Historically, a cricketer’s choice of footwear was never the subject of much debate. Even pro cricketers often used to wear regular trainers as opposed to specialised cricket shoes, and poor footwear choices have cost teams a chance at victory before. Just take a look at Michael Atherton’s famous slip up at Lord’s in 1993 – a mistake that would ultimately lead to Australia claiming their second consecutive Ashes victory.
A lot has changed since then. Over the past couple of decades, cricket shoes have evolved into their own thing entirely, with manufacturers like Kookaburra designing bespoke footwear for each type of playing surface. You can get shoes for indoor surfaces and turf, as well as spiked versions for playing on grass.
This is great news for players – but with so many different options available to choose from, it can make choosing the right cricket shoes a tough task. In this guide, we’re going to run through the various options available, offering advice to help you find the right shoes for you.
Why do you need cricket shoes?
So, do cricket shoes make a difference on the pitch compared to regular trainers? It’s a question we’re often asked here at 3D Sports, and the answer is clear: yes. This is particularly true of spiked cricket shoes, which offer significantly more grip on wet grass than any regular trainers ever could.
Even if you predominantly play on turf or indoors, it’s well worth investing in a pair of quality cricket shoes. Not only are they lightweight and extremely comfortable to wear all match long, they’re manufactured using breathable and impact-absorbing materials, keeping your feet cool and cushioned for hours on end.
In short, as well as offering more grip on grass, cricket shoes are built for match-long comfort – meaning you can focus fully on your performance without being distracted by sore skin, aches and pains.
How to choose cricket shoes: A beginner’s guide
What shoes are best for cricket?
There’s no simple, straightforward answer to this question. Which shoes are best for you will depend on the way you play, your personal preferences and, of course, your budget. To help you decide, here’s an overview of the popular styles available.
Spiked shoes
Perfect for damp, slippery early-season grass pitches, fully spiked cricket shoes offer unbeatable grip when the going gets tough. Quality spiked cricket shoes allow you to be light on your feet and agile, even when the conditions are less than ideal.
Because the spikes dig into the grass, you’re still able to change direction quickly even when the rain is pouring – but spiked shoes aren’t suitable for turf or indoor surfaces. If you want one pair of shoes that can do it all, fully spiked shoes aren’t right for you – but we still think every cricketer should have a pair ready to go. You never know when the heavens will open here in the UK!
Rubber soled shoes
Sitting at the opposite end of the spectrum, rubber soled shoes are exactly what you’re picturing in your head – more traditional trainer-style shoes without any spikes fitted. This makes them the go-to choice for indoor training sessions and matches held on artificial surfaces.
With that said, they can still perform well on grass if the conditions are right. They might not have any spikes, but their soles are still grooved for extra grip, making them a worthy choice for dry, hot summer matches.
Hybrid cricket shoes
Aiming to strike a balance between both extremes, hybrid cricket shoes feature smaller spikes, sometimes made from plastic instead of metal. In theory, this makes them an ideal compromise between spiked and rubber soled shoes, because it means you can use them on all surfaces. However, an all-rubber sole will likely perform better on smooth surfaces – and a spiked shoe will always offer more grip on wet grass.
Sizing: should cricket shoes be tight or loose?
Everyone has a favourite pair of trainers that fits just right: snug, but not too snug as to be uncomfortable and restrictive. That’s the balance you need to aim for when shopping for cricket shoes, too.
Look for shoes with plenty of padding and cushioning, a decent amount of flexibility and high-quality, breathable materials. Ultimately, cricket shoes need to be able to take plenty of abuse and they need to be comfortable to wear for hours at a time – so if they rub on your heels or toes, it’s time to try another pair.
Find your perfect pair of cricket shoes here at 3D Sports
Ready to start shopping? With all kinds of rubber and spiked cricket shoes in stock from leading brands like Kookaburra, it’s easy to find footwear that ticks every box right here at 3D Sports.
We stock a wide range of adult and junior sizes, with a vast array of different styles and colours to choose from. No matter what surface you play on or what features you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. Discover our complete range of cricket footwear online today.
