Best Rugby Boots for Forwards 2022

Say it quietly, but you can wear non-black rugby boots now as a forward. It’s increasingly becoming acceptable and even props are pulling on silver, white, even blue boots.

The key features of a forwards boot are a solid base. If you have that then you will be hard to move in the scrum and the breakdown. But, sadly, you also have to do plenty of running so lightweight construction is also important. Nowadays, you can get both.

Best Rugby Boots for Forwards

Adidas Kakari Z.1 SG Boots

It’s impossible to write a list of the best rugby boots without including a pair of Kakaris. They have consistently been some of the most popular boots among pros and amateurs alike.

They have the solid base you require but that doesn’t come at the expense of heft. Adidas have cut weight from their most recent Kakaris. This is the boot the modern forward needs: sleek without compromising the job it needs to do.

Reasons to buy:

– Tried and tested by thousands of pro and amateur feet over the years. You are guaranteed a quality boot

– Even lighter than before but without losing any functionality

Reasons not to buy:

– Last year’s boots, recommended by Rugby World, are available for up to 75% cheaper than the latest Kakaris

Buy Now from Lovell Rugby for £180

Buy Now from Pro Direct Rugby for £180

Canterbury Phoenix Genesis Elite Boots

The Phoenix Genesis Elites are designed in conjunction with Wales flanker (come winger, come centre, come fly-half!) Justin Tipuric. The boots are unsurprisingly therefore a mix of forward grit and back agility.

They don’t have the sock-like construction of some boots but they are still light. The benefit of that sturdier construction is that you feel like all your power is going through the boot and into the ground. I don’t have much power but I felt instantly more powerful when stepping or driving into contact in these boots. Tipuric might be a back-row, but these boots are perfect regardless of your position.

Reasons to buy:

– Understated style if you are someone who decries the rise of the sock boot

– Would suit any player regardless of position. If you are a scrummaging prop or a flighty winger, or even Tipuric himself, you will benefit from this boot

Reasons not to buy:

– Would not be a good fit if you play mostly on dry pitches

Buy Now from Lovell Rugby for £130

Canterbury Stampede Pro SG Boots

Modern boots fall into two categories: sock fit and traditional. Sock-fit boots came over from football where lightness is crucial. But the other benefit is the close and comfortable fit. The Stampede Pros combine a sock-like fit with the sturdiness and protection you would expect from a traditional boot.

We trialled a size 14 version of the Stampede Pros. Despite the ridiculous size, they were still lighter than many ‘normal’ sized boots in smaller sizes. But, that comes with a scuff resistant upper and reinforced toe area, making them a great option for forwards.

Reasons to buy:

– A very comfortable fit immediately out of the box

– Plenty of protection on the upper, which means they will last a good few seasons

Reasons not to buy:

– They don’t have the ultra lightweight construction of some alternatives

Buy Now from Pro Direct Rugby for £90

Adidas Kakari SG Boots

You can tell how highly we think of the Kakari when two make it onto this list. This is the more affordable version and the one I choose to wear myself. They are an incredibly comfortable fit immediately with a soft interior.

A great touch is the extra protection on the ankle. You’ll be thankful for it when a stray boot clocks you on the side of the foot.

The modern forward is dynamic and moves around the pitch. These Kakaris reflect that need with the lightness and strength underfoot. A great option for all forwards.

Reasons to buy:

– Most people couldn’t tell the difference between this boot and one £100 more expensive

– Great solid platform for generating power in the scrum and breakdown

Reasons not to buy:

– The upper is quite easily scuffed

Mizuno Morelia Neo II SI SG Boots

Mizuno boots feel like a cut above and the Morelia Neo IIs are no different. They are a secure fit which gives a great feeling when you are charging down the pitch on the way to hitting a ruck. The uppers look conventional but they are lighter than many other boots on the market. That helps in the aforementioned charging.

It is a perfect combination of very sturdy underfoot but light and flexible. No wonder the Mizuno Morelias, in all their guises, are so commonly seen on the feet of pro players.

Reasons to buy:

– Tried and tested in the game over many years

– Plenty of security underfoot

Reasons not to buy:

– Wouldn’t be a good fit if you were looking for something ultra modern aesthetically

Buy Now from Pro Direct Rugby for £80

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