Alright so last Tuesday I grabbed my New Balance cricket shoes – the fancy blue ones – thinking they’d magically turn me into Kohli. Spoiler: they didn’t. First net session? Disaster. My backfoot shots felt like I was dragging bricks. Coach yelled “Stop stomping like an elephant!” Realized the dang soles gripped TOO hard. Couldn’t pivot properly. Frustrating? Yeah.
My First Fix Attempt: Shoelace Chaos
Thursday morning I ripped off the laces. Borrowed thinner ones from my running shoes. Tied ’em super loose hoping for more ankle flex. Big mistake. Five minutes into practice, right lace snapped when I lunged forward. Almost ate dirt. Left shoe? Lace came undone mid-sprint. My teammate nearly smashed a six at my face. Epic fail.
Plan B: The Tape Experiment
Shoelaces were dead anyway. Friday I stole my wife’s heavy-duty fabric tape – the kind she uses for crafts. Wrapped it tight around the shoe tongue and collar. Looked ridiculous but whatever. Felt snug at first… until sweat kicked in. Tape peeled off like banana skin after 20 minutes. Sticky glue residue EVERYWHERE. Ruined my socks. Ugh.
The Garage Hack That (Kinda) Worked
Saturday I got desperate. Grabbed:
- Sandpaper from my toolbox
- Old sponge
- Scissors
- A prayer
Roughed up the front sole area near the toes with sandpaper. Cut a sponge wedge and stuffed it under the heel liner. Went for testing Sunday. Backfoot shots? WAY better rotation. But turning for quick singles? Still tripped over my own feet twice. Sponge made one heel higher than the other. Walked like a penguin.
Where I’m At Now
Still tweaking. Maybe less sponge next time. Or duct tape? Dunno. Buddy said just “buy better shoes noob” but nah. I’m stubborn. Saw online some pros cut grooves into soles – might try that next weekend. Results: Feet hurt less. Pivot improved. Still look like a drunk giraffe sometimes. Cricket god said no to shortcuts.
Oh almost forgot – that sponge trick made my shoes smell like wet dog. Wife banned them from the living room. Worth it? Meh. Win some lose some.
