3G & 4G Pitch Footwear Guide – Can You Wear Blades On Artificial Turf?

Footwear choice can have a huge effect on a synthetic grass (2g/3g/4g) pitch. It’s one of the things that all sports facilities must consider and it can be difficult to control when you’re managing a busy facility. However, we have solved the problem of which football boots to wear on a 3G pitch with this guide.

categories of footwear

The Best Footwear for 3G Pitches

3G / 4G FOOTBALL PITCH BOOTS

Football is normally played on a 3G pitch with long pile turf which gives a realistic grass feel whilst also being able to withstand heavy use. When using the pitch, players must use boots that have studs, this stops the fibres from becoming compressed and damaging the surface. For football surfaces, we recommend the following footwear:

• Screw-in Stud Football Boots
• Moulded Stud Football Boots

3G Rugby Pitch Footwear

Most rugby pitches are similar to football sports surfaces, played on 3G Turf. 3G surfaces are chosen by many clubs and facilities as they provide the look and feel of natural grass, but are much more durable. 3G pitches can last over 10 years. We recommend the following type of footwear for rugby:

• Screw-in Stud Football Boots
• Moulded Stud Football Boots

Hockey Pitch Footwear

Hockey pitches are usually made with short piled turf and contain sand or water infill. This means that more pressure can be applied to the surface of the pitch without being detrimental. For this reason, we recommended wearing a flat sole shoe or ‘Astro’ trainer which will cause minimum disturbance to the fibres and infill, whilst maintaining a high level of grip. We recommend using:

• ‘Astro’ Trainers
• Flat Sole Trainers

can you wear blades on turf?

Most venues have rules against wearing them as it can be dangerous for other players and the artificial grass. Bladed boots are prohibited on all of our surfaces, this is because they can cut through the synthetic turf causing serious damage. Blades can also be considered dangerous to other players in sports like football and rugby where tackling is involved.

Enforcing your footwear rules

Now that we have covered our recommendations on the best footwear for 3G pitches and other sports surfaces, we’ve put together some tips for you to keep your pitch in top condition.

Awareness

The best way to inform most users of suitable footwear for synthetic pitches is to build awareness around the subject. This can be done in various ways such as posters and pitch boards placed around the facilities, blogs on your website (feel free to take some points from us) or social media posts. You could also mention footwear on any paperwork that users must sign before stepping onto the pitch. Doing this will make sure that the majority of players will be aware of the footwear they must wear when playing on synthetic sports surfaces.

Implementation

After spreading awareness you may still struggle to ensure that all users follow your guidelines. In order to pick out the few people who may ignore these rules, you could have staff check footwear before people are allowed on the pitch. It is key that these people understand the importance of the right footwear:

• Teachers
• Referees
• Facility managers
• Pitch staff

Explain how wearing blades on artificial turf can make more problems for these people, such as injuries to players and students. This will then stop the wrong footwear finding its way onto the surface.

Penalty

If you are still having problems, you can implement a penalty system to ensure players with the wrong footwear do not use the pitch. We would recommend that in minor or irregular offences, users are warned about using the correct footwear on the pitch and may be asked to prove they have the correct footwear before they are allowed back on. However if serious/repeat offences occur, a permanent ban could be given to the user.

Learn more about our synthetic turf pitches and book a free consultation today.

Speak to our team

What is the best type of footwear to use on a 3G football pitch? The best footwear for 3G football pitches is moulded plastic studs. These provide the necessary grip and help prevent the synthetic fibres from flattening or becoming damaged. Avoid flat-soled shoes or blades, which can harm the surface and reduce traction.

Why are blades not allowed on artificial turf? Blades are prohibited because their sharp, flat edges can cut into the synthetic turf, damaging the fibres and infill. They can also increase the risk of injury to other players, particularly in contact sports like football and rugby. Many venues have a strict no-blades policy to protect both players and the surface.

Can I wear astro trainers or flat-soled shoes on a 3G surface? ‘Astro’ trainers can be worn on 3G pitches, but they are not always recommended. They’re better suited to 2G (sand-based) surfaces. Flat-soled shoes or everyday trainers should not be worn, as they offer poor grip and can compact the infill, reducing the lifespan and performance of the pitch.

What footwear should players use on 4G pitches? 4G surfaces are designed to replicate natural grass and typically require the same footwear as 3G pitches: screw-in or moulded plastic stud boots. These give the right balance of traction, comfort and safety, helping maintain surface integrity and player performance.

Are metal studs safe for use on synthetic turf pitches? Metal studs are not recommended for use on synthetic turf pitches. They can damage the artificial fibres, and may also increase the risk of injury to players in contact situations. Most facilities now specify moulded plastic studs as the safest and most effective option for 3G and 4G surfaces.

How can facilities ensure players wear the correct footwear on 3G and 4G pitches? Facilities can promote compliance by combining awareness, checks and enforcement:

• Display clear signage and pitch-side boards, include footwear requirements in booking forms and player agreements
• Have staff, referees or coaches perform quick checks before play.
• Provide visual guides showing acceptable and prohibited footwear types.

What happens if the wrong footwear is used on an artificial pitch? Using the wrong footwear, such as blades or flat-soled shoes can damage the turf, compact the infill, and reduce the surface’s lifespan. It can also increase the risk of slips, poor traction, and player injuries. Over time, repeated misuse can lead to costly maintenance or replacement.

How can clubs enforce a footwear policy without deterring users? Clubs can take a positive, educational approach:

• Explain why correct footwear matters for performance and safety.
• Use posters, social media, and website reminders.
• Offer warnings for first offences rather than immediate bans.
• Provide guidance or even a “loan” set of approved boots for players who arrive unprepared.

How long can a 3G/4G sports pitch last with correct footwear usage? With proper care and correct footwear use, a 3G/4G pitch can last 10 years or more. Consistent adherence to footwear rules helps maintain pile height and surface integrity, reducing the need for premature resurfacing.

Are footwear rules the same for football, rugby and hockey pitches? No, each sport’s surface type requires different footwear:

• Football & Rugby (3G): Studded boots, screw-in or moulded.
• Hockey (2G sand-dressed or water-based): Flat-soled or astro trainers for stability and minimal turf damage.

Wearing the correct footwear for each surface ensures safety, performance and longevity.