Revolutionising the Rugby Boot Landscape with Adidas’ Kakari RS
Adidas has today unveiled the Kakari RS, an innovative lightweight rugby boot designed for the front five forwards. The new addition, along with the previously launched Adizero RS15, completes the Adidas rugby boot collection, providing high-performance footwear that meets the demands of contemporary players across all positions.
Understanding the Needs of Today’s Rugby Forward
In response to invaluable feedback and insights from professional and grassroots athletes, the Adidas design team delved into understanding the boot needs of today’s forward. Recognizing that while stability remains crucial due to the intense pressure forwards put on their boots in scrums, mauls, and rucks, the role of a forward has evolved in the modern game. Forwards are now expected to contribute significantly to open play, beyond their responsibilities at the set piece.
Introducing the Kakari RS: The Perfect Balance of Stability, Durability, and Speed
Armed with these insights, Adidas developed the Kakari RS, a boot that maintains the essential stability and durability while introducing a lightweight frame to facilitate swift movement in all directions. This is achieved by returning to one-piece construction for the soleplate, offering the perfect blend of flexibility, strength, and foot stability, while reducing the overall boot weight. The forward-specific eight-stud tooling system remains intact, providing the front five optimal traction while pushing.
Insight from Adidas VP of Design, Specialist Sports
Ben Herath, Adidas VP of Design, Specialist Sports, shared: “Rugby is evolving faster than ever, and with this, so is the Adidas rugby boot portfolio. We listened to the feedback and understood what the modern forward needs in the form of footwear and have incorporated new and improved technologies geared towards a quicker-paced game – without compromising on the stability required for certain aspects of a forward’s game.
The New Era of Adidas Rugby Boots
The introduction of Adizero RS15 marked a new era for Adidas, and the new Kakari RS brings both silhouettes together to deliver a boot room that supports the needs of rugby players, of all abilities and positions.”
Key Features of the Kakari RS
- Lightweight frame – the lightest KAKARI model ever at 368g (based on a UK size 10.5), the silhouette has been streamlined with unnecessary weight removed – including the re-introduction of a one-piece soleplate – allowing for maximum speed, without compromising on stability.
- Fasttech material – Replacing the previous rip-stop material used on the heel of the boot, this microfibre-based synthetic leather – also found on the adizero RS15 – provides the perfect balance of performance and comfort, by adapting to the foot and providing heel support through the most powerful of movements, while also minimising weight.
- The boot’s upper features embroidered stitching for extra midfoot support and a return to standard lacing for optimal foot support during forward-specific movements.
World-Class Rugby Players to Wear the New Kakari RS
The new Kakari RS will be sported by some of the world’s top rugby players, with Adidas partners including Scott Barrett, Tadhg Furlong, Eben Etzebeth, and Kyle Sinckler all set to wear the new model on the pitch.
Kakari RS Variants and Pricing
The KAKARI RS will be launched in two different color tones: a black and silver model to be worn by all New Zealand Rugby teams; and a blue model with gold detailing. The Kakari RS will retail at €220, while the Kakari Elite and KAKARI models will retail at €130 and €90 respectively, with all models available in unisex sizing (4-14).
Availability
The KAKARI RS will be available for purchase from 15th July 2024.
YOU ASKED…
What is the weight of the new Kakari RS?
The Kakari RS is the lightest model of the Kakari series, weighing 368g based on a UK size 10.5.
What are the unique features of the Kakari RS?
The Kakari RS boasts a lightweight frame, Fasttech material for performance and comfort, and embroidered stitching for extra midfoot support.
Who are some of the athletes expected to wear the new Kakari RS?
Adidas partners including Scott Barrett, Tadhg Furlong, Eben Etzebeth, and Kyle Sinckler will be wearing the new Kakari RS.
When and where can I purchase the new Kakari RS?
The Kakari RS will be available for purchase from 15th July 2024.
Editor’s Note: All listed prices were correct at the time of publication. This article contains editorial selections and paid partnerships. Please note that this article may contain some affiliate links to products and we may receive a commission for selected purchases.
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