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A cricketer runs around 2 to 5 km in every match. Feet is the most body part that experience pressure overall and knees and ankles are no different. It is the role of a good cricket shoe to cushion and absorb this pressure and make it running for long periods of time easier on the body. For this reason, cricket shoes are important for batsmen as they are for bowlers or allrounders. A good pair of cricket shoes can support a batsman posture and improve it to face the incoming ball. On the other hand, a good cricket shoe helps bowlers to land perfectly and stabilize their hands and it helps fielders run faster and be balanced.
Table of Contents
Things to look for in a cricket shoe:
- Material:
An important part of choosing right cricket shoes is choosing the right material. On the upper surface, look for shoes that are made of high-quality materials. Polyethene (PU), Microfiber, and high-quality synthetic fabrics are examples of ideal materials. All The aforementioned materials are light. Furthermore, they are long-lasting, regardless of the surface.
- Cushioning:
Proper cushioning in the shoes is essential because most cricketers will run 2-5 km in a game, putting a lot of strain on the lower legs. This force on the lower legs is reduced mostly by cushioning. The heel and midsole are ideal places for cushioning
- Stability:
Another important factor to consider when purchasing cricket shoes is stability. Some manufacturers provide medical arch support to assist in reducing pronation while bowling. Reduced forces are felt at the inner ankle, knee, and hips as a result.
- Ventilation:
It is critical for your feet to breathe during a strenuous cricket match, especially on hot summer days. As a result, you should choose shoes that allow for proper air circulation and ventilation. An improper shoe with poor ventilation can cause the feet to overheat and lead to discomfort. This why choosing a right and breathable material for your cricket shoes is important
- Spikes
Half spikes can be used by batsmen because they are lighter and more responsive. Bowlers, on the other hand, should use full spikes because they provide better grip and stability, both of which are important for bowlers. They wear spikes is because it gives them better grip over the ground. In general, batsmen should wear shoes with rubber/metal spikes because spikes provide better grip and allow you to run faster on the pitch. Cricket studs, on the other hand, are better at providing the correct landing position if you are a bowler. Typically, Full spike shoe soles have removable metal spikes embedded at the bottom of the shoe, whereas half spike shoe soles do not. Rubber soles are used on studs. They are naturally soft and long-lasting. Furthermore, the surface on which you play cricket is an important consideration when selecting cricket shoes. In other words, the shoes designed for synthetic pitches are ineffective on turf. Spikes are required for turf, whereas rubber shoes are preferred for synthetic pitches. Furthermore, when looking for a pair of shoes, keep your playing level in mind. Aside from that, keep the duration of your training session in mind, as you will need long-lasting shoes if you go through extensive practice sessions. You can always remove spikes from cricket shoes but make sure you put them back in before playing on a turf. It is generally not advised to remove them when you are playing especially on pitch grass but if you are playing on synthetic floors, you can do so.
- Size and weight:
Finding the correct size cricket shoes is critical when purchasing a new pair, as ill-fitting shoes will only hinder your performance. Tighter shoes, for example, will restrict movement. Larger sizes, on the other hand, will prevent you from having a distinct stride. Consequently, it is always preferable to have some breathing room for your toes in the front as well as the sides of the shoe, especially if you have wider feet. Moreover, the weight of the shoes is as crucial as their size. Mostly because cricket is a physically demanding sport that requires a lot of running to score runs, as well as while fielding or bowling. A lightweight shoe should be preferred in all aspects of cricket because it will make movement easier on the ground.
- Price:
When it comes to purchasing cricket shoes, whether online or offline, the budget is just as important as any other factor such as material. So, how much should you spend on cricket shoes? It is largely determined by your skill level. If you are an intermediate cricket player, you can spend a little more money on a higher-quality pair of shoes. However, if you are a beginner just starting out as a cricketer, you should avoid buying expensive shoes because you are still learning the game’s techniques. You should start with basic shoes and work your way up as you improve.
What type do professionals wear?
Cricketers typically wear specialist cricket shoes that look exactly like a regular pair of trainers, especially to someone with no or little technical knowledge of cricket. One of the most significant distinctions between trainers and specialist shoes is that the latter is designed specifically for cricket. They are more durable and provide more support. Furthermore, cricket shoes have spikes on the bottom to provide players with traction on the turf. When it comes to brands, international cricketers wear the brands that they have endorsed.
Cricket shoe maintenance:
Do not put your shoes in the washing machine. One of the most important things to remember when caring for your cricket shoes is that they should never be cleaned in a washing machine. The agitation will have an effect on the shoe’s integrity and structure, and it may also harm the shoe. Washing machines without agitators are a gentler option for washing shoes, but they are still not ideal. If you must wash your cricket shoes, spot cleaning is the safest option.
Always let your shoes air dry. It’s tempting to put your shoes in the dryer. Ultimately, it is a quick and easy way to clean your shoes. However, a drier, like a washing machine, will knock your shoes around and damage them during the process. The ideal situation If you’re worried about how long it will take to dry, there are some things you can do to speed up the process. Stuff newspaper into your shoes. Because newspaper has excellent absorbing abilities, it will suck moisture and aid in the elimination of odours. Make sure to change the paper every couple of hours. Avoid placing your shoes directly on a heat source.
Invest in a Quality Cleaning Brush. Brushes are one of the most effective ways to clean cricket shoes of almost any material. In reality, there are brushes specifically designed for cleaning athletic shoes. Bristles could be made from a variety of materials, including horsehair, boar hair or artificial mixtures. You can also clean your shoes with an old toothbrush or a vegetable brush. Soft bristle brushes should be used for soft materials such as nylon net or fabric, and stiff bristle brushes should be used for tougher materials.
Most new cricket shoes have a PU/TPU upper that is simple to clean and maintain. To create breathable uppers, PU is typically combined with a cloth and some type of faux leather. To clean PU/TPU cricket shoes, soak a clean cloth in warm water with a small amount of mild soap or laundry detergent. Using the cloth, clean any dirty areas of the shoe. Allow them to fully dry before use.
Nylon mesh is a popular cricket shoe material that offers numerous advantages, including breathability. However, one major disadvantage of nylon mesh shoes is that they easily collect dirt and dust. Use a gentle brush to remove as much dust and dirt as possible from your shoes before cleaning them. For a more thorough cleaning. Combine one part baking soda and one part vinegar in a mixing bowl. The mixture will fizz and bubble and that is normal. Apply the solution to the dirty areas of the shoe with a clean rag. Allow for a 15-minute resting period for the mixture. Scrub any areas where the solution is soaking gently with a toothbrush or soft-bristle brush. Wipe down the shoe with a soft, clean, and damp rag. Allow your shoe to dry naturally.
Leather was once the standard material for cricket shoes, but synthetic materials are quickly replacing it. Leather has fallen out of favour for a variety of reasons, including increased cost and more complex care requirements. With the exception of a few high-end shoes, leather is used at random to make modern cricket shoes. It is a very strong and long-lasting material, but it must be handled with care. Using a clean, dry cloth, remove dirt and dust. You can also use a solution of equal parts cool and hot water. To clean the shoe, use water and distilled white vinegar. To remove scuffs, use a commercial leather polish and carefully follow the directions.
Spikes on cricket shoes provide traction on the field, but they must be properly maintained to remain functional. Here’s how to look after your cricket spikes. Never wash or dry your cricket shoes in a washing machine or dryer. It can damage not only the upper material but also the spikes. The heat and agitation will only cause your shoes to wear out faster. Even the gentlest cycles can harm the adhesive that holds your shoe together and make your soles appear worn. To avoid rusting, clean and dry your spikes immediately after playing in wet grass. Check your spikes on a regular basis. It may be time to replace them if they become too dull. Get a new set of spikes if they aren’t properly gripping the ground.
Conclusion:
The best cricket shoes are determined by a variety of factors, including playing position, comfort, performance, and durability. Aside from that, finding the right size is essential because ill-fitting shoes will not allow you to perform optimally, whereas in tighter shoes your feet’s movement will be limited. Furthermore, the shoes should be breathable because you will most likely end up with sweat on your feet. You should buy shoes that are appropriate for your position in the team. For example, if you are a bowler, you should buy bowling shoes. You’ll need full spikes if you’re a bowler, but you’ll be fine with half spikes if you’re a batsman. Aside from that, if you are just starting out, avoid buying expensive shoes and instead begin with shoes that offer good value for money. We understand that when it comes to buying shoes, style and colour are always important considerations. However, it should be a secondary consideration, with preference given to shoes that provide injury protection, shock absorption, and performance enhancement.
Our Best Cricket Shoes
Now that you have read all about what to look for in cricket shoes and how to maintain your purchased shoes. Here are our suggestions on what to buy.
These affordable and lightweight cricket shoes are a great option for those of you on a budget. They offer great value for money. The upper features a three-dimensional comfort lining for a long-lasting fit. The ergonomic slip creates a sock-like fit when wearing the shoe. Moulded TPR protects the heel while also locking the foot into place when bowling. The midsole is made of compression-moulded, lightweight EVA that cushions the foot and adds comfort. At the bottom of the shoe is a GM loPro sole unit, which is designed to create a lightweight shoe with no extra bulk. A durable, lightweight monotone TPU outsole features strategically placed spikes with additional moulded pimple studs for added grip while bowling. The injection-moulded mid-foot shank provides arch stability while reducing foot fatigue.
Features:
- Three-dimensional comfort lining for an exceptional, long-lasting fit and feel
- The moulded TPR heel cradle secures the foot in place, preserving the shoe’s integrity and protecting the sensitive heel area.
- Lightweight EVA midsole with compression moulding for superior cushioning and comfort.
Features:
- Breathable – Air can flow in and out for effective ventilation.
- TPU Overlays – Absorbs shocks for protection.
- Toe Protection – Thick material surrounds the forefoot for protection.
- BOA Lacing – Easily secure the laces for a perfect fit.
- Padded Tongue – Comfortable tongue sits on the ankle.
For the past few seasons, the Adidas Vector Mid cricket shoe has proven to be the most popular on the market. Adidas has gone back to the drawing board with the Vector Mid for 2021, redesigning the colour scheme and features. Adidas, in our opinion, has improved on an already excellent product, making these shoes deserving of the title of best cricket shoe. When we first got our hands on the Vector Mid, we couldn’t help but notice Adidas’s unusual colour scheme. The shoe is mostly white, with a few flashes of acid yellow scattered across the sole and upper. Outside of the Adidas 2021 range, there are no other cricket shoes styled in this manner. We believe the colour scheme creates an appealing shoe, perfectly complementing the excellent features that lie beneath. The upper of the shoe is a mid-cut style that provides the ankle with the extra support that fast bowlers require. Because the mid-cut isn’t as high as other bowling cricket shoes, they can be used for both batting and bowling. We thought the upper ankle area was extremely well-padded and saw no evidence of the upper digging into the ankle. The rest of the upper is made of a durable breathable mesh and TPU blend. We discovered that the mesh allowed for a significant amount of airflow, which kept the feet nice and cool. Inside the shoe is a cage that, when combined with the tongue, forms the foundation of the BOA lacing system. To summarize, these shoes are intended for serious cricket players. The Adidas Vector Mid Cricket Shoes are an excellent choice if you want to protect your legs and feet while putting your body through its paces. These are excellent investments that we are confident will last a long time.
Features:
- BOA tightening system to allow faster lacing
- EVA midsole with Adiprene to provide exceptional comfort
- Mid-cut ankle height for increased support
- TPU outsole material creates a lightweight shoe
Features:
- High-grade PU Upper, featuring a lightweight honeycomb PU with breathable ventilation in critical areas
- Powerband, a lightweight overlay support band for improved stability at the top of the boot
- Blown Rubber Outsole, featuring nine strategically placed spikes combined with shock-absorbing rubber base
- Torsional Midfoot System provides bridged midfoot support and forefoot flexibility
Starting with the upper, we noticed that the shoe is not a mid-cut like most bowling shoes. Despite this, we were pleased that the shoe provided the necessary support for pace bowling. The upper is made of double-layered microfiber PU and is strong and durable, ensuring that it will last for many seasons. The upper is pierced by air holes allowing the foot to breathe – a feature that all fast bowlers will appreciate. An ankle strap – a common feature of bowling boots – secures the foot and provides additional support to the ankles. The toe has padding on the inside and a rubber bumper on the outside to prevent scuffing during toe drag. These shoes were extremely comfortable. This is because the insole is ultralightweight and equipped with a gel heel, which is designed to cushion feet during extended periods of play. The shoes were also relatively light, weighing around 500g.
Features:
- Double layered micro fibre PU upper for maximum strength
- Strategically positioned Velcro strap to support the foot
- Hardened TPU heel for extra support
- Lightweight EVA midsole for comfort
- Reinforced spike formation
- Internal toe box
