Top Rugby Boot Brands Tackling the Field in Style

Rugby is a sport that demands precision, agility, and durability from both its players and their gear, making the choice of rugby boots paramount for performance. Among the top brands that have consistently delivered quality and innovation are Adidas, with their sleek designs and advanced technology; Canterbury, known for their rugged durability and comfort; and Gilbert, a brand synonymous with the sport, offering boots that cater to various playing positions. Each of these brands brings unique features and benefits to the table, making them favorites among both amateur and professional players. For a detailed look at the offerings and benefits of each brand, explore further below.

Illustration of rugby boots

Best brands of rugby boots in 2025

Adidas

Adidas is a leading producer of rugby boots, renowned for its high-quality and innovative products. The company, founded by Adi Dassler in 1949, has grown to become one of the largest sporting goods companies globally, with over 56,900 employees and producing 900 million products annually. Adidas' apparel segment, which includes rugby gear, accounts for 38.8% of the company's total net sales. The brand's strong market presence is reinforced by its significant revenue, with EUR21.218 billion in sales in 2017 and a net income of EUR1.430 billion in the same year. Adidas' commitment to advanced fabric technology and strategic sponsorships further enhances its position in the rugby apparel market.

Nike

Nike is a leading brand in the sports apparel industry, and its rugby boots are highly regarded for their quality and performance. In 2024, Nike introduced a line of sustainable rugby apparel, including eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton, aligning with the company's commitment to sustainability. Nike's strong market presence, with a dominant share in North America's athletic apparel industry, positions it as a key player in the rugby apparel market. The company's innovative manufacturing processes and emphasis on customer satisfaction through smart product recommendations enhance its appeal to rugby enthusiasts. With a projected growth in the global rugby apparel market, Nike is well-positioned to continue its dominance.

Puma

Puma is a prominent player in the sports footwear market, including rugby boots, with a significant global presence. In the athletic footwear industry, Puma maintains a 2.1% share and a 5.1% share in the sneaker market. The company has seen consistent growth, with a 28.8% year-on-year increase in footwear revenue from 2021 to 2022, reaching $4.6 billion in 2022. Puma collaborates with top athletes and teams, enhancing its reputation in various sports. The brand aims to incorporate recycled materials in at least 90% of its shoes by 2025, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.

Asics

ASICS is a prominent player in the rugby equipment market, particularly known for its high-quality rugby boots. In 2022, ASICS held a 0.79% share of the global shoe industry, with a significant portion of its revenue coming from performance running and core performance sports shoes, including rugby boots. The company's footwear segment saw a 24.1% increase in net sales to $2.73 billion in 2022, with the EMEA region contributing 30% of its shoe net sales. ASICS' commitment to innovation and performance has made its rugby boots a favorite among athletes, despite the overall global shoe market share slightly declining from 0.84% in 2021. The brand's focus on quality and performance aligns well with the growing demand for rugby equipment, expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.57% from 2021 to 2026.

Mizuno

Mizuno, a renowned Japanese sports equipment and sportswear company, stands out as a top producer of rugby boots, known for their high-quality and innovative designs. In the fiscal year of 2023, Mizuno generated significant revenue, with footwear being the largest share of their sales, bringing in about $472 million. Their commitment to producing athletic wear that is comfortable and functional dates back to 1907, and their rugby boots are no exception, catering to various movements and reducing fatigue. The rugby equipment market, which includes rugby boots, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.57% from 2021 to 2026, indicating a strong demand for high-quality products like those from Mizuno. With a rich history and continuous innovation, Mizuno's rugby boots are a preferred choice among athletes.

Canterbury

Canterbury is a leading brand in the rugby apparel market, particularly renowned for its high-quality rugby boots. Known for their durability and performance, Canterbury's boots are favored by professional and amateur players alike. The brand is part of a competitive market expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.13% from 2024 to 2029, with the global rugby apparel market projected to reach USD 2.12 billion by 2029. Canterbury's products, including their boots, are designed with advanced fabric technology and innovative features, such as moisture-wicking fabrics and ergonomic designs, to enhance player comfort and performance. As a key player in the market, Canterbury continues to leverage strong marketing strategies and strategic sponsorships to maintain its market position. For more details, visit their official website.

Gilbert

Gilbert Rugby is renowned as one of the best producers of rugby boots, offering a wide range of models tailored to different ground conditions and player positions. Their boots, such as the 6 stud and 8 stud models, are designed for optimal traction and stability, with features like the bio-frame 8 stud outsole and prolite studs that enhance performance on soft, firm, and artificial grounds. Founded in 1823, Gilbert Rugby has a long history of innovation and quality, contributing to its strong market presence. The brand's products are favored by players for their comfort, power, and injury prevention features, such as the heel raise in their boots. With a revenue range of $25M to $50M annually, Gilbert Rugby continues to be a significant player in the rugby apparel market. For more insights, explore their rugby boots buyer's guide.

Under Armour

Under Armour is a prominent player in the rugby apparel market, particularly known for its innovative and high-performance rugby boots. The brand has recently introduced advanced products like the Shadow Elite 2 Football Boot, showcasing its commitment to technological innovation and athlete performance. Under Armour's rugby apparel segment benefits from its strong marketing, sponsorship, and distribution networks, making it a preferred choice among rugby enthusiasts. The brand's global reach and partnerships with top athletes, such as England international Maro Itoje, further solidify its position in the market. With a focus on sustainability and performance, Under Armour continues to drive growth in the rugby apparel industry.

New Balance

New Balance is a significant player in the athletic footwear market, including rugby boots, with a global market share of 4% in the shoe industry and 6% in athletic shoes as of 2022. The company has seen a substantial growth in its footwear revenue, increasing by 214.1% from $1.35 billion in 2008 to $4.24 billion in 2022. New Balance holds a 7.3% global market share in sneakers and a 3.4% share in the US sneaker market. The brand has also made a notable presence in the NBA, with a 2.3% share in the 2022-23 season, marking its strongest showing in six years. New Balance is committed to sustainability, using 91% preferred leather and 64% preferred cotton in its manufacturing as of 2022. For more information, explore their detailed New Balance shoe statistics.

Optimum

Optimum is a renowned brand in the rugby equipment market, particularly celebrated for its high-quality and durable rugby boots. Their products, such as the Senior Silver Razor Lace Up 8 Stud Rugby Boot and the Junior Ignisio Easy Fasten Moulded Stud Rugby Football Boot, are designed for maximum performance and comfort, featuring lightweight synthetic PU uppers and strategic stud configurations for enhanced traction. The brand is part of a growing market expected to reach $1,472.54 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 7.67%. Optimum's boots are engineered to provide superior mobility and control, making them a top choice among rugby players. With a focus on precision and functionality, Optimum's rugby boots are set to dominate the field.