RUGBYSTORE BOOTS GUIDE

SOFT GROUND BOOTS

When you think of rugby, you think of rain, mud, and soaked pitches — conditions where traction can become a real challenge. This is where Soft Ground (SG) boots come in. Designed specifically for wet and heavy conditions, these boots are the ideal choice for winter rugby.

Soft Ground boots typically feature 6–8 metal-tipped studs that penetrate soft surfaces to provide maximum grip. These studs are longer than those on firm ground boots and are usually screw-in, allowing them to be replaced when worn or swapped for shorter studs on firmer ground.

The primary purpose of SG boots is to enhance traction, helping prevent slipping on muddy surfaces and providing better stability during acceleration, cutting, and tackling. With the right pair, players can stay confident and in control, no matter how challenging the pitch gets.

• Best for wet, muddy, soft natural grass

• Fewer, longer studs (usually metal, often replaceable)

• Studs dig deep for maximum grip

• Excellent traction in mud and slippery conditions

• Less comfortable on firm surfaces

• Not suitable for artificial turf or hard ground

Firm Ground Boots

Firm Ground boots are designed for dry or slightly damp natural grass pitches. They usually feature 10–12 moulded studs made from plastic or TPU, providing stable traction without penetrating too deeply into the surface.

The studs are fixed and carefully positioned to distribute pressure evenly, giving players balance, support, and confidence when accelerating, cutting, or tackling. FG boots are ideal for most standard pitch conditions and are the most commonly used boot type in rugby.

• Best for dry or slightly damp natural grass

• Short, molded plastic studs

• Typically 10–14 studs evenly distributed

• Fixed studs (not replaceable)

• Provide balanced traction and stability

• Comfortable due to even pressure distribution

• Most common and widely used

• Not suitable for deep mud or artificial turf

MIXED STUD BOOTS

Mixed Stud boots are designed for players who need maximum versatility on varying pitch conditions. Combining both metal and plastic studs, these boots provide the grip of soft ground boots with the stability of firm ground boots.

The configuration typically includes longer screw-in studs for penetrating soft or muddy patches, paired with shorter moulded studs for traction on firmer areas. This makes Mixed Stud boots ideal for unpredictable surfaces, offering reliable performance in winter, during wet matches, or on pitches that are partially firm and partially soft.

With enhanced grip and stability, Mixed Stud boots allow players to accelerate, cut, and tackle confidently, no matter how the pitch changes throughout the game.

• Best for natural grass with mixed firm and soft patches

• Combination of stud lengths; sometimes plastic + metal

• Provides moderate grip in light/moderate mud

• Adaptable to variable grass conditions

• Not recommended for artificial turf or extreme soft/muddy ground

ALL GROUND BOOTS

All Ground boots offer versatility for players who encounter a mix of surfaces, from dry natural grass to artificial turf. AG boots typically feature a combination of shorter moulded studs and strategic stud patterns to provide reliable grip across multiple conditions.

This configuration allows players to maintain traction, stability, and agility on both firm and softer surfaces without needing to change boots between pitches. AG boots are perfect for training sessions, youth rugby, or situations where the playing surface can vary.

• Designed for multiple surfaces (natural grass + artificial turf)

• Many short, evenly distributed plastic studs

• Good traction on firm grass and artificial turf

• Highly versatile

• Limited grip in deep mud

• Ideal for players who play on varying surfaces