Mistakes Players Make When Buying Cricket Shoes

Introduction

When it comes to cricket, players spend hours choosing the perfect bat, gloves,pads and helmet, but there's one vital piece of equipment that often gets less attention, your cricket shoes. The right pair isn't just about comfort, it's about performance, injury prevention, and making sure you can give your best on the field or in the nets. At VKS, London's finest cricket store, we've seen first hand the difference the right footwear can make and what happens if your ignore the shoes you play cricket in. In this comprehensive cricket footwear guide, we'll uncover the most common mistakes players make when buying cricket shoes, and how to avoid them, whether you're looking for the best cricket spikes or reliable indoor shoes.

Why Specialist Cricket Shoes Matter

Cricket is a sport of explosive movement: sprints, sudden stops, pivots, and jumps. Unlike generic trainers, specialist cricket shoes are engineered specifically for these demands. The design, whether you're wearing full spikes, half spikes, or full rubber soles caters to the unique stresses placed on your feet during a match or practice session.

• Movement Matters: Cricket involves lateral movement, quick turns and sudden acceleration. Cricket shoes provide stability, grip, and flexibility tailored for these actions.
• Injury Prevention: The right cricket shoe reduces the chance of rolled ankles, blisters, and impact injuries.
• Performance Boost: Proper grip and support help you run faster, turn sharper, and maintain your balance, all of which are crucial for batting, bowling, and fielding.

If you're searching for cricket shoes UK players trust, it's essential to start with a specialist pair designed for the rigours of the game.

Common Mistakes When Buying Cricket Shoes

1. Fast Bowlers Not Using Bowling Specific Cricket Shoes

One of the biggest mistakes we see, especially among fast bowlers, is choosing a generic cricket shoe instead of a bowling specific model. Bowling shoes are designed with extra cushioning in the heel and sole area, as well as enhanced ankle support.

Why Does This Matter?

• Cushioning: Fast bowlers generate huge impact forces when landing on their front foot. Bowling shoes absorb this shock, reducing stress on the heel, knee and lower back. Back issues are common amongst bowlers, wearing the right shoe helps to prevent such injuries.
• Ankle Support: Added padding and support around the ankle help prevent rolling over and potential injuries, which are common due to the high impact nature of fast bowling.
• Stability: A stable base helps with landing and push off, improving accuracy and reducing fatigue.

Tip: If you're a fast bowler, always opt for a model designed for your role. The best cricket spikes for bowlers feature reinforced heels, robust midsoles, and secure ankle collars.

2. Ignoring the Importance of Specialist Cricket Socks

Another often overlooked mistake is wearing regular sports socks or school socks instead of specialist cricket socks. It might seem minor, but your choice of sock can have a huge impact on comfort and performance.

Why Are Cricket Socks Important?

• Added Cushioning: Cricket socks are thicker and provide extra padding in high-impact areas, particularly the heel and ball of the foot as well as the toe area.
• Moisture Management: Specialist socks wick away sweat, reducing the risk of blisters during long days in the field.
• Support: The right sock helps alleviate pressure, especially when you're standing in the same position for extended periods a common scenario for fielders who can be in the outfield for over after over.

Scenario: Imagine standing at slip or in the outfield for hours. You'll naturally rock back and forth, putting added weight on your heels. A thick, cushioned sock helps absorb this pressure, keeping your feet comfortable and reducing fatigue.

Cricket Footwear Guide Tip: Always pair your cricket shoes with high quality cricket socks for all day comfort and injury prevention.

3. Not Tightening Spikes Before a Match

A surprisingly common issue is failing to tighten the spikes on your cricket shoes before heading out to play. New shoes in particular often have spikes that are not fully secure.

The Risks:

• Loose Spikes: If spikes aren't tightened, they can fall out during play, leaving holes that may get clogged with dirt or grass.
• Reduced Grip: Missing spikes compromise your grip, especially on damp or grassy wickets.
• Shoe Damage: Repeated loss of spikes can damage the sole, shortening the life of your shoes.

Best Practice: Before every match or practice, check and tighten each spike. Carry a spike key in your kit bag it's a small tool that can save your game and your shoes.

4. Using Trainers Instead of Cricket Specific Indoor Shoes

For indoor nets or training sessions, many players make the mistake of wearing running trainers instead of cricket-specific indoor shoes with rubber soles.

Why Trainers Aren't Enough:

• Sole Design: Running shoes are made for forward movement, not the multi-directional movement required in cricket.
• Edge Support: Cricket shoes have rounded edges, allowing for lateral movement and reducing the risk of rolling your foot.
• Grip: Indoor cricket shoes provide the right level of grip for synthetic surfaces, preventing slips and falls.

Injury Alert: Using non cricket trainers in the nets increases the risk of ankle sprains and other injuries. Cricket specific rubber sole shoes are a must for indoor play.

5. Choosing the Wrong Size - Too Tight or Too Loose

A common and avoidable mistake is buying cricket shoes that are too tight or too loose. Because cricket involves sudden stops and starts, your feet need a little room to move but not so much that they slide around inside the shoe.

The Problems with Tight Shoes:

• Toe Pressure: Intense movement pushes your foot forward, so if there's no gap at the front, your big toe takes the brunt, leading to bruising or nail damage.
• Reduced Blood Flow: Tight shoes can cut off circulation, causing discomfort and even numbness during long matches.

The Problems with Loose Shoes:

• Blisters: Excess movement inside the shoe causes friction and blisters.
• Loss of Control: Loose shoes reduce stability, affecting your performance, especially when running or changing direction quickly.

Fit Tip: Aim for a small gap at the front of the shoe. Pair with a thick, high-quality cricket sock for the perfect fit and you are well on the way to cricket shoe perfection.

6. Overlooking the Type of Sole for Your Playing Surface

Cricket shoes come with different sole types: full spikes and full rubber soles. Choosing the wrong sole for your playing surface is a frequent error.

Full Spikes:

• Best For: Grass wickets and outdoor matches where maximum grip is essential such as medium and fast paced bowlers. They should never bowl in trainers or full rubber sole cricket shoes.
• Mistake: Using full spikes on artificial or hard wickets can damage the surface and reduce your shoes lifespan.

Half Spikes (you can make your full spike shoe into a ½ spike by buying some spare rubber studs):

• Best For: Versatility suitable for both grass and artificial surfaces.
• Mistake: Not ideal for very damp or slippery grass wickets where full spikes are best.

Full Rubber Soles:

• Best For: Indoor nets, artificial pitches and dry hard outdoor wickets.
• Mistake: Using rubber soles on wet grass leads to slipping and reduced performance.

Cricket Footwear Guide Reminder: Always match your sole type to the conditions you'll be playing in.

7. Focusing on Looks Over Functionality

It's tempting to choose cricket shoes based on colour or brand popularity, but performance features should always come first.

What to Look For:

• Support: Adequate arch and ankle support for your playing style.
• Cushioning: Especially important for bowlers and all-rounders.
• Weight: Lightweight shoes help with speed but must not compromise on support.
• Breathability: Mesh panels and ventilation keep your feet cool and dry.

Best Cricket Spikes Tip: Choose a shoe that fits your needs, not just your style.

8. Not Replacing Worn-Out Shoes

Cricket shoes take a lot of punishment. Using worn-out shoes can lead to poor grip, lack of support and increased injury risk.

Signs You Need New Shoes:

• Worn Spikes or Soles: Reduced traction and stability.
• Compressed Cushioning: Less shock absorption, leading to sore feet and legs.
• Loose Uppers: Less support, especially around the ankle.

Cricket Shoes UK Tip: Replace your shoes regularly, especially if you play multiple times a week or notice any of the above signs.

How to Choose the Best Cricket Spikes and Shoes

With so many options available, here's a quick checklist to help you choose the best cricket spikes or cricket shoes for your needs:

1. Identify Your Role: Batting, bowling, or all-rounder? Each role has specific requirements.
2. Surface Type: Grass, artificial, or indoor? Match your sole type accordingly.
3. Fit: Ensure there's a small gap at the front. Try on shoes with your cricket socks.
4. Support and Cushioning: Prioritise ankle and heel support, especially for bowlers.
5. Breathability: Look for mesh panels or ventilation.
6. Brand Reputation: Trusted brands like Adidas, Gray-Nicolls, GM, Kookaburra and New Balance offer reliable quality.
7. Budget: Invest in the best you can afford, your feet will thank you!

Conclusion

Choosing the right cricket shoes is about more than just style, it's about performance, comfort and safety on the field. By avoiding these common mistakes and following our expert cricket footwear guide, you'll set yourself up for a better game, whether you're a club player, school team member, or professional.

At VKS, we stock a wide range of cricket shoes UK players trust, including the best cricket spikes for every playing style and surface. Our specialist team is always on hand to advise you, whether you need help with sizing, sole types, or finding the perfect sock to match your new shoes.

Visit VKS for Expert Advice and the Best Cricket Shoes UK

Ready to upgrade your cricket footwear? Visit us in-store at 31 Bond Street, Ealing, London, or browse our collection online at www.vks.com. Our team of cricket specialists will help you find the perfect pair so you can play your best and stay injury-free.

Need more help? Call us on +44 (0)20 8579 3389 or drop us a message on social media. We're here to help you make the right choice!