG outsole” for the very first time through the voice we have been trying so hard to make heard.
We are being quite bold about it, and perhaps even a little boastful. But as a brand, we cannot help feeling proud that we have played a part, however small, in raising awareness and helping move Thailand’s football footwear industry forward.
Beyond the business and marketing reasons, our commitment to promoting MG outsoles also comes with many benefits for consumers. At its core, it all comes down to one simple principle, "using the right gear for the right purpose".
Using chopsticks to eat noodles, a wide straw to drink bubble tea, or badminton shoes to play badminton, these all seem like perfectly natural and sensible choices. Yet, surprisingly, the same principle has not always been followed in Thailand’s football scene, where many players choose to wear Firm Ground (FG) boots on artificial turf.
Just imagine it. It is not exactly a life-threatening mistake, but if you tried to eat a bowl of noodles with a spoon, it would probably be difficult, inefficient, and quite messy, wouldn’t it?
It would not be wrong to say that this is a reflection of what we have been doing on the football pitch for years. Using footwear in conditions that differ from its intended design and purpose is no different.
Yes, many footballers in Thailand are doing exactly that.
They wear FG boots designed for natural grass on artificial turf, even though footwear with an AG (Artificial Grass) or MG (Multi-Ground) outsole is generally more suitable for these surfaces.
It is just like using a spoon to eat noodles. You can still get the job done (and some people might even prefer it) but you are not using the product as it was designed to be used. This can lead to reduced efficiency and potentially other problems. In the case of football boots, one of those problems is the risk of avoidable injuries.
Ankle pain, foot soreness, and knee pain during or after playing football may be familiar experiences for many of you. For some players, these issues occur so regularly that they begin to believe they are simply “normal” or just part of playing football. Eventually, they become accustomed to living with them.
But that should not be the case.
No footballer, regardless of who they are or how they play, should have to risk unnecessary injuries because of something as avoidable as using unsuitable footwear.
FG stands for “Firm Ground.” As the name suggests, FG outsoles are specifically designed for natural grass pitches, where the surface typically consists of grass and relatively soft soil. This is why FG boots generally feature longer studs, with a stud count that is not excessively high. The shape of the studs varies depending on the character and design of each boot, whether they are conical, bladed, triangular, square, or other shapes.
All these design choices serve a purpose, to allow the studs to penetrate the ground and help enhance a player’s movement and performance, while complementing their playing style as effectively as possible.
But when you take FG boots onto artificial turf, the situation changes.
The studs no longer have soft soil and natural grass to penetrate. As a result, the way your feet interact with the surface can become less stable and balanced, potentially preventing your feet from making proper contact with the ground. When you move, change direction, or sprint at high speed, greater stress may be placed on your ankles and knees.
And that is where injuries can occur. At best, you may experience soreness after a match. At worst, you could suffer a serious injury, including a sprain or tear.
We believe that many of you who are currently interested in MG outsoles, whether you are our customers or not, may have come to consider them because of your own experiences. Perhaps you have dealt with injuries or discomfort caused by these very issues and have started looking for footwear that allows you to continue enjoying the sport you love without constantly worrying about getting hurt for avoidable reasons.
Since launching the TLSS TACTICIAN.GOAT MG SPECIAL EDITION (Ari Football) in December last year, we have been raising our voices to promote MG outsoles. We have consistently shared information about their benefits and the types of playing surfaces they are designed for. And gradually, that message has started to get through.
We would like to thank everyone who has been open-minded enough to give MG outsoles a chance, even when they come from a relatively new brand that had been on the market for less than a year at the time.
Today, MG remains one of our key priorities at TLSS. Our commitment to developing this outsole has led us to take it to the next level.
We have completely redesigned the stud layout and configuration to deliver better balance and improved movement on the pitch.
We have also upgraded the quality of the PEBAX material, aiming to achieve a lighter outsole while maintaining the stability players need.
On top of that, we have incorporated our special VORTEX foam into the heel area to help absorb impact and pressure, while enhancing overall wearing comfort.
Of course, development brings change, and change inevitably comes with different opinions. Some people will agree with our decisions, while others may not.
But above all, we hope you will believe in one thing,
What will never change is our commitment to being one of the voices that continues to speak up for the importance of "using the right gear for the right purpose".
And we will keep raising that voice to encourage footballers in Thailand to make more informed choices about their footwear, so they can play with greater confidence, comfort, and enjoyment.