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Women’s Impact on Rugby
Originating as early as 1962, when attitudes towards women’s roles within society began to change following the Second World War, women’s Rugby began to mark its mark on the sporting world.
It was the year when the first-ever recorded Women’s Rugby Union match took place at Edinburgh University, alongside the first-ever fully documented Women’s Club match at Toulouse Femina Sports in France.
Fast forward to 2023, and women’s Rugby continues to redefine the game.
With approximately 40,000 women participating in the sport every year, interest in Women’s Rugby is the highest it’s ever been, with the RFU hoping to reach 100,000 female players by 2027.
Just look at the latest World Record set by the attendees at the Women’s Six Nations this year:
Oh, and did we forget to mention that a third of the World Rugby Council representatives are now female? We love to see it!
Accommodating for Women’s Sizing in Rugby
Now bolstering their efforts to recognise how women’s Rugby has changed the game, sports giants Nike, Puma, and adidas are beginning to cater for women specifically in their boot designs in a bid to recognise that there’s no such thing as ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to traditional boots and women’s sizing…
With a long way still to go, we’ve provided an extensive breakdown of how you can fit your feet inside men’s boots comfortably.
Is there a difference between Men’s and Women’s Rugby Boots?
In short, yes! The main difference between women’s and men’s rugby boots is how they fit.
Women’s Rugby Boots tend to accommodate narrower feet, whereas Men’s Boots are tailored for wider feet.
But just because certain boots were originally designed for men, doesn’t mean they won’t fit women too!
How Can I Fit into Men’s Sizing?
To determine your fit, subtract 1.5 sizes from your current ladies’ shoe size.
For example, if you are a size 7 in Women’s Sizing, you will be a 5.5 in Men’s sizing.
With us so far? Great!
How Should Rugby Shoes Fit?
When it comes to fit, rugby boots should fit as close to the player’s foot as possible and not touch the toes. However, it’s imperative to remember that women’s sizing is different and smaller so sticking to our sizing guidelines below for each boot is a sure-fire way to find the perfect fit!
adidas
The infamous adi-three stripes. The brand of choice for professional athletes looking to level up their gameplay on the pitch.
Speed
adidas Adizero RS7
When it comes to rugby, Adizero RS7 is the name, speed is the game.
Featuring a lightweight synthetic upper, alongside the signature SG outsole, you’ll never fall behind with the latest RS7 boot in a floral colourway from adidas.
Sporting the latest Geofit technology, no gaps are left uncovered with the Sensepod inserts strategically placed toward the ankle and midsole that will keep your boots firm on the ground, whilst offering unparalleled comfort on even the toughest terrain.
Size & Fit:
As these boots have been tailored towards Men’s sizing, we recommend you go down 1.5 sizes from your usual!
X Crazyfast
Adorned by both female and male players alike for its unbeatable stability and lockdown, the X Speedportal is the speedster’s partner in crime.
Housing a Carbon Fibre Speedframe, Agility Speed Cage, PrimeKnit Collar and High-Speed Stability system, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a boot as capable of bringing the heat to the pitch this season as the X Speedportal.
Want a lightweight boot that doesn’t compromise on performance? The X Speedportal is the boot for you!
Size & Fit:
As these boots have been tailored towards Men’s sizing, we recommend you go down 1.5 sizes from your usual!
Precision
Predator Malice
Fancy yourself a skilled dropkicker? Perhaps a pro at punting? Or a perfectionist at place-kicking? The Malice SGs have you covered.
Never miss a shot again thanks to Malice’s futuristic 3D GOLD diamond detailing on a lightweight synthetic upper that offers pin-point accuracy when making contact with the ball, no matter the weather.
Designed with the player in mind, the Predator Malice is popular amongst both men and women due to the exceptional comfort, locked-in-feel, breathability and protection from your rival’s pesky studs out on the field.
Sizing & Fit:
As these boots have been tailored towards Men’s sizing, we recommend you go down 1.5 sizes from your usual!
Control
adidas Kakari Z.1 SG
Next up, the infamous Kakari Z.1 Rugby Boot from adidas.
Gone are the days when you’re left stuck in the mud as your rivals race past you at unstoppable speeds.
Soft to the touch and offering unparalleled comfort, the Kakari’s lightweight textured synthetic upper combined with its unique inner support strap keeps you stable in the scrums, whilst the eight-stud split soleplate becomes the perfect sign-off to help you build momentum when you need it most.
Sizing & Fit:
As these boots have been tailored towards Men’s sizing, we recommend you go down 1.5 sizes from your usual!
Nike
The brand synonymous with the iconic Swoosh logo, nifty Nike sits upon the pedestal as one of the most popular rugby boots to ever grace the world stage.
Speed
Mercurial Superfly
A brilliant boot built for speedsters, the Mercurial Superfly is a Winger’s best friend.
Synonymous with speed, the Vapor dons a streamlined profile with a host of industry-leading boot tech that will leave your rivals in the dust as you sprint to the Try Line.
From a tried and tested 3/4 Air Zoom unit that promotes efficient energy return within the mid and forefoot to a Vaporposite + chevron mesh upper that delivers pinpoint precision upon impact with the ball, the Mercurial Vapor delivers time and time again.
If you want to keep your rivals on their toes and become a try-scoring sensation, the Mercurial Vapor Elite is the boot for you!
Size & Fit:
As these boots have been tailored towards Men’s sizing, we recommend you go down 1.5 sizes from your usual!
Precision
Nike Tiempo Legend 10
Let’s face it, if you’re a Fly-Half you’ll need to be proficient at passing and kicking, after all if you want to be the finest kicker in the game you’ll need a good pair of boots!
That’s where the Nike Tiempo Legend boots come in…
Housing a distinctive profile synonymous with the Tiempo of old, the Legend 8 combines comfort with precision in a sleek and compact form factor.
From cushioned insoles to padded ankle collars, calf-skin leather uppers and embossed ridges, the Tiempo 10 promotes maximum control when the heat turns up on the pitch.
Size & Fit:
As these boots have been tailored towards Men’s sizing, we recommend you go down 1.5 sizes from your usual!
Control
Phantom GX Academy
Built for working in tight spaces, the Phantom GX Academy combines exceptional comfort with practicality for a streamlined look and appeal.
Perfect for Props and Hookers who are at the forefront of pushing forward the Scrum, the Phantom GX Academy incorporates a raised heel to provide dynamic foot positioning for improved acceleration and stability.
Size & Fit:
As these boots have been tailored towards Men’s sizing, we recommend you go down 1.5 sizes from your usual!
Puma
The German-based brand with a history of unmatched excellence out on the field, Puma boots sit on the scales as one of the lightest boots to grace the world stage.
Speed
Puma Ultra
What’s in a name?
Well… when it comes to the Puma Ultra, it turns out, quite a lot…
Explosive acceleration, exceptional control, breathability, enhanced lockdown, the list is endless. It’s no wonder it’s a speedster’s dream silo.
Housing unique thermo-regulating properties such as Puma’s signature ULTRAWEAVE technology, the Ultra speed boot delivers a highly breathable and lightweight construction so you can stay focused on the game whilst working up a sweat.
The best part? The Puma Ultra has been ‘Made for Her’ as part of Puma’s efforts to recognise the plight of women’s playmaking within the sporting world.
If agility is your forte, then look no further than the Puma Ultra!
Size & Fit:
As these boots have been tailored towards Men’s sizing, we recommend you go down 1.5 sizes from your usual!
Control
Puma Future
Housing a plethora of boot technologies, from their signature FUZIONFIT 360 and PWRTAPE to Dynamic Motion System Soleplate and Pebax material composition, it’s no wonder the Puma Future leads the boot game.
If agility is your expertise then look no further than the Puma Ultra!
Size & Fit:
We recommend you stay true to size with these boots as Women’s sizing has been considered!
Canterbury
As one of the world’s most respected rugby, training and lifestyle brands, it’s no wonder Canterbury are ahead of the game.
Precision
Canterbury Stampede Pro
Stand your ground in the scrum.
If you’re a tight five player, look no further than these boots, made with extremely tough polyurethane leather by Kiwi rugby connoisseurs Canterbury. These soft ground boots are the ideal silos for forwards looking to cause havoc in and around breakdowns.
The durable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) outsole is hardwearing, and houses eight 13mm metal studs with three moulds, helping players physically and mentally dig in.
Size & Fit:
We recommend you stay true to size with these boots as Women’s sizing has been considered!
Like what you see? Perhaps you have a favourite boot you like to take onto the pitch? Let us know in the comments which boot you’d like to try out. We’d love to hear from you!
In the meantime, stay in the loop with the latest News, Boot Launches & Guides at The Full 80.