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.

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In the recent ITM clash between Canterbury and Wellington, Patrick Osborne was on the receiving end of a couple of punches from Wellington’s Jason Woodward, who, from the looks of it, is looking to follow his compatriot, Sonny Bill Williams, in the boxing game.

Seriously, though, there is no place for that conduct like that in Rugby and Woodward, somewhat leniently, has received a one game ban.

Youtube Credit: NZAUTV Rugby Union.

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Has anyone got a packet of cold peas for Northland’s Daniel Hawkins to use to soothe the inevitable headache brought on being on the receiving end of Canterbury’s Ben Funnell’s massive hit.

A thunderbastard of a tackle.

Youtube Credit: NZAUTV Rugby Union

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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!

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