New Balance Furon, designed for speed

The Furon, speed shoe since 2015

The Furon is part of the two ranges with which New Balance launched into studded shoes in 2015. From the very beginning, its role is clear: it’s the model for speed. Its fine upper hugs the foot to limit unnecessary movement, its weight is kept to a minimum, and its rigid sole returns energy with every stride. In rugby, this design appeals to wingers and fullbacks who thrive on their acceleration, sidesteps along the touchline, and breaks from their half. On dry grass or synthetic surfaces, it provides a lightweight feel akin to an athletics spike.

The other New Balance ranges

The New Balance shoes also come in:

• Tekela.

All New Balance shoes can be found on the New Balance page.

Furon Elite, Pro or Team: which level to choose

The level is chosen based on your playing frequency and requirements. The Furon Elite features the thinnest upper and the most responsive sole: it’s the model for matches, for players seeking every gram saved. The Furon Pro retains the same shape but uses slightly thicker, more wear-resistant materials, making it a good choice for training and playing each week. The Furon Team, which is sturdier and more flexible, is suitable for beginners, training sessions, and youth, as it comes in children’s sizes. For the sole, the FG targets natural grass, while the MG suits clubs that alternate between grass and artificial turf.

Wearing a Furon: size and maintenance

The Furon fits close to the foot, like most speed shoes: it’s chosen in your usual size, tried on at the end of the day with match socks, keeping half a centimetre in front of the big toe. A wide foot may find the front a bit tight in the early sessions, while the upper breaks in. Its fine synthetic upper doesn’t require grease, but it doesn’t like heat: after a session, remove mud with a soft brush and a damp sponge, stuff it with newspaper, and let it dry at room temperature. Watch for the wear on molded studs, which can quickly lose grip on hard surfaces.

Good deals

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the Furon suitable for a rugby winger?

Yes, it’s even its preferred terrain: lightweight and responsive, it enhances acceleration and straight-line runs. On a soft pitch, however, its molded studs lack grip for stability.

Furon or Tekela: which one to take?

The Furon prioritizes pure speed and lightness, for players who make a difference when running. The Tekela wraps the foot more closely and stabilizes changes in footing, for those who sidestep and play with their feet.

Does the Furon fit small?

It fits snugly, especially at the front of the foot, but most players stick with their usual size. If you have wide feet or are uncertain between two sizes, going half a size up avoids compression.

Can you play in Furon FG on synthetic surfaces?

Occasionally, yes, but the FG sole is designed for natural grass and grips too much on artificial turf. For regular training on synthetic surfaces, the MG version, with shorter studs, better spares knees and ankles.

Is there a Furon for children?

Yes, the Furon Team comes in children’s sizes, with FG sole for natural grass. Lightweight and flexible, it is suitable for rugby school on dry pitches and fits the foot quickly.