Same as with any sport, to be able to make it in cricket, you require the appropriate equipment. Besides being created to help you out by offering the needed amount of protection and minimising the risk of injuries, it’s equally designed to provide you with assistance when it comes to boosting performance. This is especially true for footwear considering the importance of precise footwork in this sport. 

The special cricket shoes, which can be found both with and without spikes, are meant to help out with support, stability, and balance when the player’s out on the field. Still, how much support, stability, balance, or additional properties you’re after will determine the type of shoe you end up with, as well as the construction and brand. 

The lightweight New Balance bowling spikes shoes are an example of a reliable design of quality from a reputable brand that’s well-known on the market. But, these are great for the bowlers, not the batters and keepers, so there’s more to the shopping and getting the right pair than simply deciding based on looks or make. 

How to Choose Cricket Shoes?

To count on an easier experience, one that would get you the desired footwear fit for your taste and comfort most importantly, keep these steps in mind: 

Your Cricketing Position

Are you a bowler, a batter, or a keeper? Bowlers require as much grip as they can get so a pair like New Balance bowling spikes models that offer the best of comfort, stability, and support would come in handy. These shoes are typically lightweight, though a bit heavier than the batter/keeper counterparts, with thick and responsive midsoles, and more support at the ankle area. 

Their spike layout is also different to prevent the feet from slipping, with 4 to 3 spike heels, unlike the 2 of the alternative. Batters and keepers could do with half-spike shoes that give them more flexibility with the footwork than the full spikes. If you can’t decide between the two options and would use both, but then again wouldn’t want to overload the cricket bag with too many pieces of gear, then you would certainly benefit from the all-rounder. 

Material

Much like when shopping for regular shoes, like say a pair of sneakers, you need to be sure about the quality of the material used because this will have a say in durability as much as comfort. Although synthetic choices are the usual pick, brands and models like the New Balance cricket shoes can be found in outstanding upper leather too which is great for enhanced flexibility. Pair this with mesh construction for breathability and you get the perfect internal environment that doesn’t make your feet sweat or end up in odour. 

Protection Features

You need as much ankle support as overall support and cushioning because of the way you’re going to use your feet during long hours of play, exposing them to more risk of injuries. It’s imperative to choose shoes that have toe and heel reinforcements to absorb the shock, plus the perfect cushioning to further reduce your risk of injuries. EVA or Phylon midsole cushioning is advisable for optimal comfort. 

Comfort also comes in the form of padded collars for the ankles, or ankle straps, so be sure to get these features to get the most protection. And, don’t forget to also include the fit in the equation. Getting shoes that are too tight or too loose can impact your game for the worse, not only leading to foot injuries, and painful blisters, but also discomfort and long-term foot issues.

While we’re at useful features, it’s just as important to include the outsoles in your decision-making. These are elements that decide the traction and grip, as well as stability, and flexibility – all essential for your quality of game. At the end of the day, the kind of outsole you go for is something determined by the surface you play on. For instance, the grass or turf pitches which are the traditional option require the use of shoes with studs or spikes. 

Traditional metal spikes are great for turfs that are moist and soft, whereas studs are great for dry areas. Non-marking rubber soles, or those with specialised patterns, are fit for modern cricket facilities with artificial pitches. These are also suitable for indoor facilities, commonly with concrete floors, though there’s another option that proves to be useful here – the gum sole shoes. Multidirectional soles are ideal for changes in direction. 

Brand Reputation

Although not as crucial as the other factors we mentioned, some brands are better than what you can find on the market in a broader sense. Additionally to New Balance, other famous names that deserve your attention include sports giants such as Adidas, Puma, Nike, ASICS, and Jazba. Be sure to check the ratings of each of these brands’ cricket shoes, read up on reviews, compare materials and features, along with prices, to get to the final decision.