Curious About Rishabh Pant's Moon Boots? Here's What They Are And Why He Needs Them
Cricket shoes are lightweight, flexible, and feature spikes to provide traction on the pitch. They are designed for quick movements. Moon boots are rigid and heavy
Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant is known for his fearless batting and fiery presence on the field. But off the field, he's showing the same fighting spirit—this time, against injury. After suffering a painful foot injury during the recent Manchester Test against England, Pant has turned heads not just for his resilience, but also for the unique medical shoe he's now wearing: a moon boot.
On July 23, 2025, during Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, Pant was batting fluently on 37 off 48 balls when disaster struck. In an attempt to play a reverse sweep against pacer Chris Woakes, the ball slammed into his right foot. The impact caused immediate swelling and bleeding. Medical staff rushed in, and Pant was taken off the field via a medical cart, visibly in pain.
In the days that followed, images of Pant wearing a bulky, futuristic-looking boot went viral. That was not a regular cricket shoe—it was a moonboot, a medical device often used to aid recovery from foot or ankle fractures.
What Is A Moon Boot?
This specially designed boot serves three critical purposes:
Made with a hard plastic shell, thick padding, and Velcro straps, moon boots are sturdy yet surprisingly lightweight. Pant, diagnosed with a metatarsal fracture, has been advised by the BCCI medical team to wear one for a minimum of six weeks.
How Much Does A Moon boot Cost?
The price of a moon boot in India ranges from Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,000 for standard models. However, top-end brands used in elite sports recovery—like Ossur or DJO Global—can go up to Rs 10,000 or more. As a centrally contracted player, Pant likely received a premium-grade boot tailored for his recovery needs.
Moon boot vs Cricket Shoe: What's The Difference?
Cricket shoes are lightweight, flexible, and feature spikes to provide traction on the pitch. They are designed for quick movements—running, wicket-keeping, or bowling.
Moon boots, on the other hand, are rigid and heavy. They are not made for performance but for protection and healing. There are no spikes, and they restrict movement intentionally.
Pant's Recovery Timeline
According to a BCCI update on July 24, Pant has been advised six weeks of rest and physiotherapy. He will wear the moon boot throughout this period. If his recovery progresses well, light training could begin by September, with a potential full return to competitive cricket by October, when India is scheduled to host New Zealand for a Test series.
For Pant, the moon boot is more than a recovery tool—it's a stepping stone towards yet another comeback.
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