This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the performance of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) piles in soft clay. The load transfer behaviour of small-scale FRP piles manufactured using either glass or carbon fibres is analysed and compared to that of traditional steel piles, in order to assess the viability of FRPs as piling materials. In addition, the effects of FRP material and fibre orientation on pile behaviour are investigated with the goal of identifying the optimal conditions for best performance. In all cases, the FRP piles present higher or at least similar capacity compared to steel piles. FRP surface topology, pile texture and waviness pattern dictated by the fibre weaving and orientation were found to exert a significant influence on the pile axial capacity. The lower stiffness of the FRP piles leads to increased pile head displacement under lateral loading compared to steel piles.