Gilbert Sidestep, the Power range
Our Gilbert Sidestep page brings together the widest range of rugby shoes from the brand, named after the hook, this change of support that leaves the tackler in place. You'll find the Power, with six or eight detachable studs, for both forwards and backs, and the Icon, with a moulded sole, a club and school shoe available in the smallest sizes.
The hook, in the style of Gilbert.
The Sidestep Power with eight studs, designed for the pack
The Sidestep Power with eight studs is the go-to shoe for forwards. Its BioFrame sole, combined with a wider fit than average, provides the stability and grip needed by props, hookers, second rows, and back rows in scrums, rucks, and mauls. The synthetic PU upper withstands friction and stud impacts without deforming. The replaceable aluminium studs allow you to adjust the length to suit the condition of the pitch, from the boggy fields of January to the firmer grounds of March.
The other Gilbert ranges
The Gilbert shoes also come in:
All the Gilbert shoes can be found on the Gilbert page.
Power with six studs and Speedplate sole for backs
The six-stud version of the Power is aimed at players who thrive on acceleration and quick direction changes, specifically those who pull off the sidesteps that gave the range its name. Its hybrid Speedplate sole offers the grip and mobility needed for explosive starts, while the replaceable Pro Lite studs lighten the experience. The synthetic PU upper provides stable support, though not as wide as the eight-stud version. Wingers, backs, centres, and halves will find a lightweight shoe that remains robust enough for tackles and ruck plays.
The Icon with MSX sole, from club to rugby school
The Icon revives a classic Gilbert design and comes in sizes from senior to mini. Its synthetic leather upper, reinforced at the midfoot, offers impressive stability during early scrums and rucks. The MSX sole with moulded studs is perfect for firm pitches, dry grass, and artificial turf, where it provides multidirectional grip for acceleration and direction changes. With no screw-in studs or key to keep in the bag, it’s the easiest pair to manage for a school club or a player training frequently on synthetic surfaces. Its standard fit is suitable for most feet.
Good deals
Great bargains can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals show the latest models. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, winter sales, the spring French Days, then the summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently asked questions
What is a sidestep in rugby?
It's the sidestep: a sudden push off one foot to change direction and leave the tackler in the void. Wingers and backs have made it their signature move, and Gilbert named its largest family of shoes after it.
How do I choose between the two versions of the Power?
It depends on the position: the eight-stud version, wider and more stable, is for forwards; the six-stud version, lighter, is for backs. A back row player who pushes hard in scrums will want the first, while a running flanker will prefer the second.
Does the Sidestep Icon fit children?
Yes, the Icon comes in junior and mini sizes, with the same moulded sole as the adult version. With no screw-in studs, it is perfect for rugby schools, and its reinforced upper holds the foot well in the early contacts.
Can you play with a Sidestep Power on dry ground?
It’s possible with shorter studs, but a screw-in sole is less comfortable on hard ground and puts more strain on the ankles. On dry or synthetic pitches, the Icon with moulded studs is more suitable.
How can you tell worn aluminium studs?
A worn stud is obvious: flattened top, reduced height, and edges that catch the nail when brushed. It should be replaced immediately, as it slips on wet grass and a sharp edge can cut an opponent's leg.
