Overhead flat-lay photograph of a worn leather Rugby Fives glove resting on a dark wooden court floor, with a hand-stitched ball nearby; deep browns, burgundy shadows, and warm cream highlights evoke a vintage sporting atmosphere.

Rugby Fives Association

The governing body for Rugby Fives — promoting play, coaching and competition across the UK

Choosing the right footwear for Rugby Fives

Rugby Fives is played at speed, with players accelerating, stopping, turning and striking the ball from close to the walls. Your shoes therefore need to support quick lateral movement rather than simply providing general comfort. A pair that feels fine for walking or jogging may slip, catch or lack stability on a Fives court.

For Australian players, the choice can be shaped by local conditions as well as playing style. You may be using a school court in Melbourne, a historic venue in Sydney, or a newer indoor facility in Brisbane, and each surface can feel different. The right footwear should match the court, your foot and the demands of your training schedule.

Start with the court surface

Rugby Fives is generally played indoors, where the floor may be timber, sealed concrete, vinyl or a synthetic sports surface. These materials do not all offer the same level of grip. A shoe that works beautifully on a polished wooden court can feel too sticky on a high-grip synthetic floor, while a casual trainer may slide during a sharp change of direction.

Look for indoor court shoes with a non-marking rubber outsole. The tread should provide dependable traction without leaving dark marks or feeling heavily lugged. Flat or moderately patterned soles are usually more suitable than the deep tread found on outdoor rugby, trail or running shoes.

Ask the venue or club what surface it uses before buying. This is particularly useful when moving between school halls in Melbourne, university courts around Sydney and community sports centres in Perth. If you play at several venues, choose a versatile indoor model and test it gradually rather than assuming one sole will behave identically everywhere.

Prioritise lateral support and control

Rugby Fives involves repeated side steps, pivots and angled movements. These actions place more demand on the sides of the shoe than steady forward running does. A suitable pair should hold your heel securely and reduce excessive movement across the midfoot.

Examine the upper for firm side panels, reinforced eyelets and a stable heel counter. The shoe should bend near the toes while remaining reasonably structured through the middle. A very soft, flexible trainer can make your feet work harder and may allow your ankles to roll during a hurried recovery step.

Support should not mean stiffness or weight. Try a few short shuffles, lunges and pivots in the shop if possible. Australian retailers such as Rebel Sport and specialist tennis shops often stock court footwear, while some online stores have a wider range. Check the returns policy before ordering, especially if the model is difficult to find locally.

Get the fit right for long sessions

A good fit begins with length. Leave a small amount of space in front of the longest toe, but avoid enough room for your foot to slide forward when braking. Your heel should stay in place without pressure, and the upper should wrap your foot comfortably without squeezing the forefoot.

Try shoes at the end of the day, when feet are slightly larger, and wear the socks you normally use for Fives. Thin performance socks may feel very different from thick cotton pairs. Players in Queensland or northern Australia may also prefer breathable uppers because indoor halls can become warm and humid during extended sessions.

Do not assume your usual running-shoe size will transfer directly to a court shoe. Brands use different shapes, and some models suit narrow feet while others offer a broader toe box. If you develop hot spots, numbness or repeated blisters during a trial session, change the fit rather than hoping the shoe will eventually solve the problem.

Balance grip, cushioning and durability

Cushioning matters when you train frequently, especially on hard courts. Choose enough underfoot protection to make repeated landings comfortable, but avoid an overly tall or soft platform. Too much cushioning can reduce your sense of contact with the floor and make quick direction changes feel less precise.

The best balance depends on your playing role and body. A lighter player who values fast movement may prefer a lower-profile shoe, while a heavier player or someone returning from injury may benefit from additional cushioning and structure. Neither option replaces proper warm-ups, strength work and sensible increases in training volume.

Durability is another practical concern. Court shoes wear fastest at the forefoot, toe area and outer edge of the sole. If you record fixtures, tournaments or training clips for a Rugby Fives highlight reel, make sure your footwear is still giving you reliable traction rather than relying on an old pair because it looks familiar on camera.

Choose, test and maintain your pair

Before purchasing, compare several models using the same simple checks: heel hold, side stability, toe-room, outsole grip and overall comfort. Walk, stop and shuffle in each pair. A shoe that feels slightly less exciting in the shop may prove more reliable over a full match than one with a highly cushioned but unstable feel.

Use your new footwear only for indoor sport, especially if you also play outdoor footy, tennis or touch rugby. Dirt and moisture can reduce grip and mark a court. Wipe the soles after each session, air the shoes naturally and avoid placing them on a heater or in direct Australian sun, which can damage adhesives and harden materials.

Replace court shoes when the tread is visibly smooth, the midsole feels compressed or the upper no longer holds your foot. Frequent players may need a replacement sooner than someone who attends occasional social sessions. Venue rules can also vary, so check whether your club requires clean non-marking soles for matches and organised training.

Footwear feature	Why it matters in Rugby Fives	What to look for
Non-marking outsole	Protects the court and supports controlled movement	Indoor rubber sole with moderate tread
Lateral stability	Helps during shuffles, pivots and wall-based recovery steps	Secure heel counter and structured side panels
Toe-room	Reduces bruising and pressure when stopping	Small space ahead of the longest toe
Cushioning	Makes repeated landings more comfortable	Responsive, stable midsole rather than a very soft platform
Breathability	Helps manage heat during long sessions	Mesh or ventilated upper with firm support
Durability	Maintains grip and structure over time	Reinforced toe and abrasion-resistant sections

Australian players should also consider availability and value rather than chasing the newest release. A previous-season court shoe can be excellent if it fits well and has been stored properly. Sales around end-of-financial-year periods are common, and local retailers may make exchanges easier than overseas sellers. Remember that advertised prices usually include GST, but delivery fees and return postage can change the final cost when buying online.

The right footwear should disappear into your game: secure when you cut, comfortable during long rallies and predictable on the court. Visit a Rugby Fives club, speak with experienced players or ask a coach to watch your movement if you are unsure whether poor footwork or unsuitable shoes are causing discomfort. Then choose a pair, test it in training and keep it reserved for clean indoor courts.

Support Rugby Fives in Australia by joining a local session, entering an event or helping your club welcome new players. Reliable footwear is a small part of preparation, but it can help you move with confidence while contributing to a safer, more enjoyable game.

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What is Fives?

A handball sport with deep roots

Rugby Fives is a fast, skilful handball game played in an enclosed court with walls. It takes its name from Rugby School, where the modern game developed. The RFA provides resources and an introductory video for newcomers eager to understand the rules and spirit of the sport.

Discover the game

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Where to Play

Courts across the country

Rugby Fives is played at schools, universities and clubs throughout the UK. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or picking up a glove for the first time, the RFA can help connect you with local venues and fellow players.

Find a court

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Rankings

Tracking the best in the game

The RFA maintains official player rankings, including a dedicated Women's rankings list and end-of-season standings. A comprehensive record book of tournament winners stretches back to 1925, preserving nearly a century of competitive history.

View rankings

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Fixtures & Tournaments

The competitive calendar

The RFA calendar includes championships, open tournaments, and school and university matches. Major events have included the National Open Singles, the South West Open, the London Open, the Scottish Open, and the Owers Trophy — alongside representative fixtures against schools and clubs.

See fixtures

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