Choosing between the adidas RS15 vs Kakari comes down to one question: does your game depend on covering ground, or on holding it? adidas builds these as two separate lines with different jobs, and the rugby boots in each are engineered around opposite priorities.
This guide explains what actually separates them — studs, upper, fit and weight — and which line suits your position.
Speed or power: the one decision that matters
Ignore the model names for a moment and the choice is simple.
The RS15 is the speed line. RS stands for Rugby Speed, and every boot in it is built around acceleration, sharp changes of direction and kicking. Lightweight uppers, padding concentrated at the heel and collar, and asymmetrical lacing that leaves a bigger flat area on the instep for striking a ball.
The Kakari is the power line. It is built for the set piece: traction, stability and durability in contact. Its defining feature is an eight-stud outsole, where the speed line uses six. Those two extra studs spread the load and give more anchor points, which is what you want when you are transferring force through a scrum rather than sprinting in a straight line.
Neither is a better boot. They are different tools, and wearing the wrong one makes your job harder.
Which line fits your position
| Position | Line | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Prop, hooker, lock | Kakari | Eight studs for scrummaging; a stable, supportive platform under load |
| Flanker, number 8 | Either | Cover ground like a back but hit contact like a forward — pick on how much running you do |
| Scrum-half, fly-half | RS15 | Acceleration and the asymmetrical lacing for kicking |
| Centre, wing, full-back | RS15 | Built for speed and direction change |
The back row is the genuine grey area. If your game is carrying, cleaning out and scrummaging, the Kakari's extra studs earn their place. If you are covering as much ground as the backline, the lighter RS15 will suit you better.
The practical differences
Studs. The Kakari runs an eight-stud outsole across the range. The RS15 uses a six-stud layout, which is lighter and lets you turn more freely. More studs mean more grip and stability; fewer mean less weight and easier rotation.
Upper. Kakari uppers are built to survive contact — synthetic leather on the standard model, imitation leather with an internal support system on the Elite, and a reinforced Fusionskin leather upper on the RS. RS15 uppers are built down to weight, with the two Adizero models using a ripstop construction with foam Sensepods in the heel.
Fit. The Kakari is built with the wider footprint forwards generally want, and adds support through the collar and midfoot. The RS15 is a lower-profile, closer fit designed to reduce bulk.
Kicking. Only the RS15 line is designed around it. The off-centre lacing exists specifically to give a larger, flatter striking surface on the instep. If you take kicks at goal or out of hand, that is a real advantage.
What they have in common
Both lines are mainly soft ground boots, built for soft, wet natural grass — which describes most of a UK season. Kakari is soft ground throughout, while the RS15 line also has firm ground versions of the standard RS15 and the RS15 Pro. The soft ground models are not intended for dry, hard pitches or artificial surfaces, and adidas publishes its own guidance on which surfaces each boot is designed for. Our guide to firm ground vs soft ground rugby boots covers when each type makes sense.
Both are also built in the same senior size run, UK 6 to UK 15, and both use a regular fit with a lace closure.
Compare adidas RS15 and Kakari prices
We track both lines across the UK retailers we work with, so you can see which sizes are in stock and what each model is selling for right now.
Adidas Kakari Elite Rugby Boots – Neon YellowNo offers today
Adidas Adizero RS15 Pro Firm Ground Rugby Boots – Off Whitefrom £69.99
Adidas Adizero RS15 Pro Soft Ground Rugby Boots – Junior – Core Black/Spark Yellowfrom £73.35
Adidas Adizero RS15 Ultimate Soft Ground Rugby Boots – Junior – Core Black/Zerofrom £46.80
Adidas RS15 Firm Ground Rugby Boots – White/Blue/OrangeNo offers today-13%
Adidas RS15 Firm Ground Rugby Boots – Light Bluefrom £69.99 
Adidas RS15 Soft Ground Rugby Boots – Core Blackfrom £80.00
Adidas RS15 Firm Ground Rugby Boots – Lucid LemonNo offers todayStill not sure?
Ask yourself what you would miss most if it were taken away.
If it is grip when you are pushing — the feeling of the ground holding while eight players drive — you want the Kakari. If it is the half-second of acceleration off a standing start, or a clean strike on the ball, you want the RS15.
Players who genuinely need both, which usually means back-row forwards, often end up owning a pair of each and choosing by opposition and pitch conditions.
Once you have picked a line, our guides to the RS15 range and the Kakari range explain the tiers within each.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between adidas RS15 and Kakari?
The RS15 is adidas' speed line, built for acceleration, direction change and kicking, with a six-stud outsole. The Kakari is the forward line, built for scrummaging and contact, with an eight-stud outsole and a more supportive, wider fit.
Which adidas rugby boot is best for forwards?
For the tight five — props, hookers and locks — the Kakari, because the eight-stud outsole gives the anchor points and stability the set piece needs. Back-row forwards can go either way depending on how much ground they cover.
Which adidas rugby boot is best for backs?
The RS15. It is lighter, lower-profile and uses asymmetrical lacing that gives a larger flat striking area for kicking.
Can I wear Kakari boots as a back?
You can, but you would be carrying extra studs and a more supportive upper you do not need, and losing the RS15's kicking shape. Unless you play in contact constantly, the RS15 is the better fit.
Are RS15 and Kakari both soft ground?
Mostly. Kakari is soft ground across the range. The RS15 line is mainly soft ground too, but the standard RS15 and the RS15 Pro also come in firm ground versions. Check adidas' guidance on suitable surfaces before using either on artificial turf or hard ground.
Which is more expensive, RS15 or Kakari?
Both lines run from an entry model up to a professional-grade top tier, so the answer depends on the tier rather than the line. The comparison table above shows what each is selling for right now.
Related guides
- The adidas RS15 range explained
- The adidas Kakari range explained
- Best Rugby Boots for a Forward
- How to Choose Rugby Boots
- Rugby Boot Size Guide
RugbyDeals helps you compare prices across the retailers and products we feature on our site. Prices and stock can change, so always confirm the final details on the retailer's site before buying. Our content is for general information only and isn't safety, medical or buying advice — always follow the manufacturer's guidance and speak to a professional where it matters. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.