Gilbert Sidestep Icon 8S Rugby Boots Moulded Studs

Technical Specifications

Care Advice

Remove mud with clean water immediately after the match, without a hard brush that scratches the synthetic leather. Dry in open air, never on a radiator — heat loosens the upper reinforcements. Check stud wear every two months: a worn stud loses 30% of traction. Store in a ventilated bag to prevent deterioration.

Design

Gilbert reconsidered the Sidestep Icon around one observation: modern forwards push harder, longer, and need a boot that transforms this power into traction instead of dissipating it in lateral slipping. The premium synthetic leather upper incorporates structural reinforcements to stiffen the entire foot-boot system during scrum engagement — energy does not go into upper deformation but directly into the ground. The wide fit responds to a morphological reality: under scrum pressure, the foot widens; a narrow fit compresses and creates pressure points, loss of power. The BioFrame sole with 8 moulded studs reduces the number of contact points to concentrate pressure on each stud — result, deeper ground penetration and superior resistance to pull-out on soft ground. A configuration designed for static phases, not for speed: stability before agility.

Brand

Gilbert has been designing rugby equipment since 1823 and remains one of the few manufacturers to maintain a dedicated range of forward boots. Where many brands standardise their offer around versatile models, Gilbert embraces technical segmentation: the Sidestep Icon 8S is not designed to appeal to backs, it addresses the biomechanical constraints of pack players. This specialised approach explains why many regional and national level clubs equip their front rows with Gilbert: reliability on fundamentals, no unnecessary marketing.