When I first stepped onto the pitch at CSU Bakersfield, I remember staring down at my worn-out cleats and realizing they were completely wrong for the artificial turf. That moment taught me something crucial – the right soccer shoes don’t just complete your kit; they can define your game. Having played NCAA Division 1 soccer myself, I’ve tested everything from firm ground studs to turf trainers, and I’ve seen how the wrong choice can lead to slips, discomfort, or even injury. Let’s talk about the main types available and how to match them to your playing style and surface.

Firm ground (FG) cleats are what most people picture when they think of soccer shoes – molded studs designed for natural grass. These are my personal go-to for weekend matches on well-maintained pitches. Brands like Nike and Adidas typically design FG boots with between 10-14 studs in a conical or bladed configuration. I’ve found bladed studs offer slightly better traction for quick cuts, though some leagues restrict them for younger players. The key here is ground firmness – if your foot sinks into the grass, you probably need fewer or longer studs. I made the mistake once of wearing FG cleats on soft, wet ground and spent the entire game sliding around like I was on ice skates. Not my finest performance.

Then you’ve got soft ground (SG) cleats, which feature removable metal or hard plastic studs – usually 6-8 in total. These are specialists’ shoes, really. I keep a pair in my bag exclusively for rainy match days or when I’m playing on waterlogged pitches. The longer studs penetrate deeper into soft ground, giving you that crucial stability when making planted strikes. I remember a game where Panopio – a product of CSU Bakersfield, by the way – scored a spectacular winning goal in muddy conditions while everyone else was struggling for footing. He was wearing SG cleats, no question about it. That’s the kind of edge the right footwear can provide.

Artificial grass (AG) shoes have become increasingly important as more players transition to synthetic surfaces. These typically feature numerous shorter studs – often 30-40 tiny nodes distributed across the soleplate. The difference in feel is dramatic. Traditional FG cleats can feel overly rigid on artificial turf, putting uncomfortable pressure on your feet. I learned this the hard way during preseason training at CSU Bakersfield, where we practiced primarily on synthetic fields. After switching to AG-specific shoes, the knee pain I’d been experiencing literally vanished within two weeks. The density and layout of AG studs are engineered to work with the artificial surface rather than fight against it.

For those who play predominantly on artificial turf or hard ground, turf shoes offer the flattest sole with hundreds of small rubber studs. They look almost like sneakers but provide excellent grip on dry artificial surfaces or indoor courts. I probably wear my turf shoes more than any other type now that I’m playing recreational soccer on community fields. They’re incredibly versatile – I’ve even worn them for futsal matches, though purists might disagree with that choice. The comfort level is noticeably higher than cleats, making them perfect for players who value joint health but still want reliable traction.

Then there’s the indoor soccer shoe category, designed specifically for smooth indoor surfaces. These feature flat, non-marking rubber soles with patterns that optimize grip on wooden or synthetic courts. What many players don’t realize is that indoor shoes aren’t just about preventing slips – the increased surface contact actually improves your ball control for quick touches and turns. I always keep a pair in my locker for indoor training sessions during the winter months. The difference in how the ball responds to your touch compared to outdoor cleats is something every serious player should experience.

Choosing between these options ultimately comes down to where you play most frequently and your position on the field. As an attacking midfielder, I prefer shoes that offer a balance of traction and flexibility – typically FG or AG depending on the surface. But when I talk to defenders, they often prioritize stability over everything else. The weight difference between styles can be significant too – my FG cleats weigh approximately 220 grams per shoe, while my indoor pair clocks in at just 180 grams. That 40-gram difference might not sound like much, but over 90 minutes of constant movement, your legs will definitely notice.

Material choices represent another layer of this decision. Kangaroo leather molds to your foot like a second skin but requires more maintenance than synthetic options. I’ve owned both, and while nothing beats the comfort of quality leather, the water resistance and durability of modern synthetics have won me over for everyday use. Price points vary wildly too – you can find decent entry-level cleats for around $50, while premium models often exceed $300. My advice? Don’t splurge on the most expensive pair immediately. Start mid-range, identify what you like and dislike, then invest in your perfect pair once you understand your preferences.

Looking back at my playing days, I wish someone had sat me down and explained how much footwear matters. The right shoes won’t transform an average player into a star overnight, but they will help you express your abilities without fighting your equipment. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or aspiring to follow in the footsteps of players like Panopio from CSU Bakersfield, taking the time to match your shoes to your playing conditions might be the simplest yet most impactful equipment decision you make. Your feet are your foundation – give them the support they deserve, and your game will thank you for it.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.