A buying guide to the best boots for rugby union, including back and forward options, priced under £100.
Buying rugby boots can be a minefield. With the advancement of technology and the increased use of football boots, there are literally hundreds of options to choose from. These endless variables such as color, lace type, material, ergonomics, etc. are introduced to improve boot performance but often make the purchase even more head-scratching. Gone are the days of buying your first set of 8-stud Mitres from your local sports store.
Luckily we are here Rugby World We have been buying rugby boots for many years and have experienced both the easy and the difficult process ourselves. We want you to avoid the mistakes we made and make your purchase a success for the upcoming rugby season.
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Below we provide the regulations that boots and studs must meet to play rugby, some advice on what to look for when buying and a guide to the best boots for forwards, backs and players on a budget.
Rugby boots – rules for studs
A closer look at rugby players (Photo: Rich Schultz/Getty Images for Rugby New York)
Before we get into the actual boots, a quick topic to cover is studs. Having the right set of studs, molds, or blades can be the difference between playing well or poorly.
Studs must comply with the following: World Rugby Law 12 So it has to be suitable and safe for use in rugby union. Here are five key points:
- The stud length cannot exceed 21 mm.
- Studs must have a minimum diameter of 10 mm at the end.
- Studs must have no external protrusions on the surface, except for text or logos (embossing details must not exceed 0.3 mm).
- All edges of the stud must be smooth and rounded to a radius of at least 1 mm.
- Studs should not have any burrs or sharp edges.
If you’re still unsure, check out England Rugby’s Get Your Boots On guide for more information.
Rugby boots – what to consider when buying
We know that buying rugby boots can sometimes feel like a minefield. With the advancement of technology and the increased use of football boots, there are literally hundreds of options to choose from. Gone are the days of buying your first set of 8-stud Mitres from your local sports store.
So to help you out, we always recommend considering these six simple things before purchasing a new pair of rugby boots:
- Fit – Will these boots fit the shape of my feet?
- Comfort – Are these boots comfortable?
- Durability – How long can I wear these boots?
- Performance – Are these boots right for my type of player?
- Value – Are these boots worth the price?
- Price – Am I getting the best deal?
There may be compromises involved. Cheap boots are less durable or less focused on performance. Likewise, those lucky enough to have the latest technology are likely to be the most expensive. So, choose what is most important to you from the above and use that as a benchmark. The above points also vary in importance depending on where you play. For forwards, scrums make durability a vital consideration, while backs will want to consider how they provide speed, endurance and dynamics when they step and step.
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adidas Kakari RS Soft Ground Rugby Boots | From £150
The Kakkari is the adidas forward boot worn by the New Zealand All Blacks and Black Ferns front five. It features a specialist outsole designed to provide grip and stability when twisting and turning.
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Canterbury Stampede Soft Ground Rugby Boots | £150
An eight-stud option from Canterbury, the Stampede Rugby Boot features a reinforced sole for better power transfer and a wider toe box for a more comfortable fit.
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Nike The Premier Soft Ground Rugby Boots | £110
The Premier’s anti-clogging sole technology, worn by the likes of Billy Vunipola, isn’t strictly designed for rugby, but it’s invaluable for front and second-row forwards looking to maintain grip on set pieces during the winter months.
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Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Elite Soft Ground Rugby Boots | £194.99
The most expensive option on this list, the Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Elite Rugby Boots are made from K-Leather, which provides durability in harsh environments without weighing down the shoe.
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Oxen Raptor Elite Soft Ground Rugby Boots | £180
The calfskin upper provides softness and durability all season long, while the roomier fit and internal foam padding keep the boots comfortable when worn. The eye-catching design is also noteworthy.
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Rugby boots for the back: 5 options
The rugby boots that a back needs are very different from those of a forward. Light, dynamic and agile, the back needs a boot that suits him. That means a lightweight option that supports dynamic changes of direction and doesn’t hinder his speed. Also, options that are more likely to kick and have the technology to support this are useful.
While rugby specific boots are still popular, you will see many professional players opting for football boots. This is absolutely fine. From a safety standpoint, knit boots are not recommended.
Nike Tiempo Legend Rugby Boots | £135
Owen Farrell’s choice, the Tiempo, boasts a rigged upper that helps with durability for kicking. The same molded upper provides a close fit so you always feel free.
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Adidas RS15 Rugby Boots | £170
The RS15 is adidas’ exclusive back boot, worn by the likes of Beauden Barrett and Freddie Steward. The boot is extremely lightweight to avoid sacrificing speed, and uses 3D printed elements to improve kick accuracy.
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Canterbury Speed Infinite Rugby Boots | From £120
Canterbury’s Speed Infinite utilizes mesh for breathability and comfort at the lowest possible weight. Reinforced stitching also aids durability.
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Mizuno MIJ Morelia Rugby Boots | From £240
Similar to the Morelia Forward boot, but with molds instead of studs. This is the most expensive option, but Mizuno has a reputation for reliability and durability.
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Under Armour Shadow Elite Rugby Boots | From £175
Under Armour is expanding its influence in rugby with the recent signing of Tommy Freeman, and these boots are the Saints winger’s.
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Best Boots Under £100: 5 Options
We know that buying boots can be an expensive affair, especially when you have to reinvest in new boots every season. So with that in mind, we’ve rounded up a few options that can all be had for under £100.
A lower price point may mean you compromise on some aspects, such as weight and durability, so prioritize what you need most from your boots. You will also find that some of these options are cheaper versions of the ones above, offering the technology and innovation of the more expensive options at a more acceptable price.
adidas RS15 rugby boots | From £65
adidas’ entry-level RS15 features a foam-padded heel cup for acceleration, while off-center laces provide a softer contact point for striking the ball.
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Canterbury Speed Raise Rugby Boots | From £67
These back boots feel like a second skin, thanks to their lightweight construction and synthetic materials. The mix of metal studs and plastic molds provides a good grip in winter.
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KooGa Power Rugby Boots | From £40
With eight studs and padded ankle support, the Kuga Power Boot is a great choice for front- and second-row forwards.
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Mizuno Monarchida Neo III Rugby Boots | From £65
This entry-level option from the Japanese boot brand takes design cues from the Morelia NEO III. Stylish and lightweight, it’s perfect for those looking to blast off into space.
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Offroad Hybrid Rugby Boots | From £44.99
Budget sports giant Decathlon is selling its Offload Hybrid boots for under £50, which is a huge bargain considering Decathlon’s overall high quality. The mix of studs provides good grip.
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