The quick answer
Ask your club about the surface and permitted soleplates first. Check approval for the specific junior model, then choose the size and assess the fit.
Schematic guidance · not a specific product soleplate.
What kind of artificial grass is it?
Longer artificial grass with infill and a short, firm carpet surface require different considerations. The colour of the pitch or the words “artificial grass” in a shop listing are not enough to choose a boot.
Ask the coach or venue operator about the exact surface and soleplate rules. Note whether matches take place on the same pitch. A child alternating between natural and artificial grass needs a different check from one playing only on carpet turf.
AG, MG or TF: three different starting points
Use this table to narrow your search. It does not approve a particular boot. Read the description of the exact soleplate on offer: the same model name may be sold with several different soles.
| Surface | Start by looking at | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Longer artificial grass with infill | AG | Is this exact model approved for the pitch? |
| Short, firm carpet turf | TF | Does approval cover the actual surface? |
| Alternating natural and artificial grass | MG or an explicitly approved combination model | Are both surface types explicitly covered? |
The right soleplate still needs the right fit
Take football socks and try both boots. Let your child use the fastening themselves. While walking and taking gentle sideways steps, the boots should hold their feet without toes hitting the front or the forefoot feeling squeezed.
Do not automatically choose their usual everyday shoe size. Measure both feet and compare the longer one with the brand’s current chart. Extra length does not solve a lack of width. Try a different shape instead.
Compare the details before ordering
Compare the soleplate version, junior size, fastening and return conditions. A discounted adult version is not automatically a suitable substitute for a junior model. For online purchases, make sure you can try the boots on clean indoor flooring before deciding.
Recheck the fit and condition of the studs during the season. If the training venue changes, check surface approval again. Indoor soles remain a separate category: MG does not mean a boot is designed for indoor courts.
Frequently asked questions
Are FG boots allowed on artificial grass?
It depends on approval for the specific model and the venue’s rules. The FG label alone does not answer that question.
Can one pair cover training and matches?
One pair may be enough if its soleplate is approved for both pitches and it fits well. For very different surfaces, assess each use separately.
Do children need extra checks?
Alongside surface suitability, check independent dressing, secure fastenings and fit again as their feet grow.
Sources & context
Nike: Kids’ fit and surfaces ↗Nike: Soleplate types ↗Editorially reviewed on 7 October 2026. These steps are general buying guidance, not a product test. Manufacturer approval and pitch rules apply to the specific model.