Whether you’re an expert bowler or it’s your first time knocking down pins, there are a few core elements of bowling that any player must consider. These things include the material and weight of your ball, your stance and how you actually throw the ball, and of course your bowling shoes!
Since most bowling alleys offer rental shoes, many bowlers don’t put much thought into their bowling footwear. But why are bowling shoes so important, and why do people need to wear different shoes to bowl, anyway?
Why Do We Need Bowling Shoes?
Though most have accepted it as “the norm” in bowling alleys, many often wonder why we need to wear special shoes when we play. The answer is simple: they keep you safe and prevent scuff marks and debris on the bowling floor and “approach area.” In addition to keeping things clean, bowling shoes help stave off wear and tear and keep the alley in good condition.
Another reason for wearing bowling shoes is that they help prevent falling and injuring your ankles, feet, knees, and back. When you wear regular shoes, there’s a chance that they will stick to the floor, or get caught when you go to bowl. When your shoes get stuck while you’re propelling your ball forward, there’s a chance you will trip over your feet and drop the bowling ball or stumble across the foul line. You can injure yourself and the people nearby if you lose control of the heavy bowling ball.
If everyone wore their street shoes onto the bowling lanes, instead of bowling shoes, they would track in all types of debris. The bowling lanes would get sticky, slippery, or overrun with minor tripping hazards. Some shoes can also create small chips and dents on the floor. While you can’t wear regular shoes when you to bowl, you can bring your pair of bowling shoes and wear those. All bowling alleys have rental shoes available if you don’t have your own.
What’s the Difference Between Bowling Shoes and Regular Shoes?
Bowling shoes are completely flat on the bottom, with no heel. They are typically made of leather and rubber and have synthetic laces.
The leather is exceptionally durable, and the rubber soles are meant to recreate the slickness of the bowling lane. Unlike most other shoes, the under-pad has a slide sole that helps you bowl with a fluid gliding motion.
Bowling shoes actually enhance your performance by providing the perfect amount of slip for your game. The amount of traction on a regular shoe or sneaker– while perfect for walking or hiking up terrain that can steep or irregular– is undesirable when going to bowl. On the flat and sleek bowling lane, you want to have a smooth gait in a smooth shoe.
These special shoes allow you to follow through with your release rather than tripping or getting caught on the floor. The high slip creates a smoother overall motion, which helps you better control the direction of your ball, and propel your ball with the exact amount of control and power that you want.
How to Choose the Right Bowling Shoe
Finding a Correct Fit
Like shopping for any shoe, making sure that your bowling shoes fit well is the most critical factor in choosing the right ones. A shoe that is too tight can lead to blisters, chafing, and pain, but a bowling shoe that is too loose can also cause chafing by sliding around too much on your foot. This will also negatively impact your balance and can throw you off your game.
Bowling shoes are available in multiple widths (narrow, wide, etc.) and it is important to find just the right shaped shoe for your foot.
Consider How Often You Bowl, or Plan to Bowl
If you only bowl once or twice a year, you may not feel the need to buy bowling shoes. After all, renting is convenient and relatively affordable. However, if you play more frequently than that, even if you’re not a regular bowler, you may still want to buy an inexpensive pair of bowling shoes. Casual, sporadic play doesn’t require the highest quality shoes, and since you’re not putting a lot of wear and tear on them, even an entry-level bowling shoe will hold up for a long time. You’ll end up saving at least as much as you would have spent on rentals during that time.
Where Do You Bowl?
If you rarely bowl and bowl in the same bowling alley, every time, a basic bowling shoe might be just fine. However, if you visit various bowling alleys, you may want to consider a performance bowling shoe. These higher-quality shoes typically allow for adjustments so you can respond to the unique conditions of whichever bowling alley you happen to be playing at.
How Serious/Competitive are You About Bowling?
If you regularly bowl, whether socially or competitively, you should definitely buy your own bowling shoes! Not only will you save money on renting, but you’ll also appreciate the difference your own shoes can make in your game.
Regular use means that you should opt for a higher-quality shoe, even if you aren’t in a league. You’ll want a shoe that can stand up to regular use and the wear and tear that comes with it. For social bowling, an athletic style bowling shoe will meet your needs. These look like sneakers as opposed to the classic bowling shoe style.
However, if you bowl competitively, you’ll definitely want to opt for a performance bowling shoe.
Do you need interchangeable sole and heel pads?
Competitive bowling requires a higher quality shoe, known as a competitive or performance bowling shoe. These shoes usually feature interchangeable sole and heel pads, allowing the bowler to adjust the slide vs. traction of their approach according to whatever surface they’re bowling on.
Come to SpareZ Bowling to Test Your Game!
Want to test out your new shoes? Looking for the perfect bowling alley to have a night out with friends or co-workers? Want to find a place where you can join a league and work on your skills? Need a location for a little one’s birthday party? The answer for all of these questions is simple: come on down to SpareZ Bowling! Call us at 954-434-9663 or go online to plan your event today!
