10 Best Cricket Shoes for Fast Bowlers: The Complete Guide

The fast bowling role in cricket can be very tricky to play. To make sure you deliver an accurate bowl, you must have the skills to break and make sudden turns at high speed near the crease. However, this activity can get pretty frustrating when your big toe gets squeezed between the shoe surface and other feet every time you make the bowl. So what could be the best cricket shoes for this role to match such intense activity? 

The best cricket shoes for fast bowlers in 2021 are Puma men’s 19.1, NEWBERY Elite Performance Spike, Sega Bolder Men’s boots, and the Payntr Bodyline 263- AW21. Others may include Gray-Nicolls Velocity 3.0 and the Woodworm Alpha cricket shoes. They may vary in price and other minor features.

Most people fear playing the bowling roles in cricket games, but in reality, the fear could be due to a lack of appropriate attire to match fast bowling. Make sure you read ahead for more info on the best fast bowler’s cricket shoes.

How to Select the Right Cricket Shoes?

To select the right cricket shoes, consider the shoe size, the pitch surface, be it synthetic or tuff, and the price. However, these factors may vary depending on how you prefer the shoe’s color blends.

Searching for the right cricket shoes can be tiring and quite time-consuming, more so imagining you need to outsmart clone manufacturers who produce clone products. In addition, searching for them on online platforms can get quite confusing. For instance, imagine you were looking through the reviews from other customers, only to get contradicting reviews, with one customer praising and the other disregarding the same shoes.

But with an acute idea of what you need, you can ease up the whole process and get your shoes within a little time. 

You may need to check on the following factors:

1. The Pitch Surface You will be Playing On

Cricket pitches can vary from rubbers synthetic to turf surfaces. Therefore, for turf surfaces, you need spiked cricket shoes. And rubber shoes for non-turf surfaces. You would be surprised at the wear and tear on any ordinary type of sports shoe if you used it on these surfaces.

2. Your Role on the Pitch

Different shoe types match different roles in the game. So the fact that you are a bowler means you need shoes with a reliable grip. However, this is dependent on the playground surface you will be playing on.

So for synthetic surfaces, you need good cricket rubber shoes, whereas, for tuff tracks, you should get yourself full cricket spike shoes (See Full Guide About It) (See Full Guide About It). The spikes are crucial in ensuring your safe and sharp delivery strides. In addition, being a fast bowler, you need shoes with upgraded ankle support necessary in the case of high-impact bowling.

3. Size

You don’t want oversized shoes that will compromise your comfort on the pitch. You need shoes that you can get into a full stride on without them flying off, or pressing down at your big toe.

In addition, to the size, you should also ensure the shoe has a sock liner for extra cushioning around your ankle and heel areas. It should also include a midsole for utmost cushioning for the bowler’s legs.

Advisably it is best to try the shoe before paying for it since not all vendors have a return policy.

4. Pricing

Despite the various factors, including the spiked and rubber shoes for the game, your budget will determine what shoes you get. It is a good idea to compare or browse different websites before making a large purchase. Because you might be buying a low-budget shoe at an expensive price when another stall or site offers the same affordable price. So it also zones down to the place you are getting the shoe from.

Additionally, there’s also the myth that a high price implies high-performance shoes. It’s good to know that that is no longer the case. If you base on the cost to get the best shoe, you might end up regretting paying for it. However, I am not dismissing the fact that with a deeper pocket, you will have the best shoes; but in addition to the price, you should consider all the other factors.

Can You Take Spikes out of Cricket Shoes?

You can take the spikes out of cricket shoes as long as you do it in a manner that won’t tamper with their sockets in case you have to replace or put them back.

You might have bought your cricket shoes when you played the game on a turf surface, but it gets tricky when your next game is on a synthetic surface. So to reduce extra costs for purchasing new cricket shoes, you can always get yourself spike key tools to help take out the spikes.

 And whenever you have your pitch switched again, you can always put the spikes back in your shoes. If you have good buddies, you can always share the cost if the spike key is too expensive for you. In case neither you nor your friends have a spike key, to remove the spikes, you should;

• Clean any dirt around the spike using a wet rag.
• Hold the shoe with one hand and use the other to hammer around the shoe’s sole. Make sure you apply only gentle taps since the spikes need little force to lose them from their sockets.

However, there’s no harm in purchasing new cricket rubber shoes for non-touch surfaces. It might help prolong your shoe’s lifespan by preventing your foot from Athlete’s foot infection that may result from constantly wearing the same shoes. 

Why Do Fast Bowler’s Shoes Get Torn at the Front?

Fast bowler’s shoes get torn at the front because of the enormous pressure the bowler puts on their toes to stop at the crease just before delivering their bowl.

That kind of bowling involves intense activities that probably the human feet cannot handle. The sudden change in speed and direction could easily cause a sprained ankle. That’s why it needs special skills to deliver such bowls, a role that most cricket players avoid at all costs.

Look at this:

• The bowler has to take a significant leap for him to deliver a unique bowl. So that effort puts lots of weight on the bowler’s leading leg resulting in the toe getting crammed between the shoe’s surface and the feet. It can be uncomfortable if it happens continuously. 
• Although I do not suggest it, Shoaib Akhtar had to design shoes for himself after complaining about numerous injuries sustained during landings. He once cut off the shoe surface to prove his point. 

However, instead of doing that you, can reduce the leather around the toe area to let the thumb slide in, at peace. However, this will depend on whether you are a right-hand or a left-hand bowler.

A surprising number of fast bowlers have worn different styles of shoes in the past, as long as they can keep their rhythm without sustaining an injury. 

Some also wear different sizes, which can be somewhat risky in case one wears an oversized shoe. Which Are the Best Cricket Shoes for FastBowlers?

The Best cricket shoes for fast bowlers include the Kookaburra Men’s KC 3.0 Spike, New Balance CK10 BL4, and the New Balance CK10 BL4 are just some of the shoes.

Your high performance in the cricket field depends on several factors that include wearing top-notch quality shoes. So I have several little things here that do matter in what beginner players might not be keen to figure out. Some professional cricketers may have failed to notice these things before. That is unless they devote their time to practicing the cricket high bowling techniques. 

Some of the things you should not miss on these shoes are their closure and sole grip form with breathable qualities.

 Here are some of the best topping the list.

1. New Balance CK4030B4 

The CK4030B4  boasts of a stylish netted synthetic fiber at the top that guarantees your feet an ultra-light fit with TPU reinforcement. The shoes have sturdy construction with improved Internal Support System(ISS) stability that takes into account underfoot cushioning with a lite midsole.

The shoes also have easy-to-remove spikes making them the best for any field from synthetic to turf surfaces.

2. Kookaburra Men’s KC 3.0 Spike

The handmade shoe with a sleek low profile design is a combination of revolutionary and traditional manufacturing. It also has a breathable blend from its latex and TPU reinforcement for perfect balance in comfort and durability. 

With the Kookaburra KC 3.0, you are also sure of blister-free heels because of its padded heel to reduce the rubbing and irritation from hard edges. The shoes also have a midsole, offering shock attenuation and comfortable cushioning for the forefoot.

3. SEGA Reach, Performance Cricket Shoes

You don’t have to experience painful landings when you can get the SEGA Reach Cricket Shoes. The shoes are additionally padded with cushions for a soft landing with reduced shock and strain on the knees. It also boasts of an ethylene acetate sole with an Eva midsole that guarantees its user unrivaled shock absorbency.

A mid-foot band that encourages you to keep on bowling gives you the sensation thanks to the minute perforations for ample ventilation.

4. Puma 19.1 Spike 

The Puma 19.1 bowling spike shoes boast a hook and loop top closure with netted synthetic fibers. It also has up-to-date padding on its linings and flat heels with a sneaker-like shape. In addition, wearing these shoes you can be sure of a new revolution and stylish blended colors.

You will also have an ultra-comfort feel wearing them with a round toe for comfortable running at the pitch.

5. Adidas Howzat Cricket Spikes

The Adidas Howzart has a synthetic mesh top that ensures your feet remain cool, dry, and very comfortable throughout the whole game. It also boasts of a moisture management system that wicks out excess sweat from the feet in addition to its lightweight performance guaranteeing an entirely easy and joyous performance on the field.

You can also be sure of an added midsole full of extra cushioning comfort for running and jumping with soft, painless landings. Such soft landings are a guarantee because of its TPU sole with an optimal grip that has increased traction for additional footing in seasonal pitches.

6. Newberry Elite Performance Spike

This is one of the best unisex cricket shoes built with a CricSok feature that maximizes the users’ motion. In addition to its padded interior for protection of blisters around the heel area you can be sure to benefit from the following features:

• Superior athletic feel with an Evopro sole
• Cushioned midsole for a comfortable step in
• Sturdy stability and an unbeatable weight despite the presence of the spikes.

All these factors contribute to the NEWBERY Elite Performance‘s entire durability, reducing power loss and maximizing acceleration for both users.

7. SEGA Bolder Men’s Cricket Boots

These boots are the best for their molded studs that give a better transition between bowlers’ jump and landing when bowling. In addition to its high ankle height, the SEGA Men’s Boots is padded strategically in the insides to ensure a comfortable fit and support. 

The shoes also boast of an additional strap increased support with a TPU sole material for maintaining mid-foot integrity. The shoes are very durable thanks to their leather outer fit making the bowler run through all sorts of pitches without worrying about the stressful cleaning of the shoes.

8. Payntr Bodyline 263- AW21

The Payntr Bodyline is an all-around cricket shoe whose top is made of Microfiber polyurethane that boosts its strength and stability. The polyurethane surface has meshes for increased breathability and reduced weight that holds the user’s foot in place for additional support. 

Wearing these shoes, you have a guaranteed additional Eva foam midsole support for your foot arch. So you will be sure of no pain when landing for your bowl deliveries. The shoe also has a moisture-managing lining that wicks away sweat from the user’s feet.

9. Gray-Nicolls Velocity 3.0 Spike

The Gray Nicolls Velocity spike shoes feature a high-grade polyethylene top and a honeycomb weight with high-class ventilation. It features nine spikes sturdily placed to increase the stability of the user when in high speed with a shock-absorbing rubber base for perfect bowl deliveries. 

You also have a guarantee of the best mid-foot support for your forefoot flexibility.

10. Woodworm Alpha Cricket Shoes

The Woodworm Alpha Cricket shoes have their sole unit fit with the metal spikes that enhance a firm grip with strong synthetic material that makes the user comfortable in places with stressful surfaces. This is also in addition to its removable inner footbed that is very responsive to every bounce and step the user makes.