Another quick question on 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

[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.