Every aspiring cricketer wants to excel in every aspect of their favorite game. The goal is to play international cricket and to represent their country all over the world. In this regard talent and practice to improve your game to the very best level. Although it is true that bad workman blames their tools, not so in the case of cricket. It is imperative to have the proper equipment and accessories required to play the game. You need the best bat, ball, helmet, shoes, and gloves to reach your fullest potential.
In Pakistan, it is safe to say that people live and breathe the game of cricket. Their passion is vividly evident whenever the national team plays a cricket match. Whether it’s the PSL or a world cup match, the whole nation gathers around their televisions to watch. The intensity of a Pakistan vs India match is felt all around the world even if you don’t like or play cricket. So it is quite understandable that people in Pakistan want to have the best cricket gear. If you need the best shoes in Pakistan for playing cricket you have to be picky. There are hundreds of choices and a plethora of shoe types. So let’s discuss how to choose the best cricket shoes for you.
Different Parts of a Cricket Shoes
Before we go into the details of buying tips, let’s discuss the important aspects of cricket shoes. Following are the key parts of a cricket shoe.
1. Outsole –
The outsole is regarded as the most important factor to keep in mind when buying a shoe. There are three types of outsoles, full metal spike, half spike, and rubber studs.
2. The Upper –
This is the part that covers the foot. It should be light, flexible, and breathable.
3. Midsole –
It is the layer present between the outsole and the insole. It serves the basic function of a shock-absorbent.
4. Sockliner –
Sockliner is the part that is in direct contact with the foot. It is used to provide an extra layer of cushioning to the foot.
5. The Heel –
The main purpose of a shoe heel is to keep the foot safe. It should be firm and comfortable.
6. Torsion Bar –
Torsion, also known as the trusstic system, is used to increase strength while keeping the torsion to a minimum.
7. Lasting –
Choose a type of lasting according to the pronation of your feet. You have three options to choose from, Combination, partial, and slip lasting.
Quick Tips for Buying a Cricket Shoe
Right before diving into the details, let’s discuss some quick tips to keep in mind when buying cricket shoes. There are more than enough options to buy men’s shoes in Pakistan. Therefore if you are in a hurry, just keep these tips in mind while making a purchase.
a. Material –
Always buy shoes that are built with high-quality material. From both inside and outside. Some of the most common materials that are used are polyethylene, synthetic material, and microfiber. Make sure they are lightweight and have the strength to withstand the roughness of the game.
b. Ventilation –
It is important that like other parts of your body, your feet can breathe. This is more important in an intense environment on a hot summer day.
c. Cushioning –
In the game of cricket, you are continuously running whether as a batsman, bowler, or fielder. Therefore it is important that your shoes provide the necessary cushion required to reduce the shocks due to continuous running.
d. Spikes –
Spikes are the most important aspect of a cricket shoe. The type of spikes you need on your shoes depends on your playing role in the team.
How to Choose the Right Cricket Shoes
You can find all sorts of shoes in the market. Every shoe has its own merits and demerits. So it all narrows down to the surface you are playing on, your position in the team, and your personal preferences. Having said that, there are a few tips to keep in mind that can help you pick up a shoe that will work great for you.
Size and Weight
No matter if you buy the best shoes in the world, if it’s not the right size, it’s not the right shoes. Especially in the case of a game like a cricket, ill-sized shoes will only hinder your performance. It will be hard to have a stiff stride if your shoes are not of the right size.
Similarly, the weight of the shoes is also crucial. Every sportsperson wants to be as quick and agile as possible in the field. When it comes to cricket you need to have quick feet during running, fielding, and bowling. It can be achieved if your shoes are lightweight. No one wants their shoes to be dragging them back just because they are heavy in weight.
The Position you are Playing at
The specification of the shoes you need heavily depends on your role in the team. It changes for a batsman as compared to a bowler or a fielder. Let’s discuss all the playing positions in detail.
1. Batsman –
For a batsman, half-spiked shoes are the ideal choice. They are lightweight and comfortable. Moreover, they offer a firm grip for running. They also provide a good balance for playing big shots.
2. Bowler –
For a bowler, the trick lies in the grip of the shoes. You always should go with the shoes that offer the best grip. This means that super rubber shoes should be your best bet on the field. For a fast bowler, it is important to have a shoe that provides additional support around the ankle joints. This will help you in line and length of your bowling while also saving you from injuries.
3. All-rounder –
For all-rounders, the shoes are made by keeping in mind a fielder. As they have to fill in both roles and also a field on the ground. They are specifically made to fulfill both positions. With a sole that can replace full and half spikes upon requirement. This makes it more of an all-rounder in the shoe category just like the player it was made for.
The Surface you are Playing On
Whatever position you are playing at, it is a fact that the pitch plays an important part in your performance and how you play. There is a difference between your game when you are playing on turf or an artificial pitch.
For turf pitches, it is better to have spiked shoes while for an artificial pitch the rubber shoes will do the trick. This is particularly important in the case when the dirt rolls up onto the ball from the outfield. If the ground is slippery, the bowlers prefer to have skid-free shoes.
Material of the Shoes
The shoe pattern isn’t a crucial or unique element, but the materials used in the footwear are! Leather, synthetic, plastic, fabrics, foam, and rubber are just a few of the shoe materials available. Each has its own set of purposes in footwear, which are determined by the design.
As a result, the topic of which shoe material is the best emerges.
The greatest shoe material, in particular, is unrivaled. However, cricket players should look for shoes that have high-quality upper material. The upper material should be made of high-quality synthetic material or PU.
PU is a lightweight, leather-like material that is durable enough to be used on a grass cricket ground.
Its upper sole should be tough enough to withstand harsh weather. Rubber-stud cricket shoes are ideal for all-rounders and players who do not want to use spiked shoes. Rubber soles are constructed of flexible but long-lasting rubber.
Your Budget
When it comes to buying a decent pair of cricket shoes, the budget is just as important. If you are an intermediate cricket player, you can spend more money on a higher-quality pair of shoes and set a bigger budget. However, if you are an amateur, it is not advisable to purchase pricey shoes because you are still learning the game’s techniques and are still growing. Beginners should start with conventional cricket shoes and progress as their game progresses.
Great Article! Keep on posting.