During football specific movements a high translational traction is desired at the shoe-surface interface to facilitate player
movement. Translational traction is commonly assessed through bespoke mechanical test devices which provide a more
repeatable tool for characterising the shoe-surface interaction compared to player testing. Following development, application of
the rig is demonstrated through an initial investigation into the effect of the number of studs and stud orientation on translational
traction. The translational rig consists of a tray attached to two trails, with surface samples of varying specification placed in the
tray. A number of stud configurations were chosen and tested on a 3G artificial turf sample. The initial stiffness response of the
surface as well as larger displacements were considered to help inform the mechanisms of traction. The study showed the
increasing force as the number of studs increased and how the positions of the studs also relate to the forces produced in the infill
and the effect on the mechanism of traction
