Children's rugby shoes

The Gilbert Sidestep Icon, a Velcro shoe for beginners

The Gilbert Sidestep Icon in the kids' version takes a classic model from the brand, tailored for young players. Its Velcro fastening allows the child to put on their shoes independently at the edge of the field, with no laces that come undone at the first tackle, saving precious time for parents on tournament days. Its synthetic PU upper withstands abrasion and can be cleaned with a quick wipe, while the reinforced midfoot provides the necessary stability during early rucks and educational scrums. Its standard fit allows room for growing feet.

Other families

Rugby shoes are also available for:

• Men.
• Studs.
• Grounds.
• New arrivals.
• adidas.
• Canterbury.
• Gilbert.

All the shoes are gathered on the shoes page.

MSX sole with molded studs: why it suits young players

Under the Sidestep Icon, the MSX sole features molded studs that are part of the sole itself. More numerous and shorter than screw-in studs, they distribute weight across the entire sole of the foot and grip both grass and drier spring fields. They require no maintenance: no stud key, no lost spikes in the mud. For a child training on Wednesdays and playing on weekends, it’s the simplest and gentlest solution for still developing joints. Screw-in studs come later, for teenagers.

Check the shoe size each season

A child's foot can grow a size in just a few months: we check the size before each sports season and halfway through the year. Measure the foot at the end of the day, standing up, wearing rugby socks, and leave about a centimetre of space in front of the big toe, not much more. Shoes that are too big allow the heel to slip, cause blisters, and disrupt balance during changes of support. Junior sizes often follow the British grid: compare the length of the foot to the brand's size guide rather than the child's everyday shoe size.

Good deals

You'll find great deals in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest models. The highlights of the year follow a stable pattern: 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 the start of a new season.

Frequently asked questions

At what age should children wear studded rugby shoes?

From the early years of rugby school, around five or six years old, a pair with molded studs improves grip on grass and reduces slips. For the very first introductory sessions, well-fitting sports shoes are sufficient.

Velcro or laces for a child?

Velcro is suitable for the younger ones, who can put on their own shoes and don't waste time tying their laces between matches. As they grow, laces take over: they secure the shoe more precisely around a stronger foot.

Should you go a size up so that it lasts?

A half size at most. Beyond that, the foot floats, the heel lifts with every run, and blisters appear. It’s better to have a well-fitting shoe, replaced at the start of the season, than a pair that’s too big that troubles the child all year round.

How to clean muddy rugby shoes?

Knock the soles together to dislodge the dirt, then use a damp brush on the upper and between the studs. Stuff with newspaper and let them air dry, never on a radiator which would harden the synthetic material.

Are children's rugby shoes unisex?

Yes, both girls and boys wear the same models, chosen according to size and foot width. A young player with a narrow foot can simply tighten the fastening a bit more for good heel support.