Adidas unveils first women’s rugby boot
German sportswear brand Adidas has unveiled its first women’s specific rugby boot, the S15 Avaglide, available to players of all levels.
The brand undertook a comprehensive study of foot data from rugby players, including the current New Zealand and France men’s and women’s teams, and combined these findings with player feedback and a research data on male and female differences.
Research showed an opportunity for a different heel structure, given the fact the female heel is typically narrower than their male counterparts. A new waterfall heel system has been applied to provide a more adaptive fit than the shape found on a gender-neutral boot.
Supporting movement in the region, a set of TPU support inserts mold to the shape of the wearer’s foot by allowing for stretching zones in the leather to cater for a wider front foot.
The study also revealed that female athletes are more likely to over-pronate - where the foot rolls inward - due to typically broader hips, resulting in a wider gate than the male equivalent. To provide additional arch support and help work against over-pronating, a molded sock liner in the midfoot region and an asymmetrical lacing system combine, to provide the necessary foot lockdown.
The RS15 Avaglide will be worn by players including Chelsea Bremner, Emily Scarratt, Ilona Maher, Jess Breach, Stacey Waaka, Manaé Feleu and Renee Holmes.
