Rugby Boot Studs

Stud Replacement

When replacing studs, it's essential to choose the correct thread size and stud length to ensure safety & grip. Stud lengths generally range from 11mm to 18 mm, with a maximum allowed length of 21mm according to World Rugby regulations.   

Boots and Compatible Studs Threads: (Note: M5* indicates that the boot takes studs with an M5 thread but the M6 stud wrench works best for tightening these)

Studs and Stud Packs:  shop for studs

Most boots arrive with a stud tightening tool. We recommend that you tighten your studs before wearing your boots for the first time.

Outsoles

Metal vs Molded Studs  

Metal Studs (Replaceable)

• Replaceable studs made of aluminum
• Seen on Soft Ground Boots
• Allow players to tailor their boots with the stud lengths they prefer based on field condition, playing style and position.
• Metal studs wear more evenly than molded studs. If you take care of your boots by cleaning the leather and replacing the studs when they wear down, your boots will last longer than molded boots

Molded Studs

• Permanent studs made of rubber or another non metal material
• Seen on Firm Ground Boots, soft ground hybrid boots, Artificial Grass Field Boots and Turf/Hard Ground Boots. Firm ground pitches are usually in sunnier, dryer climates.
• Usually tailored to backs

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Thread Size

Thread Size: Rugby boot studs screw into threaded sockets in the sole of the boot. These threads must match exactly to avoid damage or loosening during play.

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Stud Length

Stud Length: The ideal stud length depends on both the playing surface and the player's position. Longer studs provide better grip on soft ground and are typically preferred by forwards, while shorter studs are favored by backs who require greater agility and quick movement. 

Studs are available in 8mm - 21mm lengths

Shorter: 

Shorter studs (8mm-15mm) are typically seen on firm ground

Backs push less than forwards and need less ground grip. They usually wear shorter studs for lighter boots, allowing quicker movement and easier pivoting.

Longer:

Forwards, particularly in scrums, depend heavily on sustained pushing and drive, requiring maximum traction. To achieve this, they typically use longer studs for enhanced grip on soft or wet surfaces.
While most players generate power from the forefoot, longer rear studs play a critical role in stabilizing body posture and promoting a forward-leaning position. This not only helps maintain balance under pressure but also reduces the likelihood of being driven backward during set pieces or close-contact phases.

Outsole Designs

Soft Ground Outsole Designs

6 stud

• 4 up front and 2 on back heel
• allows for faster foot turn over for cutting and moving
• tailored to backs and loose forwards who want a lighter boot for cutting
  and pivoting

8 stud

• 6 up front and 2 on back heel
• slower than 6 stud design but has better traction
• tailored to tight 5 players or loose forwards who want increased traction and grip

7 stud (less common)

• 5 up front and 2 on back heel
• balance of speed and grip
• geared toward loose forwards

Firm Ground Boot Outsole Stud Design

• consist of 10-14 molded studs made of rubber or another non-metal material
• grip better than soft ground boots
• tailored to all positions in dryer parts of country
• if you only own one type of boot, this is good unless you live in a very wet part of country as they can be used on soft but not wet fields
• studs are bladed, conical or a mixture of both. The more one cuts and jukes, the more bladed the design should be, the more one twists and pivots, the more conical the design should be.

Turf/Hard Ground Boot Studs

• short, usually rubber studs uniformly across the outsole
• great force displacement
• grips ground with shallow studs that just penetrate surface of field