Black Friday shoes Mizuno
Our rugby shoes Mizuno page for Black Friday features models from the Japanese brand that are part of the promotion, with the Waitangi at the forefront, available in leather, in a robust synthetic Club version, and in a Pro version with a wider fit for forwards. With the history of Mizuno and our tips on choosing and caring for leather.
Mizuno shoes, at reduced prices.
From Osaka in 1906 to the maori name of Waitangi
Mizuno was founded in 1906 in Osaka by Rihachi Mizuno and his brother Rizo, initially as a shop selling Western goods, before making their own sports equipment. The brand has built a reputation in footwear, where attention to leather and finishes is its signature. For rugby, it chose a name full of meaning: Waitangi is the place in northern New Zealand where the treaty between the British Crown and Māori chiefs was signed in 1840, a founding document of the country. A nod to one of the great rugby nations for a shoe designed for contact.
The other brands
The Black Friday shoes also include:
All the shoes from Black Friday are gathered on the shoes page.
Waitangi CL, Club or Pro: three types of fit
The Waitangi comes in several versions that cater to different players. The CL features a soft leather upper that hugs the foot and enhances ball touch, for those who run a lot and play with their feet. The Club replaces the leather with a synthetic material that withstands repeated contact, with screwed metal studs that grip on wet pitches: a solid choice for the club player who trains in all weather. The Pro, finally, adopts a very wide shape, known as 2E, designed for the powerful feet of forwards who feel cramped in standard shoes.
Caring for the leather of a Mizuno
Leather is the great strength of Mizuno shoes, provided you take care of it. After a muddy match, remove the dirt with a soft brush while it is still damp, then let the pair dry at room temperature, stuffed with absorbent paper that's changed regularly. Direct heat dries out the leather, causing it to shrink and crack. Once dry, a nourishing cream or grease will restore its suppleness and waterproofing. For fit, soft leather will stretch slightly over the first few sessions: choose it well-fitted, without compression, rather than with excessive margin that would leave the foot floating.
The other good deals
Outside of Black Friday, good bargains can be found in good deals, clearance, sales. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the festive season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and back-to-school promotions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hybrid sole?
A hybrid sole combines screwed studs and molded cleats: the former grip into the soft ground, while the latter stabilize the foot and distribute pressure on firmer terrain. It’s a compromise for players who switch between surfaces.
Do Mizuno shoes run small?
It’s best to try them on with your match socks, as the fit varies from model to model. Between two sizes, a soft leather should be chosen in the smaller size since it will stretch, while a synthetic should be taken in the larger size.
How many studs does a rugby shoe have?
Most models have six or eight. Eight studs provide more support for forwards pushing, six lighten the shoe for fast players, and some soles add small molded cleats for stability.
How to maintain metal studs?
After each match, wipe them down and check their tightness with a wrench. A clogged thread can be cleaned with a brush, and a drop of grease on the thread makes the next disassembly easier while limiting corrosion.
Is it necessary to have two pairs of rugby shoes?
It’s not mandatory, but many players alternate a pair with screwed studs for wet pitches and a molded pair for dry or synthetic surfaces. Alternating also allows each pair to dry completely between sessions.
