5 Best Bowling Shoes for Sliding [Reviews Inside] 2022

 

Best bowling shoes for sliding

Shoes are an essential part of your attire but its main purpose is not always to protect your feet. Sometimes you wear shoes to gain an advantage over a situation and sometimes you just wear shoes to look better. Whatever the reason you need a specific type of shoes for various occasions.

In fact, when you plan to take up bowling as a regular activity, you have to consider buying bowling shoes as well.  Regular shoes don’t fulfill your need while you are bowling. This might come to you as a shock- why do you need bowling shoes? You will see that even when you do not buy bowling shoes, you have to rent a pair of bowling shoes when you have to play. And, that can get quite costly if you play regularly. And shoe size is also a big factor when you are renting shoes.

There are specific reasons why you need bowling shoes. You have first to know how bowling shoes are different from other shoes, how to choose them and what are the best options available.  Otherwise, you may never be able to grasp the benefits the shows offer. Sliding plays an important role in bowling. So I have reviewed the best bowling shoes for sliding to improve your balance and bowling score. Let’s find the answer which shoes is best for you.

Best Bowling Shoes for Sliding: Top 5 Reviews

Brunswick Vapor Mens Bowling Shoe

Brunswick Vapor Mens Bowling Shoe White/Black
  • Performance synthetic uppers
  • Foam padded collar and tongue
  • Extra light molded EVA outsole

If you are looking for something that you will feel very comfortable in then this Brunswick Vapor Mens Bowling shoes may do you a favor. Starting from the design to the materials, everything in these shoes are meant to provide you with comfort.

Apparently, the shoes have a universal slide with extra light molded EVA outsole. So, the sole is both lightweight and soft- it molds around your foot- very comfortable. These bowling shoes are equipped with universal soles, keeping your feet comfortable and your game on track. With the Universal soles of these bowling shoes, you’ll be able to move smoothly and precisely while still maintaining your grip on the lane.

Furthermore, it is quite breathable as well. The microfiber sliding soles offer superior slide on your both feet. So it suits everyone whether you are a right-handed bowler or left-handed bowler.

It also has a foam-padded tongue and collar, which give you extra comfort. Other than that, the slide, the sole has microfiber in the build. Thus, it is good for sliding. But, in a few cases, customers were neither happy with the slide nor the size of the shoes. If you are a beginner and looking for the best budget bowling shoes, definitely it is for you.

So, you have to select the size quite carefully. If you are looking for full indepth review you can read here.

Pros:

  • Very comfortable when it fits.
  • The materials were chosen quite cleverly.
  • Built to last.
  • Good slide most of the time.
  • Good value for the price.

Cons:

  • The size can go very wrong.
  • Everybody may not like the slide.

BSI Men’s Basic #521 Bowling Shoes

BSI Men's Basic #521 Bowling Shoes
  • Lightweight durable rubber outsole
  • Action leather upper
  • Common sliding sole
  • Microfiber sliding sole
  • Extra plush insole/sock lining

If you are just starting to bowl then this pair of shoes may be something you could consider. Apparently, they really are not the best in the market but they come at a great price with good features for a beginner. In fact, this pair of shoes have rubber outsoles that are quite lightweight.

Furthermore, it has a plush lining inside to make you feel comfortable wearing the shoes for a long time. It sure does have a slide- a substantial amount. But, at times, people also found that shoes have quite a lot of grip. It is also a microfiber made sliding shoes like the previous one.

Apart from that, since it comes at a very low price, you cannot really expect it last very long- it does not. When it comes to looks, it has a nice matte black plain look. What else can you expect of bowling shoes anyway? Overall, it performs well in the bowling arena at the price it comes at.

Pros:

  • Quite comfortable to wear.
  • It comes at a very affordable price.
  • It provides a good amount of slide in most cases.
  • Looks great.

Cons:

  • The size may be hard to figure out.
  • It may have a lot of grips.
  • It may not last long.

Dexter Men’s Pro-Am II Bowling Shoes Left Handed.

No products found.

Are you looking for the classic quality? Then, look no further because the Dexter Men’s Pro is what you are looking for. Well, this one is for the left-handed people but you will find the right-handed version as well.

Apparently, it has a slide on one foot and grip on the other. The outsole is made of classic rubber which gives a great sliding performance- no questions about that. On the other hand, the upper part is man-made and quite soft and durable. No one can deny that it is one of the best bowling shoes for sliding.

The collar and tongue are padded, so you will feel quite comfortable wearing these shoes. However, you may have a bit of a hard time finding the right size for yourself.

Also, the comfort in the shoe with no slide may be less than the shoe with slide- you may need time getting used to the design.

Pros:

  • High quality build.
  • It looks and feels elegant.
  • Quite comfortable.
  • It provides a good slide.
  • Meant to last.
  • Reasonable price.

Cons:

  • Hard to choose the right size.

Storm Gust Bowling Shoes

Storm Gust Bowling Shoes, Grey/Black/Blue, 7.0
  • Product Type: Sporting Goods
  • Item Package Dimensions: 30.988 L X 20.066 W X 11.684 H (Cm)
  • Country Of Origin: China
  • Item Package Weight: 0.929 kgs

If you are looking for some breathability then these Storm Gust Bowling Shoes are what you are looking for. Apparently, these shoes have a cotton canvas upper part. This part looks both great and also feels great because of its breathability. It is one of the best bowling shoes for men.

The shoes do not have a lot of padding inside except in the collar- so while they may feel comfortable because of the overall design, it is not as comfortable as other bowling shoes. You will find it easier to find the right size for yourself with this particular shoe.

Apart from that, the slide on both shoes does a good job. It may not suit all styles of throwing but it suits most. You won’t have to replace the slide soles for a long time because of its durability. The hoes are quite durable and affordable as well.

Pros:

  • Quite lightweight.
  • The Canvas top makes it quite breathable.
  • Long-Lasting.
  • Reasonable price.
  • Fair slide.
  • Easy to find size.

Cons:

  • Not the most well-padded.

Pyramid Men’s Ra Black Right Handed Bowling Shoes

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You will find great bowling shoes from various brands but not many brands pay attention to the environment. These Pyramid shoes are not only great but come in environment-friendly packages. The one we are reviewing is, particularly for the right-handed bowlers.

So, the slide is on the left shoe. Apparently, you can enjoy a microfiber slide with these shoes. Furthermore, with rubber n the build you get all the ideal materials in the right places. Almost everyone is happy with how these shoes slide and perform as well.

Furthermore, with all the padding and lining, you enjoy a bit of comfort as well. Of course, the breathability helps the shoes not to stink. However, you may struggle to find the right size, and if you do not get the right size, the shoes won’t feel very comfortable. For the quality, the price is right.

Pros:

  • The right materials in the right parts.
  • Good slide and grip.
  • Meant to last.
  • Looks great.
  • Right price.
  • Quite comfortable.

Cons:

  • Finding the right size is hard.

The Buying Guide

What are the things you have to consider when you are out there looking for bowling shoes for sliding? Well, let’s get to know these things.

The Type of Bowling Shoe:

Apparently, you will come across three types of bowling shoes. These are

Rental Bowling Shoes: These are available in the bowling clubs where you just pick a size and wear it to play the round. You have to pay for these and they are not the best for improving your game. They have a universal design that suits everyone. The average cost of a pair of rental bowling shoes is $4 at a bowling alley.

Athletic Bowling Shoes: Bowling shoes are typically rented to entice customers into renting bowling alleys for a night of fun. But very few new styles can be borrowed and used for bowling. So if you’re looking for a more durable and longer-lasting pair of shoes, consider buying them instead. 

Athletic bowling shoes are the ones you buy for yourself if you play more than five times a year. Apparently, they are quite affordable and of much better quality than the rental bowling shoes. In fact, they have slides in both shoes and are universal.

They are quite suitable for beginners looking to continue the game.

Performance Bowling Shoes: Now, if you are quite serious about bowling and play many times in a month then the performance bowling shoes are for you. They are more durable and are more customized. Apparently, they have slides in just one shoe, and that is opposite your dominant hand. If you are right-handed then the slide will be in the left hand. Now, what is the slide? Let’s find out next.

The slide of the shoe.

What sets bowling shoes apart from all other kinds of shoes is the slide feature. When you choose shoes for running, walking, tennis, and literally any other sport, you look for traction or grip under the sole. The reason? So that you do not slip when running or walking.

The case is the exact opposite when it comes to bowling shoes. In order to throw the ball right, you need to use not only our hand but your body and feet as well. And, to use the feet right, you have to slide when you are about to throw. And, this sliding motion won’t happen flawlessly with traction under the shoes.

Thus, bowling shoes do not have any traction, they have a plain under sole that is usually made of rubber and that helps you slide.

Now, you will find shoes that have traction in one shoe and slide in another. It’s up to you which you perform better with.

The inner sole.

When you are bowling, you will be wearing a pair of bowling shoes for a while- even when you are not playing but waiting. In such cases, you do not want to feel uncomfortable wearing the shoes. That is why the inner sole of the bowling shoes must not only be well padded but should also be breathable.

It is best if the inner sole is made of EVA as it molds to the shape of your feet, is soft and lightweight too. Thus, you get the ultimate comfort when wearing bowling shoes with EVA inner sole.

The size of the shoes.

This is one of the most important considerations when you are buying not just bowling shoes but any shoes. You do not want the shoes to be so small that it hurts your feet. Furthermore, you do not want it to be so large that your heel peeks out when you are about to throw the ball.

Therefore, make sure you choose the right size because it will have a great effect on your overall game. You can consider the weight as well- the lighter the shoes the less fatigue it will cause.

Design and other accessories:

Even if the shoes are perfect for you, you won’t love using it if it does not have a great design. So, pay attention to how it’s built- it should be both elegant and durable for you. Apart from that, consider extra accessories like and added heel, toe, collar, etc. This depends on what you feel comfortable with.

The Benefits of having a Sliding shoes

Why do you need bowling shoes that are great for sliding? Here’s why:

No Harm Caused: You see, the place where you throw the ball from has quite a sensitive floor. It’s mostly wood that can get damaged quite easily. A bowling shoe that slides well will cause almost no damage to the bowling arena.

The Perfect Throw: No matter how many times you perfect your shot with your hand,s it won’t get the same momentum or will not feel the same when your feet are involved. And, your foot can only be involved perfectly when you use the right shoes for it.

Reduced Cost: Renting bowling shoes every time you play may not seem very costly, but with time it does weigh quite heavy. Your bowling shoes act as a one-time investment and saves you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are bowling shoes supposed to slide?

Yes, bowling shoes are specially designed for sliding. It makes your shoe slippery so that you can slide properly in bowling. Not all soles do not have sliding power. The slide is on left shoe soles for right handers and the slide is on right shoe for left handers.

2. How to maintain bowling shoes?

Regular care should be enough to make your bowling shoes last. Start by brushing them after every game- just remove the dust and debris. Then, just air dry your shoes so that no odor remains. Occasionally, you can disinfect them.

3. Is easy slide illegal in bowling?

No, It is legal in bowling unless it does not hinder other bowlers’ ability to slide. You can do it as long as nobody complains.

4. Can you bowl with sneakers?

You sure can play wearing sneakers but there will be a higher chance of falling and the area may be damaged too. If you don’t have any bowling shoes, you can use rental shoes to get a superior result.

In conclusion

Bowling shoes will not only help you perform better but it may encourage you to play more as well. For that, you have to choose the right bowling shoes for sliding. You have to consider your requirements and then find the shoes with the right features. In fact, you have to put a lot of thought into choosing one.

Here I have picked all bowling shoes for men. The only drawback is that you don’t get any interchangeable soles with them. However, I have already written a review of interchangeable bowling shoes for you. You can grab one of them if you want replaceable soles. If you have wide feet you can also choose the bowling shoes for you. It’s a good place to start now.

Last update on 2024-03-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Brian

I’m an aspiring bowler with an immense love for bowling. I started playing the game at a very early age and it’s been an integral part of my life ever since.

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