Nike Tiempo Review 2026: My New Favourite Rugby Boots

Shopping around for an ideal pair of rugby boots can be difficult, believe me I know from experience.

But recently, I bought a pair of Nike Tiempo rugby boots in striking blue.

I knew to expect a high-quality pair of boots when I ordered from Nike, but I wasn’t quite expecting such an impressive design and feel.

Here’s my honest, experience-based review of the Nike Tiempo soft ground rugby boots.

At a glance:

  • Feel and Fit: 8/10
  • Design: 10/10
  • Cost: 8/10
  • Best For: Backs (Rugby)
My video review of Nike Tiempo boots

Unboxing Nike Tiempo Boots From Pro Direct Sport

Me unboxing the Nike Tiempo SG boots

As you can see in my YouTube video above, unboxing the Nike Tiempo boots was a pleasant surprise as you’re hit with the warm, striking blue colour as soon as you open the classic orange Nike packaging.

The packaging was a little damaged when delivered but I’ll let that slide, because what’s inside was pretty impressive. That blue hits hard!

My one negative point is that I didn’t receive a stud tightener (if that’s what the technical word is), which is usually standard when ordering rugby boots.

The Feel and Fit of Nike Tiempo Boots

Trying on blue Nike Tiempo rugby boots
Trying on the Nike Tiempo boots

Trying the boots on for the very first time, I was impressed with the feel of the materials and quality of the boot.

However, I bought size 9.5 UK as I tend to wear size 8.5-9 in trainers, and they felt a little tight towards the front of my foot.

This is generally the trend when it comes to Nike boots, so I decided to use some breaking in techniques to loosen the boot and stretch it a little.

The next day, they felt looser and began to shape to my feet. And the more I wore them, the more comfortable they felt.

Feel and Fit: 8/10

(Would be higher if they were a little less tight on my wide feet!)

The Design

The design, I cannot fault. The striking blue primary colour, contrasting with the white of the iconic Nike tick and the small details. It’s just perfect.

A close up of my Nike Tiempo rugby boots displaying the details
Nike Tiempo design details

These are perfect rugby boots for backs and those players looking for a flashy pair of togs for the season.

Design: 10/10

The Cost

The Nike Tiempo Legend X Academy SG-Pro Anti Clog rugby boots are £80.

Although they are often reduced on retailers like Amazon!

I’d say that’s a fair price and quite affordable in comparison to some of the other rugby boots I’ve bought in the past, so definitely do consider them for yourself or a loved one if they’re a rugby player!

Cost: 8/10

Who Are They Best For…?

Who are Nike Tiempo boots best for?

Generally speaking, these SG Nike Tiempo boots (the SG meaning metal studs) would be best for rugby players who play on soft grounds, and particularly backs.

I would not recommend them for front three players like props or hookers, or even forwards in general.

But if you’re a scrum half, fly half or loose back, then these rugby boots could be the perfect options for you.

Are Nike Tiempo’s Good For Rugby?

Nike Tiempo boots are great options for rugby players, particularly backs. I wear the soft ground (SG) boots for added grip on the wet UK grounds, and I find them brilliant quality at a relatively affordable cost.

So that’s my Nike Tiempo review. If you’re interested in learning more about your rugby boot options, check out more here:

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