Black Friday children's shoes
The Black Friday children's shoes selection is aimed at young rugby players who are putting on their first boots or changing sizes during the year. Moulded stud soles for rugby school, more stable models for young forwards, Gilbert shoes designed for rugby: each pair is chosen for grip, support, and the comfort of a growing foot.
The first boots, at a reduced price.
Moulded or screw-in studs: what rugby school allows
At rugby school, moulded studs are the standard for younger players: metal studs are only allowed from the under-14 category. Integrated into the sole, moulded studs grip on dry ground as well as on soft grass, with no maintenance and no risk of losing a stud during a match. Screw-in studs, which are longer and interchangeable, are aimed at teenagers playing on heavy pitches in winter. Whatever the model, the World Rugby regulations limit the length of a stud to twenty-one millimetres.
Other children's categories
The Black Friday for kids comes in various forms:
All kids' products from the Black Friday have been gathered on the kids page.
Measuring the shoe size of a growing foot
To find the right shoe size, measure the child's foot while standing and at the end of the day, with the rugby socks they will wear for the match, which are thicker than everyday socks. Leave about half a centimetre between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. A too large size makes the foot slip and causes blisters, while a size that is too small compresses the toes during pressure. In children, the foot can gain a size in just a few months: so check the size at the start of each school term and after the spring holidays, without waiting for the sole to wear out.
Forwards or backs: a shoe for each position
The position influences the choice as soon as the game is organised. Forwards, who push in scrums and battle in rucks, look for a reinforced upper, sometimes high-top, and a wide sole that stabilises their footing. Backs prefer a low and lightweight shoe, with a softer front for quicker acceleration and direction changes. For the younger players, who switch positions regularly during sessions, a versatile shoe with moulded studs remains the safest choice. Finally, it's best to avoid walking on asphalt with studs: they wear out quickly and lose their grip.
Other good deals
Outside of Black Friday, great deals can be found in good plans, clearance, and sales. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and the new school year.
Frequently asked questions
How to care for rugby shoes after a match in the rain?
Remove mud with a brush right after the match, then stuff the shoes with newspaper to absorb moisture. Dry them in the open air, away from a radiator, which could stiffen the upper and weaken the bond of the sole.
What shoe for a synthetic pitch?
On a synthetic pitch, opt for short and numerous moulded studs that distribute pressure and grip without sinking in. Screw-in studs are not recommended and often banned by clubs, as they can damage the surface.
Does a studded shoe fit the same as a trainer?
Not always, because the upper of a studded shoe is tighter to support the foot. So, compare the foot length to the brand's size guide rather than taking the size of everyday shoes.
How to avoid blisters with a new pair?
Wear the pair for a few training sessions before the first match, to soften the upper. Well-fitted socks, with no folds, and a tight lacing on the instep reduce friction at the heel.
When should a pair be replaced?
As soon as the toes touch the front of the shoe, the sole peels off, or the studs are too worn to grip. For children, the pair often becomes too small long before it is worn out.
