Why it matters

Soccer is played on a variety of surfaces and each has its specific traction, mobility and safety requirements.  Players who work on a variety of surfaces and conditions may need more than one shoe.  It is often beneficial, although not required, for a player to select the same style boot for each relevant surface.  This proves a consistent platform when striking the ball and a consistent feel.  It may also improve consistency of play across the different surfaces.  This is not necessarily the best choice for every player and a variety of boots should be sampled before selecting one.  It may also be cost prohibitive to purchase a different cleat type for each surface.  A player may choose to select a mid level (FG) cleat for use on all grass surfaces.  If a player primarily plays on one surface, it may be better to select the cleat pattern for that surface and sacrifice performance in the exception games.

Indoor:

Indoor soccer may be on a concrete, wood, or turf surface.  Ironically, ‘indoor’ pitches may be outside and subject to weather.  The pitch is generally much smaller than a regulation field and games feature small sided teams.  Since the surface is similar to other court sports, the sole pattern and materials often mirror basketball or tennis shoes from the same manufacturer.  The inner sole and uppers are often very different.  Indoor boots are generally lighter and thinner.  Soccer boots will rarely have the same level of cushion in the inner sole or the amount of padding in the upper as other court shoes.  The uppers are styled after equivalent grass boots, but may not include the same features (i.e. side lacing, flaps, heel counter).

I recommend that club or travel team level players have a pair of indoor boots if it is financially viable.  These are shoes that the player can use every day for normal wear.  They are generally sturdy and work well for just kicking the ball around.  They can be worn in between games and to/from the car for practice.

Turf:

Turf shoes are specialized and are generally only needed for play on artificial surfaces.  The sole pattern is a tight grouping of dots covering the bottom surface of the shoe.  They may also intersperse a pattern similar to a court/indoor shoe to provide more lateral traction.  These can be used for all around play, but generally have a much softer outer sole material and wear quickly on hard surfaces.  They may also leave scuff marks so they are often disallowed for indoor play.

Grass:

Grass boots are most commonly referred to in the US as cleats.  There is a variety of cleat patterns, materials, design (blades vs. studs) and price points.

Blades (molded cleats) vs. studs (traditional round cleats):

Most players have a definite preference.  Blades have a shape advantage allowing for greater lateral movement and the ability to spread the load over a greater area.  Studs are simpler and wear more slowly.  They may dig deeper into the surface for a better plant at the heal.  This is why most soft ground boots often use two studs at the heel even if the other cleats are blades.  Professionals tend to stick with one or the other (depending on endorsement contracts)