| Anyone who is thinking of starting to play rugby needs to consider the kit that they will need. Footwear is particularly important to a rugby player – running style, position and ground type can all influence which sort of boot is best suited to an individual. The last thing a new player needs is their game to be ruined through the use of the wrong footwear!
People commonly choose brands of sports clothing that are well known and generally trusted. This is sometimes fine, but the primary concern when getting rugby boots should be their fit, comfort and performance rather than brand or appearance. If a cheaper or less well known make of boots feels better for you, then these are probably your best option. There are a few main considerations when choosing you boots. Some boots fit different foot shapes better – the best way to judge this is to try on a number of pairs and see which feel comfiest. Generally speaking, there should be around a fingers width gap between the tip of your big toe and the end of the boot, laces should be secured tightly. There tend to be a number of stud layouts and types, including rounded and bladed, it is preferable to have removable and replaceable studs where possible. Think about the season and the ground you will be playing on – will it be soft, firm or hard?
Once you have selected the right kind of rugby boots for your situation, it is best to try on several different makes to see which you prefer. The shoe should be light weight and flexible, but provide adequate ankle support whilst allowing the movement needed for your role in the game. The uppers should be supple and hard wearing. Synthetic materials are often cheaper to purchase and lighter weight than leather. Many players prefer to have leather shoes – they are considered tougher, more supple and breathable, they can almost mould themselves to fit you just right. No matter which you choose, wear socks that can help to wick moisture away from your feet, it is also worthwhile to wear the kind of socks you will wear when playing whilst trying on different boots.
Taking good care of your rugby boots can ensure that they continue to allow the best performance from you and last longer. Try to keep them as dirt and dust free as possible when not in use, so clean them after a game. Use appropriate conditioners on leather and ensure boots are dry when stored. When your boots become wet or damp, do not use artificial heat to dry them as this can dry out materials and cause damage. Players from many sports use newspaper to dry out their shoes. Simply scrunching up appropriately sized balls of newspaper and stuffing them in the boot can speed up drying and help the material to maintain its shape. When storing boots some prefer to remove the insoles to help all parts air and prevent damp lingering.
If in doubt about choosing or caring for rugby boots, it is a good idea to ask someone with a lot of experience for advice. Once you have chosen the ideal pair of rugby boots and the rest of your kit, it’s time to start your training.
We sell a range of sports gear, including rugby boots and goods. Please visit our website at http://www.morrant.com. |
