Bowling requires hours of practice. To reach your full potential on the lanes, it is very important to choose the best bowling shoes.
If you are a casual bowler or a serious player, having the knowledge of when picking the right bowling shoes will boost your performance and your overall confidence level.
This article will go through the essential elements that bowling shoes should provide, listing the materials like insoles and outsoles, their durability, design, weight, and whether it’s a comfy fit or not.
Why Does Bowling Require Special Shoes?
Have you ever thought about why bowling requires those specific bowling shoes? At first glance, you might think, “Why can’t the players just wear their regular shoes?”
Well, these shoes are tailored specifically for the players to help them reach their full potential in the game.
Bowling is a game of strategy with multiple techniques at a player’s disposal. As the players approach the lane, you will notice that the bowlers perform a smooth slide before releasing the ball.
This is the reason why they need a good pair of bowling shoes, It helps assist them with their strategies and positioning throughout the game.
The secret behind the perfect slide lies in the thick soles of bowling shoes. Normal sneakers give less grip on the lanes, whereas bowling shoes have thick soles that help the players stick to the lanes. There are two soles in the bowling shoes.
One sole is smooth, which helps in the sliding motion, while the other helps in traction and control. These two sole designs help the bowlers to perform a controlled slide without slipping.
What Is Different About Bowling Shoes from Regular Shoes?
Bowling shoes are specially designed footwear that sets them apart from regular shoes in several key ways:
- Sole Composition: Bowling shoes have unique soles, typically with two different textures. One sole is designed for sliding, while the other provides traction and control. This dual-sole design is crucial for bowlers to execute a smooth slide and maintain stability during their approach and release. In contrast, regular shoes lack this specialized sole composition, which makes them ill-suited for the specific movements required in bowling.
- Slip Resistance: Regular shoes are often designed to provide grip and traction on various surfaces like sidewalks, roads, or gym floors. In contrast, bowling shoes are designed to minimize friction on the bowling lane. The smooth sliding sole allows bowlers to glide effortlessly, ensuring a consistent ball release. This reduced friction prevents potential injuries caused by abrupt stops and allows for precise control.
- Lane Protection: Bowling shoes also serve to protect the delicate surface of the bowling lane. Street shoes, which may have dirt, debris, or abrasive materials on their soles, can damage the lane’s finish and affect the ball’s trajectory. Bowling shoes, on the other hand, are kept clean and are designed to minimize wear and tear on the lanes.
- Hygiene: Bowling shoes are frequently made with materials that are easy to clean and maintain. This is essential for maintaining a clean and sanitary environment in the bowling alley, as outdoor shoes can carry dirt and contaminants that could compromise the lane’s integrity and the bowlers’ experience.
- Style and Aesthetics: Bowling shoes often have a distinctive and retro look, with different styles and colors available. While regular shoes come in various styles and designs, bowling shoes are specifically tailored to match the sport’s aesthetic and culture.
Review The Pairs of 10 Best Bowling Shoes
Bowling shoes should offer perfect grip, slide, and style. So, let’s find the best types of bowling shoes that will help perfect your bowling technique.
1. KR Strikeforce Aviators Men’s Athletic Bowling Shoe
KR Strikeforce Aviators Men’s Athletic Bowling Shoes offer a good design and multiple features, which make them a good choice for avid bowlers.
These shoes have a modern-looking design that will really make a player stand out on the lanes.
Bowlers demand good gripping shoes. The outsole of this brand gives a strong grip on the lane while the insole provides comfort.
The EVA midsole also absorbs shocks to streamline a player’s technique. With its fashionable design and helpful features, the Strikeforce is a very good option.
What we like:
- Stylish design
- Durable outsole
- Comfortable cushioned insole
- Available in different sizes
What we don’t like:
- Limited color alternatives
- Sole requires extra slide pads
2. Brunswick Vapor Men’s Bowling Shoe White/Black
Brunswick Vapor Men’s Bowling Shoe in White/Black is one of the best products offered by the Brunswick Brand. It is designed perfectly to improve your performance.
The padded collar makes them a very beautiful shoe. They come with a non-marking rubber outsole, which helps to give a good grip.
This pair of shoes considers performance more so than design, which makes it a good choice for serious players.
The shoes also offer good traction and balance to assist your technique at an affordable price, which is a big plus when it comes to deciding on a pair.
What we like:
- Beautiful black and white designs
- Synthetic material gives durability
- A padded collar helps provide more comfort
- Non-marking rubber outsole ensures solid traction
- Affordable price
What we don’t like:
- Limited color options
- Requires extra arch support.
3. Dexter Womens Kristen Bowling Shoes
If you’re a female player looking for a pair of bowling shoes that offers both style and performance, then Dexter Women’s Kristen Bowling Shoes would be a perfect choice for you.
Having a contemporary layout, these shoes offer a solid design for bowlers demanding top performance.
The synthetic top also gives it a very appealing shape and the padded collar offers advanced consolation, which helps the players to play effectively.
These pairs of shoes are perfect for any advanced female players serious about bowling.
What we like:
- Beautiful design
- Durable synthetic soles
- Available at a cheap rate
What we don’t like:
- Limited color range
- Does not provide extra arch support
- Slide sole customization is needed
4. Dexter Bowling – Mens – Pro Am II
Dexter Bowling Men’s Pro Am II shoes are another great choice for any male players searching for beauty and performance on the lanes.
These shoes mix a classic design with a modern look and have a strong, sturdy foundation. The synthetic soles help the players to have confidence in the lanes and good durability.
If male players are demanding a good, durable pair of shoes, then they can’t go wrong with this choice
The padded collar offers plenty of comfort, and the price is also very cheap. These shoes are perfect for both experienced and new players.
What we like:
- Classic design
- Synthetic soles provide a strong grip
- Padded collar offers good comfort
- Available at a cheap cost
What we don’t like:
- Limited color options
5. Dexter Bowling – Mens – SST 8 Pro
If you’re a player who loves blue and black shoes, then Dexter Bowling Men’s SST 8 Pro shoes will be a more appealing choice for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, these shoes have no preference.
Made with good materials, the SST Eight Pro offers sturdiness and stability.
Dexter is one of the top brands in the bowling shoe market, so you can be certain that the 8 Pro shoes are one of the best shoes, providing both good design and performance.
What we like:
- Beautiful Black and White design
- Quality materials for toughness
- Padded collars help for prolonged comfort
- Interchangeable slide soles
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
- Only one color option
6. Dexter The 9 Wide Bowling Shoes
Dexter 9 Wide Bowling Shoes are made specifically for male players. The beautiful black design of these shoes makes them a very attractive pair.
The size of this shoe is 8.5. It is made with leather skin and synthetic soles. The upper red part of the sole is specifically designed to help you achieve a perfect performance.
The only setback is the players need to insert different sizes of soles to suit them, making for a slightly more expensive purchase.
What we like:
- Amazing Black design
- Comfortable to wear
- Premium materials used for durability
- Customizable slide soles
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
- Limited color options
7. Pyramid Mens HPX High Performance Right Handed Bowling Shoes
Pyramid Men’s HPX High Performance Right-Handed Bowling Shoes are specially made for right-handed players. Their design consists of simple black leather.
Pyramid launched some of the best shoes for bowling, but even this pair outshone all those previous designs.
The best part about these pairs of shoes is that they are extremely comfortable to wear, providing a microfiber slide sole to help with sliding motions
What we like:
- Modern black design ·
- Built specifically for experienced bowlers
- Quality materials used
- Microfiber slide soles help in controlled slide motion
What we don’t like:
- Limited color options·
- Needs Extra arch help
8. BSI Men’s #751 Bowling Shoes
BSI Men’s #751 Bowling Shoes are also made for male players. This shoe is also black colored with a simple design of the BSI logo engraved on both the left and right sides of the shoes.
The outer soles are very thick, giving them a good grip on the lanes. The inner soles are also very comfortable to wear.
BSI bowling shoes are known to provide one of the most comfortable shoes out there.
They’re lightweight, which allows for easy movement on the lanes, and the price is very cheap compared to other BSI bowling shoes.
What we like:
- Classic and simple design
- Affordable price
- Slide soles help in consistent technique·
What we don’t like:
- Limited color
- Basic features
9. Bowlerstore Classic
Bowlerstore Classic Bowling Shoes are a perfect choice for players who love a classic look from their shoes with simple features. These shoes are specifically made for new players entering the bowling world.
With the classic layout, the shoes also pay tribute to the old gaming leagues.
Wearing a classic pair of shoes feels very fashionable. It boosts the confidence of the players. Bowlerstore Classic is one of the most reliable, good old-fashioned shoes out there.
They also come at a cheap price, which makes them affordable to all kinds of players.
What we like:
- Classic historical design·
- Affordable price
- Durable materials used
- Slide soles help to manage slides in the game
What we don’t like:
- Limited color options
- Basic features
- Doesn’t provide additional arch support
10. Brunswick Renegade Men’s Bowling Shoe
Brunswick Renegade Men’s Bowling Shoe is a beautiful bowling shoe made for male players. The upper black-and-white design looks very attractive and is guaranteed to make other players jealous.
The lower blue thick soles help grip the lanes, and the shoe’s lightness gives you increased control and durability. Many have commented on how comfortable the Renegades are to wear.
Renegade Men’s shoes are also the best bowling shoes for beginners and experienced players.
They come at a very cheap rate, which is something to never take for granted.
What we like:
- Modern black and blue design
- Quality materials used for durability
- Slide soles help in controlled slide movement ·
- Cheap price
What we don’t like:
- Limited color option
Checklist For Choosing the Best Bowling Shoes
Here is a complete list of features to note when selecting the best bowling shoes for you.
The Insole and Outsole: The insole material helps with proper arch support and cushioning during lengthy bowling games. The material of the outsole is important for sliding on the lanes.
Durability: When it comes to showing more strength, checking the shoes’ durability is very important.
Shoe Size: Choosing the right fit of bowling shoes keeps the players comfortable. It also helps to reduce injuries during a game.
Shoe Design: Designs may not be the main reason to buy shoes, but good designs provide confidence and a healthy mindset. The players remain happy whenever they play with good-colored bowling shoes.
Weight of the Shoe: Having lightweight shoes helps the players move freely. If the shoes are heavy, they will feel uncomfortable during the game and become increasingly distracting.
How to Get the Right Fit Bowling Shoes
When it comes to getting the right fit for bowling shoes, there are a few key factors to consider.
- It’s important to measure your feet accurately to determine the correct size.
- Consider the width of the shoe as well as the overall comfort and support it provides.
- Try on different pairs and walking around in them can help you find the perfect fit for your bowling needs.
Following these you can get the right fit of bowling shoes for yourself.
Ensuring Proper Care of Bowling Shoes
Here are some tips to take care of your bowling shoes and keep them in top condition.
- Always clean your shoes after each use. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the soles and sides of the shoes.
- Avoid wearing your bowling shoes outside of the bowling alley to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
- Regularly inspect the soles for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary to maintain optimal performance on the lanes.
By following these tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your bowling shoes and ensure a comfortable and successful bowling experience.
Strongest Benefits of a Good Pair of Bowling Shoes
Achieving the perfect bowling performance starts with getting the right fit of bowling shoes. Follow these steps to achieve the right fit:
- It is very important to measure your feet perfectly. Remember that the sizes can be different between brands. So don’t depend completely on your general shoe size.
- You should always visit different stores and try on as many shoes as possible.
- Wearing socks will provide you with an extra layer of support from your bowling shoes.
- Test out the tricks that you will apply during the game while wearing your new shoes. This will help you to decide whether they are suitable for you.
- If the shoes feel uncomfortable to wear, don’t compromise with them. This can restrict your performance.
Potential drawbacks of some Bowling shoes
We know that bowling shoes are important for achieving the best performance, but they also have some drawbacks. Let’s look at some of them to ensure you don’t fall into any trouble:
- Due to the higher prices of the shoes, sometimes players settle for the cheaper options.
- Cheaper shoes are made of average-quality materials, which makes the shoes less durable.
- Lower-budget shoes can give average performances and create inconsistent slides.
- Sometimes, cheaper shoes have uncomfortable soles, which affects performance.
- Poorly designed shoes mean a player’s feet might not fit comfortably inside, leading to a lack of focus.
FAQs
Can I wear my regular shoes while bowling?
No, regular shoes are not good for bowling. They lack good soles and materials which are needed for the game.
Why Do You Have To Wear Bowling Shoes When You Go To A Bowling Alley?
Bowling shoes are made with thick soles to help with sliding. So it is important to always wear bowling shoes when visiting a bowling alley.
Can You Turn Regular Shoes Into Bowling Shoes?
Regular shoes can not be converted into bowling shoes because bowling ones have thick soles, while regular shoes have medium-sized ones.
When Should I Replace My Bowling Shoes?
You should replace your bowling shoes when the design of it starts to fade and when you feel your performance has dropped.
How Much You Can Expect To Spend On Bowling Shoes?
It depends on the material of the bowling shoe. There are both expensive and cheap shoes out on the market. The entry-level shoes start from around thirty dollars, and the most expensive shoes can cost two hundred dollars.
Conclusion
Selecting the best bowling shoes is vitally important for a perfect bowling game. We should only decide on our desired shoe when considering factors such as insole comfort, slide abilities, durability, and design.
Regular care will mean these shoes retain their toughness, and an investment into a more expensive pair is guaranteed to add quality for a longer period.
Cheap shoes can definitely be cost-effective, but the drawbacks of purchasing them should be considered as well. So choose wisely and enjoy the bowling ball of your dreams.