If you want to play rugby, what shoes do you choose to wear there on the court? It's possible that your rugby boots are the most critical piece of equipment you own, and they certainly play a significant part in determining how well you perform on the field. If you choose the incorrect pair of shoes, you could end up in a lot of pain or even end up hurting yourself. Choosing the right pair of footwear can really help you step up your game. This guide to ASICS rugby shoes will provide you with all the information you require. When it comes to purchasing rugby boots online, which kind of rugby shoes should I get? In the past, there was just one model of rugby boot available. However, over the course of time, improvements have been made to boots in order to cater to the requirements of a variety of players and playing surfaces. Surface classification: You will find that it is to your advantage to have a variety of boots at your disposal depending on the time of year and the terrain:
- a) Muddy, wet surfaces: You'll want longer studs for optimal grip. If you play on a pitch that is frequently wet, search for a boot that lets you attach longer studs.
- b) Dry, sandy surfaces: You'll want shorter studs for maximum grip.
- c) When playing on hard surfaces, pick shorter studs for increased comfort, especially during the warmer months or when the ground is cold and hard. Molded studs are another excellent option for situations like this one.
- d) Training on artificial surfaces: For the utmost comfort, choose molded boots whenever you practice on artificial surfaces.
In a general sense, different positions on the field require different kinds of boots since they are more suited to those roles.
- a) 8 studs: forward players typically opt for 8-stud boots because they offer increased support when rapidly running in one direction and extra stability during scrums.
- b) Six studs: 6-stud boots are the most popular choice for backs because they provide outstanding support while also permitting more fluid movement from side to side.
When purchasing rugby shoes online, it is imperative that you pay attention to the following four structural components, as they are included in rugby boots:
- The principal
This is everything that goes on top of the boot and keeps your foot protected. As you might think, this is everything that goes on top of the boot. In the past, foot coverage was the only concern, but nowadays uppers are designed to accommodate both backward and forward motion.
- a) Forwards: Obtain an upper that is both more robust and flexible enough to allow for upward bending in the scrum.
- b) Backs have to have a form-fitting design and materials that are lightweight so that they can explode to the try line.
- c) Kickers want their uppers to be similar to the upper of a football boot, having a sweet spot that allows them to strike the ball further when they do so.
- The bottom of the shoe
Because you spend 80 minutes on your feet, the outsole that is in contact with the ground is of the utmost significance.
- a) Forwards need an outsole that is dotted with lots of long studs that let them dig deep into the pitch.
- b) Backs have a handful of studs at the front that help to propel them forward.
- c) Goalkeepers need an outsole that is dotted with lots of short studs that let them dig deep into the goal.
- The heel: Traditionally, rugby boots did not have a heel, so when you wore them, it felt as though your foot was resting completely flat on the ground. But ASICS rugby shoes have altered all of our models to include a 10mm heel, so this is no longer the case. This heel serves several purposes, including the following:
- a) Reduces the amount of stress exerted on your lower leg by reducing the amount of pressure placed on your Achilles tendon.
- b) Enables you to run more quickly by slightly angling your feet forward.
- c) It's helpful for backs who are trying to get through the gain line, as well as forwards who are trying to run with the ball out of the ruck.
- Midsole
The insole is the material that sits directly under your foot, while the outsole rests on the ground. The midsole is the substance that sits between the insole and the outsole.
- a) Forwards – don't require an excessive amount of cushioning here, but they do require enough for those damaging runs.
- b) Backs require a great deal of cushioning because they are running for so many miles over such a long period of time (80 minutes). There is additional cushioning in the heel for backs with ASICS GEL units that further soften your landings on the pitch. This is especially beneficial when the temperature drops and the grass can become extremely brittle.
Explore the full selection of ASICS rugby shoes here if you want to look at rugby shoes online.