Colourful boots have become a regular spectacle throughout rugby and football in recent years but NZ has taken a stand against the bright creations.
The All Blacks will instead live up to their nickname this season after collaborating with adidas to create the “Blackout” range of boots, which will see the entire team head-to-toe in black at the upcoming World Cup 2015 tournament.
The Blackout range will be made up of four different models, namely CrazyQuick Malice, Predator Incurza, FF80 Pro and Kakari, each engineered to meet individual players’ needs.
Simon Cartwright, senior director of adidas Rugby, says: “We believe Blackout boots make a strong and powerful statement, just like the All Blacks do every time they hit the field.
“Producing ‘the blackest ever’ kit was born from the insight that facing the colour black is an intimidating experience, which we believe ultimately gives the All Blacks a competitive edge.”
The All Blacks will break in their new Blackout boots in training before wearing them on-field for the second Bledisloe Cup test on August 15 and then throughout the season, including the World Cup this autumn.
All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw says the research and development taken to create each of the four styles “has left him brimming with belief”.
“After being part of the development process, you have more confidence knowing what you wear is going to help you perform on field,” he says.
The range is stocked at adidas stores, major sporting goods retailers, rugby retailers worldwide and online at www.adidasrugby.com from August 8.
