Props Boots
The big guys! The strong men! the enforcers! It's often said that a game of Rugby is won and lost upfront, and that age-old statement refers primarily to the battle of the props. The Props are the men that engage in the most primal of battles on the rugby field – shunting into each other with huge impact, then driving forward in an attempt to push the opposition scrum back.
Best Boots For Props
This rugby silo from Adidas simply meets the demands of a hooker's function, the Kakari Z.0 employs a textile upper with a synthetic leather overlay. Lockdown is secured through the central lacing system and reinforced by straps hidden by the overlay.
Made out of stitched kangaroo leather the Asics Lethal Testimonial is as comfortable as it is hard-wearing. The 10mm heel gradient reduces the risk of injury and enhances stability, creating the perfect platform for powerfully driving forward in scrums and mauls. Perfect for firm ground surfaces.
The Mizuno Waitangi PS brings in a different approach to the concept of soft yet durable upper for a forward boot with its use of a synthetic Primeskin upper. The boot has a standard 8 metal stud configuration and has a graded Pebax soleplate, shedding as much weight as possible but still giving the forward player the traction that he deserves.
The Puma King Pro H8 is a classic take to the forward boot modified with today's material for increased durability and comfort. The Pro H8 makes full use of Kangaroo leather for its upper, making it a premium option for a personal foot shape fit and heavy-duty boot.
Loose Head & Tight Head Props
There are two types of prop, loose and tight head and they use slightly different techniques in the scrum. Both need to be strong in the neck, shoulders, upper body and legs to withstand the pressures. In line-outs for adult rugby they need to be able to support or lift the jumper, all this requires dynamic strength.
The Prop as the name implies is the contact point between the opposing teams and as such supports the Hooker and the rest of the scrum. This means that he will, through his technique and strength, control the impact and then the drive as the ball is moved back through the scrum.
As much as the role of the Prop has evolved in the modern game their core responsibilities remain the same – the must set a solid platform in the scrum and explosively lift their line-out forwards when the ball is thrown in. To that end, a Prop looks for boots which provide ultimate traction for pushing and driving, support round their ankles, and protection across the fore-foot.