Aside from purchasing your very own bowling ball, an argument could be made that the next most important purchase any bowler of any skill level could make would be the shoes. There's no doubt that equipping yourself with the best bowling shoes you can get is imperative if you want to up your game.
In this guide, we will explore the ins and outs of bowling shoes and explain their importance. We'll also recommend particular makes and models of bowling shoes to use as a reference or benchmark.
Here's everything and anything you'll need to know related to picking the right pair.
Importance of Using the Right Pair of Bowling Shoes
When thinking of bowling shoes, occasional or casual bowlers would just rely on the bowling shoes available for rent (rental shoes) at bowling alleys. We highly discourage this behavior and actually recommend getting a pair of bowling shoes that answer the needs of your feet.
In general, having the right pair of shoes will help keep your feet away from any pain or injury. The right pair will also dramatically affect your performance. Highly specific shoes for particular sports are not gimmicky. They actually keep your feet stable and protected.
Going back to bowling, bowling alleys, and rental shoes, the right bowling shoes will provide you with the much-needed foot and ankle support while having a significant positive impact on your performance.
Another important consideration that is specific to the sport of bowling is the ability of the player to glide or slide, which is the finishing motion or step of throwing or releasing the bowling ball. As opposed to the traditional foot plant, a bowling slide is supposedly more effective in maintaining accuracy without sacrificing too much power or bowling ball revolutions. This ties in with another reason why renting bowling shoes is a problem - the slide soles may already be worn out.
Wearing the wrong pair of shoes is like attending a wedding in beach attire or going to the beach in a full tuxedo. It is not just wrong, but it's highly impractical and inappropriate. The next time you plan on going bowling, skip the rental bowling shoes and keep your feet comfortable with a personal pair of bowling shoes instead.
How to Choose the Right Bowling Shoes (Things to Consider)
Interestingly, there are actually several aspects or factors to consider when choosing the right bowling shoes. Understanding the following factors should help those who are looking to buy a pair of bowling shoes. Let's delve in to each in more detail.
Comfort
Alongside sizing and fit, comfort is the primary factor to consider when purchasing a pair of bowling shoes.
On average, a bowling session with a group of 5 or 6 individuals would require approximately 60 minutes of playtime, and this does not include any breaks in between or just hanging out at the bowling alley after the game. If you do not have a comfortable pair of bowling shoes, then pain and discomfort are sure to follow.
The first 5 to 10 minutes may not feel like much, but once you reach 15 minutes or 20 minutes, then an uncomfortable pair of bowling shoes will make your bowling experience quite unpleasant and could quite possibly lead to long-term pain or injury.
There are different areas of comfort you need to consider: the toes, the midfoot, the heel, and the ankle.
Toes
The comfort of the toes depends on the quality or build of the toe box of the bowling shoe. A hard toe box may offer more grip and stability, but may also be not as comfortable as other options in the market.
Midfoot
The comfort of the midfoot relies on the midsole, upper, and tongue of the shoe. Bowling shoes come in different configurations nowadays, such as with a padded collar and tongue, universal soles, EVA midsole material, and microfiber slide.
Heel & Ankle
The comfort of the heel and the ankle depends on the collar of the shoe. A padded collar and tongue would be beneficial in terms of comfort but you also have to consider the added weight overall.
Sizing and Fit
Sizing and fit are primary factors to look into. Each bowling shoe model is different. This is a good thing because variety is the answer to catering to various preferences and needs.
For example, a person with wide feet should opt for wide-width bowling shoes. Shoes for women offer smaller and lighter bowling shoe models. There are also some models that can be custom-designed to conform to the shape of your feet.
The bowling shoe industry is saturated with options, and this is a good thing because bowling shoes are considered specialized footwear. Hence, it's important to wear bowling shoes as they are designed for use in bowling alleys. And the more size and fit options the better!
Weight
Weight is a significant factor for the more dedicated bowlers. If you want to improve your game, you definitely have to take note of bowling shoe weight. However, a lighter bowling shoe does not always mean that it is a superior bowling shoe.
In terms of shoe weight, you have to find the best range of weight that allows you to execute your bowling ball throw mechanics properly with enough power and mobility.
Bowling shoes that are too light may lead to overthrowing the bowling ball or worse, crossing the foul line. On the other hand, those that are too heavy may lead to overexertion and fatigue, ultimately resulting in weaker throws and lower revolutions for the bowling ball.
Quality bowling shoes for you come in that ideal in-between weight that allows you to have a balanced and consistent approach to the sport of bowling.
Durability
In terms of durability, the best rule is to buy from established bowling brands or bowling manufacturers, but there are instances wherein even the leading brands produce bowling shoes that are not as durable as expected.
Premium real leather is always the best bet, and typically lasts longer than synthetic leather. You can also consider textile as a good material for durability. But our recommendation is a high grade leather, which may be stiffer, but alway smore durable.
As a reference point, good bowling shoes should last around 1 to 2 years with regular use (3 - 5 times a month). There are rarely any accurate figures or statistics indicating the durability of a pair so we would suggest instead to look for customer reviews and feedback to get an idea of how durable a particular model will be.
Inner Sole
The inner sole, alternatively known as the insole, is the inner part of the shoe that comes in contact with the bottom of the foot (or the sole of the foot). The inner sole is partially responsible for the shape and arch support provided by the shoe and can be offered as a universal sole or a sole that is exclusively designed for particular bowling shoes.
The shape of your feet is very important when it comes to analyzing the inner sole or insole. Fortunately, if the stock insoles you have are not preferable, you can always replace them with universal soles or interchangeable soles that can be purchased from almost all bowling specialty stores.
Our recommendation for inner soles is always EVA or memory foam. EVA and memory foam do a great job of contouring to the shape of your feet. EVA is more affordable. However, memory foam is a good option if you suffer from a foot condition like flat feet or plantar fasciitis.
Outer Sole
As opposed to the inner sole mentioned previously, the outer sole, alternatively known as the outsole, is the outer part of the shoe that comes in contact with the ground or the surface. In the case of bowling, the surface would typically be a hardwood floor.
The outer soles of bowling shoes are designed to either grip the bowling lanes or be susceptible to sliding or gliding along bowling lanes. Both functions are important considerations in relation to your style of play and other bowling preferences.
Take note that most bowling outsoles are rubber outsoles, which typically possess what is called the non-marking rubber outsole feature. Due to the material used for the outsoles of bowling shoes, we strongly recommend only using them in a bowling alley. If you use them outside a bowling alley, you are subjecting your pair to unnecessary wear and tear.
Brands
Shoe brands are very important. From a somewhat shallow standpoint, the brand you carry or wear represents your identity or how others perceive you. However, when it comes to bowling shoes to be used in a bowling alley, choosing the leading brands could actually spell the difference between performance bowling shoes and casual bowling shoes. These 2 types are significantly different from one another.
The likes of Dexter Bowling, BSI, Brunswick, Storm, and KR Strikeforce are staples in the bowling gear and equipment industry and are a few of the leading companies in the industry of bowling shoes specifically.
Features
The features are often overlooked. Even some high-level bowlers only consider the overall weight and feel of bowling shoes and disregard the rest. For the sake of awareness and buyer education, however, features of bowling shoes must be discussed.
Bowling shoes are designed with unique features such as a padded collar and tongue, non-marking rubber outsoles, interchangeable soles, full-grain leather upper, fabric-lined interior, EVA midsole, and synthetic materials are but a few of the numerous benefits bowling shoes can have.
In terms of this particular factor, we suggest not getting hung up too much on the features, as most leading brands and bowling shoes have similar features or benefits but are just named differently in accordance with some form of design or functionality patent.
Design
Although this aspect is relatively minor in comparison to all the aforementioned factors to consider, design is still important to a significant amount of bowlers. Most bowling shoes have an athletic style to their design.
If you want to have bowling shoes that make you stand out from the crowd, then design is an aspect of the purchasing process that should mean a lot to your decision-making.
Best Shoes for Bowling
The bowling shoe market (especially bowling shoes for men) is filled with great options and less-than-great options. Here is a list of the best products you can find online for each of the major categories of bowling shoes.
1. Best Men's Bowling Shoes - Dexter Men's SST 8 Bowling Shoes
There are a lot of great bowling shoes for men. However, when it comes to creating a unique balance between vintage design, modern style, and high-end performance, the Dexter Bowling Men's SST 8 Bowling Shoes are a great pair to have with you regardless of level of play or skill level.
The unique interchangeable soles, padded collar, full-grain leather uppers, and outsole slide technology make the Dexter Men's SST 8 the benchmark for all premium-grade bowling shoes (for both right-handed and lefty bowlers).
The SST 8 by Dexter Bowling is also popular for its several customization options in terms of slide and traction configurations, making it a tremendous option for right-handed people looking to change their playstyle up.
2. Best Women's Bowling Shoes - BSI Women's Classic Bowling Shoes
The BSI Women's Classic Bowling Shoe is not just for that retro or classic feel. This product is great for performance, comfort, durability, and overall style.
Designed for right-handed and left-handed bowlers and fitted with a glued common slide sole, a lightweight EVA midsole, and a padded tongue and collar, this pair is as performance-boosting as it is vintage in style or appearance.
Take note, however, that the BSI Women's Classic Bowling Shoe runs approximately a full-size bigger, so if you typically use size 8 shoes in other sports, choose size 7 for this model.
In terms of women's bowling shoes with a classic but athletic style, this is definitely the pair to get.
3. Best Bowling Shoes for Teens - KR Strikeforce Youth Flyer Mesh Bowling Shoes
Looking for unbelievably simple yet stylish performance bowling shoes for teens or young adults? Look no further as the KR Youth Flyer is here to fill in that role.
Alongside the patented Komfort-fit construction and Flexslide technology, the padded collar of the KR Strikeforce Flyer makes for amazing comfort and breathability which are both much-needed qualities for bowling shoes for teens.
4. Best Bowling Shoes for Kids - Dexter Dani Bowling Shoes
Dexter Bowling has created great products under its Dexter Men's category, but do not slouch on the Dexter Dani Bowling Shoes, an excellent pair for the younger generation of bowlers.
With a U-throat upper design and a fully fabric-lined inner with a padded tongue and collar, this soft yet durable pair will definitely help create great memories in bowling.
The 100% synthetic composition may be a concern, but the product is made by a reputable company (Dexter Bowling), so there should be no issue in terms of the longevity of the product.
5. Best Bowling Shoes for Wide Feet - Dexter Turbo II Wide Width Bowling Shoes
When it comes to bowling shoes, the Dexter Turbo II Wide Width Bowling Shoes takes the cake. It has everything you need in a pair: comfort, design, technology, longevity, and high-quality materials.
Considered to be the number 1 bowling shoe across the world (for both right-handed and left-handed players), the Dexter Turbo II Wide Width Bowling Shoe is well worth the price of admission.
Designed with a plush, durable man-made upper, fully fabric-lined inner with a padded tongue and collar, interchangeable soles, and a slightly elevated heel, the Dexter Turbo II Wide is great for both casual and professional bowling players who love to slide as opposed to plant.
Take note, however, that the Dexter Turbo II typically runs a half-size smaller. So, for example, if you typically wear size 11 shoes, go for a size 11.5 pair of Turbo II Wide shoes.
6. Best Bowling Shoes for Narrow Feet - Dexter Women's Raquel V Bowling Shoes
Wider feet is an issue that is more common among men, while narrower feet is a concern that may affect women more. This is why for individuals with narrow feet, the Dexter Women's Raquel V Bowling Shoes are a great pick.
With what the brand calls a Dex-lite EVA outsole, a blucher lace-to-toe pattern, and an extremely soft and durable man-made upper, this pair is here to provide quality comfort, style, and performance that you could seamlessly integrate into your style of play.
The product also comes in 5 vibrant colorways so there should be no challenge in picking the right pair for you.
7. Best Bowling Shoes for Beginners - BSI Men's Basic 521 Bowling Shoes
Basic? Perhaps. Performance bowling shoes? Most definitely. The BSI Men's Basic 521 Bowling Shoes may not be as eye-catching as its competitors, but trust us when we say that for both right-handed and left-handed beginners, this is the pair to get.
With an action synthetic leather upper, a common (universal) slide sole, a lightweight and durable rubber outsole, an extra-plush inner sole (sock lining), and a few more synthetic materials, the BSI Men's Basic 521 is absolute value for money for new entrants into the sport of bowling.
8. Best Bowling Shoes for Left-Handers - KR Strikeforce Men's Flyer Mesh Bowling Shoes
Left-handed people, we hear you! And so does KR Strikeforce with its wonderful Men's Flyer Mesh Bowling Shoes.
Designed for both right-handed and left-handed bowling players, this product is engineered with a breathable mesh upper with comfort-fit construction. The padded tongue and collar allow for extreme comfort and mobility.
The brand's patented Flexslide technology also grants the wearer amazing slide control for those accurate shots.
Do not let the comfort fool you, however, as this product is meant to last with its durable synthetic leather to box and heel cup, as well as its non-marking rubber outsole.
Improve your game instantly with KR Strikeforce Men's Flyer Mesh Bowling Shoes.
9. Bonus: Best Bowling Shoes in Terms of Style - Brunswick Vapor Men's Bowling Shoes
If you are itching for more fantastic options other than the 8 categories mentioned above, then maybe you are looking for a pair of shoes that fit the bill not just in terms of performance. You may also be looking for style, and that is exactly what the Brunswick Vapor Men's Bowling Shoes are here for.
The Brunswick Vapor is designed for right-handed and left-handed bowling enthusiasts and is fitted with a performance synthetic leather upper, a lightweight molded EVA outsole and EVA midsole, and pure slide microfiber slide soles on both shoes to for those who bowl with a slide.
If you want to improve your bowling game and fashion game with an athletic style that will never be out of touch, then you should heavily consider the Brunswick Vapor Men's Bowling Shoes.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Bowling Shoes
Bowling shoes, as durable and long-lasting as they are considered to be, can still fall victim to improper use and storage practices by bowlers. This section is specifically designed to provide you with tips and tricks to ensure that your bowling shoes will last a very long time.
Consider each piece of advice carefully. Most of the tips provided can also be applied to your other shoes.
Keep your shoes away from moisture
Moisture ruins a lot of materials and makes shoes really stinky. As much as possible, keep your shoes in a dry environment and avoid subjecting them to any liquids or rain.
Keep your shoes away from dust and debris
This becomes a challenge when the storage area of shoes is not well-kept. Dust and debris are just as bad as moisture because the accumulation of dirty particles will lead to dirty shoes overall. Make sure that the storage area of your shoes is well-maintained to minimize the presence of dust and debris.
Place shoe trees in your shoes to retain their natural form
There is a reason why brand new shoes come with wads of paper stuffed inside each shoe. This is because it is important to keep the natural form or shape of the shoes in order to ensure proper functionality. Shoe trees are pretty affordable and available online. Invest in a pair of shoe trees to keep your bowling shoes in tip-top shape.
Avoid subjecting your shoes to direct sunlight
With how hot certain regions can be, subjecting any item to direct sunlight can ruin its quality and efficacy. The same observation can be applied to bowling shoes. Unlike work boots or construction boots, bowling shoes were not designed to brave the harsh heat of the sun.
Keep them away from sunlight as much as you possibly can.
Ensure proper ventilation or circulation
Although dedicated shoe boxes are admirable, the priority should still be to place your shoes in a well-ventilated area. Every time you use your shoes, you leave sweat, skin, and other particles behind. If you do not subject your shoes to proper ventilation, then the odors will creep up almost instantly.
Brush your shoes regularly
Speaking of leaving behind sweat, skin, and other particles, brushing your shoes regularly can help eliminate a lot of potential issues. There is no need to invest in an expensive shoe brush and cleaner. An old toothbrush with functional bristles will do the trick (as long as it is clean). Try doing regular brushing to the tune of once a week to have well-maintained shoes.
Use shoe polish and shiner in applicable areas of the shoes. This is a situational piece of advice as there are some materials that are not meant to be polished or shined. Depending on the type of shoe you have, make sure to look into polish and shiner options to have your pair looking as good as they were when first purchased.
Use the shoes for their purpose
Do not use bowling shoes when not bowling. This is a big mistake that a lot of people do, especially when it comes to individuals who have a limited number of kicks.
As much as possible, avoid using shoes outside of their stated purpose or area of specialization. This is because almost all shoes are designed for very specific surfaces and activities. Using them on the wrong surface for the wrong activity can lead to early wear and tear.
Wipe your shoes with a microfiber cloth regularly
Similar to brushing regularly, using a clean piece of microfiber cloth to wipe down the dirty and exposed areas of your shoes will lead to tremendous benefits in the short run and the long run.
In terms of frequency, we would advise wiping your shoes after every use. So, for example, if you use your shoes three times a week on average, then you should also be wiping them with a microfiber cloth thrice a week.
Have professionals take care of specialized shoe care requirements regularly
There are some problems or sticky situations that can not be solved by a DIY mentality, and this is where professional shoe maintenance experts come into play. If you have damaged, extremely dirty, or odor-laced shoes, then you should highly consider visiting shoe maintenance professionals to have your shoe needs sorted out.
Ensure socks are appropriate for the shoes you are wearing
Not all socks are good for all shoes. There are thin socks (such as dress socks), thick socks (such as the 100% cotton socks), and average socks. Depending on the type of shoe, make sure to research what types of socks are good to pair with. This is to ensure that your feet do not damage the interior of the shoe and to also make sure that your feet are sufficiently protected from any contact from within the shoes.
Consider shoe deodorizers to remove long-lasting odors
There are deodorizer balls and sprays available in practically every sports retailer and for good reason. Sometimes, some odors are hard to remove by conventional means. Luckily enough, a lot of shoe deodorizers available are known to do the trick. They are affordable, too, so go get yourself a few deodorizers and check to see which one can benefit your shoes the most.
Use a shoehorn when wearing your shoes
Aside from the nostalgia and classy appearance of fitting or wearing shoes with the use of a shoehorn, it is also very practical to avoid deforming the shoes by aggressively gripping the shoe to force your foot inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several questions regarding bowling shoes. We have pooled the most prevalent questions in order to provide straight-to-the-point responses to each.
Do good bowling shoes make a difference?
Good bowling shoes, especially comfortable bowling shoes, make a great difference, especially when compared to renting bowling shoes.
Having the right pair of bowling shoes allows you to move more freely, interact with the ground or surface according to your playstyle (plant or slide), and give you the ability to focus more on the release of the bowling ball.
Make sure to give your shoes a proper break-in period to conform to the shape of your feet.
Is Strikeforce a good bowling shoe?
KR Strikeforce is a company that produces great bowling shoes for women and men. The typical design runs stiff and narrow, which may be an issue for some who have wider feet.
Regardless, most of the shoes of KR Strikeforce are good for beginners, right-handed players, and left-handed players.
Are bowling shoes really necessary?
Bowling shoes are absolutely necessary. In comparison to wearing rental bowling shoes, having your own pair of bowling shoes helps you focus more on performance rather than adjusting to how the shoes fit.
In comparison to wearing general-purpose rubber shoes, bowling shoes significantly help in terms of safety and support when it comes to the associated movements in the sport of bowling.
As opposed to going barefoot, bowling shoes will help minimize impact and significantly reduce the chances of discomfort, pain, and injury.
Does Nike make bowling shoes?
Nike does not currently make bowling shoes, but the company used to cater to the bowling enthusiast with a limited range of bowling shoes a few decades ago.
We would recommend going with popular brands within the bowling industry rather than looking for bowling products from leading shoe manufacturers in general.
What bowling shoes do the pros wear?
Pros wear different types of bowling shoes from different brands or manufacturers. The likes of Dexter Bowling and KR Strikeforce provide popular performance bowling shoes for men and women.
However, in terms of overall performance shoes, you also can not go wrong with Brunswick Bowling and Pyramid Bowling.
However, don't let this be the primary basis of the pair you plan to get for your bowling adventures. There are a lot of other factors that are more important than what the pros wear.
Refer to our comprehensive list of factors above to learn more about picking the best pair for you.
How to break in new bowling shoes?
Much like other types of footwear, the best way to break in bowling shoes is to use them with light to moderate intensity. In the sport of bowling, this could mean practicing your form and release with your new pair or simply walking around and intentionally flexing the shoes to allow them to conform to the shape and movement of your feet.
Depending on the material or build of your bowling shoe, the break-in period could be anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks.
How to slide in bowling shoes?
The ability to slide effectively with bowling shoes relies on whether or not your sliding shoe (the shoe that you wear on your sliding foot) is equipped with what is known as a slide sole.
Once you have confirmed that your slide shoe has a slide sole, you can then practice your slide with drills. This means not using the bowling ball and practicing your footwork slowly and gradually until you reach a pace or speed that is similar to your in-game movement.
Once you have sufficiently worked on the slide footwork drills, you can then proceed to implement your slide in actual games or exhibition matches.
Conclusion
The best bowling shoes on the market don't simply rely on the quality of the padded tongue and collar, the rubber outsole, or the ability to slide with a slide sole. There are more factors to consider and features to identify in order to get the best pair of bowling shoes for yourself. Hopefully, with this comprehensive guide, you will be able to identify the perfect pair for you.