Black Friday shoes Gilbert
Our rugby shoes Gilbert page for Black Friday showcases the brand's studded models when they are part of the promotion: the Power, sturdy and grounded, and the Torq, available in men's and women's fit. A range signed by the famous ball manufacturer, with its history and our tips for choosing your model, stud count, and shoe size.
The Gilbert shoes, at a reduced price.
A cobbler from 1823 back to shoes
Before being the name on the ball, Gilbert was that of a shoemaker. In 1823, William Gilbert runs a shoe shop on High Street, just a stone's throw from Rugby School, and starts sewing leather balls around a pig's bladder for the students. Over time, the business becomes the go-to manufacturer of the oval ball: it has been supplying the official ball for the World Cup since 1995 and the Six Nations tournament. By offering rugby shoes, the brand is, in a way, returning to its founder's trade, bringing its deep knowledge of the game and its fields.
The other brands
The Black Friday shoes are also available in:
All the Black Friday shoes are gathered on the shoes page.
Power or Torq: two shoes, two profiles
The Gilbert Power is the shoe for players looking for stability: its low version with eight screw-in studs offers a wide support for pushing in scrums or standing firm in rucks, and it is also available with six studs for those wanting a bit more mobility. The Gilbert Torq is aimed at a more versatile profile; it comes in a men's cut and a women's cut, designed on a form suited to female feet, which remains rare in the rugby shoe market. Thus, female players no longer have to settle for a small-size men's model, often too wide at the heel.
Eight or six studs, and the right size
The number of studs is the first criterion. Eight studs distribute weight across the entire sole and reassure forwards during pushing phases; six studs lighten the shoe and aid in quick starts, at the cost of slightly less wide support. For the size, measure your foot in the evening, when it has swollen, then try the shoe with a rugby sock: the heel should not lift when walking, and the toes must not hit the front while pushing, with the body leaning forward. A female player torn between the women's cut and a unisex model mainly compares the support at the heel.
The other good deals
Outside of Black Friday, good deals can be found in good deals, clearance, sales. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections. The highlights of the year come in a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and back-to-school promotions.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the name Gilbert appear on rugby balls?
Because the brand supplies the official ball for major competitions, with the World Cup leading the way, and its name has accompanied the game since its beginnings in Rugby. This reputation as a ball manufacturer has now extended to its shoes.
Do Gilbert shoes fit normally?
As a rule, you keep your usual size. If unsure between two sizes, choose based on the thickness of the socks worn during matches and the width of the foot, as the shoe should fit without pinching.
How do you replace a broken stud?
If the stud has broken off at the threading, pull out the remaining part with pliers, clean the screw hole with a brush, then screw in a new stud of the same length. Ideally, it's best to replace all the studs at once to maintain balanced support.
Is a different shoe needed for sevens rugby?
Sevens is often played on drier pitches, at the end of spring and in summer, focusing primarily on speed: a lightweight shoe with six studs or a moulded sole is more suitable than a model with eight studs.
Why prefer a shoe designed for rugby?
A shoe designed for rugby includes push support, a reinforced upper against foot trampling in rucks, and studs suited for heavy grounds. A versatile model prioritises lightness over these protections.
