Our children's shoes Canterbury page features, when available, junior rugby shoes from the New Zealand brand, a specialist in oval balls for over a century, with the history of Canterbury, founded in Christchurch in 1904, and our tips for choosing studs, support and size from rugby school age.
New Zealand rugby from a young age.
Canterbury was founded in 1904 in Christchurch, in the New Zealand region that gives it its name, under the guidance of John Lane, Pringle Walker, and Alfred Rudkin. Their clothing, designed to withstand the harsh climate of the South Island, quickly attracted rugby players. After the First World War, the brand began to supply the All Blacks, a partnership that has lasted for over seventy-five years. The logo featuring the three intertwined Cs, for Canterbury Clothing Company, has become one of the most recognized symbols in rugby, from jerseys to studded shoes.
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All children's shoes can be found on the children's shoes page.
A shoe designed for rugby provides more protection than a general-purpose studded shoe. Its reinforced toe can handle being stomped on in rucks, its rigid heel counter stabilizes the foot during pushes, and its wider forefoot ensures good footing upon impact. For a child just starting to play with contact, these reinforcements provide reassurance without excessively weighing down the shoe. Staying true to its rugby specialist culture, Canterbury designs its models based on the demands of the game, making it a sensible choice for young players getting into scrums.
A well-maintained pair lasts longer and keeps its support. After each session, tap the soles together to shake off mud, then brush the upper with warm water, without soaking it. Drying should be done naturally, shoes stuffed with paper, never against a radiator or in direct sunlight. For a pair with screw-in studs, regularly check their tightness with the provided key and replace any that have sharp edges. A child wearing the same pair for training and matches wears them out quickly: it's best to check the sole's condition during every school holiday.
Good deals can be found in the promotions, sales, clearance, and Black Friday. The items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year festivities, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school period.
It was born in New Zealand, in Christchurch, in 1904, and retains the name and the spirit. Its headquarters and ownership have changed over time, but the brand remains associated with New Zealand rugby and its demand for durability.
Usually around ten or twelve years old, when tackling and scrums become regular and winter pitches become more demanding. Before then, a lightweight shoe with moulded studs is sufficient for running, passing, and discovering the game.
Moulded studs are suitable for dry or synthetic pitches and the majority of training. Screw-ins are necessary on wet grass in winter, provided their tightness is checked before each match.
With high sports socks, thick enough to cushion against friction, like those worn in matches. A thinner or thicker sock can change the fit by half a size and affect the fitting.
Standing up, the child should have about a centimetre of space between the big toe and the front of the shoe, without the heel lifting when walking. The upper should wrap around the foot without creasing or creating pressure points.