Our hands and feet are the most important tools we have when it comes to bowling. With the exception of the bowling ball, your own personal pair of bowling shoes is a key ingredient in increasing the level of your bowling performance.
In order to deliver the bowling ball perfectly at the foul line, you must first be able arrive at the line with good balance and footwork. Without proper footwork in bowling the rest of the game is lost. This is where bowling shoes enter the game. Listed below are several categories which can be used as a guide when it comes to the purchase of bowling shoes.
Types of bowling shoes
Rental bowling shoes are “mostly” acceptable for random play. But, if you’re a serious bowler and intend on competing in this sport, then it’s time to invest in your own pair of bowling shoes.
On today’s market many manufacturers offer a wide variety of style and design in bowling shoes. Whether you’re looking for something casual which resembles a tennis shoe, or a bowling shoe with a more professional look, whatever your taste is today’s bowling shoes can accommodate most individual needs.
This type of shoe looks and feels just like any other type of athletic footwear, but this shoe is designed for bowling. Most athletic bowling shoes can be found in almost any footwear outlet. These shoes are designed for the casual bowler and for those who prefer the athletic look.
Athletic bowling shoes have slide soles on each shoe which accommodates the lefthander, and also the right handed bowler. Many good bowlers today prefer the feel and also the look of this type shoe.
Performance type
If you would like to check what the professional bowlers are wearing then make sure to at least check out a pair of performance style bowling shoes. This type of bowling shoe is where well balanced footwork meets the bowling lane. These shoes are designed for durability, and yet are also very lightweight.
Performance bowling shoes mold to the shape of the foot, and are designed for both left-handed and right-handed bowlers. One shoe provides a slide strip on the sole, while the opposite shoe’s sole is designed for braking and stability on the lane, just in case you wanted to stop at the foul line.
These shoes are designed for powerful footwork and durability. Support and stability is also designed into the comfort of these shoes which keeps your feet cool and also comfortable as you enjoy the game.
When taken care of these shoes can last many bowling seasons. As a matter of fact, I still use the same pair of performance bowling shoes I purchased over ten years ago. Both casual and professional styles of performance bowling shoes are available on the market.
Comfort and support of the shoe
Whichever type of bowling shoe you choose comfort and support is very important. A good bowling shoe features: breathable uppers for ventilation, padded collars for comfort, and also padded insoles for support.
Does your foot feel relaxed in the shoe but also supported? Be sure to try on several pairs of shoes and check out the flexibility of the shoe. How is the movement of your foot with the shoe? Walk around a little in the store and make sure that there is no stiffness in your movements. Check to see if the collar area of the bowling shoe is padded and comfortable on your ankle when you walk around and bend your foot.
Rental bowling shoes and athletic types of bowling shoes both have slide soles on each shoe. A good slide is very important to your approach on the lane; but stability and balance is also very important in order to deliver the ball.
Performance types of bowling shoes are designed with a slide sole, and also a brake sole. Each performance shoe caters to the individual bowler; whether they are left handed and have a five step approach, or even if they’re right handed and have a seven step approach. Whatever your style of bowling is the performance bowling shoe is designed to accommodate your bowling style.
Cost of the shoe
The athletic type of bowling shoe is the cheaper of the two types of shoes. Athletic types of bowling shoes can be purchased at discount prices on-line starting at a little over $20.00 and up. The more added accessories of the shoe the higher the cost.
Kevlar traction soles are also available as well as padded heels on certain styles of both athletic and performance types of bowling shoes. Shoe covers can also be purchased on-line starting at $9.99 and up.
Also available in both types of shoes are breathable and leather uppers which are for ventilation, comfort, and support of the shoe. Additional padded and vented insoles and uppers are also available in both types of shoes.
Where to shop?
In todays shoe market most shoe outlets and large retail stores are now carrying athletic types of bowling shoes. Various brand name bowling shoes can also be purchased on-line such as: Ebonite, Etonic, and also Brunswick.
Numerous styles of performance and athletic bowling shoes are everywhere on-line; with some of these shoes being sold at discount prices up to 70% off. Many sporting goods stores and pro-shops also offer a wide variety of styles in bowling shoes.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your old pair of bowling shoes, or even looking to buy your very first pair remember; the basic foundation of your bowling game begins with your shoes.
