Through the tough tournaments and triumphs, there really is no other sport quite like rugby for creating camaraderie between teammates. To make sure you're playing your best, finding good a quality pair of rugby boots that suit the ground's underfoot and the style of rugby you play, is an essential first step.
Whether you're already in a team or are playing for the first time, we've ranked the top 10 best rugby boots in the UK for forwards and backs. Comparing styles for men, women and kids, we'll go over the intricacies of metal studs, leather uppers and more, with links to buy on Amazon, Decathlon, John Lewis and eBay!
Quick List - Top Rugby Boots
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The rugby boot industry can be a confusing one, as some pairs are designed for the fast feet of the backs, and others for the stability required of the forwards. This simple buying guide will take you step by step through the most important aspects of modern-day rugby boots so that your decision will be an easy one!
Our comprehensive top 10 features boots for men, women, and children. One difference that is worth taking into consideration when looking at boots for adults is that women's boots feature a slightly slimmer fit and are designed to be lighter in weight. Some brands are now offering unisex boots too - meaning anyone get a good deal of wear and comfort from a wider choice.
If your kids have shown an interest in the sport and are constantly bugging you about sign up day, there are a tonne of rugby boots built specifically for kids' feet. Kids' boots tend to come unisex as standard, with good value budget buys, as well as premium pairs from top-shelf rugby brands.
Rugby boots are often made to suit your position on the field. Backs will need agility, speed and a feeling of response from their boots, whereas forwards should look for stability, support and protection. However, you can also find hybrid boots that take the best parts of both and fuse them together to create a versatile all-rounder.
If a particular pair has caught your eye, but they aren't clearly labelled, there are a couple of signs to look out for to help you decide whether a pair is suitable. Traditionally, rugby boots with six studs are intended for backs, as they don't require the same level of grip that forwards do in scrums and rucks.
Forwards, therefore, have an increased stud count of eight. These days boots for backs are also heavily influenced by football boots and are often lighter in weight than the heavy-duty boots preferred by forwards.
It used to be that most rugby boot uppers were constructed using genuine hardwearing leathers that could endure tough playing conditions, but were prone to letting players down in other ways. You can still find slimmed-down leather boots that are a far cry from those of the glory days, but synthetic 'PU' leather reigns supreme in today's market.
This is because synthetic leather dries quicker, which helps when training is the day before a big game, and it is also a whole lot lighter. Some brands also include pebbling on their uppers for better ball control.
Other features to look for are neoprene linings, and asymmetric lacing systems that create a greater surface area on the side of a boot for better kicking control.
The material that studs are constructed from is equally as important. Kids' boots will often feature plastic or rubber studs, to reduce stud injuries and make it a little softer underfoot for their developing feet. Kids' boots may feature removable plastic studs, although it's much more common to find permanently fixed or 'moulded' studs.
Boots for adults tend to come with removable aluminium studs. If you prefer a more gentle underfoot feeling, but still want the ability to swap your studs out for longer ones on particularly muddy days, seek out hybrid stud configurations. These combine removable metal and moulded plastic studs for a very versatile boot.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Gilbert Kaizen 1.0 KN Rugby Boots | ![]() | Premium Boots Built for Speed and Agility | |
2 | adidas Malice Rugby Boots | ![]() | Technical Boots for Kicking | |
3 | Canterbury Stampede 3.0 Pro Rugby Boot | ![]() | High Scruff Ankle Support With Ample Stud Grip | |
4 | Puma King Pro H8 SG Rugby Boots | ![]() | Stylish Eight Stud Leather Boots for Soft Turf | |
5 | Mizuno Monarcida Neo Rugby Boots | ![]() | Super Flexible and Lightweight Unisex Boots | |
6 | Canterbury Phoenix Raze Rugby Boots | ![]() | Reinforced Toe Box for Increased Forefoot Strength | |
7 | Optimum Viper Rugby Boots | ![]() | Lightweight Performance Driven Kids' Boots | |
8 | Offload Women's Hybrid Boots | ![]() | Mixed Studs for Versatility in All Conditions | |
9 | Optima Razor Rugby Boots | ![]() | Popular Entry-Level Pair for Men, Women and Children | |
10 | Offload Moulded Rugby Boots | ![]() | Dry Pitch Moulded Stud Boots for Kids |
Gilbert's lightest boot to date, the Kaizen 1.0 KN is their latest pro model for players of all levels to reach their full potential. The synthetic leather upper is incredibly lightweight and features a knitted ankle entry for a streamlined and secure fit.
The complex stud profile of the boot includes five moulded and six screw-in studs, that benefit from Gilbert's pro-lite construction to allow a healthy amount of traction without comprising on weight. This makes them the ideal boot for any player who wants to feel the cutting edge of boot design under their feet.
Here are a fast-flying, high-styling pair of rugby boots that are brimming with features to give you that vital fine line edge to outdo the rest. Malice by adidas is a unisex shoe with asymmetrical laces and pebbling across the front of the upper for insanely good ball control.
The unique configuration of the studs will promote acceleration and fast directional changes, so that you can outdo your competition and put points on the board. The boots are also perfectly suited to British rugby in soft ground, and are pleasantly priced too!
With high scruff ankle support and a knitted collar and tongue, the Stampede 3.0 is a contemporary rugby boot. It features a good amount of stiffness across the sole, eight screw-in studs and three moulded plastic studs to create a super grippy platform for any forward to work their way up the field.
With a 3D moulded rearfoot heel counter adding to the sturdiness of the boot, you need not worry about how your boots are going to perform under the pressurised predicaments that all forwards seem to get themselves into.
Puma's King Pro H8 SG is a modern take on a classic design that has adorned the feet of some of the all-time rugby greats. In this iteration, Puma have reduced the boot's weight, to put it more in line with the direction that the modern game is heading in.
These boots also feature slip-on laces to deliver a seamless fit that's super comfortable, and does away with the need for a traditional tongue. A great soft ground boot for any man who likes their boots to look good, and feel better!
The Monarcida Neo by Mizuno is a lightweight, flexible boot that will feel especially responsive underfoot. This style of boot will suit any player who fancies their chances in the open field, and can't afford to have their boots holding them up!
The best thing about these rugby boots is that they're suited to both men and women, coming with a comfortable outsole that promotes a stable grounding to aid spontaneity in players. It's a sleek and stylish all-black offering that sits firmly in the mid-range on quality and price.
Canterbury's story is inescapably linked with the history of rugby itself. Founded in New Zealand in 1907 by three English expatriates who started out making high-quality rugby garments, Canterbury has been one of the world's most popular rugby brands for a long, long time.
The Phoenix Raze is a modern boot with six screw-in studs for speed, and reinforced toe boxes for strength. You'll also get a wide-fitting forefoot for reducing pressure and 9mm foam cushioning in the collar to provide support. A truly versatile approach to help all players perform well in the modern game of rugby.
If your child is quick on their feet, sidestepping around the family in style just for kicks, then the Viper will help them to reach their maximum ground speeds on the field. This is a true performance-driven boot, that features lightweight PU leather uppers and short studs for firm ground games.
This style of boot is the perfect fit for fast-paced positions, like wingers, centres and fullbacks. That said, they'll also work perfectly fine for any children who like keeping light on their toes in order to sting their opposition like bees!
Offload's women's hybrid boot is a great option for female players in all field positions. They offer plenty of speed and agility, as well as creating a stable and supportive platform for you to play your best from.
Offload has accomplished this by reinforcing the boot around the most sensitive areas of the feet, whilst keeping the uppers soft and supple at the front. With both moulded and screw-in studs, this is a modern, versatile boot that won't hurt the back pocket too dearly either.
Optima has done a good job of cornering the entry-level boot market and excelling in it. The Razor is one of their most popular styles, as they come in four colourways and are available in both adult's and kid's sizes.
The boot features six screw-in studs, which make them better suited for backs. However, they will also suit forwards who enjoy more response from their boots. Just be aware that they may not last quite as long as more premium pairs.
Offload is Decathlon's signature rugby brand that offers decent gear for more than decent prices. These are their moulded stud rugby boots that are intended for kids to wear on firm ground and artificial pitches.
Due to the more gentle nature of kids' rugby, these boots will work just as well for the backs as they will forwards. They're comfortable, flexible and should go the distance for a season at the very least. Sure, they aren't from a well-known brand, but for giving your kids a start, you could do a lot worse.
Rugby is a sport that's just as enjoyable to watch, as it's rewarding to play, which is why we've ranked more of the best sports-related goods for people who live and breathe the spirit of rugby. Including men's gilets to keep you warm at the rugby ground, PS5 sports games, and even waterproofing sprays to protect your new boots!
Taking pride in your rugby boots and maintaining them is a pleasurable prospect when you own a pair that's worthy of your admiration. Whether you're just about to start your first season, or have been a workhorse for your local club for years, we hope you found a pride-inducing pair to wear!
Author: Connor Macanally
No. 1: Gilbert|Kaizen 1.0 KN Rugby Boots
No. 2: adidas|Malice Rugby Boots
No. 3: Canterbury|Stampede 3.0 Pro Rugby Boot
No. 4: Puma|King Pro H8 SG Rugby Boots
No. 5: Mizuno|Monarcida Neo Rugby Boots
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