Should I buy the brand-matched footprint or a universal one?

Brand-matched footprints (Kelty, The North Face, Big Agnes, NEMO) stake down with the tent corners and won't extend past the fly, which prevents water pooling between the footprint and floor. Universal tarps are cheaper and more versatile but you have to trim or tuck them so they don't catch rain. Reviewers across the threads we read recommend matched footprints for fitted-pole tents and universal sheets for budget or multi-use setups.