What is the classic piece of clothing which we think about when we think of a bowler?
Shoes, right? Does that count as clothing or is that more of an accessory? You know what, it does not matter.
The point is that shoes are an important part of a bowler’s kit. If you have the right pair of shoes, you are going to get the best balance between grip and slide, which will translate to a better release of the ball and, in turn, higher scores.
If you decide to go with a regular pair of bowling alley shoes over a professional pair, you are going to knock points off your score. A great bowling ball will create more opportunity for points, and a great pair of shoes will aid you in that.
We have taken a look at some of the best shoes out there and chosen some of our favorites. All of the shoes on this list are going to give you an advantage when you are on the lanes.
PS: If you're looking for bowling shoes for men you can find them here.
1
Why we like it:
These are great shoes for any bowler. They will improve the scores of amateurs and professionals alike. Great balance, comfort, and breathability.
Summary:
These are the best bowling shoes which we could find. They may be a little more expensive than some other shoes on the market, but they are worth it.
Let’s start with the soles and work our way up. The soles on the bottom can be switched and changed to match your bowling style. Most shoes try to be a one-size-fits-all (when it comes to performance, not when it comes to the fit) but these shoes allow you to customize your shoes to provide the best fit and performance possible.
They also fit extremely comfortably. The shoes are sleek and elegant, they look stylish, and they offer a lot of comfort and cushioning. The soft leather is breathable, comfortable, and flexible, giving your foot room to move. We like the toe drag protector on the front of the shoe which prevents the sole from peeling through constant use.
These shoes give you excellent grip and some slide. When you come to throw the ball, you will find the combination of the two will bring you balance and improved accuracy.
Key Features |
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Red/white/black |
Synthetic |
Selection of sizes |
Soft, full-grain leather |
Pros |
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Sole will not peel |
Reinforced stitches protect shoe integrity |
For right or left handed bowlers |
Protective bag included |
Interchangeable sole |
Cons |
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Expensive |
2
Why we like it:
They are an affordable option which will give great support and grip to the majority of bowlers out there. A good all-round shoe.
Summary:
These shoes look exactly like a pair of sneakers and fit with just as much comfort. The tongue and collar are cushioned for added comfort, especially when the laces are pulled tight for a snug fit. The laces are also adjustable so you can find that perfect fit.
You will also see that the footbed is cushioned to support high arches or flat feet. The uppers feature mesh panels which will allow the air to circulate, keeping your feet fresh and removing any moisture in there. This will help you to avoid blisters and abrasions.
We like how these shoes look. They have a modern yet retro look. They will match any outfit while still giving you superior performance.
Key Features |
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Silver/grey/purple |
Synthetic |
Choice of size |
Mesh surround |
Cushioned footbed |
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Pros |
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Great support for arches |
Comfortable, breathable and cushioned |
Outsole does not mark |
Adjustable laces for added comfort |
For left and right handed bowlers |
Cons |
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No slide |
Can fit small |
3
Why we like it:
We like the look of these shoes. If you want something different, then go for these shoes. They also allow for more slide, so, if that is what you are looking for, then you have found it.
Summary:
If you like unique looking shoes, then you should buy a pair of these. These shoes are unlike any other pair we have seen. We love the multicolored look which will bring some style and panache to the bowling alley. These shoes look so good that you may want a second pair to wear when you are not bowling.
Often a focus on design means you lose something in the performance. This is not so with these shoes. They are comfortable and easy to use, though you may need to get used to the slide. They feature more slide than the average bowling shoe but a few games with them, and you will not even notice.
Key Features |
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Variety of sizes |
Multicolor |
Molded footbed |
Lightweight |
Non-marking sole |
Pros |
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Breathable fabric keeps feet cool |
Lightweight shoe improves performance |
Shoes will not mark alley lanes |
Stylish and unique |
Cons |
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Only comes in one color |
More slide than other shoes |
4
Why we like it:
These are great for amateur or intermediate bowlers. They do not have as much punch as some more professional shoes, but they will get the job done and at an affordable price.
Summary:
These Dexter Kerrie shoes offer a lot of breathability. The textile material allows the air to circulate and the moisture to be wicked away. The result is dry feet even after hours of play (and it's a lot nicer to put dry bowling shoes in your bowling bag...)
The padded insole, collar, and tongue also mean that you have a comfortable fit. The shoes will fit a little stiffly when you first put them on, but a few games of bowling will soon soften then out and have them conform to your feet.
We like the stylish look of these shoes which take you away from the sneaker or classic bowling shoe look. They are bowling shoes which do not look like bowling shoes.
Key Features |
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Grey twill |
Variety of sizes |
Textile |
Microfiber outsoles |
Molded footbed |
Pros |
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Breathable for cool feet |
Cushioned tongue and collar for comfort |
Non-marking sole |
Sturdy and durable |
Cons |
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Can lack padding |
5
Why we like it:
This is an excellent pair of starter shoes for a beginner bowler. They give you a great balance between grip and slide.
Summary:
The microfiber insoles will help to deal with any moisture (and, let’s face it, smell) which may accumulate in the shoe, inhibiting the growth of bacteria. The mesh lining will also help the air to circulate, helping the moisture to be wicked away and the interior of the shoe to be cooled.
We like the look of these shoes. The matte black is complemented by the bright turquoise to bring professionalisms and fun together — a well-made pair of shoes.
Key Features |
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Black/turquoise |
Choice of sizes |
Synthetic |
Non-marking sole |
Microfiber insoles |
Fabric lined collar and tongue |
Pros |
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Great grip on the lanes |
Comfortable |
Durable and high-quality |
Affordable |
Mesh fabric lining adds to breathability |
Cons |
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Not great for professionals |
Only one color |
6
Why we like it:
A great pair of shoes for beginners or for professionals to pack in their kit bag as a spare pair. For the price, you will be hard pressed to find a better performing pair.
Summary:
We like the look of these shoes. They have a retro feel of the classic bowling alley shoes while being brought into the present day. The durable material is going to hold up well under pressure, and the stitching ensures that the shoes are not going to fall apart through repeated use.
One thing which we like about these shoes is the amount of room you get in the toe. You get space so that your toes are not cramped, but that does not cause your foot to slide or slip.
These shoes are affordable with a performance that's better than what you pay — a shoe which will give you great balance and improved scores.
Key Features |
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Two color choices |
Selection of sizes |
Leather uppers |
Padded tongue and collar |
Sliding sole |
Pros |
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The sliding sole gives good slide for those who like it |
Reinforced stitching makes a durable shoe |
Classic bowling shoe design |
Affordable |
Sturdy |
Cons |
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Not a lot of arch support |
7
Why we like it:
We like how comfortable these shoes are. They are great for beginners, and you will not have to shell out a lot of money to get them.
Summary:
You do not have to wear these shoes too many times before they pay for themselves when it comes to comparing them against rentals. The microfiber slide pad on both feet is a nice touch for those who like more slide.
When we put these shoes on, we loved how the padded collar and tongue felt. The EVA midsole also added to that comfort.
If you are looking for a shoe with more slide, then look no further.
Key Features |
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Black or white |
Multiple sizes |
Soft upper |
Lined and padded tongue |
Non-marking soles |
Pros |
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Affordable |
Elevates performance |
Breathable for hours of comfort |
Supportive for feet which have problems |
Cons |
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Can fit bigger |