When people try to get into bowling, they research things like bowling balls, bowling techniques, and even bowling clubs to join, where they’ll be taught all about the sport. One thing they tend to gloss over, though, is the right footwear for the sport.
Bowling lanes require a different kind of shoe so they don’t wear out quickly. Bowlers also require these special pairs to bowl better because there is a risk of mishaps without them.
The best bowling shoes are designs with specific features that cater to the demands of the sport. As a beginner, when you understand these unique features, you’ll be able to select the right gear for the game.
This article will touch briefly on the importance of selecting the right bowling shoes, and then delve into the best bowling shoes for beginners.
Get ready for a knowledge-filled ride!
9 Best Bowling Shoes for Beginners
Bowling shoes differ from regular shoes in many ways, and it is important to understand why bowling shoes are important to the sport. Some of the key differences between bowling shoes and regular shoes are:
Slide Sole Technology
Slide soles are a special kind of soles that allow people wearing shoes with them to slide easily across any surface.
Think of them as rubber skates with much higher friction than regular skates. Bowlers have to slide up to the foul line and be able to brake at the right time.
Traction Sole Technology
Slide soles work hand in hand with traction soles in bowling shoes to help bowlers release the ball without falling over and injuring themselves or others.
Traction soles provide stability and grip, allowing bowlers to maintain their stance and balance as they execute their delivery.
Interchangeable Soles and Heels
Imagine being able to swap out the soles or heels of your favorite pair with those of another pair to suit an occasion.
Bowling shoes can do this, but regular shoes can’t. This allows bowlers the freedom to tailor their shoes to different lane conditions for optimal performance.
Now, let’s take a look at the 9 best bowling shoes for beginners in the market.
BRUNSWICK FUZE SILVER SKY BLUE
For beginners, Brunswick is one of the brands you should familiarize yourself with. Their products make up most bowlers’ arsenals, from balls to bags to accessories and shoes.
There are several entry-level shoes from them as well, but the Brunswick Fuze is one of the most popular ones in their lineup.
They are fantastic for those just starting their bowling journey with their design, which offers optimal support, cushioning, and durability for the bowler to focus on their technique to hone it.
The Fuze comes in different variants like the Silver Sky Blue and the Black/Neon, some of which are no longer in production. The Fuze Chaos is, however, and presents a great option for the fashion-forward bowler.
As an entry-level bowling shoe, it has no interchangeable soles or heels, which means you will have to get new shoes if you intend to bowl seriously and not recreationally.
DEXTER RICKY IV
The Dexter Ricky IV is one of two Dexter shoes on this list of the 9 best bowling shoes for beginners.
Dexter is a PBA-endorsed bowling shoe company, which means it is one that most athletes on the PBA circuit use in professional bowling tournaments and international competitions.
The Dexter Ricky IV bowling shoes are easily the most famous beginner bowling shoes on this list, and for a good reason too.
At under $60, it presents incredible value for many bowlers because its performance enhancement capabilities are superb.
The shoe was made with love and attention to the bowling game. It was also made for the fashion-forward as it is a shoe that many will notice when you step onto a lane.
Choose one of the Dexter Ricky IV variants and see your confidence soar and your bowling skills improve as you prepare for the next stage in your journey.
KR STRIKEFORCE THE MAUI
If you take a survey of 100 women bowlers across America showing them different women’s entry-level bowling shoes, the KR Strikeforce The Maui bowling shoes will be a favorite of 30 of them.
I am making this bold claim based on responses from the internet (because the internet never lies!).
Jokes aside, the KR Strikeforce Maui Women’s bowling shoes have received a lot of positive press because of their lovely slip-on design.
Women bowlers have spoken highly of this shoe, making it one of the most popular beginner bowling shoes for women.
It comes with the custom-made KR FreeLock Dial Lacing System for a secure fit and boasts a microfiber upper with a TPU-molded heel stabilizer for added stability. It’s a great gift for the women in your life who enjoy casual/recreational bowling.
DEXTER MEN’S KAM CHARCOAL
The Dexter Men’s Kam Charcoal is one of the shoes in Dexter’s Comfort Canvas collection.
It is a slip-on bowling shoe designed with a different type of material but with the necessary technology to make it stand out from a regular one on a bowling lane.
One thing that makes this shoe stand out for me in the sea of beginner bowling shoes is the loafer look it has. Unless you know your bowling shoes, you are going to mistake it for a cool-looking loafer.
The shoe is made of cotton and canvas which makes it breathable and comfortable on the upper parts of the foot.
Charcoal is only one of the available color variants in the Dexter Men’s Kam shoe line, which means that you can choose any other color to enjoy your casual bowling with.
As with other shoes on this list, they have no adjustable soles or heels, making them entry-level bowling shoes that don’t quite belong in grueling professional circuits except for practice.
Brunswick Renegade
Brunswick Renegade is a brilliant bowling shoe that, frankly, I’d wear about if I could swap its soles for regular ones (a pointer to the fact that it’s an entry-level shoe).
Some people don’t really care, but as a bowling purist, I wouldn’t do that to my bowling shoes.
Whether it’s the Brunswick Renegade youth or the adult mesh version – both of which have different color schemes for the bowler to choose from – this shoe is one of the best bowling shoes for beginners.
The sporty synthetic upper, paired with the extra-light molded EVA outsole and foam-padded collar and tongue, ensures a perfect fit.
With its microfiber slide soles on both sides, bowlers can slide easily on lanes without fear of slipping, so they can bowl with confidence and ease.
BRUNSWICK MEN’S AVALANCHE BLACK GREY
The Brunswick Men’s Avalanche Black Grey shoes combine simplicity with performance. These shoes offer optimal comfort and support, allowing you to bowl strikes with confidence.
If the classic black and gray design doesn’t work for you, you can try the other colors in the line.
One thing I enjoy about these shoes is that they’re extremely breathable. This makes them versatile enough that having adjustable soles would have been a waste of production materials – frankly unnecessary. This makes them versatile and suitable for any bowling alley.
The Brunswick Men’s Avalanche has an extra-light molded EVA outsole with a raised rubber heel for a controlled slide. The shoe is universal, which means it can work for both right—and left-handed players.
However, they are a little pricey compared to most other shoes on this list.
EPIC MEN’S ARES BLUE WHITE
Available in Blue White, Silver Pearl, and Black White, the Epic Men’s Ares from Epic Bowling is a great bowling shoe for entry-level bowlers.
My prediction is that this is the shoe that will make Epic a staple in the bowling scene. This prediction is based on the following reasons:
It’s sleek and stylish: Looking good is something everyone takes seriously these days, regardless of their occupation. Bowlers want to look cool while bowling and these shoes do the trick.
They’re affordable: At under $45, it brings all the goodness of the best bowling shoes for beginners together into one shoe.
Three different sleek color schemes: The Blue White is the favorite among bowlers, but the Silver Pearl and the Black White variants are not to be ignored.
If you’re a beginner on a budget, head to your nearest bowling goods store and ask for Epic Men’s Ares bowling shoes.
3G KICKS BLACK PINK
Since their acquisition by Storm Bowling in the 2000s, 3G Bowling has benefitted from the expertise of Storm Bowling in the industry.
This is a great leather bowling shoe for beginners that are comfortable, classy and colorful. These shoes not only offer vibrant style but also provide great support and traction.
They are designed with affordability in mind, they are an ideal choice for casual/recreational bowlers who want to stand out from others at their favorite alleys.
The Kicks Black Pink is one of a number of color variants, so bowlers have a choice.
BRUNSWICK VERSA GREY PURPLE
This women’s bowling shoe is a Brunswick Classic (not the classic Brunswick shoes, just one that is highly sought after).
The Brunswick Versa Grey Purple bowling shoes are stylish and highly functional women’s entry-level bowling shoes that appeal to the fashion-forward and especially to those who find laces troublesome.
Made with knitted mesh, it comes with a velcro strap that firmly locks the shoe in place when slipped on. With this strap, you don’t have to worry about shoelaces coming undone when you slip it on easily.
These bowling shoes also provide excellent traction and stability on the lane approach, allowing you to focus on your game.
People with wide feet should not buy these shoes, however. Other than this limitation, they are universal shoes which means that right-handed bowlers and left-handed bowlers (with regular-sized feet) can cop a pair.
What Makes Bowling Shoes So Important?
Your bowling shoes are very important, and the right pair can make or break your beginner’s bowling journey – or career. Here’s why you must invest in the right bowling shoes.
Improves Your Performance
Regular shoes do not allow you to slide and break as you should and do not provide the stability needed to apply the needed force to your bowl.
With the slide and traction soles on a bowling shoe, you can do this easily and slowly master the game as a beginner.
Reduces Risk of Injury
With regular shoes, your risk of injury is high when bowling. This is, again, due to the fact that there’s no stability on the lane, and the shoes do not allow you to slide and break at the right times.
One wrong move in a regular pair of shoes on a bowling lane can cause bones to be broken.
Maintenance of Bowling Lanes
Bowling lanes take a lot to set up and cater to. Using shoes with high friction resistance will easily wear out a bowling lane, causing a need for constant repairs which are very expensive.
How to Select the Right Pair?
Here’s how you can select the right pair for your bowling journey:
Consider Cost
Bowling shoes are available on a budget and are not much different from the ones that cost a pretty penny. If you play for fun, please go for the ones that cost $50 and under. As a beginner, you should only be looking at entry-level shoes, even.
Choose Based on Your Dominant Hand
Bowling shoes are so specialized that they are considered to be your dominant hand. Are you right or left-handed? There’s a shoe that will enhance your strengths! Some shoes work for both hands, too, and these are more advisable for beginners like you!
How You Bowl
Bowling shoes come in three types: Performance, athletic, and Rental. Performance shoes are for professionals who play the sport.
Athletic shoes are for casual or recreational bowlers who enjoy it as a favorite pastime and just want to own a pair. Rental shoes, like those found in bowling alleys, are built to withstand the test of a million users.
Final thoughts
There you have it – the nine best bowling shoes for beginners! A lot of learning has definitely occurred up to this point!
So, when you are ready to start your bowling journey, make sure to consider these shoes above as you select your favorite from the best bowling shoes for beginners on this list!