Are metal studs allowed in soccer cleats? The rulebook does not name the stud type, but the referee may refuse dangerous footwear, and many clubs and field managers ban metal studs on artificial grass. If you doubt, ask your club or league first, before you buy a pair with metal studs.
Below you will read what the rules do and do not say, why cleats have studs and which studs to choose. If you are picking a soleplate, our guide on FG vs AG cleats shows all the codes.
Can you wear metal stud soccer cleats?
Law 4 of the Laws of the Game (2026/27 edition) says a player must not wear dangerous equipment. Soccer cleats are part of the compulsory equipment. According to the text itself, Law 4 says nothing about the type or material of studs.
The referee inspects the equipment before the match and can have dangerous items removed. If you refuse, or if you wear the item again, you can be cautioned.
Are iron studs allowed?
So that is not settled in the Laws of the Game. It depends on the referee, your club or league and the field manager.
Metal screw-in studs can damage the grass surface according to retailers and are better only for natural grass. For artificial grass, look for cleats with an AG or TF soleplate.
Are metal studs allowed on artificial grass?
We found no single rule that applies everywhere. Field managers and clubs often ban metal studs on artificial grass, and such rules apply per field, per league and per age group. Where one facility allows plastic studs without burrs, another has stricter rules. So ask before you play.
SG studs are long and often metal, and they are meant for soft, muddy natural grass. On rock hard or artificial surfaces they do not belong. Our page on wide turf soccer shoes goes through the soleplates for artificial grass.
Why do soccer cleats have studs?
Studs give grip when you accelerate, brake and turn. The shape depends on the surface. FG studs are for natural grass, AG studs are shorter and often round for artificial grass, and SG has long, often removable studs for truly soft grass.
On artificial grass, FG studs can give too much grip when you pivot according to our sources, and the cleat wears faster. We found no study that compares injuries per stud type.
What kinds of studs are there?
- Molded studs (FG, AG): fixed to the soleplate, either bladed or conical. They are the default for most players.
- Removable studs (SG): screw-in studs that you can swap for other lengths. They are meant for soft natural grass.
- Many small rubber studs (TF): for short pile artificial grass, practice fields and hard surfaces.
- Flat gum rubber sole (IN): for indoor courts and futsal.
Which studs do you choose?
Choose the studs that belong to your surface. For artificial grass those are AG or TF, with MG as a compromise if you also play on grass. If you are in doubt about metal, a molded AG or MG soleplate is the safer and more widely accepted route.
If you are choosing a soleplate and want one that also fits your foot, use the cleat advisor. For cleats that pinch, read soccer cleats that are too tight, and for fit in general, how soccer cleats should fit.
How do you check what is allowed on your field?
Ask three parties before you buy: your coach or club, your league and the field manager. Rules differ by field and by age group, and a label on the box does not lift a ban. Bring the cleats to the first match and show them to the referee if you are unsure. Our guide to the best soccer cleats for artificial grass lists what to look for on turf.