Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Other Gear => Topic started by: rickjames on January 13, 2025, 02:39:13 PM
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As per the description, really
Starting to deal with signs of a bunion, but not severe enough for anything OTT like surgery, and with that am having to make some footwear changes that often mean having a wider toe box so I have a bit more movement. Winter nets have started up and am in need of a new pair of indoor/astroturf shoes, so I bought a couple of sizes (UK 9 and 9.5) of the New Balance CK4020s, but far too tight for my liking.
Any suggestions to help with this? I've typically worn NBs, own a couple of pairs of Payntr spikes which are nice.
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Puma state on their website that their cricket shoes are wide fit.
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First things first, if you haven't done so yet, go seek advice from a GP/podiatrist if possible.
I've used the GN astro shoes, which seem to have been decently wide for me - if you have a cricket store close by that stocks them, would be worth visiting and trying on a few pairs. (For reference, I normally go for footwear that is 4E wide) I know people go to specialists to get regular trainers spiked up, but do wonder if any of them offer astroturf style pimples - if they do then I'd imagine your best option will be to go into a shoe store, try on some trainers which are 2E-4E wide (2D is regular) and not too tight. According to the NHS help page, look for a pair that have a low heel, and also soft sole.
If going for GN - they release new models every year, so best going to a shop and seeing which suits your needs best.
https://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/collections/all-cricket-shoes/products/velocity-5-0-rubber-shoes (https://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/collections/all-cricket-shoes/products/velocity-5-0-rubber-shoes)
https://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/collections/all-cricket-shoes/products/revo-pro-2-0-batting-shoes (https://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/collections/all-cricket-shoes/products/revo-pro-2-0-batting-shoes)
https://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/collections/all-cricket-shoes/products/players-3-0-batting-shoes (https://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/collections/all-cricket-shoes/products/players-3-0-batting-shoes)
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https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/asi14997/asics-gel-lethal-field-2-hockey-shoes---aw24?_cur=GBP&msclkid=edfd2d722581128756de4af7668b8efc&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK_PMax_Asics%20-%20Bing%20Ads&utm_term=2329246664867670&utm_content=Asics_All%20-%20%5BJanuary%20Sale%202025%5D (https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/asi14997/asics-gel-lethal-field-2-hockey-shoes---aw24?_cur=GBP&msclkid=edfd2d722581128756de4af7668b8efc&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=UK_PMax_Asics%20-%20Bing%20Ads&utm_term=2329246664867670&utm_content=Asics_All%20-%20%5BJanuary%20Sale%202025%5D)
Seen these on Socials from India,apparently Hockey shoes but look v usuable !
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First things first, if you haven't done so yet, go seek advice from a GP/podiatrist if possible.
I've used the GN astro shoes, which seem to have been decently wide for me - if you have a cricket store close by that stocks them, would be worth visiting and trying on a few pairs. (For reference, I normally go for footwear that is 4E wide) I know people go to specialists to get regular trainers spiked up, but do wonder if any of them offer astroturf style pimples - if they do then I'd imagine your best option will be to go into a shoe store, try on some trainers which are 2E-4E wide (2D is regular) and not too tight. According to the NHS help page, look for a pair that have a low heel, and also soft sole.
If going for GN - they release new models every year, so best going to a shop and seeing which suits your needs best.
https://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/collections/all-cricket-shoes/products/velocity-5-0-rubber-shoes (https://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/collections/all-cricket-shoes/products/velocity-5-0-rubber-shoes)
https://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/collections/all-cricket-shoes/products/revo-pro-2-0-batting-shoes (https://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/collections/all-cricket-shoes/products/revo-pro-2-0-batting-shoes)
https://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/collections/all-cricket-shoes/products/players-3-0-batting-shoes (https://www.gray-nicolls.co.uk/collections/all-cricket-shoes/products/players-3-0-batting-shoes)
Cheers - seen a podiatrist already and a GP next week to hopefully get an x-ray and rule out anything that could get really ugly
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Shoe tree stretchers may help, I use them on most of the trainers I buy as I have ridiculously wide feet
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mens-Cream-Shoe-Care-Product/dp/B06XY55WTJ/ref=asc_df_B06XY55WTJ?mcid=1bc2bfd9b01432a0874a33f773e5481c&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696451341308&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1360516642636589002&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006467&hvtargid=pla-697179647653&psc=1&gad_source=1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mens-Cream-Shoe-Care-Product/dp/B06XY55WTJ/ref=asc_df_B06XY55WTJ?mcid=1bc2bfd9b01432a0874a33f773e5481c&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696451341308&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1360516642636589002&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006467&hvtargid=pla-697179647653&psc=1&gad_source=1)
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Do stretchers ever actually work on anything other than proper leather shoes? I always thought that was the case
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I think you will need to try some shoes on, rather than finding bargains on the internet.
Or go down the trainer spiked route.
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P.s. there are some decent white hockey shoes around you could try as you are looking for astro shoes the Osaka and mizuno ones are good. ASICS Astros can come up half a size small.
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Do stretchers ever actually work on anything other than proper leather shoes? I always thought that was the case
Yes they work on most that don’t have a stretchy material like an Ultraboost for example
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Unfortunately almost all modern day footwear is too narrow. Even so called wide shoes are narrow where the toes are. What you need is a "foot shaped" shoe - here two nice illustrations: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZcSOm2b58e4?si=UVr6enKdUR8bsgwJ (https://youtube.com/shorts/ZcSOm2b58e4?si=UVr6enKdUR8bsgwJ)
https://youtube.com/shorts/QphLLDc_O54?si=3DR9I_OEbpJbQ94K (https://youtube.com/shorts/QphLLDc_O54?si=3DR9I_OEbpJbQ94K)
There are a few companies that make these. Amongst these you have "barefoot shoe" companies (xero, vivobarefoot etc) but these will not be appropriate unless you've gotten used to them slowly. Then you have companies like Altra, and Topo Athletic. Those two would be my top picks - I have used both for cricket and it's been amazing. You're going to have to spend some time going through different models (you get different stack heights, and heel drop). I suggest going through different trail running models and picking one with a similar stack height and heel drop to your cricket shoes (the only difference will be a wider foot shaped toe box). I am currently using the Topo Runventure, mainly because I wanted a zero drop shoe (no heel raise). Their Mountain Racer is a decent option for those looking for a heel raise.
Eventually, you might want to go down the rabbit hole of exploring the barefoot/minimalist life. It would require very very VERY slow transition and preparation, but can certainly help with bunions etc, especially when supplemented with toe spacers and foot strength exercises.
Here are some doorways to said rabbit hole:
https://youtu.be/htF_GapzU_c?si=ReYUK72aoCuhh_cG (https://youtu.be/htF_GapzU_c?si=ReYUK72aoCuhh_cG) (Peter attia podcast with a foot specialist)
https://www.instagram.com/thefootcollective?igsh=YXZsZG5peGwzbXZr (https://www.instagram.com/thefootcollective?igsh=YXZsZG5peGwzbXZr)
https://www.instagram.com/barefootstrength?igsh=cGV1MHQwaTE4Ynd1 (https://www.instagram.com/barefootstrength?igsh=cGV1MHQwaTE4Ynd1)
https://www.instagram.com/thebarefootsprinter?igsh=MXB3eGl6ZDI2YTJr (https://www.instagram.com/thebarefootsprinter?igsh=MXB3eGl6ZDI2YTJr)
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TLDR: look through different trail running models offered by Topo and Altra.
Unfortunately almost all modern day footwear is too narrow. Even so called wide shoes are narrow where the toes are. What you need is a "foot shaped" shoe - here two nice illustrations: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZcSOm2b58e4?si=UVr6enKdUR8bsgwJ (https://youtube.com/shorts/ZcSOm2b58e4?si=UVr6enKdUR8bsgwJ)
https://youtube.com/shorts/QphLLDc_O54?si=3DR9I_OEbpJbQ94K (https://youtube.com/shorts/QphLLDc_O54?si=3DR9I_OEbpJbQ94K)
There are a few companies that make these. Amongst these you have "barefoot shoe" companies (xero, vivobarefoot etc) but these will not be appropriate unless you've gotten used to them slowly. Then you have companies like Altra, and Topo Athletic. Those two would be my top picks - I have used both for cricket and it's been amazing. You're going to have to spend some time going through different models (you get different stack heights, and heel drop). I suggest going through different trail running models and picking one with a similar stack height and heel drop to your cricket shoes (the only difference will be a wider foot shaped toe box). I am currently using the Topo Runventure, mainly because I wanted a zero drop shoe (no heel raise). Their Mountain Racer is a decent option for those looking for a heel raise.
Eventually, you might want to go down the rabbit hole of exploring the barefoot/minimalist life. It would require very very VERY slow transition and preparation, but can certainly help with bunions etc, especially when supplemented with toe spacers and foot strength exercises.
Here are some doorways to said rabbit hole:
https://youtu.be/htF_GapzU_c?si=ReYUK72aoCuhh_cG (https://youtu.be/htF_GapzU_c?si=ReYUK72aoCuhh_cG) (Peter attia podcast with a foot specialist)
https://www.instagram.com/thefootcollective?igsh=YXZsZG5peGwzbXZr (https://www.instagram.com/thefootcollective?igsh=YXZsZG5peGwzbXZr)
https://www.instagram.com/barefootstrength?igsh=cGV1MHQwaTE4Ynd1 (https://www.instagram.com/barefootstrength?igsh=cGV1MHQwaTE4Ynd1)
https://www.instagram.com/thebarefootsprinter?igsh=MXB3eGl6ZDI2YTJr (https://www.instagram.com/thebarefootsprinter?igsh=MXB3eGl6ZDI2YTJr)