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Your Bowling Shoes Are More Important Than You Think
Let’s be honest. When you think about bowling equipment, you’re probably thinking about that new reactive ball that’s going to hook off the lane. You’re not thinking about your shoes. But you should be. The right pair of bowling shoes can be just as important to your game as that $200 ball.
We see it all the time here at Fastlane. A bowler comes in, still wearing those nasty rental shoes, and we get them into a decent pair of their own. All of a sudden, their whole game changes. They’re more consistent, more comfortable, and they’re not sticking at the foul line anymore. It’s not just about not having to put your feet where a thousand other people have put theirs (although that’s a big plus). It’s about having the right foundation for your game.
So, let’s talk about shoes. Let’s talk about why they matter, what you should be looking for, and how to find a pair that will keep you comfortable and improve your game for years to come.
Why You Can’t Bowl in Your Sneakers
It all comes down to the slide. That smooth, controlled slide on your non-dominant foot (left foot for righties, right foot for lefties) is everything. It’s what keeps you balanced, it’s what helps you transfer power into the ball, and it’s what keeps you from blowing out your knee. If you stick at the foul line, you’re going to have a bad time.
But it’s not just about the slide. Your other foot, your traction foot, is just as important. It’s what anchors you, what you push off from, and what helps you control your slide. A good pair of bowling shoes will have a slide sole on one foot and a traction sole on the other. That’s something you’re not going to get from a pair of rental shoes.
And then there’s the comfort factor. You’re on your feet for a long time when you’re bowling. If your feet are killing you, you’re not going to be focused on your game. We had a guy, Dave, who was bowling in shoes that were too small for him. He finally got a pair that fit, and his average went up ten pins. He said he didn’t realize how much his feet were distracting him until they weren’t hurting anymore.
Ditch the Rentals. Seriously.
If you’re going to bowl more than once a year, you need your own shoes. Here’s why:
- Hygiene: Do you really want to put your feet where a thousand other people have put theirs? Enough said.
- Consistency: Rental shoes are all over the place. Some slide too much, some don’t slide at all. With your own shoes, you get the same slide every time. That’s huge for developing a consistent approach.
- Comfort: Rental shoes are made to be durable, not comfortable. Your own shoes will be fit to your feet, with the right amount of cushioning and support.
- Cost: If you bowl twice a week, you’ll spend more on rental shoes in one season than you would on a good pair of your own. Buying your own shoes isn’t an expense. It’s an investment.
What Kind of Shoes Do You Need?
Not all bowling shoes are the same. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll find at our shop:
- Basic Athletic Shoes ($60-$90): These are your entry-level shoes. They’ve got universal slide soles (meaning they’re the same on both feet), and they’re made to be durable. They’re a huge step up from rentals, and they’re perfect for the casual bowler.
- Performance Shoes ($100-$150): This is what most league bowlers wear. They’ve got a slide sole on one foot and a traction sole on the other. They’re more comfortable, more breathable, and more stable than the basic shoes.
Elite Performance Shoes ($160-$240): These are the top-of-the-line shoes. They’ve got interchangeable soles and heels, so you can customize your slide to match any approach condition. They’re for the serious tournament bowler, or for the guy who just has to have the best of everything
Getting the Right Fit
This is the most important part. Your shoes have to fit right. Here’s what we look for when we’re fitting someone for shoes:
- Length: Bowling shoes usually run true to your street shoe size, but it’s always best to try them on. Wear the same socks you bowl in, and try them on later in the day when your feet are a little swollen.
- Width: If your shoes are too narrow, they’ll pinch. If they’re too wide, your foot will slide around inside. We stock wide-width shoes, and we can special-order narrow widths if you need them.
- The Test: Lace them up, walk around, and simulate your approach. Make sure your heel doesn’t slip and there are no pressure points. They should feel good right out of the box.
The Bottom Line
Your shoes are the foundation of your game. If you’re still wearing rental shoes, it’s time to upgrade. Come on in to Fastlane and let us help you find a pair that fits your feet and your budget. Your game will thank you for it.
