ONZ Football Gear Now Available at Players Sports NZ

 Mike Wood · 3 May, 2026

Players Sports now stocks ONZ Sports football products in-store at our Greenlane and Onehunga locations and online across New Zealand and Australia.

This range is built by Kiwi footballers who understand what players actually need on the pitch. From grip socks to modern shin guard systems, ONZ focuses on performance, comfort, and simplicity.

What is ONZ Sports?

ONZ is a New Zealand football brand founded by two Auckland players, Ben and Alex.

They first met in 2015 playing school football and built ONZ from the ground up while balancing work and study between Auckland and Dunedin. What started as a side project has grown into a focused sportswear brand with a clear direction.

Their mission

ONZ is built around one idea:

• Create high-quality, practical gear for real players

• Keep the athlete at the centre of every product

• Build a brand Kiwi athletes trust

• Expand from New Zealand to a global stage

At Players Sports, we back brands like ONZ because they understand the demands of football in New Zealand conditions.

Why ONZ Football Gear Matters

Football gear should do one job well. Stay secure, feel natural, to let you focus on the game.

ONZ products are designed to remove common frustrations:

• Feet sliding inside boots

• Shin guards moving during play

• Excess bulk affecting touch and movement

These small issues add up over 90 minutes. Fixing them improves comfort, efficiency, and consistency.

ONZ Elite Grip Socks

What are ONZ Elite Grip Socks?

ONZ Elite Grip Socks are high-performance football socks designed to improve traction inside your boots and reduce internal movement.

They are suitable for football, rugby, and other field sports where acceleration and direction changes matter.

On-field performance

These socks create a firm connection between your foot and your boot.

Key performance benefits:

• Improved push-off power when sprinting

• Better control when changing direction

• Reduced energy loss from foot movement

• More stable foot plant under pressure

The custom grip pattern uses an interlocking triangle design across the full foot, including a heel lock section to prevent lifting.

Comfort and moisture control

The socks use Coolmax™ fibres to manage sweat and heat.

This means:

• Faster drying compared to cotton socks

• Less moisture build-up during long sessions

• Reduced risk of blisters and hotspots

Best suited for

• Football players at all levels

• Rugby players wanting better boot traction

• Athletes training multiple times per week

May not suit

• Players who prefer a traditional loose sock feel

• Casual users not needing performance features

ONZ Grip Pad Shin Guards

What are ONZ Grip Pad Shin Guards?

ONZ Grip Pad Shin Guards combine a shin guard with a compression sleeve, removing the need for tape.

They are designed for football players who want secure protection without adjusting gear mid-game.

On-pitch performance

The integrated sleeve keeps the guard locked in place from kick-off to full time.

Key benefits:

• No slipping or repositioning during play

• Consistent protection through tackles and contact

• Freedom to move without bulky guards

The compression fit also supports circulation, which can help during high-intensity matches.

Fit and feel

• Firm, close fit through the lower leg

• More connected feel than traditional slip-in guards

• Works well under football socks without tape

Best suited for

• Club and competitive football players

• Players tired of adjusting shin pads

• Athletes who prefer minimal setup

May not suit

• Players who prefer removable guards

• Those wanting a looser fit

ONZ Nano Guards

What are ONZ Nano Guards?

ONZ Nano Guards are ultra-compact football shin guards designed for players who prioritise speed, touch, and minimal bulk.

Available in Chrome Silver and Chrome Gold finishes.

On-pitch performance

These guards reduce interference during play.

Benefits include:

• More natural movement when dribbling and turning

• Cleaner striking with less restriction

• Lightweight feel for fast-paced football

At 10cm x 6cm, they offer essential protection while keeping your setup minimal.

Important note on protection

Nano Guards provide less coverage than traditional shin guards. This is a trade-off for freedom of movement.

Best suited for

• Attacking players and midfielders

• Confident ball players

• Players who prefer minimal gear

May not suit

• Defenders seeking maximum protection

• Players in highly physical leagues

Why Shop ONZ at Players Sports?

At Players Sports, we focus on performance gear that athletes actually use.

When you shop ONZ with us:

• You get access to a curated football range built for NZ players

• You can try products in-store at our Greenlane and Onehunga locations

• Our team can help match gear to your playing style

• You can shop online with fast New Zealand delivery

• We also ship to Australia with tracked delivery

You can also explore our full range of football boots, shin guards, and grip socks available in NZ to complete your setup.

ONZ in New Zealand Football

ONZ represents a growing wave of Kiwi-founded sports brands.

For many players, there is value in:

• Supporting local innovation

• Using gear designed with NZ conditions in mind

• Backing brands that understand grassroots football

We are seeing more players across Auckland and wider New Zealand shift toward performance-focused accessories like grip socks and integrated shin guard systems.

Final Thoughts

ONZ brings a simple but effective approach to football gear. Solve common problems, keep the design practical, and focus on performance.

At Players Sports, we see real value in products that make a difference on the pitch without overcomplicating things.

If you want to feel the difference yourself, visit our Greenlane flagship store or our Onehunga location. Our team can walk you through the range and help you find the right setup.

You can also shop the full ONZ range online with fast New Zealand delivery and Australia shipping.

We’re here to help you get the right gear for how you play.

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Frequently Asked Questions - ONZ Football Gear

What is ONZ Sports?

ONZ Sports is a New Zealand football brand founded by two Auckland players. It focuses on performance gear like grip socks and shin guards designed to improve stability, comfort, and movement during matches.

Are grip socks worth it for football in NZ?

Yes, grip socks can improve traction inside your boots, which helps with acceleration and direction changes. They also reduce internal movement, lowering the risk of blisters during games and training.

Do ONZ shin guards require tape?

No, ONZ Grip Pad Shin Guards are built into a compression sleeve, so they stay in place without tape. This reduces setup time and eliminates mid-game adjustments.

Are ONZ Nano Guards legal for matches?

Yes, ONZ Nano Guards are designed to meet football equipment regulations. However, they offer less coverage than standard guards, so suitability depends on player preference and league requirements.

Where can I buy ONZ gear in New Zealand?

You can buy ONZ gear at Players Sports in Greenlane and Onehunga, or online with NZ-wide shipping. We also ship to Australia with tracked delivery.

What sports can ONZ grip socks be used for?

ONZ grip socks are suitable for football, rugby, and other field sports where traction and stability inside the boot are important.

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Written by Mike Wood
Founder & Managing Director, Players Sports
21+ years across retail and wholesale sporting goods in New Zealand