Shoes?

[rv driver]

Can anybody here tell me anything about a comparison between Dexter and Etonic? I have a small foot (Usually wear a 7.5 C -- and my foot is thin). I have a hard time finding street shoes that fit well, let alone specialty shoes. I'm pretty trepidatious about buying shoes on the net untried, so does anyone know about the general characteristics of these two brands? I've heard that Dexter runs large, and that Etonic runs narrow. Is that particularly true? If so, I think I need to lean more toward Etonic. Thoughts?

[circlecity]

I've never worn either of the brands mentioned but it sounds like you need to visit a pro shop and try on a bunch of shoes.

[rv driver]

Problem is, my shop doesn't carry that many shoes in stock... Was hoping to get a good pair on BB.com. At least they have a return guarantee.

[vdubtx]

Think it's only the newer Dexters that run large. I have had my pair of sst6 Dexter's for about 5/6 years now and are just now starting to show their wear. The plant foot sole is starting to lose it's tread. May need a new pair for myself soon. Will go with Dexter again since I have an assortment of interchangeable soles and heels already.

[Amyers]

My last pair of dexters lasted over 20 years now I paid good money for them about 90 dollars then. I just bought a new pair of dexter SST-8 this year and love them but I have a wide foot. All I can tell you is my dexters have been great. I bought a pair of brunswicks for the wife that were crap didn't pay much for them though. The kids have Etonics they've been okay so far but can't really tell much because they are less than a year old too.

[rv driver]

I visited the pro shop just to see what they had in stock (mostly SSTs -- one really low-end model, and only a couple Etonics), and the guy told me that he'd heard Etonic was out of the bowling market. He said that they'd lost their tournament sanctioning. The Etonics I tried on were VERY narrow -- in fact, they pinched my foot -- and I have a narrow foot. So I'm looking at Dexter exclusively now. Here's a question: Unless you get the ones with the interchangeable soles/heels, what's the real difference between universal shoes and RH/LH shoes performance-wise?

[vdubtx]

For the RH/LH shoes, the benefit is having a good rubber sole for your pushaway and traction on your approach. Otherwise you will be slipping with both feet having leather soles with the universals.

[Amyers]

Shoes last a long time for most people longer than most balls. Don't be afraid to invest a little money in them. I'm not saying you have to buy the most expensive but it's not somewhere you really want to scrimp.

[Amyers]

I visited the pro shop just to see what they had in stock (mostly SSTs -- one really low-end model, and only a couple Etonics), and the guy told me that he'd heard Etonic was out of the bowling market. He said that they'd lost their tournament sanctioning. The Etonics I tried on were VERY narrow -- in fact, they pinched my foot -- and I have a narrow foot. So I'm looking at Dexter exclusively now. Here's a question: Unless you get the ones with the interchangeable soles/heels, what's the real difference between universal shoes and RH/LH shoes performance-wise?

By the way just because you make a thousand post about your search for shoes I don't think bowling boards.com is going to give you a pair of shoes. Their is no weekly shoe contest. We may have created a monster here. Oh great now I'm probably giving him ideas.

[Hampe]

For the RH/LH shoes, the benefit is having a good rubber sole for your pushaway and traction on your approach. Otherwise you will be slipping with both feet having leather soles with the universals.
Yea I definitely DO NOT recommend the universal ones. The shoes I bought for my wife are universal, and I'm already looking for a new pair :).

If you are a tournament bowler that bowls in new houses quite regularly (or plan to in the future), I would definitely recommend getting shoes with the exchangeable soles. I just recently made the switch this year, and already had times where they saved my butt (where I previously would have had trouble with my old shoes).

If you only play in 1-2 centers 95% of the time, you can just get the LH/RH ones.....WAY cheaper.

[rv driver]

For the RH/LH shoes, the benefit is having a good rubber sole for your pushaway and traction on your approach. Otherwise you will be slipping with both feet having leather soles with the universals.Is the difference really noticeable? I suppose it must be, or all shoes would be universal. I've never tried a pair of designated shoes.

[rv driver]

Shoes last a long time for most people longer than most balls. Don't be afraid to invest a little money in them. I'm not saying you have to buy the most expensive but it's not somewhere you really want to scrimp.
I hate it when the shoes don't fit. Messes up the approach. Very distracting. For me, the biggest concern (I think) is fit and comfort.

[rv driver]

By the way just because you make a thousand post about your search for shoes I don't think bowling boards.com is going to give you a pair of shoes. Their is no weekly shoe contest. We may have created a monster here. Oh great now I'm probably giving him ideas.
:p

Ok, ok!

Next is bags... then towels. Then grips, tape, polish, cleaner... you get the drift. ;)

[rv driver]

Yea I definitely DO NOT recommend the universal ones. The shoes I bought for my wife are universal, and I'm already looking for a new pair :).

If you are a tournament bowler that bowls in new houses quite regularly (or plan to in the future), I would definitely recommend getting shoes with the exchangeable soles. I just recently made the switch this year, and already had times where they saved my butt (where I previously would have had trouble with my old shoes).

If you only play in 1-2 centers 95% of the time, you can just get the LH/RH ones.....WAY cheaper.
Yeah, not really at the interchangeable sole stage... yet. Just need a solid pair of shoes that aren't house shoes.

[tccstudent]

I have a pair of SST 8's that ive had for about 6 years. I have a foot that is twice the size of the legendary bigfoot size 15 my sst 8's have always been pretty tight but it is the largest size i can find in anything with interchangable soles

[Amyers]

Is the difference really noticeable? I suppose it must be, or all shoes would be universal. I've never tried a pair of designated shoes.

Simple Answer Yes. You can really tell the difference on the push off on your next to last step.

[mc_runner]

I just got SST6's after using universal shoes for a number of years. It took a game to get used to the different feel, and now I don't think I could go back to universal. Good shoes are a worthwhile investment.

[rv driver]

Simple Answer Yes. You can really tell the difference on the push off on your next to last step.
Thanks, man!

[rv driver]

I have a pair of SST 8's that ive had for about 6 years. I have a foot that is twice the size of the legendary bigfoot size 15 my sst 8's have always been pretty tight but it is the largest size i can find in anything with interchangable soles
You know, that's one thing that really surprised me when I tried some on yesterday. I noticed that the Etonics were REALLY tight across the ball of my foot. And I also noticed that I had to size up to an 8 (which I NEVER have to do) on both Etonics and Dexters. I had on really thin socks, and even the Dexters were a bit tight on my feet. I understand the concept of specialty shoes -- you want them to fit like a glove; they're not supposed to be "roomy" in order to provide support. But I'm surprised I had to size up.

[rv driver]

I just got SST6's after using universal shoes for a number of years. It took a game to get used to the different feel, and now I don't think I could go back to universal. Good shoes are a worthwhile investment.
Yeah, I wondered if the feel would be different -- grippier, because I always noticed the lack of grip on the right foot in the house clown shoes. Another difference I noted was that the slide sole felt ... different ... from the house sole. And I understand there are differences in grippiness, or tack, or whatever, but I don't understand why that's important. My guess is that different houses have different feeling approaches? I hear folks talking about leather as opposed to microfiber, and that leather is *supposed* to be better, but I'm just not going to spend more on the shoes than on my ball.

But I'm under the impression that I do need to spend the couple extra for dedicated soles.

[MICHAEL]

Yeah, I wondered if the feel would be different -- grippier, because I always noticed the lack of grip on the right foot in the house clown shoes. Another difference I noted was that the slide sole felt ... different ... from the house sole. And I understand there are differences in grippiness, or tack, or whatever, but I don't understand why that's important. My guess is that different houses have different feeling approaches? I hear folks talking about leather as opposed to microfiber, and that leather is *supposed* to be better, but I'm just not going to spend more on the shoes than on my ball.

But I'm under the impression that I do need to spend the couple extra for dedicated soles.

The GREAT Thing about Dexter shoes, ( and I have a pair ) it that they can be anything you want! change soles, and heels to your hearts desire!
You can't go wrong with a Dexter!!

Also most Pro shops have a local provider, (I now mine does), and if you I don't like the fit, he simply takes them back the next day and gets another size ect.... that's the BEST REASON, to do business with your local pro, in regards to shoes, IMHA!!

Balls, polish, tape, ect ect... bowlingball.com is a safe economical thrifty way to purchase!

[Amyers]

Yeah, I wondered if the feel would be different -- grippier, because I always noticed the lack of grip on the right foot in the house clown shoes. Another difference I noted was that the slide sole felt ... different ... from the house sole. And I understand there are differences in grippiness, or tack, or whatever, but I don't understand why that's important. My guess is that different houses have different feeling approaches? I hear folks talking about leather as opposed to microfiber, and that leather is *supposed* to be better, but I'm just not going to spend more on the shoes than on my ball.

But I'm under the impression that I do need to spend the couple extra for dedicated soles.

Some houses approaches are much slicker than others but if you are only bowling at 1 or 2 houses interchangeable soles are not that important. It really is necessary for the dedicated soles if not you might as well wear house shoes.

[Hampe]

But I'm under the impression that I do need to spend the couple extra for dedicated soles.Well the dedicated non-replaceable soles shouldn't be too expensive. I remember I bought a pair of RH Dexter Magnums as my first shoes (because they looked like the tennis shoes I normally wear), and they were only like 30-40 bucks, compared to the 100-140 for replaceable sole models. I liked them so much and they were so cheap that I bought another 2 pairs when I ordered another ball later on.

[vdubtx]

Is the difference really noticeable? I suppose it must be, or all shoes would be universal. I've never tried a pair of designated shoes.

Yes, absolutely. Once you get that feeling of a real pushaway on next to last step using a dedicated rubber sole, you will be hooked and could never go back.

If you are ready to take a "rubber soled" step in the direction of becoming a better bowler, I suggest getting good shoes. It's a good investment that will last for 6+ years I would say.

[tccstudent]

academy sports carries bowling shoes sometimes at very good prices

[rv driver]

academy sports carries bowling shoes sometimes at very good prices
Really?! We have an Academy here in SGF. Think I'll go shopping...

[RobLV1]

The other thing about shoes with replaceable soles and heels is that if you should accidently get your sliding shoe wet, you can just change the sole and heel and you have a dry shoe. This alone makes these shoes worth the extra money IMHO.

[rv driver]

The other thing about shoes with replaceable soles and heels is that if you should accidently get your sliding shoe wet, you can just change the sole and heel and you have a dry shoe. This alone makes these shoes worth the extra money IMHO.
I'd thought about that. Problem is, those shoes run at least twice as much as the other ones. But it is something to consider!

[Hampe]

The other thing about shoes with replaceable soles and heels is that if you should accidently get your sliding shoe wet, you can just change the sole and heel and you have a dry shoe. This alone makes these shoes worth the extra money IMHO.While that is true, I don't know if I'd buy them for that reason. You can always keep an extra slide shoe (or complete pair) in one of your bags (and you can buy at least 3 pairs for the same cost as the replaceable sole shoes). I'd really only recommend them for someone who plays in a lot of different centers.

[rv driver]

Here's the Expurgated Version of the Shoe story:

Went to the Pro Shop, where the Pro Shop Guy said the only RH-specific shoes they had in stock would require a second mortgage. i tried on some Etonics (which are now out of the bowling business) and Dexters, just for size, and discovered that I actually wear a size 8.

Someone here (don't remember who) said that Academy carried bowling shoes. SO... I drove ALL THE WAY INTO SPRINGFIELD, because the Academy Guy said on the phone that they did, indeed, carry bowling shoes. Discovered that they had all of 3 styles in stock, none of which were size 8 OR were RH-specific.

Came home and cried/moaned on the Forum.

This morning, Wife (bless her heart!) came in and said, "order some bowling shoes for your birthday, and let me know how much they cost (within reason).
Ordered a pair of Dexter Franks in RH-specific. Should be here by Monday.

[Amyers]

Here's the Expurgated Version of the Shoe story:

Went to the Pro Shop, where the Pro Shop Guy said the only RH-specific shoes they had in stock would require a second mortgage. i tried on some Etonics (which are now out of the bowling business) and Dexters, just for size, and discovered that I actually wear a size 8.

Someone here (don't remember who) said that Academy carried bowling shoes. SO... I drove ALL THE WAY INTO SPRINGFIELD, because the Academy Guy said on the phone that they did, indeed, carry bowling shoes. Discovered that they had all of 3 styles in stock, none of which were size 8 OR were RH-specific.

Came home and cried/moaned on the Forum.

This morning, Wife (bless her heart!) came in and said, "order some bowling shoes for your birthday, and let me know how much they cost (within reason).
Ordered a pair of Dexter Franks in RH-specific. Should be here by Monday.

Congrats those are pretty nice looking

[MICHAEL]

The other thing about shoes with replaceable soles and heels is that if you should accidently get your sliding shoe wet, you can just change the sole and heel and you have a dry shoe. This alone makes these shoes worth the extra money IMHO.

Never even thought of that!!! I might get two extras for my wife and me, on the slide shoe! Yes I just started sliding now on my delivery!!

Started Tuesday, and had two great games doing it.... I think I will continue to slide!! Didn't think I would like it,,,,,,,, BUT BOY WAS ICEMAN WRONG!

Real men Slide, and have a extra set of soles, or is it souls!! LOL

[Amyers]

Never even thought of that!!! I might get two extras for my wife and me, on the slide shoe! Yes I just started sliding now on my delivery!!

Started Tuesday, and had two great games doing it.... I think I will continue to slide!! Didn't think I would like it,,,,,,,, BUT BOY WAS ICEMAN WRONG!

Real men Slide, and have a extra set of soles, or is it souls!! LOL

I would have thought iceman liked sliding all along. Ice is slick

[rv driver]

Never even thought of that!!! I might get two extras for my wife and me, on the slide shoe! Yes I just started sliding now on my delivery!!

Started Tuesday, and had two great games doing it.... I think I will continue to slide!! Didn't think I would like it,,,,,,,, BUT BOY WAS ICEMAN WRONG!

Real men Slide, and have a extra set of soles, or is it souls!! LOL
Iceman's got sole!