Best Bowling Shoes for a Perfect Slide in 2022

You’ve got your ball, you’ve got your bag, now what, Lebowski? One of the most important things to improve your bowling game is ensuring you have the perfect pair of bowling shoes for most effective play.

Getting the perfect pair of bowling shoes for your needs is going to make a big difference in your performance. Your approach and release will improve as your shoes will provide the right amount of slide and support. This will prevent stumbles that can lead to injury or just be embarassing. Overall, you get a much more precise, balanced game.

Well, Alley Cats, we are here to assist. To help you find the perfect pair for your needs, we have developed the following recommendations and in-depth guide for the best bowling shoes. With detailed research and testing, we show you which pairs work best.

If you find your score plateauing, a new pair of shoes could make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll show you the difference the right pair of will make on your game. When it comes to bowling, after a customized ball, a strong pair of shoes is going to boost your results.

Our Choices for the Best Bowling Shoes in 2022 and Beyond

Before we unveil the secret to our research and due diligence, we figured we would provide you with a list of the shoes that have made our list of the “best of the best.”

One quick note. First, the top choices are really professional-level bowling shoes. That may be for you, and it may not. They definitely cost a bit more, so if you’re just looking for an alternative to scuzzy rentals there are definitely some more affordable options as you move down the list.

Our hope is that this will make it a breeze for you to compare features and shoes for your needs. In the end, we our goal is to help you discover the shoes that work best for you. Here are our choices for the best bowling shoes on the market.

Here are the Best Bowling Shoes you can buy:

• Best Overall (Strike!): Dexter SST 8 - Men's | Women's
• Runner Up: KR Strikeforce Tour Knit
• For Dexter Lovers: Dexter T.H.E. C-9 BOA
• Best for Wide Feet: Strikeforce Ignite
• For Men on a Budget: Strikeforce Mens Mesh Flyer
• For Women on a Budget: Strikefoce Womens Mesh Flyer
• Best for Beginners (Women): Dexter Women's Raquel V
• Best for Beginners (Men): Brunswick Fuze
• Great Vintage Style: SaVi Women's Classic
• Cult Classic: Pyramid HPX High Performance Bowling Shoes

Note: the links we provided above head to Amazon. Some of these models (particularly the KR Strikeforce and Dexter shoes) are available from Dick's Sporting Goods Bowling Shoe section if you prefer to take a look at reviews and prices there.

The Best Bowling Shoes - Detailed Reviews

1. Dexter SST 8

The Dexter SST 8 bowling shoe is one of the highest-quality shoes for professional and semi-professional bowlers. It is comprised of premium, full-grain leather, ideal for durability in and out of the alley.

Additionally, these shoes provide you with great breathability and ventilation. This allows you to bowl comfortably, without having to worry about slipping around with sweaty feet.

The sole of the Dexter SST 8 is made specifically for interchangeability as needed. However, their typical rubber outsoles are perfect for extensive durability and a strong slide.

Due to the toe’s unique design, you aren’t going to be hindered sliding around more than anticipated. This can lead to issues that prevent you putting the appropriate power into your roll with predictable consequences in your score. You really want your bowling shoe to provide you with the proper footing to get the ball down the lane faster and more effectively.

The shoe’s inside is one of its strongest features. The Dexter SST 8 comes with a padded collar, providing comfort for even the longest bowling session. However, the comfort doesn’t stop at the collar. The inside is also designed with a lot of cushioning that really keeps your feet feeling their best.

Dexter utilizes EVA midsoles to assist with molding to the foot’s shape. This reduces break-in time that you might have with some other bowling shoes. To be honest, one of the only downsides we found with these shoes after our research is that they are expensive. But, you get what you pay for!

Pros of the Dexter SST 8

• An EVA midsole which adds to durability, stability, and comfort levels.
• The Dexter SST 8 provides the best ventilation of any of the shoes on our list.
• No break-in period that you would usually expect. This minimizes discomfort at the start, and let’s you make a shoe change without worry or hassle.

Cons of the Dexter SST 8

• Some of the most expensive shoes on our list of the best bowling shoes.

2. KR Strikeforce Tour Knit

This is the ultimate bowling shoe for the ultimate bowling professional. The Tour Knit Bowling Shoes from KR Strikeforce are manufactured from a engineered mesh upper, which is the strongest and lightest mesh available these days. As such, the Tour Knit pros are the perfect blend of versatility, performance, and high-value durability, all wrapped in a stylish, unique package that is sure to please even the pickiest bowler.

The comfortable and tough bowling shoes come with a wide array of interchangeable heels, cleats, and soles, which allow you to match your shoes to the conditions and to your style. Additionally, precision-engineered sole frames ensure perfect placement each time.

A versatile package when we last tested them, these shoes come with plenty of extras, including four soles, three heels, shoe trees, a slide sole cover, vented insoles, and a carry bag, as well as a replaceable Kevlar toe cap. Not sure how long KR Strikeforce will keep including all the extra goodies, so be sure to check it out before buying. The options for customization are truly endless.

Pros of the KR Strikeforce Tour Knit

• These shoes include four soles that are easily interchangeable.
• The KR Strikeforce Tour Knit Bowling Shoes also come with three different interchangeable heels: rippled, flat normal, and buck skin.
• Made from durable knit mesh upper, with traction soles of Kevlar rubber, these bowling shoes are sure to last frame after frame for years to come.

Cons of the KR Strikeforce Tour Knit

• Some may be uncomfortable wearing shoes with a knit mesh upper compared to real leather alternatives.
• The price point for these is likely to be prohibitive to those just looking to get into bowling. These are a serious investment for people serious about their bowling, and who will make use of the customization options the shoes provide.

3. Dexter T.H.E. 9 Bowling Shoes

Are you looking for one a top-of-the-line bowling shoe? A shoe that will adapt to your ever-improving level of skill? If so, look no further than the Dexter T.H.E. 9 bowling shoe. Dexter designed these high-performance shoes to assist in executing your approach with precision and optimal form.

There are plenty of features available with the Dexter T.H.E. 9. However, Dexter targets them at intermediate to advanced level bowlers, and the features reflect that. Some of its features that are not available in other models are “hyperflex” channels and a reinforced toe-hold. This is where the T.H.E. in the name comes from: Toe-hold Hyperflex Engineering.

Since the feature list is quite extensive, we can’t do justice to everything available on these shoes in this round-up. We’re scheduled to write an in-depth review of this shoe soon, but until then, the Dexter website has a lot of solid information about everything that is included.

These shoes do not come with interchangeable soles, which Dexter notes can create a weak point in higher-priced bowling shoes. They developed their unique engineering processes to address these issues.

Pros of the Dexter T.H.E. 9

• Manufactured with durability in mind. The features we mentioned above are innovative, crate a sturdy, tough pair of bowling shoes.
• These shoes can be customized based on your needs and skills. They feature patented symmetry through the outsole, letting you skip the common process of trimming sole pads.
• Some of the most comfortable bowling shoes on the market. Made with a breathable, soft leather, keeping foot pain from ruining your bowling night.

Cons of the Dexter T.H.E. 9

• Don’t expect this to be a cheap pair of shoes. They are the most expensive bowling shoes on our list. However, for a high-performance, professional-level bowling shoe, this should come as no surprise.

4. Strikeforce Ignite

The KR Strikeforce Ignite bowling shoe is another great bowling shoe option. This one comes in wide (2E) sizes as well as medium width (W), so provide a good option for bowlers with wide feet. It follows some of the same trends as many of the other models at the top of our list. With synthetic materials that create a breathable mesh upper, rubber soles, and a low-profile design, these are a standard “little bit of everything” option.

One thing that sets them apart from comparable models is the mesh upper. Most other bowl shoes that we review have a leather or synthetic leather upper for style and durability. The mesh uppers provide a lot more air flow to keep your feet cool and dry. They’re also really flexible. Sometimes with leather, you can get a hard crease in the upper that digs in to your foot, or just creases in ways that leave the shoe a bit less flexible over time. With mesh, you don’t have the problem. The shoe is inherently more flexible than anything with a solid, non-mesh upper.

One of the other features people like the most about the Ignite is its inner padding. The padding is really amped up along the back of the show as well as the tongue. Combine this with the flexible mesh around the forefoot and your whole foot is really cushioned. This is another reason this is a good choice for people with wide feet. The 2E model gives you width, and the design of the shoe makes it a little more forgiving of foot width on top of that. Kind of a double bonus situation.

Pros of the Strikeforce Ignite

• Great for continued development and improvement of intermediate to advanced level bowlers.
• The Strikeforce ignite is cool and breathable thanks to its mesh upper construction.
• With a flexible design that accommodates wide feet and a full range of sizes available in 2E width, these are the best choice if you have wide feet.
• Stylish, modern design that won’t show signs of wear like a leather shoe.

Cons of the Strikeforce Ignite

• Raised heel is not ideal for some taller bowlers.

5. Strikeforce Mesh Flyer for Men and Women

Are you the type of person who bowls often enough to need your own pair of bowling shoes, but also the type of person that doesn’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a new pair? Then the KR Strikeforce Mesh Flyer bowling shoes might be for you!

These bowling shoes are athletically-styled, comprised of durable, soft materials. Textile inner sole linings, a padded tongue and collar, and StrikeForce’s “Komfort-Fit” construction provides impressive support for the foot when bowling, and a comfortable wear time and time again.

The rubber outsole of the Flyer Mesh bowling shoe protects the slide of the shoe, as well as both the midsole and sole. This shoe has what can be considered a “universal sole”. What this means is that both feet have a slide pad made of microfiber, and are ambidextrous, good for both left- and right-handed bowlers. The level of slide determines the smoothness at which the bowling ball is released. With Strikeforce’s FlexiSlide technologies, you are in good hands.

The Strikeforce Flyer Mesh Bowling Shoes also offers some of the best traction, perfect for stopping an impressive slide before being out of bounds. Bowling shoes that are rented aren’t ideal for this. Instead, owning a comfortable pair of your own, stylish bowling shoes will serve to greatly improve your game. Luckily, these won’t cost a fortune, either.

Pros of the Strikeforce Mesh Flyer

• With FlexiSlide technology, these bowling shoes offer some of the best slide opportunities of any entry-level bowling shoe we researched.
• Padded tongues and collar ensure that players receive high levels of comfort frame after frame after frame.
• The StrikeForce Flyer Mesh Bowling Shoes are some of the most affordable bowling shoes for beginner to intermediate bowlers.
• Universal soles and Komfort-Fit help to ensure that these shoes work well for both left-landed and right-handed bowlers.

Cons of the Strikeforce Mesh Flyer

• While these shoes are incredibly affordable and well-constructed, the durability leaves a bit to be desired.
• The StrikeForce Flyer Mesh Bowling Shoes lack an interchangeable sole common with comparable bowling shoes.
• Some people have complained that these shoes don’t slide easily enough for their bowling style.

6. Dexter Raquel V Bowling Shoes for Women

Dexter's Raquel V for women is an impressively unique bowling shoe offering. They have a knit fabric upper, offering a breathable and lightweight alternative to comparable thin leather options. They also provide the comfort needed to bowl frame after frame after frame.

However, the draw to the Raquel V goes beyond comfort and support. These bowling shoes also come with high-performance built into the rubber sole, helping to provide a consistent slide for even beginning bowlers.

Overall, the Dexter Women's Raquel V is a nice blend of technology, comfort, style, and price. Definitely a budget-friendly option that still performs like a top-of-the-line shoe.

Pros of the Dexter Raquel V

• These shoes com with a lightweight and breathable knit upper, far more adaptable than leather competitors.
• With a U-Throat patterned upper, a fabric-lined collar and tongue, and a “hot melt” toe feature, these shoes are all about comfort and support.
• A defined rubber horseshoe-style heel and an EVA outsole ensure that these shoes will be in top notch working condition for years.

Cons of the Dexter Raquel V

• The price for these shoes can be a little high for what you get.
• The original Dexter Raquel ran a bit larger than sized, a trend that seems to have continued with the Raquel V.

7. Brunswick Fuze Men's Bowling Shoe

The Brunswick Fuze Men’s Bowling Shoe is for newer bowlers who may be unsure about what shoe is right for them. With a professional-looking design, it lets you push past the newbie stage into the ranks of more high-level bowlers.

Despite the professional, minimalist, and stylish appearance, these shoes are also quite comfortable and stable. They are the perfect option for beginner bowlers, mainly due to a universal sole option. For that reason, if you’re not looking to shell out major coin for a pair of pro-level slide machines, the Fuze from Brunswick is a solid option that will check all the boxes.

Aside from an appealing overall design, we should note the construction and materials are far above what we expect at this price point. They also come packed with additional features, including an ultra-light EVA outsole, padded collar and tongue, and cushioned interiors, built to keep your feet comfortable.

If the low price gives you concerns about overall performance, there is no need to fear. Brunswick’s patented Pre Slide soles are built from microfiber, promising to provide a consistent slide no matter your bowling skill.

Pros of the Brunswick Fuze

• These shoes look quite stylish for entry level bowling shoes. If you like the look of many sophisticated bowling shoes worn by professionals, you’ll be keen on these.
• The Brunswick Men’s Fuze is one of the most affordable bowling shoe options on our list of the best bowling shoes. Despite this, knowing that the shoes are made by industry steadfast member Brunswick, there is no need to be concerned about quality.
• These are some of the most lightweight bowling shoes on the market today, perfect for those starting out and spending a lot of time in the lanes honing their craft.

Cons of the Brunswick Fuze

• With a lower price point, it can be expected that the quality of materials is not going to hold a candle to some of the more expensive, higher-level bowling shoes.
• As expected with Brunswick, the fit can be a little bit tricky from shoe to shoe. There are some who claim them to be a bit too narrow, and others who say they are a little wider than anticipated.

8. Pyramid HPX High Performance Bowling Shoe

The HPX High Performance Pyramid bowling shoe makes top marks on our list of the best bowling shoes, and are one of the best “performance” options we found. As a higher performance option, you can expect to get quite a bit of feature-rich qualities out of these.

For starters, the Pyramid HPX High Performance has a stellar design, looking more like a stylish pair of athletic shoes than a gaudy, standard pair of rental bowling shoes. Despite this, there is no mistaking that these are shoes for the most serious of bowling professionals. With their modern athletic style, they are set apart from just about any other bowling shoe on our list.

Regarding fit, you can expect a strong level of comfort, although HPX has been known to be finicky with the sizing of their bowling shoe options. Despite this, these shoes come with something HPX refers to as “biomechanical contouring”. This contouring was designed to follow the natural curve of the foot, providing extensive comfort and support when bowling.

The shoes are manufactured from soft, full-grain leather, leading to a minimal time for the shoes to be broken in, especially in comparison to other bowling shoe options. Additionally, their Ortholite 3D Deluxe Insole ensures wonderful levels of stability and cushioning for the life of the shoe.

All these features work together to provide agility, strong slide, and great braking power, in addition to total control of your fluidity and movements when on the alley.

Pros of the Pyramid HPX

• The Pyramid HPX High Performance comes with interchangeable heels and soles, allowing the user to customize their bowling shoe to adhere to their own unique playing style and comfort level.
• These shoes are also compatible with many alternative brand replacement soles and heels, providing great convenience to those bowlers who tend to wear out shoe soles quicker than others.
• Biomechanical contouring was designed to follow the natural curve of the foot, providing extensive comfort and support when bowling.
• For a performance bowling shoe, the HPX is quite affordable. As it also comes with the level of quality expected from bowling mainstay brand Pyramid, so you can be sure that it’s pretty much a steal.

Cons of the Pyramid HPX

• The sizing of these shoes has been known to be a bit tricky. Thus, it is important to keep a good eye on the relevant measurements if you plan to make an online purchase.
• It is important to also note that these are not ambidextrous shoes, instead coming in Right-handed, Right-handed wide, and Left-handed models.

Most Important Features of the Best Bowling Shoes

At this point, you should have a far stronger understanding of which bowling shoes are the best on the market right now. However, it is also important to determine which features should be used to decide which bowling shoes are best for your needs.

By taking advantage of these features, you will be equipped with the information needed to obtain the best bowling shoes for your specific set of requirements. Do the shoes we recommend above not fit the bill? Check out our features below to determine what should be focused on.

Focusing on Durability

Durability is one of the most important factors to consider when looking at a new pair of bowling shoes. As these shoes tend to be quite expensive, and don’t get a ton of use outside of the alley, you aren’t going to need to purchase new pairs consistently. However, ensuring you choose the right shoes, you can save a bunch of money in the long run when you go for durable options.

Many less expensive models of bowling shoe use synthetic leathers. While lightweight and flexible, these may not be as durable as more advanced, premium leather options available with more expensive options.

Textile is yet another material that can be considered. However, this material has been found to be somewhat lacking in features that are warranted when bowling. We will touch on this a little bit later.

Focusing on the Insole

The insole is one of the most important components to be looked at in about any shoe that you are purchasing. However, for bowling shoes, they play an even more important role than most other shoe types.

This part of the shoe represents the area where the feet should be snug when bowling. If the insole is not made from the proper materials, you may find the shoes to be ineffective when you are in the game.

As a result, we at Shoe Guide highly recommend using EVA for insoles. It is relatively low-priced, and can easily mold to the foot shape. Even if purchased after the act, it provides an effective option for bowling with stellar levels of comfort.

Do you find yourself suffering from issues such as plantar fasciitis or flat footedness? If so, one of the best methods to alleviate this when bowling is to use orthotic, memory foam insoles. However, these can be rather expensive. Comparatively, polyurethane insoles provide an affordable insole option, but don’t mold to the foot shape like EVA and memory foam would. In the end, it is all up to your personal preferences.

Focusing on the Outsole

In a typical bowling game, the ability to slide is crucial to both the technique and the style of a bowler. Thus, outsoles should be comprised mainly of rubber. However, in comparison to just about any other shoe we have reviewed here at Shoe Guide, you are not going to be wanting traction or grip to be a major design focus.

Instead, you are going to want to look for shoes that have micro-fibers added to the sole of the shoe. This enables you to get that ideal slide when bowling, in addition to delivering extra power to your bowling shots.

It should also be noted that, in regards to outsole material, we don’t recommend using anything besides rubber. Rubber provides far better durability than just about any other alternative. Additionally, it can take quite a bit of wear and tear common with more advanced and professional level bowlers.

Focusing on the Shoe Design

One of the major draws of bowling is that it can be played in just about any type of clothing. However, the general trend of “bowling shoes” being mainstream means a complete outfit should have shoes that match your style being presented. After all, this isn’t a birthday party for a 15-year-old.

While style is not as crucial of a focus compared to durability and comfort, obviously, it should not be completely overlooked. In this vein, it’s important to find a shoe that combines quality with sought-after styling.

Focusing on the Weight of the Shoe

When you are bowling, you will likely be moving rapidly to push the bowling ball down the lane. If your shoes are on the heavier side, you are going to find yourself more fatigued after each frame. This can be detrimental to the effectiveness of your overall game in the long run, especially when doing multiple games in one day.

This being the case, we highly recommend checking the weight of a shoe. Compare the trade-off of a heavier shoe that may be more durable, compared to a lighter shoe that may not be as long-lasting, but is far more user-friendly when bowling frame after frame.

Focusing on Shoe Size

Sizing is one of the most important pieces of a bowling shoe. As such, your bowling shoes are definitely going to be sized appropriately to guarantee positive results.

Many shoes tend to have varying issues in sizing. If you’ve spent any time with rented shoes in a bowling alley, you know this pain well. It can become very frustrating. Larger shoes can be uncomfortable on the feet, and slip around in all the wrong places while bowling. Comparatively, smaller shoes may not slip about, but can be very painful and tight.

Other Common Bowling Shoe Features to Keep in Mind

There are additional features that might not be considered as important in the purchasing decision as those mentioned above. However, they can still be buy or not-buy catalysts, and be game changers for those who are dependent on effectiveness when on the alley.

A Snubbed Toe

Does your technique involve a good bit of sliding on the toe of your bowling shoe? If so, you may be better off getting a shoe that has a snubbed toe. While this design is currently not the most in-style for bowling shoes, it provides for a far more effective movement. Additionally, more enhanced bowling shoes have larger sole rims, which are also useful for more slides.

An Inner Collar

The inner collar can, at times, be one of the most important comfort-focused aspects of any show, inside or outside of bowling. However, as it relates to bowling, inner collars are wonderful for avoiding rubbing and abrasions on the front of the foot.

Additionally, the inner collar needs to be able to provide users with properties to wick away moisture. They also serve to reduce sweat build-up.

An Added Heal

Yes, added heels may make your shoe seem a bit more stylish and a bit less clunky compared to a lot of the bowling shoes that are on our list above. However, their effectiveness is completely dependent on your individual bowling style. Some love it and swear by the added heel. Others abhor it and want nothing to do with it.

Added heels also obviously add weight to the shoe. If sliding is a major part of your “move”, you might be disappointed with the lack of give an added heel provides to an otherwise glide-prone shoe. However, as noted, it’s all up to personal preference.

Strong Ventilation

Do you play for an extended time frame without removing or changing shoes? If so, having good ventilation is crucial. This can sometimes be considered a vital feature. The level of ventilation will be dependent on the material composition of the bowling shoe.

While these features may cause you to have a higher-priced bowling shoe, if you consider yourself somewhat of a serious bowler, all the above featured can come in handy. Overall, they will be quite beneficial to your game.

Ensuring Proper Care of Bowling Shoes

It doesn’t matter if your bowling shoes cost $50 or cost $350, the shoe is one of the most undervalued and important piece of your bowling equipment arsenal. Properly caring for your bowling shoes are a wonderful way to ensure your asset stays solid for years to come. But how do you best take care of a pair of bowling shoes? Below is a quick list of some of the best ways to keep your shoes looking good and staying strong time and time again.

• If you bowl daily, get two pairs of good quality bowling shoes and trade off every other day.
• When you are removing your shoe, don’t do the “other foot shoe horn” method. Instead, loosen the laces and remove them carefully.
• Store shoes in a dry, cool place. Tossing them in your trunk is a good way to get the material to degrade quickly in heat.
• Wear absorbent and clean socks every time you wear the shoes, to help wick away sweat and moisture.
• Thinking about storing your shoes for a little bit in the bowling off-season? If so, utilize shoe trees to ensure your bowling shoes don’t fall flat. In the same vein, avoid your shoes being crushed or flattened when stored normally.
• The oil used in some bowling alley lane maintenance will mess with the integrity of synthetically-manufactured soles over time. To avoid this, wipe your shoes off after each use.
• Also wipe down the shoe exterior well with a microfiber cloth before storage. This will help not only with lane oil, but also with dirt and debris that can build up.
• Don’t wear your bowling shoes outside of the lanes, period. Do you need to use the bathroom? Change shoes. Need to jog out to your car quickly? Change shoes.
• If you must wear your bowling shoes outside of the lanes, utilize protective shoe covers that are available for more serious bowlers.
• If your shoes are really dirty, use the same type of bristle-brush common with cleaning more expensive dress shoes.
• Avoid getting your bowling shoes wet at all costs. However, if the soles get a bit damp, use a little bit of shoe conditioner when wiping them off.

If you treat your bowling shoes as a cross between an expensive pair of dress shoes and a good pair of running or basketball shoes, they will treat you well in response.

Strongest Benefits of a Good Pair of Bowling Shoes

There are ample positive benefits to a good pair of the best bowling shoes your budget will allow. Bowling shoes can tend to be quite expensive, and are only a piece of the “customized” things you will need to be a high-level bowler. However, these shoes provide a specific level of benefits that serve to drastically influence your style, and ultimately your game.

Below is a bulleted list of some of the most common benefits you will experience on the lane if you decide to purchase a pair of the best bowling shoes.

• Knowing how to properly glide and slide across the floor is a wonderful method to ensure a more accurate throw with a bit more power behind the ball. With a good pair of bowling shoes, you will have a more improved glide experience. This provides an extensive benefit over somebody who doesn’t have the proper shoes, as well as providing you the extra boost to win against players at the same skill level.
• While floor protection might not be top of mind for you, it will be to bowling alley owners, as well as other bowlers who want a nice, clean, well-maintained floor. Some of the more expensive bowling shoes are developed to maintain the protection of the lanes, which will help you and others play a strong set of frames. In fact, more serious bowling clubs and groups won’t let you play with shoes that can cause damage to the lanes.
• Many of the most effective (and expensive) bowling shoe options come with solid warranties. These warranties help to ensure you are protected from damages that may occur in the alley. But, some of the less expensive options may not offer this, leaving you to ensure your shoes are kept protected and undamaged. We also recommend washing off a bit of the oil you may put on them after a game.
• Finally, many of the most advanced bowling shoes on the market today are highly customizable, a must when dealing with semi-professional or professional-level bowlers. One of the things that can be customized is the outsole. A strong outsole can improve your game, however, there are certain situations that may call for a different sole. Many outsoles can be removed or replaced with orthotic options. However, for those looking for extreme value, we highly recommend EVA.

Potential Drawbacks of Some Bowling Shoes

Mistakes are common in bowling. One of the most common mistakes that can occur when looking for a strong pair of bowling shoes is thinking there are only going to be benefits. As with any other type of shoe that we have reviewed and written these guides for, no shoe is perfect. Bowling shoes in general are no exception to this.

Here are two of the most obvious drawbacks that come with a new pair of bowling shoes:

• Bowling shoes are notorious for not being extremely durable. This lack of durability is relatively common across the board, and is one of the reason it is recommended that bowling shoes are not worn outside the alley, ever. Shoes can even sometimes break amid a frame. Remember, bowling shoes are built to offer the strongest results while bowling, while also being very lightweight. However, they won’t hold a candle to comparative outdoor or cross-training shoes.
• It should come as no surprise that even the most “stylish” pair of bowling shoes are going to be quite unfashionable. This is something that needs to be kept in mind. As a nice rule of thumb, if your shoes look incredible, they likely aren’t proper bowling shoes, plain and simple. Remember, they are made to be extremely effective in the alley, and not just to look nice on your feet, period.

The Final Frame

Getting the ideal pair of bowling shoes for your individual needs will make a significant difference in the performance you experience in the alley. With a great pair of shoes, you can line up, slide, and launch your ball down the lane without embarrassment or potential for injury. In the end, a good pair of bowling shoes provides a far more balanced and precise game.

We hope that our guide to the best bowling shoes has been helpful. The above recommendations don’t come lightly. A ton of research, testing and reading went into our decisions on what shoes made the cut and what shoes didn’t.