The aim of this study was to provide information to footwear manufacturers to assist improvements in player performance and injury rates. Custom-made studs were droppebd onto a synthesised natural turf surface using a bespoke instrument drop-rig. Ten drops were performed with each stud and the acceleration profile from contact to a depth of 30 mm was recorded. Theoretical predictions were made based on the soil mechanics used in civil engineering. A difference/reverse Helmert contrast ANOVA revealed two significant differences in the rate of penetration and a regression analysis indicated that perimeter length made a significant contribution (p < 0.01) to predicting the negative jerk of the studs. There were no significant differences or relationships associated with time taken to reach a depth of 30 mm. This study provides a plausible explanation for the somewhat expected differences in penetration behaviour. It also highlights a key development in establishing a methodology for this type of work.