Cricket Shoes
High Technology in Practice

Cricket shoes design has improved to reduce weight, improve cushioning and increase stability. After being unchanged for years, heavy, leather soled shoes should now be a thing of the past.

So, it's a good move to look for modern materials and design features in your new cricket footwear.

The key change has been from cricket boots to cricket shoes, which build on the technology used in running shoes. Look out for artificial leather construction, with breathable mesh and ventilation, locking support for the heel and Velcro strapping for extra support. Its important that the shoe flexes at the ball of the foot and not the heel.

Extra cushioning comes from modern gel systems and internal padding. But there are no rights or wrongs here, and there’s just no substitute for trying new shoes to see what feels best for you.

The cut of the shoe is important – ie, its height up the ankle. Bowlers may want to consider a higher cut to give enough ankle support, while a lower cut is more suitable for batting and fielding. Of course, the cost increases with the technology content, and most players will own only one pair of cricket shoes, so value for money means that there’s a balance to be struck here.

Modern lightweight materials make cricket footwear easier to wear for long periods. However, if you’re a star batsman who spends a long time at the crease you might want to consider adding a little weight to your shoes with a reinforced toe box, as being hit on the toe by a fast cricket ball is no joke.

The design of the soles is just as important as the uppers. Moulded soles are best with rounded contours in the areas that contact the ground. This is especially true for bowlers, as angular edges give more potential for “turning an ankle” as their balance transfers across the foot.

The spike material and pattern is equally important. You’ll find options for steel or rubber spikes, combination of steel spikes and PU rubber, and full or half cover of the sole. I favour steel spikes, as rubber spikes never gave me enough grip for batting, bowling or fielding. Of course, more steel means more weight, so part-steel in PU rubber mountings are a compromise.

Full or part spike cover might depend on whether the shoes are for specialist batting or bowling. But for most purposes, full cover is most suitable.

Most modern spikes are easily removable with a simple tool, so its easy to remove them to adapt to the conditions if necessary. Its also good to tighten your steel spikes before each game, as they can become loose or fall out, and its useful to keep a removal tool and a few spare spikes in your cricket bag.

Cricket shoes live in a harsh environment, as do the feet they’re protecting. So, its good to spend time trying on those new shoes to make sure that they’re the best ones for YOU.

Getting kitted out for the new season, or simply looking for new cricket gear? Why not check out my tips on buying cricket bats, cricket bags, cricket shirts, cricket shoes and cricket balls.

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