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Rugby Boots
Rugby and soccer boots both evolved from engineer's boots . Made by the local boot makers the quality was superior to many workmen's boots of the 19th century. Traditionally a distinguishing feature was the high cut design to give extra support to the ankle. Modern players are bigger and heavier and more athletic which places extreme demands on footwear. A game with emphasis on speed prefers a lower boot similar to the soccer shoe. This is especially true in backs where less restriction at the ankle gives greater mobility. The front row and locks wear particularly sturdy boots with high tops. Traction and leverage in the scrum are essential therefore the forwards boots need to be robust, supportive with excellent traction. These players also tend to get their toes stood on and the need to protect the top of the foot is an essential design characteristic. Unlike soccer, rugby necessitates players run carrying the ball and tackle. Stops, sprints, abrupt direction changes, landing, and impact punctuate these activities. The rugby player kicks from the hand, or a kicking tee, hence the need for a low tapered toe-box is less obvious. The modern rugby boot had a deeper toe box to accommodate the toes as well as provide protects to the top of the foot. Heels are protected with reinforced cups to stabilise the rearfoot during quick-change maneuvers. It is critical the boot flexes exactly at the point where the foot bends across the metatarsal phalangeal joints. Hence rugby boots tend to be worn with the toes at the very end of the shoe. This is thought critical to facilitate where the foot bends and the boot provides leverage otherwise bending the foot against an unremitting boot results in fatigue and skin damage. All this needs to come in a lightweight boot, which accommodates different width fittings. The physical dimensions of the players are bigger than average soccer players and unlike the round ball aficionados, rugby players prefer good fitting boots to the tighter style used by Becks and co. The shape of rugby boots accommodates a wider forefoot and appears rounder than the average soccer shoe. The lacing medium enables the players to adjust to specific anatomical volume requirements as well as maintain a comfortable fit. Because rugby boots need to give support careful consideration is given to the materials the footwear is made from. Rugby boots are available with leather and synthetic uppers. Best quality boots have, like soccer boots, been made from kangaroo skin but the demand for non-animal synthetic uppers is growing. Leather will stretch and moulds itself to the shape of the feet but unless specially treated can stretch out of shape in wet conditions. Synthetic boots are often lighter and less expensive. The vast majority of rugby boots will be made from a combination of natural and synthetic materials. Popular designer logos have had varying successes with rugby players. Some players prefer not to sport them and others may find their strategic setting ads strength to the footwear.
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