Rugby shoes Asics
Our Asics page showcases the rugby shoes from the Japanese brand when available, particularly the Lethal range: Lethal Tigreor with a kangaroo leather upper, Lethal Speed for backs, Lethal Relentless with detachable studs. A brand known for its cushioning, it's very prominent in Australia, in both Rugby Union and League.
Japanese comfort on the pitch.
From Kobe to the Scrummage: the story of Asics
It all started in Kobe, in 1949, when Kihachiro Onitsuka founded a small sports shoe company. In 1977, the merger of Onitsuka with two other Japanese sports manufacturers gave rise to Asics, an acronym for the Latin motto "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano", a healthy mind in a healthy body. Initially known for its running shoes and their cushioning, the brand developed a line of rugby shoes, the Lethal, which became very popular in Australia and New Zealand.
The other brands
Rugby shoes are also available from:
All shoes are gathered on the shoes page.
Lethal Tigreor, Speed or Relentless: three player profiles
The Lethal Tigreor combines a kangaroo leather upper, soft and precise for ball handling, with a moulded insole that hugs the foot; its oval studs aim for stability on hard ground. The Lethal Speed, developed for the 2015 World Cup, is designed for fast backs, and its RS version caters to beginners and club players. The Lethal Relentless, with removable screw-in studs, has been specifically designed for rugby XV and its muddy pitches, where grip is everything.
Flytefoam and raised heel: cushioning according to Asics
Asics brings its expertise from running shoes to rugby. The Flytefoam foam, lightweight, absorbs repeated impacts without weighing down the shoe. The HG10mm technology raises the heel by ten millimetres compared to the front of the foot: this incline reduces strain on the Achilles tendon and calves, which are often put to the test by sprints and tackles. Some models also come in a 2E width, which is more generous, a sought-after option for players with wider feet who feel cramped in European shapes.
Deals
Good bargains can be found in the deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest models. The key times of the year follow a steady order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school period.
Frequently asked questions
Does Asics make screw-in rugby shoes?
Yes, the Lethal Relentless features removable studs designed for rugby XV on muddy ground. Other models in the Lethal range use moulded studs, better suited for the hard surfaces of Australian rugby XIII.
Do Asics rugby shoes run small?
They often fit a bit snug, especially at the front of the foot. Many players opt for half a size up from their usual size, or choose a version in 2E width when they have wide feet.
Why are Asics shoes popular in Australia?
Rugby XIII, which is very popular in Australia, is often played on dry and hard surfaces, where cushioning and moulded studs make a difference. The Lethal range, designed for these surfaces, equips many amateur and professional players there.
Is an Asics Lethal suitable for a forward?
It depends on the model: a prop or lock needs screw-in studs and a strong upper to push, which the Relentless offers. The lighter models in the range are aimed more at backs.
Does the kangaroo leather of the Tigreor require special care?
Yes, it should be cleaned with a soft brush and lukewarm water, without soaking it, then left to dry away from any heat source. A nourishing cream for fine leather, applied from time to time, prevents it from hardening.
