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Cricket shoes

Cricket Shoes: Full Spikes, Half Spikes or Rubber Soles?

Which cricket shoe sole to choose for grass, artificial pitches and indoor cricket, plus differences for bowlers and batters and how to care for spikes.

Quick answer

Full spike shoes give the most grip on grass and suit fast bowlers. Half spikes combine spikes at the front with rubber studs at the heel for batters and all-rounders. Rubber-soled shoes suit artificial pitches, indoor cricket and hard, dry grounds. Bowlers also benefit from extra toe protection and ankle support.

Grip helps you bowl, bat and field without slipping.

Sole types

Sole Best surface Best for
Full spikes Grass Fast bowlers
Half spikes Grass Batters, all-rounders
Rubber studs Hard grounds, artificial Juniors, mixed surfaces
Flat rubber Indoor Indoor cricket

Bowlers vs batters

  • Bowlers: reinforced toe, ankle support, firm heel.
  • Batters: lighter shoes for running between wickets.

Care

Clean off mud, dry at room temperature, and check spikes before matches.

See the full beginner kit checklist and our rubber-sole vs spike shoe comparison. Browse cricket shoes.

New guides in this topic

Common questions

Can I wear spikes on artificial pitches?

Usually not. Spikes can damage artificial surfaces and many clubs ban them there.

Are football boots OK for cricket?

They can work for fielding on grass, but cricket shoes offer better support for running and bowling.

How do I replace spikes?

Use the spike key supplied with the shoes and replace worn spikes with the same thread type.