The brand responsible for the famed ‘Testimonial’ boot worn by numerous professionals in the 90’s and early 00’s have released the Gel-Lethal Tigeor 7 K Leather as they roll out their 2014/15 boot line-up. The new black/neon orange/silver colourway makes you sit up and take note that there’s a hell of a lot more on offer in the market than the big three of adidas, Nike and PUMA.

Asics have used their extensive knowledge in the running market to create a boot with a super-soft k leather upper that features a 10mm Heel Gradient, which shifts your body mass forward to reduce strain on your legs and put you in the best position for running. For players looking for something less mainstream for the new season, your boot choice just got a bit more difficult.

The black/neon orange/silver Asics Gel-Lethal Tigreor 7 rugby boots are available from select online stockists including Lovell Rugby.

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“Designed for speed, the Asics Lethal Tigreor 6 ST SG Rugby Boot effortlessly fuses style with function for a boot high on performance and comfort. Asics pride themselves on creating footwear made to complement, not correct, how the legs and feet move.”

The Asics lethal tigreor 6 is the latest offering from Asics, who have a great reputation from Marathon runners and they’re bringing across their design and comfort to the rugby pitch. Renowned down under, they’re slowly but surely making a name for themselves in rugby worldwide!

BREAKING IN AND COMFORT

Well, I’m not going to lie. These boots weren’t the easiest to break in; due to the inner lining being a fabric rather (Solyte) than a leather/synthetic material it did take a while to get used to. I found that if the boots were any way loose on your feet, the friction caused blisters and cuts very quickly. It took a solid month of wear to break these boots in fully. But once broken in, they’re extremely comfortable. The biggest issue I have with SG boots is that after a while, I begin to feel the studs through the sole and hurting my feet, but I didn’t have any of this! The leather upper fits great to your foot and doesn’t lose shape easily.

IN-GAME PERFORMANCE

I’ve worn each of these boots for the best part of 6 months now, so I’ve experienced good game time in them. I play both rugby League and Union – Prop in both – and they held up perfectly. Even though they are only 6 studs on the SG models, I had no problem in scrummaging while playing loose head – the fact I’m heavy might have helped! But in loose play they are very enjoyable to wear. Very sturdy, light and forgiving on hard surfaces (in SG and FG) with the right amount of tension across the foot to make it feel like you have a great platform to work off.

I loaned a pair of these to a friend of mine, who is a current out-half, as I wanted to get his feedback. Again it was all positive, and he said while kicking, they gave a great feel to the ball and was able to give very precise kicks with the boots. Asics really have a winner with these boots!

PRICE

When I bought these, they were freshly released, and cost me just under £100 per pair. This may seem a bit on the steep side – but these boots are very well made and they do protect your feet so it’s a great investment in my opinion. My granddad used to have a saying – ‘you buy cheap, you buy twice’… these were so good I bought expensive twice!

CRITICS NOTES

Again I’m coming back to it, and it’s the biggest let down on these boots. and it’s the length of time it takes for these boots to be broken in. Don’t expect a match-ready pair of boots when the box arrives at your front door – you will regret it!

The Skinny Summary

• Highlight: Speed matched with a supple, durable leather upper and geared up with comfort and sg/fg models you could wear all year round.
• Category: Lightweight Speed and comfort.
• Weight: 291g/243g (SG/FG, UK size 8) a decent weight for a leather boot.
• Would I Buy Them: They would be my number 1 choice boot for 2014.
• Player Position: From 1 – 15 (except maybe 3) I would recommend these.

OVERALL:

9/10

To see the whole Asics range from Lovell Rugby, and get your Asics Lethal Tigreor today!

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