Shoes?

[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.