A buyer's guide to the best boots for rugby union, with options for backs and forwards and under £100
Buying rugby boots can feel like a minefield. With the progression of technology and the increased use of football boots, there are quite literally hundreds of options to pick from. Colours, lace type, material and ergonomics, these endless variables have been introduced to improve boot performance but often make your purchase a more head-scratching task. Gone are the days of just buying the first set of eight-stud Mitres from the local sports shop.
Thankfully we here at Rugby World have been buying rugby boots for years and have been through the smooth and rough first-hand. We want you to avoid the mistakes we did and ace your purchase so you can hit the upcoming rugby season running.
Looking for some boot deals in the Black Friday sales?
Below we have provided the regulations your boots and studs need to meet to play rugby, some advice on what to look for when purchasing and a guide to the best boots for forwards, backs and those on a budget.
Rugby boots – rules about studs
A detailed view of rugby studs (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images for Rugby New York)
Before we start on the actual boots, one topic we will touch on quickly is studs. Having the correct set of studs, moulds or blades can be the difference between you playing and not.
Studs have to comply to World Rugby Regulation 12 and therefore be suitable and safe for use in rugby union. The five main points are the following:
- Studs must not be longer than 21 mm
- Studs must be at least 10mm diameter at the end
- Studs should have no external projections on its surface except for text or a logo (embossment details must be no more than 0.3 mm)
- All edges of the studs should be finished smooth and rounded to a radius of not less than 1mm
- Studs must not have any burring or sharp edges.
If you are unsure still, check out England Rugby’s Get Your Boots On guide for more information.
We understand that buying rugby boots can sometimes feel like a minefield. With the progression of technology and the increased use of football boots, there are quite literally hundreds of options to pick from. Gone are the days of just buying the first set of eight-stud Mitres from the local sports shop.
So to help out, we always consider the following six simple points before buying new rugby boots:
- Fit – will these boots fit my foot shape?
- Comfort – will I find these boots comfortable?
- Durability – how long will I get out of these boots?
- Performance – do these boots suit the type of player I am?
- Value – are these boots worth the cost?
- Price – am I getting the best deal?
Compromise may have to come into play. Chances are cheaper boots will not be as durable or performance-focused. Likewise, those lucky enough to have the latest tech will likely be the most expensive. So pick what is most important to you from the above and use that as your yardstick. The above points will also vary in importance dependant on where you play. For forwards, scrummaging makes durability an imperative considerations while backs will likely want to consider a fit and how this ensures speed endurance and dynamism when stepping.
Learn more: How to master goal line defence
Read more: The upcoming England rugby fixtures
adidas Kakari RS soft ground rugby boots | From £150
Worn by the New Zealand All Blacks and Black Ferns front five, the Kakari is adidas’ forward boot. It utilises a specialist outsole that is designed to provide grip and stability while you twist and turn.
Canterbury Stampede soft ground rugby boots | £150
An eight-stud option from Canterbury, the Stampede rugby boot has a reinforced sole for better power transfer and a wide toe box for added comfort.
Nike The Premier soft ground rugby boots | £110
Worn by the likes of Billy Vunipola, while not strictly designed for rugby, The Premier’s anti-clog sole technology is incredibly useful for front and second row forwards looking to retain grip at set-piece through winter.
Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Elite soft ground rugby boots | £194.99
The most expensive option on the list, the Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Elite rugby boots are made from K-leather to provide durability in harsh conditions without compromising on shoe weight.
Oxen Raptor Elite soft ground rugby boots | £180
Calf leather uppers provide suppleness and durability through the season while the wider fit and inner foam pads ensure you remain comfortable in the boots. The eye-catching design is also to be noted.
What is needed from a rugby boot for the backs is very different from the forwards. Light, dynamic, agile, the backs needs boots to match. This mean lightweight options that support dynamic changes in direction and do not obstruct their speed. Also more likely to kick, options that have technology to aid this is also useful.
While rugby-specific boots are still popular for backs, you will also noticed many professionals opting for football-orientated boots. This is absolutely fine we would just advise against any knitted boots from a safety perspective.
Nike Tiempo Legend rugby boots | £135
The choice of Owen Farrell, the Tiempo boasts a rigged upper which helps durability for kicking. That same moulded upper provides a close fit so you feel unrestricted at all times.
adidas RS15 rugby boots | £170
RS15 is adidas’ dedicated back boot and is worn by the likes of Beauden Barrett and Freddie Steward. The boot is incredibly light to ensure no drop off in speed and has used 3D-printed elements for better kicking accuracy.
Canterbury Speed Infinite rugby boots | From £120
Canterbury’s Speed Infinite utilises meshing for breathability and comfort at the lowest weight possible. Reinforced stitching also help with durability.
Mizuno MIJ Morelia rugby boots | From £240
Like the Morelia forward boots but with moulds rather than studs. The most expensive option but Mizuno carries a reputation for reliability and longevity.
Under Armour Shadow Elite rugby boots | From £175
Recently signing Tommy Freeman, Under Armour is increasing their presence in rugby and these are the boots of the Saints winger.
Read more: The upcoming England rugby fixtures
Best boots for under £100: five options
We appreciate buying boots can be a costly exercise, especially when you reinvest in a new pair every season. So with that in mind, we thought we’d pull together some options that all come in under £100.
At a lower price, you will probably see a drop off in a few things such as weight and durability so look to prioritise what you need from the boot most. You will also notice some of these options are cheaper versions of the above, giving you some of the technology and innovation of the more expensive options at a more palatable price.
adidas RS15 rugby boots | From £65
The entry-level RS15 from Adidas has a foam padded heel cup to support accelerations while the off-centre laces provide a smoother contact point for ball kicking.
Canterbury Speed Raze rugby boots | From £67
A back boot that uses lightweight construction and synthetic materials to feel like a second skin. The mixture of metal studs and plastic moulds will provide good grip during winter.
KooGa Power rugby boots | From £40
With eight studs and padded ankle support, the Kooga Power boot is a great option for front row and second row forwards.
Mizuno Monarcida Neo III rugby boots | From £65
The Japanese boot brand’s entry-level option that borrows design cues from the Morelia NEO III. Sleek and light, great for backs looking to explode into space.
Offload Hybrid rugby boots | From £44.99
Budget sport giant Decathlon offer its Offload Hybrid boots for under £50, a great steal considering Decathlon’s general high quality. The mixture of studs will provide good grip.
Download the digital edition of Rugby World straight to your tablet or subscribe to the print edition to get the magazine delivered to your door.