Adidas launches new rugby boot
05/02/2013
Describing the new boot as “ground-breaking”, adidas explained at the launch that the FF80, with a 5x2 stud configuration, is designed to cater for the “unique requirements” of specialist flankers and number 8 forwards.
Every aspect is designed to help increase traction in scrums, rucks and mauls, the company continued, to allow loose forwards to be faster to the breakdown and provide a solid platform for acceleration. The stud pattern is key, it said. “It’s a feature not seen on rugby boots for many decades,” the brand said in a statement, “and a configuration that adidas researched thoroughly over the last two years with some of the world’s best players, coaches, and biomechanical experts.”
Its global vice-president for rugby, Simon Cartwright, added: “The modern game of rugby has brought a new level of physicality, power and agility. Through our ongoing communication with world-class rugby players and coaches it became clear that amongst loose forwards there was a perceived lack of grip and stability while scrummaging and in rucks. We set out to find out why this was the case.”
Research showed that flankers use their feet quite differently from players in other positions, spending a lot of time on the sides of their feet during scrums, on their toes during rucks, and often needing to change direction quickly to make tackles and reach breakdowns. With this in mind adidas began investigating different stud configurations to define the optimal stud pattern for a loose forward’s boot.
“We gathered a team of experts including biomechanical and material specialists, and design and footwear developers,” Mr Cartwright continued. “With the blessing of [the sport’s governing body] the International Rugby Board we created a prototype which was put through its paces during training by many of the world’s top loose forwards. We also took advice and feedback from various top-tier coaches from New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.”
Adidas discovered that a particular type of 5x2 configuration offered significant benefits over the traditional 4x2 boot. The additional stud towards the front of the FF80 is positioned exactly where a loose forward exerts pressure during a scrum, bridging during a ruck, or driving off the ground to accelerate.
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