The Boots of Super Rugby 2017

The 2017 season of Super Rugby is underway, and with the action already heating up after the opening round, we’ve now had a glimpse at the new footwear on display by the world’s best players. So, to keep on top of the what’s on the market, we’ve rounded up the most popular boots of Super Rugby 2017:

Nike Mercurial Superfly V & Vapor XI

Worn by: Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), James Lowe (Chiefs), Melani Nanai (Blues)

Two of this season’s blockbuster releases are the Nike Mercurial Superfly V and the Mercurial Vapor XI.

Speaking of the Superfly V specifically, it’s the fifth version of Nike’s total speed silo features some serious upgrades, with a textured Flyknit upper and an anatomical soleplate highlighting the tech specs. One of the key features of the Superfly V is how all of the materials interlock to produce the most efficient package possible. A dynamic mid-cut collar secures foot to ankle, while the upper is a textured Flyknit material, with horizontal style speed ribs running across the upper for extra definition on the ball. According to the Nike design team, the concept was simple; “merge science with design to build the fastest boot on the market.”

As for the Vapor XI, it is not difficult to tell where the new Vapor XI is different; they have no mid-cut collar and the upper is a lightweight Teijin microfiber. You still get that ribbed texture upper (speedribs) but the material itself feels very different. The outsole is identical, featuring the same plate mapped to the natural contours of the foot.

The Nike Mercurial Superfly V (green) is available from Totalsports for R3,699, and is also available in purple; while the Mercurial Vapor XI are R2,999.

Adidas X 16+ Purechaos

Worn by: Quade Cooper

Originally designed for football forwards and midfielders, the Adidas X 16+ Purechaos are made for those who need that close feel to the ball and a sturdy enough grip to change angles on the fly. The boots feature an ultra textured synthetic upper that is coupled with a tighter TechFit ankle collar to produce something special – it fits like a sock, giving a high degree of comfort while still allowing your foot to move as naturally as possible. On the underside of the boot, we find the famous Sprintframe that we have all come to know and love from classic Adidas F50 boots, with the Purechaos twist to really assist in the traction you can receive when making sharp cuts and turns in a match.

The Adidas Purechaos 16.1+ are available from Totalsports for R2,999 in blue, black, or red (R2,499).

Puma evoPower Vigor 1

Worn by: Faf de Klerk (Lions), Jano Vermaak (Stormers), Joaquin Diaz Bonilla (Jaguares), Jaco Kriel (Lions)

The likes of Adidas and Nike have introduced sock-like boots over the last season, and Puma has unleashed a somewhat similar, yet different take on the concept with the Puma evoPower Vigor 1 – a revamped design of the popular evoPowers. True to the name, the Vigors don’t change the underlying DNA behind the evoPower line, still offering a solid all-round boot for control, speed, accuracy, and of course, power when shooting or striking the ball, but there are some new changes to the boot – and the biggest of those changes are happening in the uppers.

The inner sock construction is here to give players the most personal, uninterrupted and natural feeling when wearing the boot, rather than having plastic or harder foam being in direct contact with your foot. Putting them on is as easy as sliding a sturdy sock over your foot and the softer sensation brings you a little closer to the ball and ground.

The Puma evoPower Vigor 1 boots are available from Totalsports for R3,499.

Adidas Crazyquick Malice

Worn by: Damian de Allende (Stormers), Cheslin Kolbe (Stormers), Julian Savea (Hurricanes)

Adidas’ Superlight rugby boot range have become increasingly popular amongst professionals and amateurs in the rugby world, and the ‘Elements Pack’, which dropped late last year, is still a go-to-choice for most players this season, particularly that of the CrazyQuick Malice.

Dedicated to the speed and elusiveness of outside backs, the CrazyQuick Malice feature a lightweight upper, Adidas’ flexible and light Sprintframe on the soleplate (with a raised heel to optimise your speed off the mark) and the Speedtraxion stud layout for maximum quickness in every turn. The asymmetrical laces are designed to give you a cleaner, larger kicking surface, which is ideal for those outside backs who like to put boot to ball.

If you’re looking for some great deals on football and rugby boots, and other great sporting items, check out the Totalsports online store.

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