Cricket Spike Shoes Buying Guide

Source: thecricketmonthly.com

People love cricket and if you're one of them and are playing the sport (professionally or for fun) you already know that suitable equipment is a very important part of the game. If you're new to this sport or are trying to get your kid into it, it's important to know that among the other things, cricket shoes are perhaps crucial for a good focus and quality game. Before you just purchase a pair of sports spike shoes, it's important to know what sort of surface are these shoes suitable for. If the game is mainly played indoors, then spiked cricket shoes aren't a suitable choice.

Be sure where the games will mostly take place. Then you're free to get your shoes and these things are the things you should consider when buying.

Size

This is the most important thing to consider when buying your cricket shoes. They shouldn't be too tight since you'll feel uncomfortable, but too large shoes will affect your focus, and could easily cause you to fall. The size should be just right.

Types of Spikes

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Full Set of Spikes

This is the standard arrangement for sport spike shoes. The full set of spikes are useful on pitches with a bit of moisture on the surface for grip. This helps the player-run successfully between the wickets. Not suitable for hard pitches.

Partial set of spikes

Some cricket shoes have spikes only on the front part of the floor, but not on the heel area. This is the middle ground between no spikes and a full set of spike cricket shoes.

No spikes

A batsman will feel much more comfortable batting in a pair of cricket shoes without spikes. This is especially suitable for incredibly hard pitches. Certain cricket shoes give the option of removable spikes, but they are a bit more expensive. These types of cricket shoes are a great investment for playing in all conditions as a batsman.

Surface You'll Play On

It's important where you'll play; on synthetic or turf pitches? If you play on synthetic pitches, go for rubber shoes. This is important when soil or moisture from the field ends on the pitch. Regular sport sneakers can wear very quickly, especially for bowler players.

What's Your Role as a Cricketer

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Are you a bowler or a batsman, or both? Batsman will do great with half-spiked shoes. Longer spikes will dig into the turf surface, which may limit the footwork and the footwork must be on point against both spin bowling and pace. If your shoes don't give you goof footwork, it will affect your confidence and game.  If you're a bowler, go for spiked shoes, because they give the ultimate grip. Cricket spikes are ideal for turf surfaces, giving you the full grip. These shoes will give you additional ankle support, so you won't have to deal with any defocusing from potential injuries or slipping.

If you're an all-rounder, light shoes are your best deal.

These are some specifics for cricket shoes:

The upper - this is the top part of the shoe. If you know your cricket shoe size, you would know that a bit of room is needed to cater for impact and lower the impact on your toes.

Outsole - this is the part of the shoe that makes direct contact with the ground.

Midsole - this is the layer between the insole and outsole which gives an important cushion (important if you're a bowler).

Socker Liner - this is an extra cushioning around the heel and ankles. It's important for bowlers if they have a high-impact action.

Outdoor Cricket – Natural Grass & Artificial Pitch

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If you’re playing cricket outdoors on a natural cricket pitch, shoes with spikes will assist you with maintaining your footing while bowling or when playing on pitches that offer no grip. If you play outdoors on other surfaces besides natural grass (mainly junior levels of the game) you will need cricket shoes with rubber dimple designs on the outsoles instead of spikes.

Some types of turf used in artificial pitches allow the use of spiked cricket shoes, but some types of turf aren't suitable. Always ask someone if that type of turf can handle your spiked shoes. Keep in mind that spiked shoes should never be worn on concrete.

Indoor Cricket – Artificial/Wooden Surface

Source; espncricinfo.com

If you play the game indoors, on an artificial or wooden floor (which happens during the winter months) get a pair of specialist cricket shoes that have a rubber dimple design on the outsole. These shoes should cater to all indoor cricket types of surfaces. Spikes cricket shoes aren't suitable for any wooden surface. Some indoor venues might demand that you have 'non-marking footwear in order to play. The outsoles can leave scuff marks on the coloured lines on the surface, which is not so nice for people who own the pace or have to play there (or maintain it).