ONZ Sport

UNZ Sport is a brand based in Auckland, New Zealand, which produces high-performance football kit. The products are sold online and, from 2026, in shops across the country. The range starts with two core products – grip socks and shin guards – plus kits and accessories. The website is aimed at athletes, teams and those who exercise daily.

Two schoolmates and an idea

The founders, Ben Reeve and Alex Smith, met in 2015 whilst playing football at the same secondary school in Auckland. In their final year of school, they launched NZBootroom, an Instagram page reselling football boots. The project grew into a trusted online shop, selling over 1,500 pairs in five years. Their experience as resellers showed them what players were missing from their kit.

The idea for ONZ came about in the summer of 2021/2022, whilst they were working on the NZBootroom website. The pair wanted to create their own products, rather than reselling others'. They built the brand over two years as a weekend project, with Alex in Auckland and Ben studying at the University of Otago in Dunedin. The success of NZBootroom had already shown them that New Zealand athletes appreciate a reliable local shop.

ONZ was launched in 2023, originally under the name GripOnz. The stated aim is to provide kit that puts the player first and a brand that New Zealand athletes can trust. In the long term, the founders want the brand to expand beyond the country's borders.

Why does a sock matter?

For a footballer, a foot slipping inside a boot is like wearing shoes that are too big at a wedding: you're thinking about them all the time, instead of focusing on the dancing. Elite Grip socks have grip on the sole, so your foot stays firmly in the boot during sprints and changes of direction. They use Coolmax technology, which helps wick away sweat.

The socks are sold individually or in packs of two. Customer reviews particularly praise the grip and the way they fit the foot. In recent years, socks of this type have become a common sight on the pitch, worn under the club's socks.

What protects the shin?

The second important category is shin guards. The range comprises three models: Nano Guards, Grip Pads and Flex Guards. Customers describe them as lightweight and comfortable, and some say they absorb impacts well. The website promises that the shin guards keep the player protected from the kick-off to the final whistle.

Some buyers note that Grip Pads also serve as a lightweight compression sleeve. This is important for players who complain that traditional shin guards slip or twist during a match. It's like a well-tightened watch strap: you only notice it when it's missing.

Packs, compression and club colours

For those who want it all at once, there are packs such as the Essentials Pack. These combine socks, shin guards and other accessories in a single order. Reviews also mention a compression set, which includes a shirt. A pack is like a bag packed well in advance of the season: you won't leave anything behind at home.

ONZ has a partnership with Auckland FC, the A-League club. The collection includes socks and shin guards in the club's exclusive colours and design. For a supporter, it's an easy way to wear the team's colours even at Saturday's local match.

In my opinion, the partnership with Auckland FC is the brand's strongest selling point. The website states that the products are worn by players from the New Zealand national team, the All Whites, and the Auckland FC squad. In 2026, the brand was also featured in a One News report.

How do you become an ambassador?

The ambassador programme is open to anyone who purchases an ONZ product. The first step is to post a photo or video review of the product, tagging @onzsport and using the hashtag #WEAREONZ, which entitles you to a discount on that order. If the video gets a lot of views, the product becomes free.

The next level requires at least two posts per month, and ambassadors receive a full kit every season. ONZ says that consistency matters more to them than the number of followers, and this level is by invitation only. Minors need the consent of a parent or guardian before taking part.

Orders and contact

As a reviewer, I've found the ordering process to be straightforward. Products can be searched by category, the shopping basket allows for special instructions, and orders can be placed either via an account or as a guest. Parcels are dispatched from Auckland, and most customers in New Zealand receive them overnight or within a few days. If there is a problem, the shop offers an exchange, replacement or refund.

Prices are displayed by default in New Zealand dollars, with options for pounds sterling and US dollars, whilst the market selector lists countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. The website displays an email address and a telephone number, but no opening hours. ONZ has accounts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, as well as clear delivery, returns and privacy policies.

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