Bowling shoes refers to a shoe specifically designed to be worn by bowlers during the sport of bowling. With the help of technology and trends, bowling shoes have become lighter, more comfortable and quite stylish too.
Many bowling shoes are designed in such a way so as to help protect the feet from sliding on the bowling lane (mainly due to the oil found on the bowling lane). Much like running shoes, not all bowling shoes are equal in terms of design and quality.
Some shoes have a higher weight capacity than the rest, and some shoes are made of a thicker rubber to protect your feet from sliding on the oil on the lane. So, in this article, we examine some of the best bowling shoes around.
There has never been a better time to buy a pair of bowling shoes, as the market remains quite flooded with all sorts of high-quality shoes. All of the pairs of bowling shoes listed below are fantastic choices for anybody of any budget.
Choosing the best bowling shoes that meet your specific needs may take a bit of research, but I guarantee you one thing: a few minutes spent to consider your options will be well worth it.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Dexter Bowling | Best Overall |  |
| Dexter Mens Kam Bowling Shoes | Budget Pick |  |
| Dexter Bowling | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Dexter Bowling
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Stylish design
- Has a removable insole
- Lightweight
- Roomy toe-box
- Offers great support
- Great grip
Cons:
- Might require breaking in
- Sizing is not accurate and may be a smaller fit
- Arch support isn’t ideal
Dexter is one of the top bowling shoe manufacturers who have gone ahead and created a bowling shoe pair for men and women. Dexter bowling shoes does the job well and are charged at a reasonable price. The Dexter Vicky Silver is a great option for women looking for a stylish shoe that fits well and isn’t too expensive.
Dexter bowling shoes are known as a good pair of bowling shoes for beginners and intermediates because of their lightweight nature, easy to wear design, affordable price tag, and sturdy structure. These shoes are popular among bowlers because they offer simply the best support and comfort. They’re also less stiff than many other bowling shoe brands, which makes them easier and effortless to wear.
2. 900 Global Sport Ultra Bowling Shoes
Pros:
- Good reputation for quality
- Comfortable
- Looks more like a street shoe than a bowling shoe
- Great for all-around bowler
Cons:
- Starts to show signs of wear and tear after a few months
- Sole pads need to be cut and resized in order to fit the correct size shoe
The 900 Global Sport Ultra Bowling Shoes are smart looking, and versatile pair of shoes that can be worn to the alley or to the office. The sport leather upper and synthetic outsole make this shoe stylish enough for a night out in the town as well (although we recommend that you wear your bowling shoes only when you are out bowling).
When it comes to feel, the 900 Global’s comfort insole is second to none. This shoe also has the ideal combination of style and substance. The best part is that the shoes can be worn with or without over-the-calf gator socks, making it a perfect choice for men and women of all heights.
The bottom line is that if you are a bowler who likes to look sharp and feel comfortable when moving on your feet, you’re going to love 900 Global’s Sport Ultra Bowling shoe. If you want an attractive high quality shoe, you won’t go wrong when you get a pair of these beauties.
3. Dexter Bowling
Pros:
- Good value for the money
- Extremely comfortable
- Great balance between comfort, quality, and price
- Available in different sizes
Cons:
- In terms of durability, these bowling shoes do not last long
- May have to purchase a size smaller than your original shoe size for the best fit
The Dexter SST 8 Pro is known as Dexter's entry-level shoe for adults. However, don't let the "entry-level" title in the bowling shoe name fool you. The Dexter SST 8 Pro boasts a high quality full-leather construction, Dexter's patented "Two-Piece Pebble Grain Technology", and a rubber outer sole.
The Dexter SST 8 Pro also includes IllumiNITE® Technology, which is a non-slip coating that efficiently reflects light. You can also check the Dexter website for more details on how the shoes differ from other models.
Established in 1922, Dexter is one of the oldest bowling companies around and is dedicated to producing the high-quality of shoes that won't break the bank. There are some doubts about how effectively this pair of bowling boots can handle the pressure of bowling.
4. Brunswick Vapor Mens Bowling Shoe White/Black
Pros:
- Comfortable fit
- Good padding and support
- Shape has not changed over time
- Sturdy and durable
- Great traction
- A wide shoe so a great fit
Cons:
- Wearing these bowling shoes for too long can lead to the slip pad of the soles being torn
- Shoe laces fray easily
- Arch support is not the best
- Narrower fit
The Brunswick Vapor Men's Bowling shoe is a modern performance shoe that is perfect for players of all skill levels. It provides a great fit and solid stability. This shoe is particularly designed with a wide toe box that provides better accuracy and control.
According to reviews, the fit and heel support of this shoe is unlike anything you have felt before. In terms of the fit, the shoe will mold to your foot after a while. Users report that it does seem a little narrow, and that the arch support is not the greatest. However, there are not many other options, so you may just have to settle.
This shoe features a great upper which is strengthened with a tempered steel plate and triple sealed from the inside out for a sturdy and durable design. The microfiber polished footbed has a good amount of cushioning, and features additional padding towards the heel for additional comfort.
5. Dexter Mens Kam Bowling Shoes
Pros:
- Affordable
- Sturdy
- Comfortable
- Easily washable
Cons:
- Non-adjustable width
- Not the best for experienced bowlers
If you are an entry-level bowler looking for your first pair of bowling shoes, then look no further than the Dexter Mens Kam Bowling Shoes. These shoes are comfortable, well constructed, and reasonably priced.
Just because they are inexpensive doesn’t mean that Dexter overlooked quality. These shoes have a 7-step handcrafted construction with a soft and durable suede upper. The outsole is built to be durable and supportive to keep your feet comfortable all day on the lanes.
At such an affordable price, you would expect these bowling shoes to only be suitable for beginners. However, the Dexter Kam Bowling Shoes are actually good option for experienced bowlers as well. The suede construction keeps your shoe lightweight, while the EVA (a kind of foam) soles are comfortable and sturdy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I get my bowling shoes to slide better?
This is a question that a lot of new bowlers ask because most bowlers tend to have trouble getting their shoe to slide when it’s their turn to bowl. A lot of it has to do with your technique, but it also has to do with what kind of bowling shoe you’re using.
You want a bowling shoe with soles that have some traction on them, but that still slide. There are different shoes with different levels of this trait. As you become a more experienced bowler, you will certainly find a shoe designed for you online and in several specialty bowling stores. The most important thing to remember about bowling shoes is that they will slide better after you break them in.
When should I replace my bowling shoes?
As a general rule, you should replace your shoes as soon as they begin to show significant signs of wear and tear. In fact, some bowling shoes show signs of wear and tear more easily then others. The surface of a bowling shoe is usually made to be very durable, but in many cases, a shoe can become noticeably less effective when you can’t detect any more traction.
What bowling shoes does Jason Belmonte wear?
You must remember that all bowling shoes were specifically crafted to be worn when you are bowling. Bowling shoes are made to provide support when walking and running across the softer wooden floor found in bowling alleys. Many people want to buy bowling shoes to wear when they are out and about in town just because famous bowlers like Jason Belmonte wears theses shoes when bowling. You can draw bowling shoe inspiration from a pro bowler but only if you are going to wear your bowling shoes in the bowling alley only.
If you are wondering which bowling shoes Jason Belmonte chooses to wear, you should search the Dexter website.
Jason Belmonte forms part of team Dexter and he was spotted wearing the Dexter SST 6 Hybrid Boa Bowling Shoes during the 2020 PBA Clash.
Conclusion
Bowling shoes are made of either synthetic leather, or real leather. Some of them have the split sole with a rubber sole. Some are high top, and some go up to your ankle. Some are padded and have a tongue of synthetic leather which can cover the top of the foot.
Finding a pair that’s comfortable for you can take time. While you may want to wear the same bowling shoes as your favorite professional bowler, you may want to try on boots that you’re considering buying before you buy them. It would be ideal if you could try on a pair of bowling shoes and wear them around for at least an hour to see if they are what you need for bowling. It is always best to buy such shoes in person as opposed to buying these shoes online because you’ll be able to try them on properly. However, if you have tried on a specific bowling shoe and find that the pair works out cheaper onlinem then surely you can save a few bucks and shop online.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Dexter Bowling | Best Overall | |
| Dexter Mens Kam Bowling Shoes | Budget Pick | |
| Dexter Bowling | Upgrade Pick | |