Difference Between Rugby & Soccer Shoes

The sport of rugby has its origins in English soccer. William Webb Ellis is said to have invented the game when he picked up a soccer ball and ran with it in a game at Rugby School, England, in 1823.

  1. Power Transference

    • Rugby is played predominantly with the ball in hand while soccer is played with the feet. Therefore rugby shoes are created to transfer power over a wider area, fitting the physical nature of the game. Soccer shoes are made to be lighter, allowing the player to feel the ball at their feet.

    Kicking

    • A number of rugby players, usually the speedier backs who are involved in the rugby kicking game, wear soccer shoes. Heavier power rugby players, such as the front five forwards, wear rugby shoes.

    Toe Cleat

    • Soccer shoes are allowed under the rules of soccer to have a cleat at the toe of the shoe. Rugby shoes are not allowed to have a toe cleat. If soccer shoes are worn for rugby the toe cleat must be removed and the area smoothed.

    Number of Cleats

    • Rugby shoes usually have 10 cleats while soccer shoes are made with around 16. Soccer shoes are now created with wedge cleats, which are not allowed in rugby.

    Cleat Construction

    • Sharp edges are not allowed in either soccer or rugby shoes. Traditional cleats made for soccer shoes are smaller and thinner than those made for rugby. The minimum diameter for rugby cleats is 10 millimeters at the top of the cleat.