Boots

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I'm new to rugby, and I need advice on getting boots. If it helps you any, I'll
most likely be playing prop or hooker (my league hasn't started practice yet)

ANSWER: Hi Ross,

It makes a difference as to what the fields in your area are like. If you are in a wet area then go for a boot with full sized replaceable studs. If you are in a dry area like me in Southern California I play in molded plastic soccer boots.

As for support the best thing you can do is invest in quality shoe inserts that will support your arches etc. Custom if you can afford it or top quality from a local sports shoe store. I also use the American style foot and ankle support which is like a corset for your ankle, it laces up then has two large Velcro straps. The whole thing supports my ankle and arch. Due to this I rarely use ankle high boots.

If given the choice I prefer all leather mid cut boots with as many studs at the front of the foot as is possible. I try the boot on with my ankle support strapped on and I typically go for Adidas. A good boot will last a while but don't let it go too long as you need proper foot ware in rugby.

Learn to use proper nugget/shoe shine on all leather boots. Clean them after each game then give then a good nuggeting up with Kiwi Shoe polish like an old school shoe shiner would use. Some guys use "dubbon" or non-petroleum Vaseline (petroleum eats stitching) or even bees wax applications on their boots for water proofing in wet areas.

Get the boot to fit length and with properly but also to be snug as leather will break-in and mold to your foot over time.

Don't let other people use your boots. Ever.





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the response, do you have any suggestions for the foot & ankle
support
Thank you,
Ross

Answer
Here is a link to an example I did a quick search for "Athletic ankle supports" they are common in american football.

http://www.braceshop.com/ProductCart/pc/ASO-Ankle-Stabilizing-Orthosis-p831.htm

As for foot beds just go to any top quality sports or sports shoe store and ask the guy in the store.