Best Rugby Boots for Props 2022

Say it quietly, but you don’t need to wear black rugby boots anymore if you’re a prop.

Tadhg Furlong, Wyn Jones and Joe Marler have all been seen with a full array of colours of the rainbow on their feet recently. It’s not just the hues that are new, though.

New materials allow boots to be both strong and light, previously you had to choose. You might not be slipping into the sock boots we see on Premier League footballers but you can still enjoy high-performance boots even as a prop. We choose five of the best here.

Best Rugby Boots for Props

Adidas Kakari Z.O SG

You will increasingly see these on the feet of the elite players as the season progresses. The outers are synthetic, which allows them to be lightweight while still scuff-resistant. The sole isn’t one continuous piece. That cuts down weight as well but crucially, it allows the boot to flex and puts your foot in a great scrummaging position.

An internal strap runs through the boots which keeps you well strapped in secure. That can be a concern on a lightweight boot because sometimes there is a link between lightweight and flimsy. Not in this boot, however.

Reasons to buy:

– Get everything you need from a scrummaging boot with plenty of features for the Furlong-esque carrying prop

– They look incredible

Reasons not to buy:

– If price is a concern, and it will be for most, there are other Kakari models available for almost half the price

Buy Now from Lovell Rugby for £135

Buy Now from Sports Direct for £101

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. These boots might be designed by a flanker but they fulfill all the requirements of a prop. They also represent the future of boots where technology gets to the point that all boots can be worn by all players.

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

Mizuno Morelia Neo II SI SG

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

Canterbury Stampede 3.0 SG

Canterbury are one of the leaders when it comes to modern boots for forwards. It’s therefore unsurprising that they have got three boots on this list. These Stampedes are the most affordable boots on the list but they are still a great option. The sole is solid and will give you grip in all conditions.

Something that all props will be familiar with is a stray stud scuffing or tearing an upper. I’ve known props go through two boots a season as they get torn apart. That won’t happen with these boots as the uppers are durable and abrasion resistant.

Reasons to buy:

– Plenty of features packed into a very affordable boot

– Long life thanks to their abrasion-resistant upper

Reasons not to buy:

– They don’t have the super lightweight construction of other boots here

Buy Now from Lovell Rugby for £47

Buy Now from Sports Direct for £35

Canterbury Stampede Pro SG

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 props who still need to be mobile around the pitch.

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:

– There isn’t any ankle protection here thanks to the sock fit. That can be a concern in mauls and scrums

Buy Now from Lovell Rugby for £90

Buy Now from Pro Direct Rugby for £90

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