Shoe sales Gilbert

A Rugby shoemaker at the origin of the brand

The story of Gilbert begins in a shoe shop: William Gilbert, a shoemaker based at 19 High Street in Rugby, just a stone's throw from the famous school, has been supplying the students' balls since 1823, made of hand-stitched leather with four panels around a pig's bladder. He moved to St Matthews Street in 1842, still near the school. His nephew James succeeded him in 1877, when the workshop was sewing around two thousand eight hundred balls a year, and the company was awarded at the major exhibitions in London in 1851 and 1862. Offering rugby shoes is for Gilbert a return to the craft of its founder.

The other brands

The discounted shoes also come in:

• adidas.
• Canterbury.
• Mizuno.
• Puma.
• Under Armour.

All the discounted shoes can be found on the discounted shoes page.

Gilbert Power: eight studs for pushing

The Gilbert Power, in its low X20 LO version, is based on a sole with eight screw-in studs, the configuration for forwards. Eight contact points distribute pressure under the foot and enhance grip when the pack is pushing in a scrum or in a maul; six studs, on the other hand, lighten the shoe for more mobile players. The low cut leaves the ankle free, unlike a high collar: it is suitable for second and third rows who alternate between pushing, running, and jumping in touch. The studs can be changed with a key and adapted to the condition of the ground.

Torq, in women's or mixed version

The Gilbert Torq comes in two fits: a mixed version and a women's version, designed on a narrower last at the heel. A female player's foot is generally slimmer at the same size, and a shoe that is too wide can cause the heel to float, risking blisters and sprains. The women's version retains the screw-in sole designed for winter pitches. To choose, try the pair on at the end of the day, with match socks, and check that the heel stays properly anchored while standing on your toes, then by doing some lateral movements.

The other good deals

Good deals can also be found in the good deals, clearance sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Gilbert the brand of rugby balls?

Because William Gilbert was already supplying the balls for the Rugby school when the game was born there, in the early nineteenth century. The oval shape is said to have come from the pig bladders he inflated inside the leather casing.

How long do screw-in studs last?

It all depends on how often you play and the surfaces: a stud that rounds off or noticeably shortens should be replaced. We check their condition every month and always change the complete set to maintain balanced contact.

Is Gilbert still a British brand?

The brand was born in Rugby, in Warwickshire, and retains its name and history. Since 2002, it has belonged to the Grays International group, a British specialist in team sports equipment.

How do you maintain a rugby shoe Gilbert?

After the session, brush off the mud, unscrew the studs stuck in the ground, and leave the pair to dry away from any heat source. Some newspaper inserted inside absorbs moisture and helps the upper keep its shape.

Can a women's shoe fit a man with a slim foot?

Yes, there is nothing to stop it: only the shape of the foot matters. A player with a narrow heel may find better support in a women's version, provided the size corresponds correctly to the brand's size chart.