Mizuno Boots Guide
With over a century of sporting heritage, Mizuno is firmly established as one of the world’s leading sportswear brands. Trusted by elite athletes across multiple sports, Mizuno has also made a strong mark in rugby union, worn by top-level internationals such as England prop Dan Cole and Scotland’s electric midfield trio of Huw Jones, Duhan van der Merwe, and Sione Tuipulotu.
Renowned for performance-driven design, Mizuno offers a wide range of rugby boots tailored to specific positions and playing styles. Whether you’re a powerful forward or a dynamic back, there’s a Mizuno boot built to match your game. This guide is designed to help you find the ideal Mizuno boot for your needs.
From recent 2025 boot pack launches like Shadow Gem and Urban Electric to the latest Unity Sky release, Mizuno continues to push innovation, with standout boot lines always on the horizon.
Morelia
The Morelia is Mizuno’s original and most iconic boot range. First released in 1985, the Morelia was initially designed as a football boot, but its performance-driven design quickly earned a reputation across multiple sports. Built for players of all levels, the original Morelia weighed just 245 grams — a remarkable achievement at a time when boots commonly weighed up to 500 grams. Its release marked a turning point, as brands began prioritising lighter, faster footwear for modern players.
A key factor behind this lightweight performance is Mizuno’s premium Kangaroo leather (known as K-leather) upper. Renowned for its softness, durability, and natural feel, the leather allows for exceptional touch and comfort. While the overall silhouette of the Morelia has remained largely unchanged over the years, advances in materials, craftsmanship, and production techniques have elevated it into one of the most respected and popular boot lines in the game.
Despite its lightweight construction, Mizuno has ensured the Morelia remains highly flexible, delivering a near-barefoot feel that enhances control and responsiveness on the field. This balance of comfort, control, and performance has become a hallmark not only of the Morelia range, but of every Mizuno boot line.
The Japan edition of the Morelia boots takes an already exceptional design and elevates it to premium status, combining unmatched craftsmanship with superior materials for players who demand the very best on the pitch. The Japan edition boots are handcrafted by skilled craftsmen in Osaka, Japan, with extra time devoted to every pair to ensure meticulous attention to detail. This traditional, hands-on approach delivers exceptional quality, precision, and a truly premium feel that sets the Japan models apart on the pitch.

Alpha Boots
One of Mizuno’s leading boots in the modern game, the Alpha III is the latest evolution of this sleek, speed-focused design. Built with explosive backs in mind — particularly wingers, full-backs, and pace-driven centres — the Alpha III is engineered for players who rely on acceleration and top-end speed to make the difference when space opens up.
Mizuno’s trademark lightweight construction is paired with a newly developed soleplate, designed to maximise acceleration and support rapid changes of direction. This combination gives players the confidence to hit top speed quickly and stay agile in open play.
The upper features Mizuno’s premium K-leather, expertly layered with a polyurethane sheet (PU Sheet), engineered fit knit which requires machines to manipulate the fabric to create septic patterns that allow for a breathable foot that feels like a second-skin, and supportive backing foam to protect the foot. These three layers are precision-stitched by Mizuno’s craftsmen to create a soft, adaptive fit that delivers exceptional comfort and control, while remaining durable enough to withstand the demands of a long and physical season.

Monarcida
The Monarcida is the ideal boot for newcomers to rugby, designed to deliver comfort, stability, and confidence from the very first wear. Featuring a wide fit and a soft artificial leather upper, it provides a forgiving and supportive feel that helps new players focus on their game rather than their footwear.
A Zero Glide insole enhances underfoot grip, helping to reduce foot movement inside the boot and giving players greater control when accelerating or changing direction at pace. This added stability is key for building confidence as skills and speed develop.
Inspired by the iconic Morelia, the Monarcida carries the same DNA in its clean, classic design, while offering a more accessible price point. It’s a reliable, well-rounded option that delivers Mizuno quality and performance without compromise — perfect for players starting their rugby journey.

Waitangi
Designed specifically for forwards, the Mizuno Waitangi delivers the perfect balance of lightweight performance, stability, and traction required in the toughest areas of the game. While it retains Mizuno’s trademark lightweight feel, this boot is built to provide the added strength and support needed for scrums, rucks, and close-contact battles.
The 6×2 stud configuration offers excellent traction and grip, helping you generate maximum drive and maintain stability as you push through the opposition. A durable Primeskin upper is engineered to withstand the heavy contact and physical demands faced by forwards, ensuring long-lasting performance throughout the season.
Built for power, control, and reliability, the Waitangi is the ideal choice for players who thrive in the engine room and demand a boot that performs when the contest is at its fiercest.
Now is the time to get your new Mizuno boots at Rugbystore and get yourself out on that pitch.
If you enjoyed please make sure to checkout some of our other blog posts at the Rugbystore Blog.
