Among the accessories needed to play bowling, bowling shoes are one of the most important. The best Bowling shoes have two functions: they protect the surface of the throwing area of the lane and allow you to slide on the wood to throw the ball.
Bowling centers are fine if you frequent this sport from time to time. If you practice it regularly, it is generally believed that it is best to have a model that seems tailor-made for you. For this reason, we have selected the 4 best models on the market.
What are the Best Bowling Shoes?
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Professional bowling shoes are a comfortable, light, and flexible type of shoe designed to improve game performance. Despite being different in models and design, these shoes, from the most modern to the vintage ones, all have elements in common.
Firstly, the sole. This is made of very soft leather, which allows it to glide over the surface of the launch area. The shoe’s upper part can be in leather or micro-fiber, while the heel is made of rubber to allow the stop before the foul line.
Buying a personal pair of bowling shoes allows you to acquire a personal throwing method and saves the rental money. The models that we offer here are the most technological and performing.
Below we present you with the best bowling shoes :
Editor’s Choice: KR Strikeforce Men’s Flyer Mesh Bowling Shoes
The KR Strikeforce Flyer Mesh features an engineered mesh upper, making it light and breathable. The upper is lined with a special microfiber material that makes it very comfortable to wear for extended periods. Besides, this shoe also has a grooved pattern for enhanced traction on uneven surfaces.
Furthermore, it has a Flyer Mesh style of shoe that has been quickly gaining popularity among those who love to play outdoors. This shoe sports a rubber outsole, and the mesh upper keeps feet comfortable and dry in any weather. These shoes are so light and breathable that I can barely tell I am wearing them because I can walk around my neighborhood without any problems.
Best Lightweight: Brunswick Vapor Mens Bowling Shoe
The Brunswick Vapor shoe technology is a new push in the category of synthetic uppers. Synthetic uppers are designed to perform with minimal friction and heat build-up. This provides stability and lifespan that a traditional rubber outsole requires.
In addition, synthetic uppers provide better control and feel than traditional running shoes, allowing these shoes to be used for just about any sport that requires a shoe with good stability, strong traction, and enough cushioning to work well in cold weather conditions. The main difference between these shoes from their competitors is their breathability.
Best Design: Karma Ladies Bowling Shoe
The Karma Chameleon is the ultimate microfiber soles for sliding down curbs or sloping surfaces like stairs. The rubber material has been specifically designed for maximum grip and durability, not only on flat surfaces but also on slopers (steep inclines). Its Design Bubble infuses comfort into your slide by naturally smoothing out every flare so that you feel confident in taking on any slope and stepping confidently into any environment.
Also, it is a lightweight bowling shoe that is highly durable and comfortable to wear. It comes in two colors -chameleon and gray (with a yellow stripe). The slides also feature microfiber material, making it easy to clean your bowling shoes after every game or match. However, This shoe has a distinctive inner sole design and natural soles.
Best Material: KR Strikeforce Flyer Lite Men’s Bowling Shoes
The KR Strikeforce Flyer LITE is a lightweight and easily adjustable bowling shoe. The elevated midsole features a 2-piece, welded construction that gives the shoe strength, while the sole is fully cushioned for all-around comfort. However, the gusseted toe box has molded EVA material for extra protection. It is topped off with a leather overlaid rubber outsole to give you lock-in traction in even the most slippery conditions.
These shoes are intended for folks who enjoy playing long-distance games such as golf, tennis, bowls, etc. It has high- Abrasion, non-marking rubber heel pods for slide control, making your feet more comfortable in any game. Therefore, get the best bowling shoes and play at the best level.
Best Comfortable: Pyramid Men’s Path Lite Seamless Mesh Bowling Shoes
The Men’s Path Lite Seamless Mesh Bowling Shoes provide superior performance, quality, and comfort. The seamless and soft-touch mesh makes the sneaker feel light on your feet but provides superior support for the bowler. You can wear them in all activities as it is perfect for players who want to enhance their skills or improve their performance by combining both strength and precision in one piece of equipment.
These are the first shoes to come with a universal design and design for left or right-handed bowlers. They are designed and built for the bowlers that predominantly use their left hand to bowl. These are perfect for every level of player, from beginner to professional.
Best Budget: Dexter Bowling Men’s Ricky Iv Bowling Shoes
A simple and genuine approach to building a brand. This shoe is a true classic and is a great way of walking the line between casual and business. We should not be afraid to show our individuality in our choices regarding footwear.
The Ricky iv bowling shoes are made to give you the confidence and joy of getting into a bowling alley and pounding out pins with ease. The 4 color combination is considered one of the best colors for playing the game of golf. This is because it gives you both comfort and style simultaneously!
Best Sports Shoes: Brunswick Men’s Fuze Bowling Shoes
These bowling shoes come in a popular bucket design among college students. It allows people to switch between different styles for the sake of creativity. Brunswick has supplied several different styles, such as the basic bucket style with an edge, an edgy bucket style with black and white stripes, and finally, the digital illustration-based look with cool graphics.
They have a molded-in black suede upper with an extremely comfortable pure slide microfiber slipper outsole, which keeps your feet feeling fresh and dry even after a day of gameplay. Also, this best bowling shoe delivers a pure slide and provides exceptional grip. The innovative Stride System provides great stability and allows for multiple foot strikes throughout the game.
Buying Guide of the Best Bowling Shoe
Bowling shoes are specially designed for this sport. They have a slippery sole that allows you to slip when you throw. Since approaching, sliding, and releasing the ball are the three main phases of the game, it is necessary to have shoes that support this process, which a normal pair of shoes cannot do. These shoes also serve to protect the track, which, otherwise, would be damaged and compromise the quality of the game.
Bowling shoes can be athletic or professional. The former has a sliding sole on both shoes, and therefore it makes no difference to be right-handed or left-handed. The professional bowling shoes are designed specifically for left or right-handed players. They have a sliding sole on the dominant foot and a traction sole on the non-dominant foot that allows you to stop when you slip without letting you fall.
Bowling shoes also need to be extremely comfortable and perfectly suited to your foot. They have padded parts that keep your feet dry, cool, and comfortable.
Are Bowling Shoes Necessary?
Bowling shoes are necessary not only because they guarantee better performance but also because they serve to protect the bowling alley. While any other pair of shoes are made, so you don’t slip, bowling shoes are just the opposite. The better the slip and stop control you have, the better the shot quality. In all of this, your bowling shoes keep you from losing your balance and maintaining some stability.
Why do you have to Wear Bowling Shoes?
Bowling shoes ensure a certain safety in the approach area. This is where the pitcher makes all the maneuvers necessary to prepare for the pitch. Its surface must always be in the best condition. There must be no residues, dirt, or irregularities.
If everyone used their shoes, from tennis shoes that get dirty easily to heels, the approach area would soon be somewhat compromised, and it would be impossible to play at a good level. In the sliding phase, a single element not foreseen in this area, such as a pebble or other, could cause you to lose your balance, and, considering that those lanes are made to withstand the continuous turmoil of the heavy bowling balls, it will not be certain—a nice experience.
Why are Bowling Shoes Flirtatious?
Bowling shoes have a very important purpose: to allow the player to better throw his ball. The best way to do this is to slide, load, and throw, being careful not to cross the foul line.
For this reason, the soles of bowling shoes have a particular structure. It is a combination of leather and rubber.
The leather allows you to glide easily on the shiny wooden surface of the bowling alleys. When you are about to throw the ball, you need to control all your movements for a perfect throw, including exactly when to brake. And this is where the rubber part comes into play.
For those who intend to start attending this sport regularly, it is advisable to purchase customized shoes with a rubber sole and a leather sole depending on the foot used for sliding and braking.
What to Look for in a Pair of Bowling Shoes?
Now let’s see the features you need to consider before buying the perfect pair. The models proposed to you in this article are the best for sale online; choose them based on these criteria.
Athletic Shoes for Beginners
Bowling shoes designed for beginners are not that different from what you can rent in the center, but they are of superior quality. For example, they allow you to glide and brake better. They are particularly important because you need to slowly discover your technique at this stage.
Performance Shoes for the Game
The better you get, the more you demand from your shoes. This type of bowling shoe allows you to modify the sole to have different sliding effects able to adapt to any type of track. They are fully customizable and will adapt better to your every need.
The Ideal Fit
Your bowling shoes must fit your foot perfectly. They must not be too tight or too loose. They must keep the foot firmly inside and ensure maximum comfort.
Right or left?
Which hand do you throw the ball with? If you do it right-handed, you need to buy right-handed shoes. If you use the left hand, you need to get some left-handed bowling shoes.
Sole and Heart
The sole of a bowling shoe is its heart and soul. Bowling shoes don’t give you the same pulling or gliding force. Some models allow you to slide more, others to brake better. What is it you want? Choose based on your play style or preferences.
Breathability and Comfort
The inside of bowling shoes should be padded to be as comfortable as possible for your foot. It is also good to opt for a pair of breathable shoes. Since you will have to wear them for a long time, it is best to keep your foot dry.
Other factors
Other less important factors that you would still do well to evaluate are the model of the shoe, the color, the price, and if they are for men or women. It is a personal choice. However, being comfortable with your accessories improves the gaming experience.
How to Determine the Perfect Size and Fit
Since, just like all other types of shoes, the size varies according to the model, the best thing to do to determine your size is to go to a bowling center, try on the rental ones, and find the perfect size.
Another way is to measure your foot length and ask for the corresponding measurement. Also, consider the width of the foot: do not forget that this should be as comfortable as possible.
Tip to Take Care of your Bowling Shoes
Here are some tips to take better care of your bowling shoes.
What Should I Look for in Bowling Shoes?
Depending on your level of technique, choose the most suitable model, evaluate the suggested features, and then choose according to your preferences on cushioning, support and glide.
Can I Play in Normal Sneakers?
Yes, but you won’t have a chance to glide well. Besides, in bowling centers, they wouldn’t let you use them.
Why Should I Use Bowling Shoes in Clubs?
In addition to the fact that normal shoes would not be practical, they could dirty the track, making it uncomfortable and impractical.
How much does it Cost to Rent Bowling Shoes?
You can pay a fixed price or based on the hours of play, although most centers offer the former option. The price usually varies from 50 to 100 dollars.
Why are Bowling Alleys Slippery?
The track is oiled to maximize the spin and speed of the ball.
How do I Clean my Bowling Shoes?
Bowling shoes should be cleaned constantly to make them as efficient as possible. You must use a soft cloth and a suitable product for shoes. If they’re made of synthetic fabric, you might as well use some dish soap if they are leather, a suitable detergent for the skin. Never wash them in the washing machine or use the dryer.
Conclusion
Best bowling shoes are designed to give sufficient support to the user while performing difficult maneuvers. This information is valuable in many ways; it helps you read your opponent better and have an idea of what kind of bowling shoes he/she will be using, therefore giving you an advantage when you play.
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