Cricket Shoes Buying Guide: Spikes, Rubber Soles and Fit

For most cricketers, choosing shoes comes down to one question: what surface do you play on? Metal spikes give the best grip on turf and grass, rubber soles are made for synthetic (hardwicket) pitches and indoor centres, and after that it's about fit, your role in the team and your budget.

We sell and fit cricket shoes at Western Sports Centre in Derrimut, from first pairs for juniors to bowling spikes for club fast bowlers. This guide puts what we tell customers in one place: the types of sole, how a cricket shoe should fit, what bowlers need that batters don't, and the models we'd start with at each budget.

Quick picks

Models, sizes and colours change through the season. Click through to see current prices and stock, or give us a call.

Spikes, rubber soles or a mix?

Metal spikes: for turf and grass

Full spike shoes have screw-in metal spikes across the front of the shoe, and usually the heel too. They bite into grass, so you can plant your front foot, turn hard for a second run and field on a wet outfield without sliding. If your competition plays on turf wickets, spikes are the shoe to buy, especially if you bowl.

Spikes aren't for everywhere. Most synthetic pitches and indoor centres don't allow metal spikes because they tear the surface, so check your club's rules before match day.

Rubber soles: for synthetic pitches, indoor and training

Rubber shoes (often called "rubbers", "pimples" or hardwicket shoes) have a rubber sole covered in small bumps or studs instead of spikes. They grip well on synthetic wickets, artificial turf and indoor floors, and they're more comfortable for long sessions on hard ground. A lot of junior and club cricket around Melbourne is played on synthetic pitches, so for many players a good rubber shoe is the only pair they need.

Combination studs: a lighter spike for batters

Some shoes mix metal spikes at the front with rubber studs at the heel. The ASICS Quick Single FF is one, typically with 7 metal spikes up front and 4 rubber ones at the back. Batters and fielders like the lighter, quicker feel. It still has metal spikes, so the synthetic-pitch rules above apply.

Playing on both surfaces?

If you play turf on Saturdays and train on synthetic nets during the week, the honest answer is two pairs: spikes for matches and rubbers for training. Your spikes will last longer too, because concrete and synthetic surfaces wear metal spikes down fast.

How should cricket shoes fit?

• Try them with cricket socks. Cricket socks are thicker than everyday socks, so bring a pair to the fitting.
• Leave about a thumb's width at the toe. Your foot moves forward when you stop suddenly or land in your delivery stride. Too tight and you'll bruise toenails; too loose and your foot slides.
• Your heel shouldn't lift when you walk or jog. A slipping heel causes blisters over a long day in the field.
• Check the width, not just the length. If the sides pinch, go wider rather than longer. New Balance makes several models in standard (D), wide (2E) and extra-wide (4E).
• Sizes on our website are US sizes unless the listing says otherwise. If you're unsure, come in and try a pair on, or ask us which size to order.

Do bowlers need different shoes?

Yes, if you bowl with any real pace. Your front foot hits the ground with several times your body weight in the delivery stride, every ball, so bowling spikes add three things a general shoe doesn't:

• Extra cushioning in the heel to soften each landing, for example the gel in the ASICS Speed Menace FF and the shock-absorbing heel pad in the Adidas Adipower Incurza.
• A firmer fit around the foot, often with a strap across the middle, so your foot doesn't slide around inside the shoe when you land.
• Grip under the heel as well as the front of the foot, so the back foot doesn't slide on landing.

Batters, keepers and spinners usually prefer a lighter, more flexible shoe, such as an all-rounder spike like the New Balance CK4030 V6 or a rubber like the ASICS Field Speed FF 2.

The brands we stock

New Balance

New Balance is the go-to for players with wider feet, because the CK4030 and CK4020 come in D, 2E and 4E widths. The CK4040 V7 is the top-of-the-range spike, with extra-springy cushioning, a strap that holds your foot in place and 11 spikes for grip. It's made for bowlers and all-rounders. The CK4030 V6 is a great all-rounder spike for club cricketers, and the CK4020 V8 is the rubber-soled version for synthetic pitches and indoor cricket. The CK10 V6 is another top-end spike. For juniors there's the KC4020 V8 Kids. See all New Balance cricket shoes.

ASICS

ASICS shoes are known for cushioning. Bowlers should look at the GEL-Speed Menace FF, which has gel cushioning in the heel and a sole made for bowling. The 350 Not Out FF is a premium all-rounder spike. On the rubber side, the GEL-Peake 3 is a reliable all-round rubber shoe, the GEL-Lethal Field 2 is a supportive training shoe, and the 350 Not Out FF Women's is a spike built specifically for women's feet. See all ASICS cricket shoes.

Adidas

Adidas covers every budget. The Howzat Spike is one of the best-value spikes we sell, with a cushioned midsole and a breathable upper. The 22YDS Full Spike adds extra cushioning for batters and all-rounders, and the Adipower Incurza is the pace bowler's shoe. For synthetic pitches, the Howzat Rubber and 22YDS Rubber both have rubber soles made for synthetic pitches and indoor floors.

Also in store

We also carry Payntr, Gunn & Moore, Puma, DSC and Kookaburra. Browse every pair in our cricket shoes collection, or go straight to spike shoes, rubber shoes or kids' cricket shoes.

Looking after your shoes

• Let them air-dry after every game. Take the insoles out and stuff the shoes with newspaper; don't put them near a heater, which can crack the shoe and weaken the glue.
• Check your spikes before each match. Tighten any loose ones and replace worn or missing ones. We stock replacement spikes and spanners.
• Don't walk on concrete in spikes. It wears them down quickly and is the easiest way to slip.
• Brush mud off the sole while it's still wet, so the studs keep their grip.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear spikes on a synthetic pitch?

Usually not. Most synthetic pitches and indoor centres don't allow metal spikes because they damage the surface. Wear rubber-soled cricket shoes instead, and check your club or venue's rules.

Are cricket shoe sizes US or UK?

The sizes on our website are US sizes unless the listing says otherwise. Brands can fit slightly differently, so if you're between sizes, try them on in store or contact us before ordering.

What do D, 2E and 4E mean?

They're widths. D is standard, 2E is wide and 4E is extra-wide. If standard shoes pinch across the ball of your foot, try a 2E before going up a size.

Do juniors need spikes?

Not to start with. A lot of junior cricket is played on synthetic pitches, so a rubber shoe such as the Kookaburra Pro 5.0 is the better first pair. Move to spikes when they start playing on turf.

Can I replace the spikes on my shoes?

Yes, on most spike shoes. The metal spikes screw out with a spike spanner, and we sell replacement sets for ASICS, Gray-Nicolls and Gunn & Moore shoes. Bring your shoes in if you're not sure which spikes fit.

Should I buy cricket shoes online or in store?

If you know your size in that brand, online is easy. For a first pair, a new brand or wide feet, come in and try them on. We'll check the length and width with you and talk through which sole suits where you play.

Need a hand choosing?

Visit us at Western Sports Centre in Derrimut to try on cricket shoes from every brand above, or shop the full range online. If you're also after a new bat, read our cricket bat buying guide.