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

How to Choose the Right Rugby Fives Shoes

Rugby Fives is played in a compact court where every movement matters. Players accelerate, stop, turn, reach and recover within a few metres, often while using the walls to keep a rally alive. The right footwear must therefore support quick footwork without feeling heavy or restrictive.

For Australian players, shoe choice can be shaped by local conditions as well as playing style. A court in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane may have a different floor surface, temperature and ventilation from a traditional school court in the United Kingdom. Indoor sports shoes are widely available through Australian retailers, but the best model is the one that suits your feet, your court and your training schedule.

The ideal pair should offer reliable grip, controlled cushioning, lateral stability and a secure fit. It should also leave the court clean and undamaged. Taking time to assess these details can make movement more confident and help reduce avoidable strain during club sessions, school fixtures and tournaments.

Start With The Court Surface

Rugby Fives is generally played indoors on a hard court, so the outsole is one of the most important parts of the shoe. Look for a non-marking rubber sole designed for indoor sports. A gum-rubber or similarly grippy compound can provide traction during short sprints and sharp changes of direction, while a flexible forefoot helps you stay mobile.

Avoid running shoes with deep outdoor tread. Their soles are designed to move forwards over asphalt, grass or track surfaces rather than control sideways movement on a smooth indoor floor. They may also leave marks, lose grip when turning, or feel unstable when you push away from a wall.

Australian schools and community venues commonly have footwear rules requiring clean indoor soles. In Melbourne, where wet winter weather can bring grit into sports halls, keep a separate pair of court shoes in your kit bag rather than wearing them outside. This simple habit protects the floor and preserves the outsole’s traction.

Prioritise Lateral Support

A Rugby Fives shoe needs to manage side-to-side movement. Look for a broad, stable base, a supportive upper and a heel counter that keeps your foot from sliding. Reinforced panels around the midfoot can be useful when you repeatedly lunge, pivot or brace against the court.

A very soft, tall sole may feel comfortable in a straight line but can create unwanted movement during a lateral push. Low-profile indoor court shoes often provide a better connection with the floor. They should still offer enough cushioning to soften repeated landings, particularly for players training several times each week.

The shoe should bend mainly near the toes rather than folding in the middle. This allows a natural push-off while preserving stability beneath the arch and heel. If your foot rolls excessively inside the shoe, try a model with firmer midfoot support, but avoid assuming that maximum stiffness is automatically better.

Match Cushioning To Your Playing Style

Cushioning preferences vary according to body size, age, playing frequency and previous injuries. A lighter player who relies on speed may prefer a responsive shoe with moderate cushioning. A heavier player or someone returning to court sport may appreciate a little more shock absorption under the heel and forefoot.

Too much cushioning can reduce court feel and make rapid changes of direction feel less precise. Too little can leave your feet, knees or calves tired after a long session. Try several pairs and walk, stop and pivot in them before buying. Many Australian stores allow customers to test footwear on a clean indoor surface, and specialist volleyball, squash or badminton shoes can be suitable alternatives when Rugby Fives-specific models are unavailable.

Consider the climate as well. Brisbane and northern Queensland can be hot and humid, even indoors, so breathable mesh and moisture-managing linings may improve comfort. In warmer venues, a shoe that holds heat around the toes can become distracting before the session is over.

Get The Fit Right

Measure both feet late in the day, when they are slightly larger than in the morning. Wear the socks you normally use for training, then check that your longest toe has a small amount of space in front of it. Your heel should remain secure when you walk and change direction, with no lifting or rubbing.

Australian and UK sizing can be confusing because many brands use different conversion charts. A UK 9 is not guaranteed to fit like an Australian or US 9, so rely on the manufacturer’s measurements and try the shoes on whenever possible. Online shoppers should check the retailer’s return policy before ordering, especially when buying from overseas.

Pay attention to width as well as length. A narrow shoe can compress the toes and create hot spots, while an overly wide shoe can allow the foot to move inside the upper. Lace systems that let you adjust the forefoot and ankle separately can help achieve a closer fit. If you use orthotics, take them with you when testing shoes and confirm that the removable insole provides enough room.

Consider Durability And Care

Rugby Fives puts pressure on the toe box, inside edge and forefoot because of repeated lunges and wall-related movements. Reinforced synthetic overlays or durable mesh in these areas can extend the life of a pair. Inspect stitching, outsole bonding and the edge of the toe guard before purchase rather than focusing only on colour or brand.

A good pair should be reserved for indoor play. Wipe the sole after each session, remove dust with a soft brush and let the shoes air-dry naturally. Do not leave them closed in a damp sports bag after a humid evening in Brisbane or a hot summer training session in Perth. Direct heat can damage adhesives and distort the upper.

Shoes lose performance before they always look worn out. Watch for smooth patches on the outsole, compressed cushioning, heel movement or new aches in the feet and lower legs. Players attending regular association fixtures may need to replace shoes sooner than those who play casually once a fortnight.

Clear, respectful communication also matters when coaches help younger players assess comfort, fit or changing footwear needs; these coaching communication principles offer a useful reminder that personal boundaries and informed choices should be respected in any coaching environment.

Compare Your Main Options

The table below summarises the qualities to look for when comparing indoor court footwear. Use it as a starting point, then weigh the features against your own movement patterns and venue requirements.

Shoe feature	What to look for	Why it matters in Rugby Fives	Suitable Australian use
Outsole	Non-marking rubber with dependable grip	Supports stops, pivots and short accelerations	School halls, club courts and community centres
Profile	Low to moderate height	Improves balance and court feel	Players who rely on quick changes of direction
Upper	Secure, breathable and reinforced	Holds the foot in place while allowing ventilation	Warm venues in Brisbane, Perth and northern regions
Cushioning	Moderate, responsive foam	Softens landings without feeling unstable	Regular training and longer tournament days
Fit	Snug heel, enough toe room and correct width	Reduces slipping, pressure points and blisters	Players buying through Australian or overseas retailers
Durability	Strong toe, sidewall and outsole construction	Handles repeated lunges and lateral loading	Frequent club players and school programs

You may also compare squash, volleyball and badminton shoes if dedicated Rugby Fives footwear is hard to find. Choose indoor models rather than generic trainers, and test the shoe’s sidewall support and grip before committing. Ask your club, coach or venue manager which soles perform well on the local court, since floor finishes can vary between facilities.

For Australian players, practical details such as delivery time, exchange costs and access to replacement sizes can matter. A slightly less fashionable shoe available from a local retailer may be a better long-term choice than an overseas model that is difficult to return. Keep a note of the brand, size and fit that works for you so future purchases are easier.

Choose footwear that lets you move decisively, protects the court and remains comfortable throughout a full session. Visit an indoor sports retailer or speak with your Rugby Fives club, take your playing socks and orthotics when trying shoes, and make your next pair a deliberate part of your training kit.

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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

A panoramic photograph of a tournament in progress across multiple courts, with players in white kit moving against cream walls; warm ambient light and a sense of quiet concentration.

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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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