New Balance Tekela, agility and control
Our page New Balance Tekela brings together the Boston brand's low-top agility shoe, available in Elite, Pro, and Team levels, with FG or MG soles and in children's sizes. It is aimed at midfielders, centres, and backs who frequently change their footing and play a lot with their feet. Our tips will help you choose your level, sole, and size.
For those who change their footing.
The Tekela, agility shoe born in 2018
The Tekela first appeared in May 2018, when New Balance replaced its first control range with a model focused on agility. Its upper wraps around the foot like a reinforced sock, so it doesn't slip inside during braking and turns, and its sole is designed to pivot without losing grip. The first versions had a high mesh collar; the current Low models, with a low upper, leave the ankle free. In rugby, this profile suits players who avoid rather than confront: scrum-halves, fly-halves, centres, or full-backs looking for space.
The other New Balance ranges
The New Balance shoes are also available in:
All New Balance shoes are gathered on the page New Balance.
Elite, Pro and Team: the three levels of Tekela
The three levels share the same shape, but not the same construction. The Tekela Elite combines the thinnest upper and the most responsive sole for precise touch and minimal weight in matches. The Tekela Pro retains the essentials of these qualities with slightly thicker materials that stand up better to weekly use. The Tekela Team, softer and more robust, is designed for training, budget-conscious players, and young players, with children’s sizes available. Each level comes with an FG sole for natural grass and, depending on the version, an MG sole for switching from grass to synthetic.
Low upper, sizing and care of the Tekela
The Tekela offers a wrapped fit that is fairly true to size: you stick with your usual size, measured at the end of the day with your match sock, with half a centimetre in front of the toes. The low upper requires careful lacing to secure the heel; a player with fragile ankles may add strapping. After each session, dirt is brushed off with a soft brush, the upper is cleaned with lukewarm water without detergent, and then the pair is left to dry at room temperature, stuffed with newspaper. Molded studs wear out quicker on hard ground: a smooth sole loses the grip that the Tekela is meant to provide.
Good deals
Good deals can be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest models. The highlights 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 promotions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tekela suitable for a fly-half?
Yes, its snug fit and pivot-friendly sole assist with changes of weight and kicking play. On soaked grass, a screw-in sole remains safer for grip.
What does Low mean on a Tekela?
Low refers to the version with a low upper, without a high collar. The ankle remains free to move, a choice appreciated by players looking for mobility; proper lacing compensates for the lack of a collar.
Does the Tekela fit true to size?
Generally yes: its upper wraps the foot without squeezing, and most players stick to their usual size. It's tried on with the match sock to check the heel hold.
Tekela Elite or Tekela Pro?
The Elite gains a few grams and a bit of responsiveness thanks to a thinner upper, making it ideal for matches. The Pro, which is thicker, stands up better to wear and is more than enough for a player who trains and plays every week.
Is there a Tekela for children?
Yes, the Tekela Team is available in children’s sizes, with an FG sole for dry natural grass. Soft and lightweight, it suits lively young players who enjoy avoiding tackles and changing direction.
