Review: Canterbury Control Club 6 Stud Boot

The Canterbury 2014-2015 boot range features a number of boots that have been tailored to the needs of different rugby positions, demonstrating the depth of Canterbury’s understanding of the small but important details that make each individual player tick. This attention to detail can be seen across the four styles that make up the range.

The Control boot caters for players in the Backs, specifically the kicker, with its narrow fit and lightweight feel. These technically engineered rugby boots feature reinforcement zones for increased stability and flexibility in the boot. The six-stud design delivers good flexibility towards the toe, without compromising on stability in the mid-foot and heel. The supple material ensures excellent comfort and improves overall kicking power and accuracy.

DESIGN

Canterbury have stepped out of their comfort zone in terms of design with these boots. They are one of the more aesthetically pleasing pair of boots that they have released.  The red & blue design on the black base is rather eye catching and will go down well with the typical show boating back. (or forwards even)

PRICE

For £55.99 you get what you pay for or even a little bit more. The boots do feel very light but are well made for striking a ball which is what they were designed to do. They will serve you well for the price and have a comfortable feel to them.

COMFORT

Comfort is definitely my favourite thing about these boots. They are with a light and soft upper which allows them to fit your own foot. When I have trained in them it felt like some of my favourite pairs of boots that I have owned before.

DURABILITY

The only downside to these boots is the durability, the light upper which is good for comfort and clean striking of a ball will struggle to endure a full season of wear and tear. In saying that, for $55.99 you can’t go too far wrong and could buy two pairs to last the season if you love them that much.

RRP: £55.99

The Canterbury Control Club boots are available from Canterbury.com plus leading online sports retailers and high street independent sports shops.

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

In association with Lifestyle Sports, Peter O’Mahony, Ian Madigan, Conor Murray and Dave Kearney, all holders of Irish caps discuss their choice of boots and also delve into the world of their pre game rituals.

In true forward fashion, Peter O’Mahoney seemed uninterested on the topics of boots and struggled to name the variety of boot that he wears. Instead, the backs, Murray, Madigan and Kearney, gave a relatively in depth explanation as to why they wear their respective boots.

Interestingly, the players provided an insight into their pre game rituals, which, by the sounds of it, sound especially meticulous.

Youtube Credit: LifeStyleSports

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

So sit back, relax, and choose your new boots!

We’ll give you 2 different options for each position. We have compiled all our research and looked for the best options for every player, suiting budget and quality.

#1&3 – THE PROPS

The fat guys. They need to have boots that have good traction, which usually means the extra 2 studs on the forefoot of the boot, but you need to find a mix of stability, support, and weight. if you have a strong sturdy boot but it’s too heavy and weighs you down, you’ll fatigue trying to get around the pitch.

OPTION 1 – ADIDAS ADIPOWER KAKARI II 

The Daddy. Suited to the player who wants to dominate the scrum and is the foundation of their team, the Kakari performs in every way. Treated to a Bravo synthetic leather, this has the feel of a soft K-leather but is far stronger to deliver a specific forward play boot. From a performance perspective, this material also helps prevent boot deformation and stretching, resulting in the shape being retained for longer while also moulding quickly to your feet. Most professional players’ first choice. Apart from a redesign, the Adipower kakari is still pretty much the same boot we saw last year, but it has set the standard for all Forward’s boots and in my opinion is unrivaled in comfort and stability.

CURRENT PRICE: £84.99

RATING: 8/10

YOU CAN GET THEM HERE! 

OPTION 2 – MIZUNO FORTUNA 4 SG

A great value boot for players of all abilities, the Mizuno Fortuna 4 SI SG Rugby Boots are a humble offering which should not be under-estimated. With a price tag of only £30, it’s very hard to go wrong. Made from a durable synthetic upper, for durability and ease of maintaining, the Fortuna employs a traditional central lacing system and fold-over tongue for optimum comfort and support across the boot. The light weight and flexible outsole combines with a reinforced midfoot to offer great traction through the implementation of eight screw-in studs across the heel and forefoot. Best suited to soft natural surfaces, the Fortuna makes light work of heavy and wet conditions throughout the demanding rugby season.

A very comfy boot and will serve you well.

CURRENT PRICE – £29.99

RATING – 6/10

YOU CAN GET THEM HERE! 

2 – HOOKER

The guy who’s stuck between the two fat guys and is usually fat himself. The hooker has two choices when it comes to boots – he can go for a lighter 6 stud pair and sacrifice some traction in scrums, or get an 8 stud pair like the props but risk not being as mobile around the pitch.

OPTION 1 – XBLADES LEGEND SPEED SG

A lesser known brand but certainly making a great impression (apart from being worn by Dylan Hartley..), The Aussie brand are really impressing us here at RBP. Weighing in at only 267g (UK size 8), the ultra-thin premium kangaroo leather ensures plenty of comfort to treat your feet to. Employing a traditional central lacing system this further enhances the overall feel, as does the padded heel and ankle support. Designed to make light work of soft natural surfaces, the Legend Speed employs strategically positioned screw-in, metal tipped studs. Can easily whack a set of 21mm’s on them and go to town.

CURRENT PRICE – £79.99

RATING: 7.5/10

YOU CAN GET THEM HERE! 

OPTION 2 –  ASICS LETHAL WARNO ST2

One of Australia’s finest exports, the Asics Lethal Warno ST2 SG Rugby Boot has made the long journey to grace our shores with power, speed and comfort in perfect harmony. Featuring a mix of leather and synthetic leather across the upper, wearers will experience instant comfort supported by great durability. Perfectly suited for positions 1 ‒ 8, the Lethal Warno is enhanced by the Asics HG10mm (heel gradient) which is now common place in all their rugby boots as an innovative way of preventing injury by placing less stress on your foot during play. One of the lightest 8-stud boots around, they’re not to be messed with.

CURRENT PRICE – £109.99

RATING – 8/10

YOU CAN GET THEM HERE! 

4&5 – THE LOCKS/SECOND ROWS

The Tall guys, their main jobs involve having their heads stuck between two fat guys’ legs, or have their fingers up their arse. Either way, it’s not a position I’d like to play! But here’s our suggestions for their boots.

OPTION 1 – ASICS LETHAL SCRUM 

One of the Take-downs from the Lethal Warno, this boot is still nothing to be messed with. sporting a £60 price tag and a striking yellow colour, these are great for any player 1-8. This boot incorporates a synthetic leather upper and EVA cushioning making it both sturdy and comfortable, enhancing fit and performance all round. With an interchangeable eight stud configuration, the Lethal Scrum lends itself perfectly to natural soft conditions and is suited to players seeking extra traction in their forward play.

CURRENT PRICE – £55.99

RATING – 7/10

YOU CAN GET THEM HERE! 

OPTION 2 – MIZUNO MORELIA PRO SG 

The lightest 8-stud boot on the market. A distinguished reputation as a true classic in terms of design and fit, the Mizuno Morelia Pro SG Rugby Boot has stood the test of time and just keeps on performing. A timeless black and white offering, with touches of red for flair, the Morelia Pro is an all-round high performer that is as popular now as it was when introduced back in 1985.

CURRENT PRICE – £89.99

RATING – 9/10

YOU CAN GET THEM HERE!

6,7 & 8 – THE BACK ROW

The workhorses. These guys will win you the ball, get you over the gain line, and score some pretty epic tries as well as stopping some. They need to be mobile as fuxk and able to get over the ball in rucks and not be budged easily.

OPTION 1 – ADIDAS FF80

The boot specifically designed for the back row. It’s hard not to mention it in a boot guide! Every aspect of the adidas FF80 has been engineered to increase traction in scrums, rucks and mauls; allowing loose forwards to be faster to the breakdown and provide a solid platform for explosive acceleration. After all, this is the boot of choice for All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and Kieran Read.Made from a strong, light and secure Bravo synthetic across the upper, a great inclusion is the TPU weld, a band of power wrapping over the forefoot which improves lateral stability. Another performance enhancing addition is that of the 5mm heel raise, designed for a dynamic foot position to aid sprinting.

CURRENT PRICE  – £129.99 (CHEAPER IN OLDER COLOURS)

RATING – 8.5/10

YOU CAN GET THEM HERE! 

OPTION 2 – ASICS LETHAL FLASH DS3

Presented as a traditional platform for rugby play, the Asics Lethal Flash DS 3 ST SG Rugby Boot thrives off standing out on the field but without compromising on high performance and comfort. The soft synthetic leather across the upper creates a natural touch and comfortable fit which has the look and feel of real leather. The material also helps reduce the weight of the boot and in addition allows your foot to breathe. Unique to Asics, the 10mm HG (heel gradient) is a subtle feature feature which helps to shift body mass forward to reduce the strain on lower limbs. A very light and sturdy boot that will not let you down and will last for the ages.

CURRENT PRICE – £79.99

RATING – 9/10

YOU CAN GET THEM HERE! 

All the boots shown above are available at Lovell Rugby , Which offer free UK shipping with orders over £100. How can you go wrong!!

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

DESIGN

For a boot that’s specifically designed for those of us lacking in common sense, A.K.A the front 5, the design isn’t a major component when it comes to purchasing a boot. This is just as well, as the nicest thing that can be said about the Stampede is that it looks like a breeze block. While it doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing, the choice to not have a tongue that overlaps the laces on the boot, was a good one. This makes the boot easier to slip on and off, however, the material this tongue is made of means by the end of the game the tongue is closer to your toes than your ankle. The choice of colours the boot comes in is a nice touch, but as the old saying goes, you can’t polish a turd.

PRICE

For a pair of boots these days, at £50 from Lovell, it’s a considerably cheap boot and with that, comes the old cliché, “You get what you pay for”. Now if I was Mako Vunipola I would not be phoning up Canterbury in the hope to get a sponsorship deal so I could get a pair of these. However I’m not Mako, I’m Dave from down the road and for the most part they did the job. At the end of the day, they functioned as a rugby boot.

COMFORT

This is where I can say encouraging things about the Stampede. The boot is probably the most comfortable boot I’ve ever worn. Unlike with other boots I’ve had, I didn’t need any “breaking in time” as such, they engulfed my feet the second I put them on. I didn’t need to wear blister pads on my ankles, (admit it lads, we’ve all worn them at one point or another), nor did I need to wear two pairs of socks. So in this respect, it’s hard to have any criticism.

IN-GAME PERFORMANCE

When it comes to scrummaging there is a fair amount of grip to be had there, yet during wet conditions they tend to slide and as a result, your second row’s head then ends closer to your posterior than it should. It might be worthwhile purchasing some longer studs. They’re very heavy as well, so it doesn’t help those of us lacking in pace in any way, shape or form. On the whole, they aren’t made for anyone outside the front 5 if you’re looking to enjoy your rugby.

DURABILITY

They did start to develop tears in them after 3/4 months of playing in them which is not ideal. The laces ripped on me during a game when I was tying them, I ended up looking like one of those cool kids who won’t let no laces tie their shoes. It would be fair to say these are weak boots, made for strong men.

SKINNY SUMMARY

HIGHLIGHT: Very comfortable

CATEGORY: Comfort, Forwards

WHAT POSITION: Front 5

OVERALL RATING: 4/10

Get your Stampedes here!

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

Adidas Predator Incurza XT

With a striking yet not to crazy colour way and a design that complements the colour way nicely.

Adidas seems to be leading the market in terms of rugby boots which take us away from the days of rugby boots looking big ugly and feeling heavy on the feet.

This boot, I would have to say that the boot certainly lives up to this claim. There is also a 5mm heel.

The Technology Adidas claim to have put in to this boot is the 3d puff print on the inner heel which is aimed at making the boot easier to break in and stop slippage.

In my experience of wearing wedge placed in the boot which is said to give better running/striking and reduce injury and strain on lower limbs.

You can certainly feel the feet sitting in a higher position than normal when you wear these boots compared to other boots in the same price bracket on the market.

This technology also allows for better grip than any other soft ground so far even in the wettest/muddiest conditions, which is pretty evident from the second you start to sprint and turn aggressively in them.

Durable rubber panels have been put over the instep in order to enhance the kicker’s performance.

I have found that certainly when kicking for goal from a kicking tee the rubber panels give a great aesthetic feel when you catch the sweet spot of the ball which is also something that you don’t get from other boots on I’ve tried on the market.

Kicking out of hand you do not always get the ball in contact with the rubber panels as much as I would like. I personally think this is down to the lacing system, which I will come to later in this piece.

The fit of these boots is good. Straight out of the box they are very snug but this does affect the lacing area which expands vastly when putting the boot on compared to when the boot does not have a foot in it.

This I would say is the only downside to the boot as the rubber panels tend to get a few bumps and do not stay completely flat to the inner foot.

I do not have wide feet and have not had this problem with the previous boot I was wearing which was the predator LZ which had a much closer tight knit lacing system and allowed plenty of lace left over to tie to the desired tightness as well as making the most of the striking system unlike the Incurza II.

I think this is down to the 5mm heel wedge making the foot sit a lot higher in the boot putting more stress on material width of the boot. It also makes the boot sit a lot lower in the ankle and Achilles area however I still felt there was more than sufficient support in this area of the boot.

Break in and comfort of the boot are very good from the off and my feet have never been in any discomfort or pain since I started wearing them.

Performance and durability of the boot overall are pretty good they have been through some terrible weather and good weather and have kept to a good shape and with the synthetic material they are easy to clean. Around the toe are of the boot the material does become a bit softer over time but does not hinder performance or alter fit in any way.

Where these boots sit as a half back rugby boot?

Percentage rating system:
(0%= terrible 100%= outstanding)

Wear and tear

• Comfort:   90%
• Grip:   100%
• Durability:   75%
• Ability of claimed technology within boot:   75%

Overall

• Fit:   75%

Boot Overall:

9.5/10

DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR ADIDAS PREDATOR INCRUZA XT GET THEM TODAY

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

“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!

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

The Premier Nike FG Boots

The Boot

With rugby slowly ditching grass and mud for rubber and plastic, 3 and 4G pitches are slowly taking over grounds up and down the country, and this poses a new question for boot makers. With huge metal studs no longer needed to wade through swamps and bogs in the winter months of our season, what’s the next step for boots? Well Nike have cracked this problem with the gloriously classic Nike Premier FG Boots.

The black and white classic are a throwback to an era where the only variation in boots was the size, and protein was taken in the form of pre match pints. The design is based on an original 1994 classic named only as ‘The Boot’, which occupied the feet of every player from Dublin to Dunedin, but the modern take on the boots is by no means a step back.

Weighing a meagre 244g (UK Size 8), and with an arsenal of 13 solid mould studs, this boot offers the tools for a fly half to feel and guide every kick with pin point precision with minimal weight resistance, while also allowing props the ability to pack down against a freight train without giving an inch thanks to the stud placement which offers all round foot support.

Breaking In/Feel of the Boots

Initially the lightness of the boots is apparent, feeling comfortable and fitting well. Prospective buyers note that although the boot is a good fit from heel to toe, it is smaller than average across the foot.

While this may not affect the majority of people, if you are stuck in that awkward stage between two sizes, I would recommend opting for a size 11 for example if you are a snug size 10, (or if you visit Lovell Rugby, they are one of a few sites that offer a size 10 and a half).

We’ve all suffered from new boot blisters, but so far, my achilles remains safe from that old agony. As a utility forward I got the chance to test this boot all over the park, and as a sufferer of the plague that is recurring ankle injuries, I felt that this boot did not provide me a strong and safe support to my ankle, especially in the front row, although the grip and traction were fantastic, and far beyond anything I’ve previously encountered that was 100% moulded studs.

There is a mix of goat, kangaroo and cow leather all used in the making of this boot, which makes them as comfy as a normal pair of trainers, but with the extra effort that went into executing the tenants of a petting zoo to make them, this boot truly is a wonderful feeling piece of gear.

Summary

This type of boot will undoubtedly become the norm as pitches change and don’t accommodate to the metal studs we know and love, but while we may soon have to say goodbye to our long time metal friends, the replacement is more than capable of filling the role. While of course the grip is not as strong as metal studs are, it is by far an improvement of previous moulded studs and things can only improve.

Position

While I wore these as a forward, I feel these boots suit numbers 9 to 13, and possibly some particularly pacey loose forwards. It offers the comfort and lightness for an accurate kicking game to be played, and with well placed studs, agility is supported from all angles. Loose forwards would not be totally out of place in these either as they offer solid support and in the times where the burnes really need to be turned on, these boots will not let you down.

Price

At £100 (£90 at Lovell Rugby in the sales), these boots are in the upper regions of most peoples budgets for boots, and all things considered I would say that they are not value for money. These boots are a step ahead in moulds, but you could easily find a pair of solid boots for £30, and the extra £70 is near extortionate when you look at it that way.

OVERALL

• Fit: 7/10
• Performance: 9/10
• Price: 4/10
• Overall Rating: 8/10

You can see the full Nike range from Lovell rugby here, get your Premier Nike FG Boots

HOW DID YOU FIND THIS REVIEW? LET US KNOW! 

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon

Gambler Combat FG Football Boots

I usually go for a plain pair of black boots, but I decided to be a bit different this time around. I wasn’t sure at the start with them, but did they prove me wrong! Please don’t let the skull and Bones put you off.

Design:

Looks neat to me. Not too flashy and not too plain + the green and black go well together and it doesn’t like like rainbows are stuck on to your feet. Not too keen on the Gambler + skull and bones design but it isn’t that visible and doesn’t repeat constantly on the boots.

Comfort:

On the rugby pitch you always need a comfortable pair of boots as players run about 6-7 km a match. The inside padding is soft and very comfy and your foot adapts to this surface easily, after about a match or two. Inside the boot is pale green, so sweat and water are visible. That doesn’t really worry me, but for some backs it might (sly dig).

In-Game Performance:

The stud layout of the boot is perfect for running, agile players that love pacing past defenders, although at times the studs can let you down with the grip. The boots comfort is perfect, so you can play without a problem from possible tightness/itch’s from the boot. The stud layout( 6 studded boot) contributes to quick movements such as dummies/ side steps but at times the studs fail, as I mentioned earlier. The boots surface is a soft, durable one too, so tears of stitching which are a massive pain, are impossible with this boot, + surface is really easy to clean!

Durability:

As I said, boots are very easy to clean. Easy surface to clean quickly if needs be. Laces constantly get stuck/full of mud on a rainy day, but goes for all laces.

Critics Notes:

In the modern game, nearly every player must be agile. These boots are suited to attacking positions such as wing/loose forwards + centres, full backs and wingers. One flaw (If any) is that I found the triangular hole (MurderHole Cutout)let in a fair amount of water into the foot, yet again the MurderHole does comfort the achilles part of the foot.

Skinny Summary:

• HIGHLIGHT: Useful for swift movements/ Kicking.
• CATEGORY: Swift Movements/Speed
• WHAT POSITION: Loose forwards/Backs
• OVERALL RATING: 7/10

Mark:

1.  Not a big fan of the skull and bones symbol, but then again it’s not that visible/ easy to see
2.  Triangular hole at the back of the boot does tend to let in a bit of water/liquid.
3. Studs don’t have the best of grip on ground, but still well capable.

Overall, I really enjoyed playing with these boots. Would recommend to a friend without hesitation and the boot’s cons aren’t that big of a problem.

Get your Gambler Combat Boots Here!

Del.icio.us

Facebook

TweetThis

Digg

StumbleUpon