Do Athletes Prefer Turf or Grass?

It’s a debate that comes up at every level of sports: Do athletes prefer turf or grass? Whether it’s a youth soccer league, a high school football game, or a professional tournament, the type of playing surface makes a real difference in how the game feels—and how it affects the body.

Athletes, coaches, and trainers have long compared turf and natural grass. Each surface has its strengths and drawbacks, but when it comes down to preference, most athletes lean toward natural grass—especially those who’ve experienced both at a high level.

Let’s explore the reasons why.

Natural Grass: Why It’s Still a Favorite

For decades, grass has been the gold standard for most outdoor sports. The feel of cleats sinking into a soft, well-maintained field is unmatched in comfort and familiarity.

Here’s why many athletes still prefer grass:

1. Softer on the Body

Natural grass provides more give underfoot. This cushioning effect reduces joint strain and absorbs shock during cuts, landings, and sprints.

2. Lower Injury Risk

Studies and surveys have repeatedly shown that non-contact injuries are more common on turf. Athletes often experience more ACL tears, ankle sprains, and turf burns on synthetic surfaces.

3. Cooler Surface Temperature

Grass doesn’t trap heat like turf does. On a hot day, artificial turf can rise 30–50°F higher than the air temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related issues.

4. Natural Traction

Grass offers more organic footing. Cleats dig in just enough for solid traction, without the abrupt stops and catches turf sometimes causes.

These benefits explain why many NFL players, professional soccer athletes, and even high school athletes advocate for natural grass whenever possible.

Turf: Why Some Athletes Prefer It

That said, artificial turf has come a long way. Newer generations of turf fields—often called “third-generation turf”—include improved fiber blends and infill systems that try to mimic the feel of natural grass. And some athletes appreciate the consistency that turf provides.

1. Even Playing Surface

Turf doesn’t get muddy, patchy, or torn up like grass. That consistency is especially valuable for soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey.

2. More Playtime

Turf fields dry faster and withstand heavy use. Schools and leagues can schedule more games and practices without worrying about damaging the field.

3. Speed

The firm, fast surface of turf allows for quicker acceleration and sharper cuts—which some athletes feel gives them a competitive edge.

4. Low Maintenance

While this benefits facility managers more than players, it still means more field availability and fewer cancellations.

If you’re still wearing firm-ground cleats on turf, check out our full guide on Can You Wear Cleats on Turf, where we explain the best shoe types for synthetic fields.

What the Data Says About Athlete Preferences

Surveys conducted among professional athletes—especially in the NFL and MLS—have consistently shown a preference for grass. In fact:

• A 2022 NFLPA player survey revealed that over 70% of players prefer natural grass over turf due to injury concerns.

• A FIFA medical study showed that while top-tier artificial turf is “safe” by testing standards, many athletes still reported feeling more joint discomfort after playing on it.

And it’s not just professionals. Many college and high school athletes echo the same sentiment: turf is fine in a pinch, but grass is more forgiving on the body.

What About Injury Rates?

One of the biggest drivers of surface preference is injury rate. Turf is often cited as a contributor to more:

• Non-contact ACL tears

• Turf toe

• Skin abrasions (“turf burns”)

• Joint inflammation from hard landings

Grass, while not immune to injury, tends to result in fewer lower-body injuries when the field is in good condition. However, poorly maintained grass can be dangerous too, causing slips, divots, and unpredictable footing.

The Role of Cleats in Surface Preference

Footwear makes a big difference in how a surface feels. Some cleats are better suited to turf than others. Players wearing firm-ground cleats on artificial turf are more likely to experience discomfort and instability.

That’s why it’s essential to use turf-specific cleats or AG cleats when playing on synthetic fields. Learn more in our breakdown on What Type of Cleats Is Best for Turf.

The right gear can shift an athlete’s surface preference—because pain and discomfort are often linked more to the wrong cleats than the turf itself.

Insights from Lakota Design Group

At Lakota Design Group, we specialize in both natural landscape solutions and synthetic turf installations for residential and commercial use. We’ve helped schools, athletes, and homeowners in San Jose and throughout the Bay Area choose the right surface for their needs.

We know that every client and field has different requirements, and athlete feedback plays a big role in design and material selection. Whether you’re upgrading a sports facility or building a backyard training area, the playing surface should reflect how it’s going to be used and who’s using it.

Final Verdict: Which Do Athletes Really Prefer?

Overall, most athletes prefer natural grass, especially Do Athletes Prefer Turf or Grass in contact-heavy sports like football and soccer. The reduced injury risk, cooler temperatures, and natural feel make grass the top choice when maintained properly.

That said, turf has its place—and for programs that need year-round play with fewer maintenance costs, modern turf systems are a solid option. The key is making sure the surface is paired with proper footwear, consistent maintenance, and awareness of potential risks.

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