The Boots of the Rugby World Cup 2023

The 2023 Rugby World Cup will see the world’s best players take to the fields of France to battle it out for dominance, but one question remains: what boots will the stars be wearing? After all, the most important gear for the players is what’s on their feet, so we took a closer-look at the various brands’ boots from the various brands that you’ll be seeing throughout the global tournament.

Adidas Adizero RS15

Players wearing Adidas Adizero RS15: Damien Willemse (South Africa), Siya Kolisi (South Africa), Finn Russell (Scotland), Beauden Barrett (New Zealand), Jonny Sexton (Ireland).

The rugby-specific RS15 boot from Adidas takes some cues from last season’s Predator Malice and RS7, and combines it with the soleplate from Adidas’ Speedportal football boot. It’s a well-rounded boot, and most players will wear it in the tournament, with some countries even having their own custom colourways, like a blue model for France, a blackout edition for the All Blacks players, and a unique design for Siya Kolisi.

Adidas Kakari Z

Players wearing Adidas Kakari Z: Malcolm Marx (South Africa).

Adidas’ rugby boot designed for tight forwards is a no-brainer choice for those in the first and second row, giving a ton of traction with a no-nonsense eight-stud layout and thicker upper to deal with the demands of being in heavy contact.

Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite

Players wearing Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite: Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa), Marcus Smith (England), Danny Care (England), Willie le Roux (South Africa).

A reworked classic, the Tiempo Legend has been a favourite of many of the world’s biggest stars, and the recently launched Legend 10 ditches the leather (gasp) from the Tiempo Legend 9 for a full synthetic upper. While it was a controversial design decision by Nike (it’s hard to sway fans of leather), the boots have wowed even the most sceptical longtime wearers. They’ve got a very flexible and dynamic stud pattern, giving players the ability to pivot and turn while remaining lightweight, so you’ll be seeing them on some of the more mobile backs and forwards during the World Cup.

Nike Mercurial Superfly 9 / Vapor 15

Players wearing Canterbury Speed Infinite: Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa), Jesse Kriel (South Africa), Manie Libbok (South Africa).

Arguably the most famous football boot in the world, many rugby players love the Mercurial Vapor and its brother model, the Superfly (which is the same boot, just with a collar). They’re narrow, slick, and give that sock-like feel. Thanks to Nike’s kit deal with the Springboks, you’ll be seeing a few South African stars donning the Mercs.

Puma Ultra Ultimate

Players wearing Puma Ultra Ultimate: Canan Moodie (South Africa).

Puma’s speed boot is one of the best on the market currently, and is often worn by some of the world’s best players in their respective leagues. Young Bok breakout star Canan Moodie has been rocking Pumas since arriving on the scene, and will be wearing the Ultra Ultimate model during his time at the World Cup. You can check out our review of the Puma Ultra Ultimate here.

Puma Future Ultimate

Players wearing Puma Future Ultimate: Duane Vermeulen (South Africa), RG Snyman (South Africa).

Puma’s Future Ultimate boot is an extremely underrated boot that offers a very light, synthetic upper, mixed with a wider fit and comfortable collar. While it’s far more prominent in the football world, the likes of Duane Vermeulen and RG Snyman are die-hard fans of the boot, giving each player the traction and comfort they need to do the job.

Canterbury Speed Infinite

Players wearing Canterbury Speed Infinite: Mack Hansen (Ireland)

A more unusual boot, but one which has gained the interest of Ireland winger Mack Hansen. Canterbury is making their mark in the speed boot market with the Speed Infinite, which has actually impressed a lot of boot fanatics out there. They also come in a purple colourway, so you can’t say they aren’t unique.

Mizuno Alpha Elite

Players wearing Mizuno Alpha Elite: Duhan Van der Merwe (Scotland), James Lowe (Ireland).

One of the newest boot releases of the bunch, the Mizuno Alpha Elite has fast become a favourite boot with the Pacific Island players, and is worn by Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe and Ireland speedster James Lowe. They’re incredibly light, comfortable, and stand out thanks to their shimmery coating.

Asics Menace 4

Players wearing Asics Menace 4: Nic White (Australia), Andrew Kellaway (Australia), Suliasi Vunivalu (Australia).

A less popular option, but a boot that is extremely popular in Australia, particularly with rugby league players. Wallabies scrumhalf Nick White has been wearing the Asics Menace 4 since switching away from Nike’s Mercurial Vapors, and it’s likely he’ll be wearing them throughout the tournament, along with some of his Aussie teammates who have opted for the comfortable and lightweight speed offering from the Japanese sportswear company.

Which boots are your favourite? Let us know by tweeting @MenStuffZA, posting on our Facebook page, or commenting below.