XBlades
 | |
| Company type | Private company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Textile, footwear |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | David Miers |
| Headquarters | , |
Area served | Australia United Kingdom United States |
Key people | Leighton Richards (CEO) |
| Products | Teamwear, protective gear, football boots, clothing |
| Website | xblades.com.au |
XBlades is an Australian sports equipment manufacturing company engaged in the design, development and selling of products primarily related to footwear and clothing. The company was established in 1989 to make shoes for athletes who played rugby union and Australian rules football.[1]
The company is the original creator of the bladed sole football boot, designed to minimize injury for athletes.[2]
History
XBlades was established by David Miers, a biomechanist who was listed with AFL club Collingwood in the 1980s. He suffered many knee injuries throughout his career, which he attributed to his studded boots, leading him to create a rubber-soled shoe with X-shaped 'blades' as an alternative.[3]
In 2016, XBlades was acquired by former Callaway Golf director Leighton Richards and former AFL player Jimmy Bartel.[4]
XBlades and Major League Rugby (MLR) announced a multi-year partnership in December 2017.[5]
The company signed a four-year deal with the London Irish starting in the 2017-2018 season.[6]
See also
References
- ^ "THE XBLADES STORY". XBlades. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
- ^ "Aussie brand revamps logo after record year". Internet Retailing. 6 December 2017. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
- ^ Waterworth, Ben (22 November 2017). "AFL draft 2017: Gryan Miers looms as one of AFL's next big cult heroes". Fox Sports Australia. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
- ^ "Aussie brand revamps logo after record year". Internet Retailing. 6 December 2017. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
- ^ "Major League Rugby Announces XBlades as Official Apparel Partner". Seattle Seawolves Rugby. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ "London Irish agree long-term partnership with XBlades Sports | 5th July 2017 | News". London Irish. 5 July 2017. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
