Adidas has launched the RS15 Avaglide, the first rugby boot designed specifically for women, catering to players of all levels. With 75 years of experience working with elite athletes and teams, adidas conducted an extensive study analysing foot data from rugby players worldwide, including both the New Zealand and France men’s and women’s squads. This research, combined with player feedback and independent studies on anatomical differences between men and women, revealed key opportunities to better support female athletes on the field.
One major finding was that women tend to have narrower heels than men. To address this, adidas introduced a new “waterfall heel system” in the RS15 Avaglide, featuring a dense foam lining that wraps over the top edge and flows down the back of the heel, providing a more adaptive and cushioned fit around the achilles than traditional, gender-neutral boots.
The study also showed women typically have broader forefeet. To accommodate this, the boot includes TPU support inserts and stretch zones in the leather, allowing the boot to mould to the wearer’s foot and provide greater comfort and flexibility at the front.
Additionally, female players are more prone to over-pronation where the foot rolls inward due to wider hips and a broader gait. To counter this, adidas incorporated a moulded sock liner in the midfoot and an asymmetrical lacing system, offering enhanced arch support and secure lockdown.
The RS15 Avaglide will be worn by some of rugby’s top names, including Chelsea Bremner, Emily Scarratt, Ilona Maher, Jess Breach, Stacey Waaka, Manaé Feleu, and Renee Holmes as they compete in major tournaments this summer.
KERRYN FOSTER, GM SPECIALIST SPORTS AT ADIDAS, SAID: “Our founding commitment has always been to provide only the best for the athlete and the new RS15 Avaglide is the latest representation of that. As the first-ever women’s specific rugby boot available to players of all levels, it is an essential moment that provides our partners with technology and design built for them. We can’t wait to see the players performing in them on the biggest stage at this summer’s tournament.”
ILONA MAHER, ADIDAS ATHLETE, SAID: “It’s a big moment for women’s rugby players at all levels – one that will make a huge difference to our comfort and experience while playing the sport. One of the key factors in my decision to partner with adidas was their commitment to the continued growth and development of women’s rugby. When I saw the plans for the RS15 Avaglide, I couldn’t wait to try them out. The game has needed this and I’m excited to see the impact this will make for women and girls’ players across the globe.”
JESS BREACH, ADIDAS ATHLETE, SAID: “It’s a great moment for our game to have a boot built specifically around our performance needs. Having been involved throughout the testing and development process with the adidas team, I know the extent of the work that has gone into creating the RS15 Avaglide – I can already testify to the difference I have felt wearing them in training.
The boots come in two colourways: an off-white with vibrant purple, green, and blue graphics, and a core black version, which will be worn by the Black Ferns. Two models are available: the RS15 Avaglide for high-performance needs priced at €160, and the RS15 Avaglide Rise, a more accessible option at €95. Both are now available to purchase via Adidas’ official website.
About adidas
adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 62,000 people across the globe and generated sales of €23.7 billion in 2024.
