Rugby Boots FAQUpdated 9 hours ago
1. Do I need to tighten the studs before using my boots?
Yes! All of our soft ground boots ship with a sticker on the sole that says "TIGHTEN STUDS BEFORE USE." This is really important—studs can loosen during transit, or they might not be fully tightened at the factory. They can even come loose during normal play. We always recommend checking and tightening your studs before each match or training session. Keeping them secure is essential for performance and safety.
2. What’s the difference between Soft Ground (SG) and Firm Ground (FG) boots?
Here's a quick breakdown:
Soft Ground (SG): Designed for wet, muddy, or soft natural grass fields. These boots typically feature removable metal studs that provide excellent traction in less stable conditions. If you're used to metal cleats, these will probably feel most familiar.
Firm Ground (FG): Made for harder, drier natural grass or artificial turf. These boots feature molded plastic or rubber studs that are shorter and better suited to firm or synthetic surfaces. They're great if you often play on different surfaces.
From experience: many of us at World Rugby Shop use both. For everyday play on firm ground or turf, FG boots are usually perfect. But when the weather turns or the field's a mess, SG boots are the go-to—especially for forwards who need maximum traction in the scrum.
3. What's the difference between M5 and M6 studs?
The "M" refers to the thread size of the stud screw:
M5 studs have a 5mm thread and are used in many of the SG boots we sell—including models from Canterbury, Gilbert, Mizuno, and even some Adidas boots. These are very common and reliable for a wide range of players.
M6 studs have a 6mm thread and are standard in most newer high-performance Adidas boots, especially the RS15 line.
It's crucial to match the stud type with your boot's threading. Using the wrong one can damage the boot or cause studs to fall out during play. If you're unsure which you need, feel free to reach out and we'll be happy to help.
4. Do boots come with a stud wrench?
Yes—all of our soft ground boots include a compatible stud wrench in the box. This makes it easy to tighten your studs before use and for ongoing maintenance.
Firm ground boots do not require a wrench, as their molded studs are not removable.
If you've purchased SG boots and are missing a wrench, please contact us and we'll get you sorted.
5. Can I return boots after wearing them once?
Unfortunately, once boots have been worn (especially outdoors), they can't be returned. We highly recommend trying them on indoors on a clean surface to ensure proper fit before heading to training. For more on returns, check out our Return Policy.
6. How do I clean and care for my rugby boots?
After each use, remove mud and debris using a soft brush or damp cloth.
Let them air dry naturally—avoid direct heat sources.
Store in a cool, dry place.
Check studs regularly and tighten as needed.
Keeping your boots in top condition not only improves performance but extends their lifespan.
Have more boot questions? Reach out to us at [email protected]—we're always happy to help!