TLSS TIPS | EP.2: All About Outsoles (English Version)
In EP.1 last week, we briefly mentioned something that our brand places great importance on , and something everyone should care about whether you’re a manufacturer or a player, “playing longevity.”
What is playing longevity? It doesn’t mean designing boots that let you last exactly 90 minutes or survive a 7–10 minute match without getting subbed off (haha). Instead, it means developing football boots that help reduce injury risks and allow anyone who loves the game to keep playing whether you’re getting older or not as physically strong as before.
Football boots, commonly called “studs” get their name from the word Studs, meaning small protruding spikes or knobs. These are designed to help players move confidently on grass surfaces, minimizing slipping and reducing injury risks caused by high-speed movements.
Today, football fields come in many forms. Natural grass, artificial turf, soft and wet pitches, hard and dry grounds, you name it. Since the core idea of football boots is to use studs to grip into the ground for stability and precision. That's why stud height becomes extremely important for both movement and joint health, especially for ankles and knees.
At TLSS, we offer 4 types of outsoles :
FG (Firm Ground): For natural grass
MG (Multi Ground): Versatile, especially for artificial grass and mixed surfaces
SG (Soft Ground): For soft or wet natural grass
TF (Turf): For artificial turf
Each outsole type features clearly different stud lengths, helping you choose the right one for your playing surface so you can enjoy the game without worrying about injuries.
Let’s start with FG (Firm Ground).
If you picture “football boots” in your mind, chances are you’re imagining FG boots. Globally, FG is the most commonly used and promoted type. Almost every marketing image and professional athlete showcase features this outsole.
Why? Because the football boot industry originally focused on equipping professional players to perform at their best and these athletes primarily compete on well-maintained natural grass fields. Brands then use these professionals as the face of their products, shaping consumer demand worldwide.
However, this is quite different from the reality in countries like Thailand.
Most publicly accessible pitches here are artificial turf or mixed grass-dirt surfaces. Yet, interestingly, FG boots still dominate the market by a wide margin. This may not be because they’re the most suitable choice, but rather due to the strong influence of global branding and marketing.
Choosing the right outsole isn’t just about following trends. It’s about matching your gear to your environment for better performance, safety, and long-term enjoyment of the game.