Best rugby boots 2025: Canterbury, Nike, Adidas and top UK brands for men

Another rugby season is underway and it is time to decide whether you will try and get those battered boots at the bottom of your kit bag to last throughout another long winter or go out and treat yourself to a new pair.

It all depends on which position you play. Forwards tend to look for sturdier boots which won’t fall apart when you are under pressure in a scrum, while backs usually prefer featherweight footwear that will not weigh them down, or a pair of tried and tested football boots that allow them to kick with confidence. But you also need to consider your price range, the shape of your foot and whether you are more interested in stability or flexibility.

When playing a winter sport in the UK, you can always rely on heavy rain and mud. It is wise to go for boots with removable studs, so you can screw in some 21mm if you need to pack down in the front row on a soft grass pitch or switch to some plastic studs if you are asked to play on 4G.

A long, attritional season of rugby will take its toll, especially if you are a tight-five forward who spends a lot of time digging your studs into the ground to try and generate some force. Premium boots, made with high-quality leather, tend to last longer but you should also need to take care of them. Don’t leave them caked in mud between matches, clean them by hand and apply a little leather cream.

Shop the best rugby boots below