Rugby shoes have developed significantly since the 1500s when King Henry played in the fields of England. Today rugby players wear specially designed footwear, a vital part of equipment to withstand the strains of constant kicking and running. Cutting edge technology provides comfort, protection, power, speed and control during games and practices.
History
Originally, during the late 1800s, rugby players wore walking shoes, work boots or hobnail boots with protruding nails to play the game. Some boots had metal tips to hack a player's legs to stop him. Laws finally barred projecting nails or iron plates but allowed for leather studs. Standardized rugby boots appeared in the early 1900s, weighing 500 g with six studs and made of thick, hard leather going to the ankle. At the end of World War II, a shift in design toward a lighter, more flexible shoe focused on performance rather than protection. Technological developments later produced a rugby shoe with a lower cut and interchangeable plastic or rubber cleats. By the 1960s lightweight synthetic materials made the rugby shoe lighter and more comfortable.
Material
Typically, rugby shoes have leather or durable synthetic uppers for extra protection. Leather molds itself to the foot but in wet conditions may stretch out of shape. Synthetic shoes are more flexible and much lighter, according to BBC Sport Rugby Union. For added comfort, advanced models have EVA, ethylene vinyl acetate, insoles and split out soles.
Studs
Studs are made of aluminum or hard plastic with two types of patterns: eight stud or six stud. Tight forwards, such as props, hookers and locks, prefer eight studs for extra grip while scrimmaging and mauling. Backs wear six studs for quicker movement and more agility. Rugby shoes for playing on hard ground usually have molded studs, which provide more traction, control, power and swerve for playing on hard and dry surfaces. Soft ground shoes typically have screw-in studs with three in front for balance, stability and proper traction on supple or wet surfaces, advises PickyGuide. The screw-in studs allow players to adjust the studs depending upon conditions. If the field is muddy, a longer set of studs may be required; for a drier day, shorter studs are preferred. For safety reasons, forwards must have studs in their rugby shoes, according to Rugby Union Rules.
Support
Traditional rugby boots have a high cut designed to give extra support to the ankle. Many rugby shoes have external heel counters to stabilize the heels. However, many players, especially playing attacking positions such as the back line, prefer a lower cut for extra mobility. Forwards require extra protection and power distribution with extra support around the ankles, which the standard rugby shoe provides. Kickers prefer a rugby boot that is tight fitting for a better feel for the ball. A high ankle cut provides necessary support in scums for props. The type of rugby shoe you choose depends on what position you play.
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