Gray Nicolls 23 Testflex Spikes with Spanner

Things to consider when making a choice to buy new cricket shoes?

Cricket is a sport that requires precision, agility, and quick movements. Whether you are a professional cricketer or a casual player, having the right cricket shoes is essential for optimal performance and injury prevention. But with so many options available in the market, how do you choose the right cricket shoes for different types of cricket? Let's explore some key factors to consider.

1.Size

Size is very important. Your shoes need to be perfect fitting else something that is too tight will cause discomfort, nor too large that you can’t get into a full stride without losing your shoes in the runup. 

2.What surfaces will you be playing on?

The playing surface is a crucial factor to consider when selecting cricket shoes. Different types of cricket are played on different surfaces, such as grass, artificial turf, or indoor mats. For playing on grass, choose shoes with spikes or studs to provide better traction. For artificial turf or indoor cricket, shoes with rubber soles or small rubber studs are more suitable.

For synthetic pitches, good rubber shoes are important for grip. This is especially important when soil or moisture from the outfield ends up on the pitch. Normal sports sneakers or running shoes can wear very quickly, especially for bowlers.

For turf pitches, you will need cricket spikes shoes.

See how the size of your shoe is not the only important factor?!

3. Your Role as a Cricketer

There are three main types of cricket shoes: batting shoes, bowling shoes, and all-rounders shoes. Batting shoes are designed for batsmen and focus on providing excellent grip and support for quick movements. Bowling shoes are designed for bowlers and offer better stability and cushioning to reduce the risk of injuries. All-rounders shoes are versatile and suitable for both batting and bowling.

For batsman, half-spiked shoes are the right choice. Longer spikes can dig into the turf surface, which can limit your footwork significantly. Your footwork needs to on point against both pace and spin bowling, and if your shoes don’t enable good footwork, it will have a negative impact on your game and confidence.

For bowlers, you need the ultimate grip, and as mentioned, good cricket rubber shoes are important for synthetic surfaces. On turf tracks though, full cricket spikes are the way to go, giving you full grip through your delivery stride and follow through. Also, shoes that offer additional support around the ankles is a good choice, particularly if you are a high-impact fast bowler.

For all-rounders, light shoes with the chance to change from full to half spikes when necessary is key!

4. Comfort and Fit

Comfort and fit are paramount when it comes to cricket shoes. Ill-fitting shoes can cause discomfort, blisters, and even affect your performance. Look for shoes with cushioning and padding in the right areas, such as the heel and ankle. Ensure that the shoes provide a snug fit without being too tight or too loose.

5. Durability

Cricket shoes need to withstand the demands of the game, including running, jumping, and sliding. Look for shoes made from high-quality materials that offer durability and long-lasting performance. Reinforced toe caps and sturdy outsoles are essential features to consider for increased durability.

6. Breathability

Cricket is a physically demanding sport, and your feet can get sweaty during intense matches. Opt for shoes with breathable materials, such as mesh or synthetic uppers, to allow proper airflow and keep your feet cool and dry. This will help prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of fungal infections.

Here are more details on the specifics of cricket spikes shoes:

• The “Upper”: Top of the shoe. If you know your size, you’d know that a little bit of room is important to cater for impact and reduce the impact on your toes.

• The “Outsole”: Part of the shoe that makes direct contact with the ground. The surface you play on plus your cricketing role is key.

• The “Midsole”: Layer between outsole and insole, which provides an important cushion. This is especially important if you are a bowler.

• The “Sock Liner”: Extra cushioning around the heel and ankle areas. This is again important for bowlers, especially if you have a high-impact action.

7. Brand and Reviews

When it comes to cricket shoes, it's always a good idea to consider reputable brands that specialize in sports footwear. Do some research and read reviews from other cricketers to get an idea of the quality and performance of different shoe models. This can help you make an informed decision.

8. Your Budget

A budget will help narrow down your choices.

If you are playing at a high level, or just want to be the best player you can be at any level, do aim for a higher budget shoe that provides an optimum level of performance, if possible.