What is the best Rugby Boot for Kicking
Some of the top manufacturers of Boots have invested in developing boots specifically to help the kickers in the game and we are pleased to be able to share the information with you here.
Probably the organisation that has invested the most time in the kicking art is adidas and this is shown by the majority of top kickers using their Predator RX Rugby Boots. Daniel Carter used the White/Black/Gold version at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, whilst Jonny Wilkinson stayed with the Black/Green/White. There were in fact in excess of 18 players kicking wearing the RX, during the pool stages of the Cup. Why is the RX so special for kickers? This boot has a special last on the toe and forefoot just to make it a better kicking boot, developed by Daniel Carter aided by Conrad Smith. So by the players for the players.
Another popular boot is the Nike Total 90. Toby Flood of England has a custom pair and Nick Evans of Harlequins one of the top kickers in the English Premier League also sports the 90’s. At the Rugby World Cup Japan’s 10 James Arlidge was another player who kicked using the 90.
What is special about the Adidas Predator?
Adidas Predator RX rugby boots. are also FIFA compliant so that they can be worn on the football pitch at all levels although the Adidas Predator rugby boots have been altered slightly to better meet the needs of today’s rugby player.The Adidas features Vamp technology on the forefoot and this has been extended to the foldover tongue to enhance the contact made with rugby balls further improving the kicking capabilities.
Added features of this Adidas rugby boot are, the last of the rugby boot has been widened to better accommodate the larger grip and comfort required by rugby players, something which will benefit footballers with wider feet, whilst the sole of the Adidas rugby boot comes with Adidas’ XTRX SG sole and features Hybrid, round tipped studs which must be worn for rugby purposes and offer greater levels of traction. Last but not least they feature Dynamic PowerPulse weighted inserts, and external heel counter and off-set lacing.
Key Points
* Dynamic PowerPulse – for more power, swerve and control
* K-Leather – for durability, lightness and glove-like fit
* Asymetrical Loop Lacing – for better ball contact
* Vamp technology to the foldover tongue
* X-Traxion Clip In Stud System – for adaptable grip on soft terrain
* Wider Fit – specifically designed for rugby
* Designed for soft to good ground.
What makes the Nike Total 90 good for kickers?
The Total 90 range is for the all round player who aims for power with precision. They provide pinpoint accuracy with bite, thanks to a revolutionary shot shield, shape correcting memory foam and swerve fins. An ideal Boot for a professional/elite-level player who wants a boot that is designed with top performance features and manufactured for powerful shooting and accuracy.
UPPER – Teijin synthetic leather gives lightweight strength and touch. Kanga-Lite synthetic material under the ShotShield technology helps provide water-resistant comfort and support and it also gives a feel of the ball for enhanced control and touch. Five instep pods deliver even pressure on the ball at impact for optimal precision at high speeds. Raised TPU swerve fins on the medial side are sized and angled to increase friction and improve control over the ball’s spin and trajectory. Lateral TPU support helps stabilise the planting foot when kicking the ball. The off centre lacing system provides a larger ball striking surface for more consistent boot-to-ball contact.
MIDSOLE – High density EVA sock-liner with PORON inserts, enhances comfort and helps reduce stud pressure.
OUTSOLE – Lightweight, bladed TPU outsole with optimized stud placement providing good traction for optimal comfort and stability. Cut-away area helps reduce the overall weight.
The Nike Tiempo Legend IV is not advertised specifically as a kickers boot, but we have included it in our list as a couple of the best kickers in the game, be it place or out of hand are using these boots. For example Rhys Priestland of Wales and James Aldridge of Japan. The boots have kangaroo leather uppers which are said to help the ball feel and maybe this contributes to the accuracy achieved.
The final boot in our list is the Puma v111 series. This boot is favoured by Andy Goode of Worcester Warriors one of the finest exponents of kicking the corners in the Premiership. He is also a phenominal place kicker.
Key points: The v1.11 has premium lightweight micro-fibre upper material. The lace cover has been made to produce a smooth kicking surface and a unique look. The one-piece outsole provides stability and support, with a carbon fiber plate in the forefoot to reduce weight and to increase the reactivity in the flex area. The v1.11 features the third generation of PUMA’s UNI technology. This construction provides a snug fit by perfectly replicating the unique PUMA AptoLast.