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Bowling Shoe Guide: Soles and Heels Explained
Bowling Shoe Guide: Soles and Heels Explained
Explaining bowling shoes and the use of the soles and heels and the features of performance bowling shoes can get complicated. But it is the ability to swap slide soles and brake heels to enable yourself to have a better footing on the approach to bowl better and have more fun.. This option lets you replace worn parts, extending the shoes’ lifespan. It also offers control over your slide by providing different sole and heel options. Let’s explore these accessories and what they can do for you.
Types of Bowling Shoe Soles and Heels
- Bowling Shoe Slide Soles: Typically made of microfiber or leather, these soles are for the sliding foot (right foot for lefties, left foot for righties) to aid in sliding.
- Bowling Shoe Traction Soles: Usually rubber, these are for the traction foot (left foot for lefties, right foot for righties) to help with push-off and stability.
- Bowling Shoe Brake Heels: Made of rubber or leather, these heels on both feet provide grip at the end of a slide.
Why Adjust?
Every bowler has a unique style. Customizing Bowling shoe soles and heels combinations lets you fine-tune your shoes to match your technique. Changing conditions at bowling centers, like the approach surface or even the weather, can also require adjustments. This is crucial if you bowl in various locations.
Number System
Bowling shoe soles and heels often use a number system. Generally lower numbers mean less slide; higher numbers mean more. New shoes usually come with mid-range options, giving you room to tweak.
Want to slide more? Choose a higher number. Need less slide? Opt for a lower number.
Finding the Right Combo
Testing different combinations will help you find what works best for you. External factors may cause you to switch up your setup often, so keeping extra options on hand is wise. Some bowling shoes come with extra bowling shoe soles & heels; others don’t.
Sometimes, just changing the heel instead of the sole can make a big difference.
Fitting and Care
Most soles are one-size-fits-all and can be trimmed to match your shoe size. Place your shoe on the sole, trace it, and cut along the line.
Regular cleaning with a wire shoe brush keeps soles in good shape. Always wear a bowling shoe cover or switch to street shoes when leaving the bowling area.
Explore more on how to care for bowling shoes and choosing the right pair in related articles on our site.
Bowling Shoe Guide: Soles and Heels Explained Recap
In the sport of bowling, your equipment can make all the difference in your performance. That’s why it’s important to not only have a good bowling ball, but also the right pair of bowling shoes.
One often overlooked aspect of bowling shoes is the soles and heels. Many beginner bowlers may not realize that these components can be changed and customized to fit their specific needs and playing style. Changing your soles and heels to fins tune your slide is sometimes as important as making the right ball change or playing the right part of the pattern.