First off, no disrespect to the brands already doing this option. At the moment though it seems the trend is to find the cheapest version of popular brands low end of the scale running shoes, I totally get it from the sellers point of view, as without going for these it can be difficult to create a price point most customers would go for, or the profit margin just isn’t there.
Personally I’d veer away from this and go a bit premium, hunt like mad for the bargains when they come up on the better running shoes (difficult for the white colourways which will be most popular I imagine) or take a hit on the margin in the hope of selling the better shoes.
Hell4leather have done the above with their 1000’s from Australia I believe, just a shame they never had a pair in my size.
But I’ll stop there before it bores everyone and put some shoe ideas out there…
- Leather upper (for stability) most running shoes meshes simply don’t work for sharp sharp changes in direction like we see in cricket, I’ve always struggled when I’ve had spiked trainers, but most cricket shoes although mesh, have a designed frame to keep the foot in and so don’t have the same problem.
- stability focused running shoe, just for a better overall fit when moving like we do, tennis shoes actually work very well so wouldn’t rule them out.
- cross training trainers also work well and often come in white colourways so beneficial
Shoe options:
ASICS gel 540tr (from australia) - expensive but fantastic shoe and buttery leather for comfort. Plus import from Aus Holder used these for the windies for a while, not sure if he still does.
Adidas sole court boosts - stokes used these a lot and Broad alongside a fair few seamers use these when bowling indoors. Pretty difficult to find nowadays and even on sale we’re starting at £70 plus
Don’t discount New Balance’s trainer cricket shoes. Root seems to be a big fan of getting those spiked up instead of using the usual spiked options. I have an old pair of the 4020’s spiked and they are fantastic, low profile which feel great for batting in and as they are spiked, I have a single one at the front for marking my guard proper 😊
TL:DR - leather and tennis shoes are good options.