Black Friday on rugby shoes

Kakari or Adizero: a boot for every position

A rugby boot is primarily chosen based on the player's position. The forwards, who push in scrums and brace themselves in rucks, look for a stable sole and a high number of studs: the adidas Kakari thus features a configuration with eight studs, designed for the thrust of the front five. The backs prioritise lightness and responsiveness in changing stance: the Adizero and the RS range from adidas, which are slimmer, also include a refined striking area for kickers. Between the two, back rows and scrum halves often choose a versatile model that's light enough to run and stable enough to tackle.

By brand

The Black Friday footwear is available by brand:

• adidas.
• Puma.
• Canterbury.
• Gilbert.
• Mizuno.

The Black Friday also includes Jerseys, Nations, Clubs, Equipment.

Six or eight studs, leather or synthetic: what's the difference

All the boots in this selection feature screw-in studs, marked SG for soft ground, designed for lush natural grass pitches. Their number affects performance: six studs favour speed, while eight studs anchor the foot better for pushing, like on the Gilbert Power in its low version with eight studs. The material of the upper matters too: the Mizuno Waitangi CL opts for soft leather that moulds to the foot, the Waitangi Club uses a synthetic material that withstands repeated contact, and the Waitangi Pro features a very wide shape, designed for the powerful feet of the forwards. The Gilbert Torq, on the other hand, comes in men’s and women’s cuts.

Size, fitting, and breaking in before the first match

A rugby boot should fit closer to the foot than a regular shoe: keep about half a centimetre in front of the toes, no more, to prevent the foot from slipping in the stance. The foot swells throughout the day, which is why it's useful to try them on in the late afternoon, with match socks. A leather model softens after a few sessions and slightly widens; a synthetic boot doesn't move much, so it’s essential to choose the right fit from the start. A new pair should be broken in during training, on short sessions, before being worn for eighty minutes on match day, when fatigue makes every rub more uncomfortable.

Other good deals

Outside of Black Friday, good deals can be found in good plans, clearance, sales. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the holiday season, winter sales, French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

What rugby boot is suitable for a child starting out?

A moulded sole is often sufficient to begin: light and versatile, it grips well on most pitches. Screw-in studs become helpful as the child grows and plays regularly on muddy pitches in winter.

Do you need high-top shoes to play in the forwards?

Not necessarily. High-top models provide slightly better ankle support and reassure some props, but most forwards now play in low-cut boots, which are lighter. It's mainly the sole, which should be stable and well-studded, that makes the difference in a scrum.

How long does a pair of rugby boots last?

One to two years of use for a player who trains twice a week and plays on weekends, depending on the pitch and maintenance. The studs wear out faster than the upper: replace them to extend the life of the pair.

How do you dry soaked rugby boots?

Remove the mud with a brush, take out the insoles, and stuff the boots with newspaper, changing it after a few hours. Dry them in the open air, never next to a radiator which hardens the leather and weakens the adhesives.

When should you replace screw-in studs?

As soon as they are rounded, shortened, or if one of them moves: a worn stud grips less and strains the ankle. Check them before every match and change them as a complete set, with an appropriate tool.