A buyers' guide featuring boots for the players with speed to burn
Best Rugby Boots for Wingers 2022
The modern winger has to operate right the way across the pitch. That means that along with the basics of speed, they also need to kick and make the big hits. Thankfully, modern rugby boots have kept pace with these modern demands.
Best Rugby Boots for Wingers
Canterbury Phoenix Genesis Elite Boots
The Phoenix Genesis Elites are designed in conjunction with Wales flanker (come winger, come centre, come fly-half!) Justin Tipuric.
Now, they don’t look like most of the boots on this list and it’s true that you are as likely to see these on the feet of props come the new season as you are on wingers. But, these are lightweight enough for the pure winger with plenty of features to help the more physical winger.
As shoe technology develops, it is likely that we will see more of these do it all boots.
Reasons to buy:
– Understated style if you are someone who decries the rise of the sock boot
– Would suit any player regardless of position. If you are a scrummaging prop or a flighty winger, or even Tipuric himself, you will benefit from this boot
Reasons not to buy:
– Would not be a good fit if you play mostly on dry pitches
Buy Now from Lovell Rugby for £130
Nike Mercurial Superfly Academy DF FG Football Boots
(Nike)
I know, I know, these may be too out there for some. When we are talking about speed, though, it would be unwise to ignore our friends over there in the world of football.
When it comes to playing on the wing, the requirements are quite similar to football. You have to get from A to B as quickly as possible, plus avoid injury from studs on the toe. The Mercurials provide both and are an ideal boot for many wingers.
£85 may sound like a lot but you are getting a lot of boot for that price and many of the features will be seen on £200+ boots as well.
Reasons to buy:
– They do everything which is required of a modern rugby boot, especially for wingers
– Comfortable design and very lightweight
Reasons not to buy:
– The design could be a bit outrageous for some
Buy Now from Lovell Rugby for £85
Puma Ultra 1.4 FG Boots
We tried these on straight out of the box. They are lightweight. Extremely lighweight. Lightweight to the point that you feel they must be compromising on something. But, on firm surfaces, or if you play on 4G pitches, they offer everything you need.
It’s impossible to ignore a boot which actually made us faster. Physics taught us that lighter is quicker. But it’s one thing knowing the equation and another feeling it out on the pitch. The Ultra 1.4 FGs were instantly much quicker than the relatively new boots we changed out of. If you stay on your wing and run at space these boots will be perfect and if you come off your wing and like to get involved in the rough stuff then they will more than hold their own as well.
Reasons to buy:
– They look extremely good
– Our testers noted genuine improvements in their speed. The lightweight construction really does encourage you to accelerate and jink and dart where you please
Reasons not to buy:
– There’s no getting away from it, they are very expensive. Puma has other boots in the range (Ultra 2.4 and Ultra 3.4), which are cheaper while still offering some of the same features
Mizuno Neo 3 Made in Japan SG
(Mizuno)
Let’s just address the elephant in the room; these are very very expensive. They are a dream purchase. They look much like any other boot on first look but they have a host of features packed in them. Materials are what separate these ultra-elite boots from your run of the mill £100+ boots. The K-Leather uppers are incredibly thin but combine with synthetic materials to provide the strength needed.
I spoke to a professional league player who favours the Neo 3s. He commented on how they were significantly lighter than even a top of the range boot was a few years ago. If they’re good enough for the pros they are good enough for me.
Reasons to buy:
– Probably the most technologically advanced boots on the market
– Perfect for kickers who like to empty the bag of tricks on the pitch
Reasons not to buy:
– Mizuno offer cheaper alternatives which might not be packed with as many features but are easier on the wallet
Buy Now from Lovell Rugby for £215
Puma Future Z 2.3 Boots
The Future Z 2.3 is certainly eye-catching; it will probably catch your opponents eye as you tear past them on the way to scoring!
They are incredibly light and feel fast when you put them on. The knitted upper won’t be for everyone. I found it a little tight for my wide feet whereas a team-mate, with narrower feet, felt they were very comfortable and secure. If you can make it work though it rewards you with great dynamism and ridiculous acceleration thanks to the lightweight construction.
Reasons to buy:
– Very comfortable boot for those with narrower feet
– Hits the modern balancing act of lightweight but not flimsy
Reasons not to buy:
– Zero toe protection on these from a stray stud
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