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Best Rugby Shoes Reviewed & Rated
Standout Picks
Top Rugby Boots and Cleats
1. Canterbury Stampede 2.0 SG
There is nothing that can stand in the way of the Canterbury Stampede 2.0 rugby cleats. This design is built for power and explosiveness, and you will love its performance features. It is constructed on a PowerLast that has a wide fit in the forefoot for comfort and has that well-known Canterbury heel raise which reduces strain on your legs. Built for soft ground, the Stampede 2.0 comes with 8 studs with bonus TPU traction.
The upper of the Stampede 2.0 cleats is made from synthetic PU for durability, and the toe box of this option is reinforced for strength. The collar is padded with 10mm foam for added comfort, and the wide fit will be a welcome change to standard footwear of this kind. The heel raise is at 8mm, putting you in a power position on the field, and the additional TPU we mentioned in the studs is there for even more power than you can possibly imagine.
The Canterbury Stampede 2.0 rugby cleats are the one design that you shouldn’t mess with. If you’re the type of player who needs more from their boots, who likes to be strong and uncompromising on the field, then you need footwear to match, and the Stampede 2.0 is definitely it.
2. Adidas Kakari Force SG
Right alongside Nike, there is Adidas, another powerhouse in the world of sports footwear. The Kakari Force SG rugby cleats is a design specifically created for tight five players on soft ground. It has a very precise configuration of studs, as well as a raised heel which helps you push forward. The lockdown on these rugby boots is amazing, and you can trust that its comfort levels will be up to par, as well. As the brand says, conquer the scrum in the Kakari Force!
The upper of this option is made from premium leather, and there is a synthetic lining as well as a sock-like design for security. The studs are positioned to provide you with customized traction on a soft ground outsole, and you would do well to tighten them correctly before the game. The heel raise is 10mm, to ensure the dynamic of your movements. Of course, to round up the design there is a lace-up system with which you can easily adjust the fit to your liking.
The Adidas Kakari Force SG is made according to all the standards set by World Rugby, and you can be sure that they are the best of the best currently on the market. Once you invest in these bad boys, you will not look back ever again. So what are you waiting for? Go get your new groundbreaking shoes!
3. Nike Tiempo Legend VII FG
As its very name says, the Nike Tiempo Legend VII rugby cleats a literal legend in the world of sports footwear and one of the best rugby boots on the market. This is a firm ground option with a combination of leather and Flyknit for the upper, and a Fitmesh liner. There are super strong cables that wrap around the foot and provide incredible lockdown that you need when you change direction and sprint across the field. The Tiempo Legend VII stops at nothing to make sure you perform at your best game after game.
This rugby boot has a Flyknit tongue and heel which provide a second-skin-like feeling, supporting you just where you need it. Supple leather wraps over the Flyknit for security, and the Fitmesh lining is there to keep the form of the design intact and stop it from stretching out. The cleats on this design are made from a mesh of nylon and Pebax for stability and light weight.
The Nike Tiempo Legend VII is perfect for slightly wet fields with short grass, and it will keep you stable and secure all throughout your activities. A combination of premium Nike materials ensures the best experience ever, and you definitely won’t regret investing in these durable, reliable boots!
4. Under Armour Highlight MC
These high rugby boots by Under Armour are a great choice for players in tight five forward positions who intend to play on soft ground. Their biggest advantage is the upper which provides stability without sacrificing how lightweight it is, while the studs are a bit unorthodox. There is an additional toe stud that will help you gain traction when playing. An added bonus is that these come in a wide variety of colors, meaning that you can go with performance-driven white or a more colorful rugby shoe to help you stand out on the field.
The very best thing about these rugby cleats is the upper which is made with Under Armour’s ClutchFit ankle sleeve which is a compression sleeve that provides stability in the ankle and a customized fit through the padded tongue. They are extremely lightweight, being only 10.3 ounces, the equivalent of a low-top option, and very flexible, so you can rest assured that the added support will in no way limit your range of motion. The footbed of these rugby shoes is made so that it reduces cleat pressure and molds to your foot, giving you a customized fit for maximum comfort. In addition, the Highlight MC features V56 technology which was developed to limit the level of hyperextension in your toe, helping keep you injury-free while you play. The PlasmaX plates maximize flexibility by following the foot’s natural motion, while still allowing for great traction and stability.
The Under Armour Highlight MC is an excellent choice for forwarding players who are looking for added ankle stability without the addition of unnecessary weight. If you have wide feet, it is advisable to order a ½ size up as these are more suited for narrow feet.
5. Canterbury Speed 2.0 SG
According to the brand itself, the Canterbury Speed 2.0 is created for the agile player who likes to give it their most on the field. It has a synthetic soft upper that molds to the foot and is built on the signature Canterbury Speed last, meaning that everything is geared towards a dynamic game. There is a heel raise to reduce strain in your lower legs, as well as an outsole made for soft ground.
The fit of the Speed 2.0 rugby cleats is slim for better lockdown, and this particular design comes in several color options, the white and the yellow, both of which grab the attention. The collar is cushioned for maximum comfort, and everything inside the shoe is as secure as it should be. The heel raise we mentioned before is of 8mm, meaning that you get the optimal running stance, and there are 6 studs to deliver amazing traction on soft terrain.
The Canterbury Speed 2.0 comes from a brand that dedicates itself to this sport and the gear for this sport. This particular design will keep you fast and able to change direction quickly while not slipping or skidding or otherwise injuring yourself. It is also quite an affordable choice, compared to most other options on our list. A well-rounded design!
6. Adidas Malice Control SG
The Adidas Malice Control rugby boots are designed to be the support a backline player needs. It is lightweight and breathable thanks to its synthetic mesh upper, and it has a hybrid combination of studs with molded placements in between. What sets apart the Malice from other designs of its kind is the fact that it has an asymmetrical lacing system which both looks cool and has a purpose in the game.
The Malice rugby cleats will keep your feet cool and sweat-free thanks to its porous mesh upper. The lacing closure we touched on is conceived in such a way that there is a large spot left on top of the boot so you can strike the ball without any problems. The hybrid studs mean that there are four low profile aluminum ones in the front, as well as two aluminum ones in the back. They’re divided by these placements that increase control as you run.
Overall, the Adidas Malice Control is one tough design meant for soft ground play. It offers you greater control of your movements, of the ball and consequently of the game itself, and if you are the type of player who is all about that precision and power dynamic, you will love every second you play in these sneakers!
7. Nike Vapor 12 Pro FG
When it comes to practically any sports discipline, there is hardly a better rugby cleat than that from Nike. Therefore, we have a couple of their designs on our list, and this particular one, the Vapor 12 Pro FG is everything you need for that firm ground grip. It is made from a synthetic upper that provides a second-skin-like fit, as well as an internal structure for responsive traction.
The Vapor 12 Pro FG spares nothing for its micro-textured upper that gently wraps around your foot and keeps you secure. There are podular plates in the sole which contour to the shape of your foot for comfort and energy rebound, and we can’t leave out the chevron studs which provide explosive speed and quick stops. The heel lining of the Vapor 12 Pro firmly holds your foot and keeps everything in place as it should be.
Given the brand name of this design, we are not surprised at the number of innovations and systems that go into its construction. The Nike Vapor 12 Pro is not to be messed with, and your performance will definitely benefit from its comfy upper and stabilizing features as you push through the game.
8. Under Armour CoreSpeed
There is an abundance of Under Armour designs on our list, and with good reason; these cleats are top of the line when it comes to the trusty, performance-driven rugby boots, and the CoreSpeed is no exception. This option has an offset lacing closure, an external layer meant to enhance touch, and a footbed that absorbs impact upon your every heel strike. It keeps you comfy and it helps you demonstrate all of your skills to the fullest.
The CoreSpeed is made from synthetic leather that forms to the foot, and the lacing system which provides a large kicking surface. What is especially neat about this cleat is the 3D printed layer on top of the upper that enhances touch and helps you have better control of the ball. The footbed of the Corespeed is a so-called Charged Cushioning footbed which absorbs shock and transforms it into responsive speed. For the outsole, there is a combination of fixed studs and removable ones so that you can customize them however you like.
The Under Armour CoreSpeed is the only option on our list that has customizable studs, and you might want to take advantage of that. This is an option for control and quickly changing directions and taking care of your joints at the same time. It is sleek, it is effective, and it will most definitely up your game!
9. Mizuno Morelia II
The Mizuno Morelia II is a limited model of the cleat, great for soccer and rugby alike. It boasts of a barefoot feel, keeping it soft and lightweight with kangaroo leather uppers. This particular model is made in Japan, so make sure to check sizes before you order. Its technical plate allows for flexibility, enhanced stability, and durability, and is particularly suited for firm ground fields. Weighing in at only 8.1oz, it’s sure to catch your eye for an assessment.
A graded Pebax sole plate rests at the base of the Morelia II cleats, which not only provides enhanced support and stability but allows for the flexibility needed by wingers for quick maneuvering and dodging tackles. The plate helps with quick sprints by providing a firm base to press against for explosive power and provides durability overall to the integrity of the cleat. Designed for firm ground, 13 PU studs line the sole in specific positions to better help alleviate pressure points. Soft kangaroo leather creates the soft supple uppers of the Morelia II, giving it a great in-shoe feel, but also making it quick and functional in terms of ball handling. For soccer, this is ideal, but for rugby, kickers will appreciate the sense of touch more so than other positioned players. A tongue overlays lace-up closure so you won’t be catching your cleats in knots!
The Mizuno Morelia II is designed for advanced players who enjoy a barefoot feel for grip and the soft touch feel of kangaroo leather uppers. Perfectly positioned cleats alleviate pressure points during play, and the Pebax sole plate gives the performance an upgrade in flexibility, durability, and stability. Well worth the investment if you’re a long time rugby specialist!
10. Under Armour Force 3.0
These rugby boots by Under Armour are made for backs and wingers and are an excellent choice if you have to play on firm, dry natural grass surfaces. These are great for gaining acceleration, as well as for deceleration, seeing that they have a soleplate that’s flexible in the front, but more firm as it gets closer to the heel. The design features eight cleats in the forefoot, and four in the heel section, providing you with plenty of traction, even during lateral movement. The definite best feature of the Force is the specially developed upper which provides you with premium comfort, without sacrificing weight.
The upper of the Force is made with Trivela microfibre which stretches two ways, giving you more mobility during your play, while still providing good support. It will mold to your feet, making you appreciate the customized level of comfort. On the inside, you will experience moderate padding that adds to the overall experience. The footbed of the Force is also made to conform to the shape of your foot. It’s got Charged Cushioning which provides excellent shock absorption and energy return, making it easy to keep on running. You will also find that these feature an anti-slip material in the heel, which will lock your foot in the heel, providing you with a more secure wearing experience.
If you need a good pair of shoes for firm ground, the UA Force 3.0 is an excellent choice. Originally designed for soccer players, these will be a good fit for backs and wingers, however, one of the downsides is that you won’t get too much use out of them on softer grounds.