Another quick question on shoes

[LOUVIT]

universal or dedicated shoes?

I love these shoes, I am a reader of reviews and these are the only ones in this price range that say they slide good. they are universal and I am afraid of falling. I am a short large man with a bad back and have taken 2 nose dives months ago when I just started bowling again. i am right handed, will I have an issue with a universal shoe? the shoes I have now are universal dexter's but are old and don't slide at all I use a slider on the left foot. If I find my right foot sliding with these is there a way to rough up the right shoe so it doesn't slide?

http://www.bowlingball.com/products/bowling-shoes/pyramid/11962/mens-tribal-white-new-item.html

[Amyers]

If you bowl in multiple houses or have issues sliding under normal conditions dedicated is the way to go. In one of my houses the approaches are so slick that walking during the approach with my slide shoe is problematic if I really don't think about putting the heal down first. If these don't apply to you I wouldn't worry about it and just go universal. I honestly know a lot of guys who use a bowling shoe on their slide foot and a tennis shoe on the other and these guys are top level bowlers. Whatever's comfortable for you should work.

[LOUVIT]

If you bowl in multiple houses or have issues sliding under normal conditions dedicated is the way to go. In one of my houses the approaches are so slick that walking during the approach with my slide shoe is problematic if I really don't think about putting the heal down first. If these don't apply to you I wouldn't worry about it and just go universal. I honestly know a lot of guys who use a bowling shoe on their slide foot and a tennis shoe on the other and these guys are top level bowlers. Whatever's comfortable for you should work.

It's hard to say, I've only bowled in one house since my 25 year layoff. the shoes I have are like tennis shoes if it wasn't for the slider I use on my left foot. If I get the universal and both slide how do I stop the right foot from sliding? Can I scratch it up or something?

[RobLV1]

The most important piece of equipment that every bowler owns is his bowling shoes. A price-based decision on what shoes to purchase will come back to haunt you time and time again. Spend the money for a pair of shoes with interchangeable soles and heels. It is a decision that you will never regret!

[LOUVIT]

The most important piece of equipment that every bowler owns is his bowling shoes. A price-based decision on what shoes to purchase will come back to haunt you time and time again. Spend the money for a pair of shoes with interchangeable soles and heels. It is a decision that you will never regret!

for a good bowler in shape I agree. I am an older man pretty large but not tall at all and have back issues. I start my approach at the end of the ball return and take 5 short steps. no speed involved at all but I do have a short slide. i know it's hard to understand. Sorry for making this so difficult. Is there something I can do to the right slider on universal shoes to stop it from sliding if I feel it's too much? if I fall as I did in the past I will hurt myself.

[collinwho]

I agree with Rob that shoes are an incredibly important piece of equipment. I would highly recommend using shoes that are designed for your handedness, instead of universal shoes. If you are on a budget, there (http://www.bowlingball.com/products/bowling-shoes/dexter/9472/mens-pro-am-ii-right-handed.html) are (http://www.bowlingball.com/products/bowling-shoes/etonic/8719/mens-sport-strike-x-white-right-handed.html) options (http://www.bowlingball.com/products/bowling-shoes/pyramid/10497/mens-ra-black-right-handed.html).

I disagree with opting for interchangeable soles and heels. I've seen interchangeable shoes fail before and the velcro just letting go when going into my slide isn't something I ever want to experience. I wear a slider on my slide foot and that is what has worked the best for me. I have a couple backup sliders in my bag so when I inevitably step into some unseen spilled water (seems to happen about once a season) I can easily swap my slider out without any issues.

That being said, I'm not sure of anything you can do to make a sliding sole less slick. You could wear non-matching shoes. I've seen bowlers that literally wear a bowling shoe on their slide foot and a standard tennis shoe on the right.

[NewToBowling]

The most important piece of equipment that every bowler owns is his bowling shoes. A price-based decision on what shoes to purchase will come back to haunt you time and time again. Spend the money for a pair of shoes with interchangeable soles and heels. It is a decision that you will never regret!

No, the most important piece of equipment are bowling balls. Everything else is secondary

[AlexNC]

Even though they are more expensive, gotta have nice shoes. You will notice the difference. For the same price as a pair of mediocre universal shoes, you can find a pair of used SST 5s or 6s on Ebay. I got the SST 5's I am currently wearing for $40 on Ebay. Replaced the heal and slide sole for my liking and used a magic eraser to clean them up and they work great.

[RobLV1]

No, the most important piece of equipment are bowling balls. Everything else is secondary

Every single certified coach will tell you that the FIRST piece of equipment that a beginning bowler should purchase is their own bowling shoes. Before a ball? Yes. Shoes are first. If you can't control your slide, it really doesn't matter what ball you have in your hand.

LOUVIT: I have degenerative bone disease from my neck down to my tailbone. What you can do to control to control your right foot is to get away from universal shoes. The fact that you are out of shape and have a bad back makes good shoes more important, not less.

[bowl1820]

No, the most important piece of equipment are bowling balls. Everything else is secondary

As important as a ball is, shoes are what get you to the line. If your not getting to the line good, it won't matter what ball your rolling.

Interchangeable sole shoes offer the most adjustment options and are the Cadillac of shoes. Do you need them?

That depends, if your bowling in multiple houses then yes they can make the difference. If your just bowling in one house then you don't necessarily need them but they can be useful at times.

You should have shoes though that have a slide sole and a grip sole. They make them and they are not that much different in price than universal sole shoes.

Universal sole shoes are okay if your just a occasional bowler or beginner, but if your wanting to be more than that then you invest in shoes.

[JaxBowlingGuy]

I disagree with opting for interchangeable soles and heels. I've seen interchangeable shoes fail before and the velcro just letting go when going into my slide isn't something I ever want to experience. I wear a slider on my slide foot and that is what has worked the best for me. I have a couple backup sliders in my bag so when I inevitably step into some unseen spilled water (seems to happen about once a season) I can easily swap my slider out without any issues.



For the first time ever I had my heel come off during release this past Wednesday. Still don't know what happened as the heel was fine for 2 games and 7 frames then just wouldn't stick at all (after it came off).. Put another heel on and stuck just fine. Usually the heels I have used I dang near have to pry them off because they stick so good.

[JaxBowlingGuy]

Traction for non slide foot

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb407/gunsnjax/6B5AB9D4-FEA4-407D-A215-34F45B1CDB32_zpsv9mpoiag.jpg (http://s1204.photobucket.com/user/gunsnjax/media/6B5AB9D4-FEA4-407D-A215-34F45B1CDB32_zpsv9mpoiag.jpg.html)

[Tony]

I certainly agree that a comfortable supportive shoe is important and I opted for some universal sole shoes over interchangeable sole / grip sole.
It would be fine for me to have interchangeable soles and heels on both shoes but I found when trying to use a grip sole that because I tend so shuffle a little with my right foot instead of picking it up that the grip sole nearly killed me !
I have also found that after a short time the right / non sliding universal shoe loses a good deal of the slickness and doesn't slide a lot but just enough that I don't trip myself when I shuffle my foot.

[billf]

Good, comfortable shoes are the single most important piece of equipment you can purchase. I wear Dexter's out in a year, two for the Tanks. Now I have 3G Tour Ultra, had over a year and still look and feel brand new.
Personally, i don't see the need for interchangeable on the non-slide foot however some seem to swear by them.

Getting a ball before shoes is like having a great stereo in a car that doesn't run.

[RobLV1]

Good analogy!

[mc_runner]

Guys, I think NtB was being tongue in cheek. You can't bowl without a ball.

In terms of equipment, shoes are super important.

[LOUVIT]

I certainly agree that a comfortable supportive shoe is important and I opted for some universal sole shoes over interchangeable sole / grip sole.
It would be fine for me to have interchangeable soles and heels on both shoes but I found when trying to use a grip sole that because I tend so shuffle a little with my right foot instead of picking it up that the grip sole nearly killed me !
I have also found that after a short time the right / non sliding universal shoe loses a good deal of the slickness and doesn't slide a lot but just enough that I don't trip myself when I shuffle my foot.


this is exactly what I am afraid of. The grip sole tripping me. that's why I want to buy universals and rough up the non slide shoe a bit so I'm not ice skating...I bowl in one house and take very short slow steps and slide a little bit, but when I do stick it is horrible since my balance is off due to my back and size.

[classygranny]

this is exactly what I am afraid of. The grip sole tripping me. that's why I want to buy universals and rough up the non slide shoe a bit so I'm not ice skating...

Interchangeable soles have a non-sliding foot sole in many different grips...ie; one that doesn't grip enough to trip you up. You just have to find the combination that matches your style.

[Hawk]

I picked up a pair of pyramid Ra Black right hand shoes from bowling ball.com. $49.99 they slide Ok for me the right has good grip it stays planted.

[bowl1820]

this is exactly what I am afraid of. The grip sole tripping me. that's why I want to buy universals and rough up the non slide shoe a bit so I'm not ice skating...I bowl in one house and take very short slow steps and slide a little bit, but when I do stick it is horrible since my balance is off due to my back and size.

About the only thing that will reduce the slide some that can be easily done is to use a wire brush and keep the nap roughed up on the sole and keep the rubber heel real clean.

Another option would be to get a sneaker/deck shoe and use it for the grip shoe (It's been done many times).

Considering all the issues you have described with your approach and your fear of falling. IMO the only way your going to find something that works and your satisfied with will be through trial and error and the cheaper you try to do it or trying to McGuyver the shoes, the harder it probably will be to find the right answer.

[Tony]

this is exactly what I am afraid of. The grip sole tripping me. that's why I want to buy universals and rough up the non slide shoe a bit so I'm not ice skating...I bowl in one house and take very short slow steps and slide a little bit, but when I do stick it is horrible since my balance is off due to my back and size.

What I have experienced is that with a slide sole on both feet work for me, the ball of the right foot slides enough that I don't trip myself when I shuffle/scuff it along the ground on my approach. I tend to slide a bit with the left and then plant it.

Since I am assuming you have univ shoes now you could experiment by putting a tennis shoe on the other foot and taking some approach practice or even go to the bowling center and rent a pair of shoes and wear the tennis shoe. You might find it works well for you. If you have a tendency to shuffle as I do it might not always work and you would need either univ or changeable soles on both shoes.

[LOUVIT]

What I have experienced is that with a slide sole on both feet work for me, the ball of the right foot slides enough that I don't trip myself when I shuffle/scuff it along the ground on my approach. I tend to slide a bit with the left and then plant it.

Since I am assuming you have univ shoes now you could experiment by putting a tennis shoe on the other foot and taking some approach practice or even go to the bowling center and rent a pair of shoes and wear the tennis shoe. You might find it works well for you. If you have a tendency to shuffle as I do it might not always work and you would need either univ or changeable soles on both shoes.

I will be bowling tomorrow morning and will try that. My shoes are universl but they are so old neither slide. I have a slider on my left shoe.I do tend to be off balance at times after release. In the link I posted these shoes seem to slide a lot that's what gets me, I'm worried the right shoe will slide too much...lol i am so confused. I went to my local pro shop and all they have is Dexter and not a wide selection so I have to buy online.

[NewToBowling]

Given my choice of house ball and interchangeable shoes or house shoe and custom fitted ball I'll take the latter every time. I can bowl decent with house shoes, forget it with house balls. That would ruin my game.

In other words if my shoe came apart during bowling I'd be ok, sure not ideal but ok with house shoes for a night, not a deal breaker. If my only custom fitted ball cracked and had to use house ball, forget about it.

[Tony]

I will be bowling tomorrow morning and will try that. My shoes are universl but they are so old neither slide. I have a slider on my left shoe.I do tend to be off balance at times after release. In the link I posted these shoes seem to slide a lot that's what gets me, I'm worried the right shoe will slide too much...lol i am so confused. I went to my local pro shop and all they have is Dexter and not a wide selection so I have to buy online.

I purchased my shoes online from our sponsor and found the Brunswick Warrior run the same size as my nike shoes, I think they have a small extra fee sure fit type of plan, so you can check into that and be assured you can exchange them if you get the wrong size.
I really don't have a problem with the right shoe being to slick, and I really didn't do anything to it, YMMV

[Tony]

Given my choice of house ball and interchangeable shoes or house shoe and custom fitted ball I'll take the latter every time. I can bowl decent with house shoes, forget it with house balls. That would ruin my game.

In other words if my shoe came apart during bowling I'd be ok, sure not ideal but ok with house shoes for a night, not a deal breaker. If my only custom fitted ball cracked and had to use house ball, forget about it.

I would think this would be true for most league bowlers, I would give up my shoes before giving up my ball every time.

[RobLV1]

A few years ago I was watching a PBA Regional event at my home center. One of the players, top ten in the world at the time, stepped in something just before match play elimination began. He bowled a 140 game. His comment was, "Sorry folks, if I can't slide, I can't bowl." Then ten bowling balls he had with him were no help without decent shoes. As a long time PBA member and Silver Level Coach, I will tell you without hesitation that if I don't have my bowling balls with me, I will find a way to get a house ball to the pocket. If I don't have my shoes with me, I'm going home!

[NewToBowling]

A few years ago I was watching a PBA Regional event at my home center. One of the players, top ten in the world at the time, stepped in something just before match play elimination began. He bowled a 140 game. His comment was, "Sorry folks, if I can't slide, I can't bowl." Then ten bowling balls he had with him were no help without decent shoes. As a long time PBA member and Silver Level Coach, I will tell you without hesitation that if I don't have my bowling balls with me, I will find a way to get a house ball to the pocket. If I don't have my shoes with me, I'm going home!

I have to disagree 100%. Ask that pro if somehow all his balls cracked and had to use house ball for the remainder of the tournament. I'm sure he'd take house shoes over that scenario.

What is the very first thing we tell new bowlers when they want to get serious? It is always get your own ball drilled to your own hand. We all know that using house balls or even other people's custom drilled balls will NEVER advance your game. The grip issues will never allow you to grow as a bowler.

I'm very surprised any of you are saying that shoes are more important than balls.

[RobLV1]

Disagree all you like. EVERY USBC certified coach will tell you the same thing: shoes first, ball second. As for asking that Pro, it's Robert Smith, Maximum Bob. I'll be sure to ask him the next time I talk to him.

[fortheloveofbowling]

Ask him hypothetically in a tournament with a LONGER PBA PATTERN which he would do: use house shoes and his regular bowling balls or his own shoes and a house ball. Robert Smith with a house ball could average more than most of us on a LEAGUE PATTERN. But TRUTHFULLY, which combination would you average more with?

[2handedsniper]

I agree with Rob. I forgot my ball and bowled really well with my new shoes.

[fortheloveofbowling]

I agree with Rob. I forgot my ball and bowled really well with my new shoes.

Debate settled.:rolleyes:

[Tony]

Disagree all you like. EVERY USBC certified coach will tell you the same thing: shoes first, ball second. As for asking that Pro, it's Robert Smith, Maximum Bob. I'll be sure to ask him the next time I talk to him.

I was speaking for myself personally, I am not a pro bowler, not bowling at multiple houses, have a slow easy delivery, and bowl on a house pattern. I currently use universal shoes, changing to house shoes have very little if any effect on my game. Using a house ball as compared to my normal ball is much more or a hindrance for me.

I would not say they the same would apply to everyone, if the USBC teaches, and expert bowlers attest to shoes first, I'm sure it's because for most of the people most of the time that is the best option.

Some people will be exceptions to that rule, just like there are exceptions to most rules.
I had a teammate that forgot his shoes and ball at home for a morning league, he used house shoes and ball and he shot a 750+, It was one of his highest series of the year. (210 or so avg bowler)

[NewToBowling]

So if a new bowler comes up to a coach and says he can only afford one item: ball or shoe. But he wants to start learning the proper way to bowl you would lean towards him buying a new pair of shoes vs custom drilled bowling ball? How will this advance the newbie bowler?

How will using house balls make him a better bowler? The number one thing a new bowler will need is a custom fit drilled ball. Because we sure don't want them picking up bad habits from using house balls. Certainly a certified coach can agree with that.

Difference between house ball vs custom drilled ball is night and day. If it weren't so important how come PSO shop owners are charging $70 to drill a ball for you. They should all just drill generic holes like house balls for every customer.

[RobLV1]

If a bowler can't generate slide with his sliding foot, and traction with his non-sliding foot to generate power, he cannot be taught the basics of bowling without which no ball is going to help. The idea here is that with his own pair of shoes a bowler can be taught to bowl by a qualified coach. If the bowler is not willing to spend the money to learn the basics of the game from a qualified coach, then I guess it really doesn't matter anyway. You have your beliefs and despite the fact that thousands of certified coaches around the world will disagree with you, you are obviously bound and determined to hold on to them.

[ep1977]

I can easily bowl with any shoes. Having the ball fitted to my hand and having my personal thumb mold in the ball makes all the difference to me.

[1VegasBowler]

Good, comfortable shoes are the single most important piece of equipment you can purchase. I wear Dexter's out in a year, two for the Tanks. Now I have 3G Tour Ultra, had over a year and still look and feel brand new.
Personally, i don't see the need for interchangeable on the non-slide foot however some seem to swear by them.

Getting a ball before shoes is like having a great stereo in a car that doesn't run.

I concur here.

While rare, there are some who can bowl without sliding, but I limit that to those who are advanced in age (65+), and that is for those who have physical limitations that do not allow them to have the traditional approach.

House shoes get so worn down, that, sliding is practically impossible. The tendency to stick is far greater because they do not maintain their shoes like we do.

If I cannot bowl in my own shoes, I will not bowl under any circumstances. Injury risks are bad enough with our own shoes. House shoes make it even greater.

[billf]

Let's be brutally honest. By the time a "newbie" goes to a coach they have a cheap, polyester ball and if lucky cheap shoes.
Now when this bowler is doing a one step drill learning how to utilize the power step properly to get full affect of their slide the house shoes as well as some cheap shoes show their value. That's on day one.
I've never, ever had a newbie show for a lesson without one of the two, ball or shoes.

Once the release is consistent and correct then we can get them a resin ball drilled to their PAP so it will react as desired. That's like getting shoes the correct size. A ball without a good release and no known PAP is similar to getting a box of shoes without knowing the size inside; you just don't know how it will fit.

[NewToBowling]

If a bowler can't generate slide with his sliding foot, and traction with his non-sliding foot to generate power, he cannot be taught the basics of bowling without which no ball is going to help. The idea here is that with his own pair of shoes a bowler can be taught to bowl by a qualified coach. If the bowler is not willing to spend the money to learn the basics of the game from a qualified coach, then I guess it really doesn't matter anyway. You have your beliefs and despite the fact that thousands of certified coaches around the world will disagree with you, you are obviously bound and determined to hold on to them.

But there is still an "if", with bowling balls there is no if. Some people can slide perfectly with house shoes. People can not bowl correctly (hook, hand grip pressure, span/pitch issues) unless you are going to teach people to bowl straight while gripping house balls.

Change your statement of "If a bowler can't generate slide with his sliding foot, and traction with his non-sliding foot to generate power..." to "When a bowler does not have a custom fitted ball to his hand....he can not be taught the basics of bowling without which no shoe is going to help" I believe the latter statement to be far truer than the (your) former one.

House shoes are still designed to slide. That is still their purpose.

House balls are designed to be there so you have something to throw at the pins. They are drilled for general use.

But yeah, this thread has jumped the shark already. Rob I know you agree with my statement above so we'll just leave it at that :)

[billf]

House shoes are still designed to slide. That is still their purpose.

House balls are designed to be there so you have something to throw at the pins. They are drilled for general use.

Actually house shoes are designed to not deface the approach. Slide is a by-product and it on both soles not allowing for the proper utilization of the power/pivot step.

I get where you're coming from and there are issues without either. I hate having to break bad habits that were previously taught, like gripping. Both are needed for optimum performance no matter what level. It's a chicken or egg scenario.

[1VegasBowler]

But there is still an "if", with bowling balls there is no if. Some people can slide perfectly with house shoes. People can not bowl correctly (hook, hand grip pressure, span/pitch issues) unless you are going to teach people to bowl straight while gripping house balls.

Change your statement of "If a bowler can't generate slide with his sliding foot, and traction with his non-sliding foot to generate power..." to "When a bowler does not have a custom fitted ball to his hand....he can not be taught the basics of bowling without which no shoe is going to help" I believe the latter statement to be far truer than the (your) former one.

House shoes are still designed to slide. That is still their purpose.

House balls are designed to be there so you have something to throw at the pins. They are drilled for general use.

Teaching a new person to bowl isn't about showing them how to hook a ball right away. It's about teaching them the basics of bowling.

While people will develop their own approach, if they can't slide properly everything else is wasted.

[Amyers]

But there is still an "if", with bowling balls there is no if. Some people can slide perfectly with house shoes. People can not bowl correctly (hook, hand grip pressure, span/pitch issues) unless you are going to teach people to bowl straight while gripping house balls.

Change your statement of "If a bowler can't generate slide with his sliding foot, and traction with his non-sliding foot to generate power..." to "When a bowler does not have a custom fitted ball to his hand....he can not be taught the basics of bowling without which no shoe is going to help" I believe the latter statement to be far truer than the (your) former one.

House shoes are still designed to slide. That is still their purpose.

House balls are designed to be there so you have something to throw at the pins. They are drilled for general use.

But yeah, this thread has jumped the shark already. Rob I know you agree with my statement above so we'll just leave it at that :)

I really think both are true I can't bowl well without a quality shoe and I can't bowl well without a ball that properly fits. Neither is really an option and honestly if you can't afford both go mow some yards or shovel some snow for extra money. For most of us shoes last a while my previous shoes lasted 20 years my current ones won't but I'll still likely get 5 years of bowling 3-4 times a week more than 3 games each time I'll bowl well over 700 games this year alone. I think we can agree the price difference is around $60 if you shop around the difference is about 8 cents a game for even if bought new shoes every year.

Now if the question was would I rather only be able to bowl with my $50 spare ball and good shoes or use house shoes and I can use any ball I want. Which would I take? I'll bowl with my plastic ball it makes that much difference.

As to the question is there away to markup a universal shoe to keep it from sliding not really and anything you do there is likely to offer the potential for problems. If your worried about a non sliding sole sticking to much I've never seen that happen but if it does that's not necessarily a bad thing. It just lets you know there is a problem with your approach that needs fixed.

[NewToBowling]

Teaching a new person to bowl isn't about showing them how to hook a ball right away. It's about teaching them the basics of bowling.

While people will develop their own approach, if they can't slide properly everything else is wasted.

Except you aren't going to be able to teach them anything if they balls aren't drilled to their hand. Teaching someone how to bowl using house balls isn't going to help them at all and in fact frustrate them because we all know it's about the ball "holding" onto you (and your thumb more specifically) then you holding onto the ball.

At the end of the day the single most important item in bowling is a custom fitted bowling ball, everything else is secondary.

[RobLV1]

NewToBowling: I think that you are confusing teaching bowling to rank beginners and teaching bowling to someone who is already in a league and wants to learn to bowl better. According to Mark Baker, and I am in total agreement, the first thing that a coach must do is to teach someone enough to break 100 consistently. Once they can do that, they are likely to buy shoes, and a bowling ball that are fitted to them. Until that time, you have one brand new bowler with house shoes and a house ball that you have to teach to bowl well enough to break 100. This is what coaches do; we teach the basics of timing, aiming, and the direction of the armswing to get the bowler started. Once they are able to break 100 and get "hooked" enough to want to get better, we encourage them to get their own shoes, and then, their own ball. They are still beginners, but they realize that they have a lot to learn and will often make the commitment to take lessons and follow the advice of experienced coaches. These are the bowlers who start with the basics and learn to bowl without depending on steroid bowling balls to do all of the work for them.

[NewToBowling]

I'm not downplaying the importance of shoes or any other bowling accessory. I think they all play a vital role in growth of any bowler.

But common sense says you can't progress as a bowler still using house balls. So my original statement stands.

I was just questioning Rob's assertion that a bowling shoe is the most important piece of equipment someone needs.

[NewToBowling]

NewToBowling: I think that you are confusing teaching bowling to rank beginners and teaching bowling to someone who is already in a league and wants to learn to bowl better. According to Mark Baker, and I am in total agreement, the first thing that a coach must do is to teach someone enough to break 100 consistently. Once they can do that, they are likely to buy shoes, and a bowling ball that are fitted to them. Until that time, you have one brand new bowler with house shoes and a house ball that you have to teach to bowl well enough to break 100. This is what coaches do; we teach the basics of timing, aiming, and the direction of the armswing to get the bowler started. Once they are able to break 100 and get "hooked" enough to want to get better, we encourage them to get their own shoes, and then, their own ball. They are still beginners, but they realize that they have a lot to learn and will often make the commitment to take lessons and follow the advice of experienced coaches. These are the bowlers who start with the basics and learn to bowl without depending on steroid bowling balls to do all of the work for them.

Not a question of steroid balls. Question of custom fit. I'm emphasizing the custom fit, not the actual ball itself. If they want to buy an undrilled house ball fine, just get it custom drilled (or plug and redrill)

Can't have a relaxed arm swing if you have the grip of death on the ball. And that affects your timing and aim. Won't be able to consistently hit your mark with grip of death arm swing. And if you can then why am I wasting all my money on custom drilled balls. Could have had them just drill generic holes.

But yeah, this thread got hijacked. Sorry OP :)

[Tony]

As to the question is there away to markup a universal shoe to keep it from sliding not really and anything you do there is likely to offer the potential for problems. If your worried about a non sliding sole sticking to much I've never seen that happen but if it does that's not necessarily a bad thing. It just lets you know there is a problem with your approach that needs fixed.

With the non sliding sole sticking too much, I have had this issue and can empathize with the OP, I admit my approach is not ideal, but it's mainly due to medical issues, and it's not really something that can be changed. With the OP statement that balance is an issue and a fear of tripping with a grip sole on the non sliding sole, I've had that happen with some shoes I bought last year and went back to universal shoes. I practiced for hours with the right handed shoes on my wood floors at home and simply can not count on picking my right foot up and walking to the line correctly every time, the times I do scuff my sole against the ground will and did cause me to trip.
It seems the OP has a similar issue and even though it's not the ideal situation one would hope for the suggestions and comments should reflect his concern and help provide information that can help him choose the right path to allow him to continue bowling safely.

The whole off shoot of ball vs shoes while interesting, is not really relevant to his original question, and probably didn't assist his need.

[Amyers]

With the non sliding sole sticking too much, I have had this issue and can empathize with the OP, I admit my approach is not ideal, but it's mainly due to medical issues, and it's not really something that can be changed. With the OP statement that balance is an issue and a fear of tripping with a grip sole on the non sliding sole, I've had that happen with some shoes I bought last year and went back to universal shoes. I practiced for hours with the right handed shoes on my wood floors at home and simply can not count on picking my right foot up and walking to the line correctly every time, the times I do scuff my sole against the ground will and did cause me to trip.
It seems the OP has a similar issue and even though it's not the ideal situation one would hope for the suggestions and comments should reflect his concern and help provide information that can help him choose the right path to allow him to continue bowling safely.

The whole off shoot of ball vs shoes while interesting, is not really relevant to his original question, and probably didn't assist his need.

As always when I post I'm talking for the average bowler many people do have disabilities and medical issues that have to be taken into consideration. I've also found that a lot of coaches are able to help bowlers find different ways around a physical problem that may be able to help rather than the method they have chosen.

Your probably correct that the ball vs shoe discussion didn't help the OP but it was insightful in many ways. My youngest daughter 12 bowls competitively (tournaments, Jr Gold) I've always told myself that universal fit shoes were fine for even a higher level younger bowler. Now maybe I need to rethink that.

[bowl1820]

The original question asked was "universal or dedicated shoes?"

Universal is referring to shoes that have a non-marking "slide sole" on both shoes, so that either handed people may use them. These are what are commonly used for "house" shoes.

Dedicated shoes in this instance is referring to bowling shoes that have a different sole on each shoe, one sole that slides and one that doesn't (a traction sole). Example: For a right-handed bowler the left shoe would have a sliding sole and the right shoe a traction sole.

Power in bowling comes from the legs and the next to last step in your approach is called the power step.

Having a traction sole allows you to push stronger into the slide with that power step, This helps you generate more power and transfer that power to your shot more effectively.

Having a "slide" sole on that shoe would not be as effective at generating and transferring that power. Because it "slides", it has some slip to it.

So the answer is a "Dedicated" shoe is preferred, if you want the most effective footing you can get.

Is that answer set in stone? No.

There's always exceptions to the rule, Say a bowler uses a plant and shoot style. A lot of them don't want slide at all, So they wear a tennis shoe (essentially a traction sole on both shoes). Or in the case of the O.P. who has issues about sticking that could affect his balance and induce a fall. Having a standard traction sole could be a issue.

But in general dedicated left or right handed shoes are the preferred shoes to have.

[LOUVIT]

i hope this helped some of the bowlers, I did some video and I walk to the line with 5 short steps but for some reason I need that little slide on the release. If I do not get that little slide I go forward. That video opened my eyes to how much I was bending at the waist and no knee bend at all ( i can't bend my knees yet) So I strightened up and it felt so much better and I didn't pull the ball as much.