How to Take Care of Your Rugby Boots

 

Your rugby boots are your foundation on the pitch—providing traction, stability, and support during every match or practice. Whether you're playing on wet grass or firm ground, taking care of your boots is key to keeping them match-ready all season long.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to properly clean, dry, store, and maintain your rugby boots so they perform at their best—and last longer too.

1. Clean After Every Game or Training Session

Mud, grass, and moisture are tough on boots. If left uncleaned, they can break down the materials and affect performance.

What to do:

• Knock off the mud: After the session, gently bang the boots together to remove caked-on mud.
• Use a brush and warm water: Scrub the soleplate, studs, and upper with a soft brush or old toothbrush. Avoid harsh detergents—they can damage leather and synthetic materials.
• Wipe down the upper: Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt on the surface.

2. Dry Them Properly—Never with Heat!

Heat can warp your boots and damage the glue or stitching. Here's the right way to dry them:

What to do:

• Use a boot dryer: Built specifically for this task, these machines dry your boots and help fight odor.
• Air dry naturally: Place them in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.

3. Condition Leather Boots

If you're using leather rugby boots (like classic soft-ground styles), they need a little extra love.

What to do:

• Once clean and dry, apply a leather conditioner or boot balm using a soft cloth.
• Avoid over-conditioning—once every few weeks is usually enough.
• Store them in a cool, dry place to prevent leather from cracking.

4. Check and Replace Studs Regularly

Loose or worn studs reduce grip and increase injury risk. Make stud checks part of your post-match routine.

What to do:

• Inspect each stud for wear and tightness.
• Replace any missing or damaged studs. Find replacements here.
• Always carry a stud key in your kit bag—it's a small tool that makes a big difference.

5. Store Boots Properly Between Games

How you store your boots can impact their durability.

What to do:

• Keep them in a breathable boot bag, not a plastic bag.
• Avoid damp or extreme temperatures—boots stored in car trunks or wet kit bags can get moldy or deformed.
  

6. Don’t Use Them Off the Pitch

This one’s simple but often overlooked.

What to do:

• Don’t wear your rugby boots on concrete, asphalt, or hard surfaces. It damages the studs and soleplate.
• Change into trainers when walking to or from the pitch.

Final Thoughts

Your rugby boots take a beating every time you step onto the field. With regular care and a few simple habits, you can extend their life, improve performance, and save money in the long run.

Want help finding the right boots for your position, surface, or skill level? Shop Rugby Boots at World Rugby Shop — we carry top brands like adidas, Canterbury, Mizuno, and more.