TLSS TIPS | EP.3: All About Outsoles (FG) (English Version)

There are plenty of downsides to wearing FG (Firm Ground) boots on artificial grass as we’ve already talked about that quite a bit in TLSS TALKS | EP.1 (go check it out lol). But that’s not what this EP is about. After constantly campaigning that FG studs aren’t always suitable for every surface, it’s finally time to let them shine.

FG soleplates are, without a doubt, the most popular type in Thailand. Even if we kept pushing to call out about how to use proper surface-specific footwear for another five years, it’s unlikely we’d see any significant change. That’s because FG boots have their own undeniable strengths and unique charm, the qualities that other stud types simply can’t replicate.

FG boots have essentially been “set” as the global standard, the very definition of what football boots are. Designed for high-quality natural grass pitches, they’ve become the benchmark worldwide. Because of this, they’re also likely the category that receives the most development investment. Think about it, FG boots are the best-selling type. Every brand, from industry giants to emerging newcomers, is constantly competing to innovate and outperform one another.

Over time, this fierce competition has led to a wide variety of stud shapes:
Classic round studs
Bladed studs
Diamond-shaped studs
Triangular studs
Chevron (arrow-shaped) studs
even experimental designs like spring studs seen years ago

The more innovative, stylish, and functional a design is, the better its chances of dominating the market. Each stud shape serves a different purpose. Once you understand the fundamentals of football boots, you can easily grasp the reasoning behind these designs.
For example, Round studs (conical) allow for smooth penetration into the ground and easy multi directional rotation. Imagine how they anchor into the turf and how they support natural pivoting. Bladed studs, on the other hand, are longer and narrower. Their cross-sectional shape helps generate more propulsion in forward motion, while minimizing resistance in directions you don’t want, making movement more efficient.

With this understanding, you can start identifying boot types more intuitively.
Control boots, where players don’t rely heavily on speed, tend to use round or rounded-based studs (like diamond shapes). These support stability, balance, and movement in all directions. Speed boots prioritize blade-like or arrow-based studs, focusing on acceleration, straight-line speed, and sharp directional changes.

But stud shape isn’t the only area of innovation.
Another major battleground is energy return and propulsion systems within the soleplate. If you look closely, many boots, especially speed-focused models feature a stiff spine or chassis in the midfoot area. These can come in different forms, straight lines (I-shapes, X-shapes, V-shapes or even Y-shaped structures.
All of these are designed to work with the natural biomechanics of movement. The better these structures perform, the more responsive, springy, and enjoyable the movement becomes. This concept has evolved not only for speed boots, it even extended into control and power boots, with claims that such technology could enhance shot power.

Once FG boots became the “default” category, they also became the main stage for technological innovation. Brands continuously add features to create differentiation and attract players. Whether every innovation truly delivered or not is up for debate, but things are certain, They’re exciting They’re stylish and They’re undeniably cool.

While the rest of the world pushes forward with ever more advanced, flashy technologies designed to help you move faster, sharper, and more dynamically on natural grass.
TLSS takes a completely different approach with a perspective on design that goes against the others.