Gilbert Rugby Boots

Gilbert has spent years building rugby boots specifically around the demands of the sport, and that shows most clearly underneath the foot.

The current Pro:Direct Rugby range is led by Gilbert 8 stud rugby boots including the Sidestep X20 Power, Sidestep Icon and Icon Players. Eight studs give you a planted base on softer natural grass, making them particularly relevant when scrums, mauls, tackles and short carries are happening on a pitch that is starting to cut up.

That makes 8-stud boots an obvious starting point for forwards, although position should never be treated as a hard rule. If you want more grip and stability through contact, the stud configuration matters more than the number on your back.

Gilbert Rugby Boots for Forwards and Backs

The Gilbert Speedster takes a different route with a 6-stud setup. Six-stud rugby boots use fewer studs underfoot and suit players looking for traction without quite as much of the planted feel associated with an 8-stud sole.

That can make them particularly appealing to backs, back-row players and anyone doing more accelerating, stepping and kick chase.

Gilbert rugby boots also tend to offer a more rugby-specific shape than many football boots, with extra room useful for players who find close-fitting speed boots restrictive through the foot.

Choosing Gilbert Rugby Boots

Start with the ground and how much stability you want.

For wet grass and softer pitches, the Gilbert Sidestep and Icon Players 8-stud options put grip at the centre of the boot. If you prefer a lighter feel and greater freedom through changes of direction, look towards the Speedster 6-stud.

From there, choose by size, fit, price and the amount of rugby you play rather than trying to match a boot rigidly to your position.

Browse adult Gilbert rugby boots at Pro:Direct Rugby, including Sidestep, Icon Players and Speedster models for forwards, backs, club training and matchday.