What shoes are allowed in tug of war?
Officials' detail · Teams and equipment · 2 of 2Checked 15 October 2026
Teams wear matching kit. Belts may protect the skin or back, but the rope must never run between belt and body. The anchor may wear padding up to 5 cm thick. Resin is allowed on the hands. Outdoor shoes have a flush heel no more than 35 mm high; indoors, ordinary sports shoes are worn.
How it works
- Dress: matching.
- Belt: rope never under it.
- Loose belt: may count as locking.
- Anchor padding: 5 cm at most.
- Resin: hands only.
- Outdoor heel: flush, 35 mm.
- Indoor shoes: ordinary sports shoes.
- Indoor soles: dry cloth only.
The glossary has the sport dress, the protective belt, the anchor protection, the resin, the shoes and the locking.
Tricky cases
Can resin go on the rope?
No. Hands only.
Indoors, can pullers wet their soles?
No. Only a clean dry cloth.
Must every puller wear shorts if one does?
Yes.
Can the anchor's vest have a groove for the rope?
No.
Why the rule exists
Shoe limits stop teams fitting spikes or blocks that would dig in like anchors.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Belt | Rope outside | L R 8.1 |
| Anchor pad | 5 cm | L R 8.1 |
| Outdoor heel | 35 mm | L R 8.4 |
From the rule book
Tug of War International Federation (TWIF), Rules Manual (2026), rule 8. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: TWIF Rules Manual 2026.