Rugby shoes Mizuno

The Waitangi, the rugby boot from Mizuno

The Waitangi is named after the New Zealand locality where the founding treaty of the country was signed in 1840. It’s the shoe that Mizuno specifically designs for rugby. Its round aluminium studs are arranged six under the forefoot and two at the heel, a setup that provides the necessary grip on all natural pitches. The lightweight PS version uses a flexible and durable Primeskin upper, decorated with graphics inspired by Japanese calligraphy; the CL version combines synthetic material and leather, with stitched reinforcements and diagonal flex grooves that allow the forefoot to bend during pushes.

The Mizuno ranges

The Mizuno shoes come in:

• Morelia.
• Morelia Neo.
• Monarcida.
• Waitangi.

All the shoes are gathered on the shoes page.

Morelia Neo SG: kangaroo leather for kickers

The Morelia Neo is the lightweight version of the Morelia, a lineage launched by Mizuno in 1985, renowned for the suppleness of its leather. In the SG version, it pairs a kangaroo leather upper, complemented with mesh and knit, with a lightweight nylon sole that combines moulded TPU studs and removable metal studs. The whole package weighs around two hundred and forty grams, a featherweight for a studded shoe. Fly-halves, backs, and kickers appreciate it for the barefoot feeling when in contact with the ball, making kicks more precise.

Kangaroo leather or synthetic: maintaining your Mizuno

A Morelia Neo in kangaroo leather is treated like fine leather. After a match in the rain, mud should be wiped off with a damp sponge, the shoe stuffed with paper, and it should be left to dry slowly at room temperature: the heat from a radiator would shrink and crack the leather. Once dry, a light layer of cream or grease for leather restores its suppleness. The Waitangi, with a mostly synthetic upper, requires less attention, but its aluminium studs should be checked before each match and tightened with a wrench, as a loose stud can damage the sole's threading.

Deals

Good deals can be found in the deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest models. The key events of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

Does Mizuno make proper rugby boots?

Yes: the Waitangi is designed for rugby, with eight round aluminium studs and a reinforced upper for contact. The Morelia Neo SG, with a mixed sole, is also worn by many rugby players, especially in the back lines.

Do Mizuno shoes fit small?

They often fit snugly, with a rather narrow front. A player with wide feet should try half a size up, particularly in the Morelia Neo, which stretches a bit but remains fitted due to the kangaroo leather.

Where does the Mizuno brand come from?

From Osaka, Japan, where Rihachi Mizuno founded it in 1906 with his brother Rizo. It has built a worldwide reputation for the quality of its shoes, some of which are still made in Japan.

Hybrid or screw-in Mizuno: what should I choose?

The mixed sole of the Morelia Neo SG, which combines moulded studs and removable spikes, adapts to changing pitches and lightens the foot. The Waitangi, fully screw-in, remains the reference on saturated pitches and during pushing phases.

Is the Waitangi suitable for a back?

It is primarily designed for forwards, but its lightweight and flexible PS version is suitable for a centre or a mobile flanker. A winger or kicker looking for maximum lightness and ball feel would rather choose the Morelia Neo SG.