Bowling Shoes
From LoveToKnow Shoes
By Amber McNaught
It's the part of going bowling we all hate--having to change into those ugly old bowling shoes provided by the bowling alley!
It doesn't have to be this way, though! If you buy your own bowling shoes, you can often find a style you won't be ashamed to be seen in!
Why Should I Buy Bowling Shoes?
For those of us for whom bowling is nothing more than a fun night out now and again, it's tempting to wonder why we even need bowling shoes. Why not just wear sneakers or street shoes?
Well, sneakers would be a very bad idea in a bowling alley. Just imagine striding up to the lane and having the thick grips on your sneakers stop you dead before you can even take your turn! Street shoes, too, can be just as inappropriate. They're either too smooth, not smooth enough, or the heels are too high to allow you to bowl without causing damage to the floor.
Finding Stylish Shoes
Bowling is fun, but wearing shoes that a hundred other people have worn before you isn't. And, if you're bowling as part of a date, the thought of wearing shoes you didn't get to spend hours choosing may not be too much fun either.
If bowling forms a regular part of your social life, it may be a good idea to buy a pair of bowling shoes for your own. You can generally pick up a pair of new bowling shoes for around $30. As an added bonus, they don't all come in loud, primary colors like the shoes at the bowling alley.
These days, bowling shoes look a lot like sneakers. You'll find a wide selection at Bowling.com. If you take your bowling seriously, you can also buy your own bowling ball and other accessories to match.
If your budget won't quite stretch to a new pair of bowling shoes, why not buy a set of shoe covers? These simply slip over your hired bowling shoes to let you match your shoes with your outfit.
Types of Bowling Shoes
If you do decide to buy your own pair of bowling shoes, there are two basic types to choose from: athletic bowling shoes and performance bowling shoes.
As the name suggests, athletic bowling shoes look just like regular athletic shoes. However, they also have soles and other details that are designed especially for bowling.
If you're a serious bowler, performance shoes are the choice for you. These shoes are specially designed to give optimum performance. One sole is designed for sliding, the other for breaking. If you bowl with your right hand, then the "sliding" sole should be on the left-hand shoe, and vice versa.
Getting the Right Fit
As with other types of sports shoes, it's important your bowling shoes fit correctly, both in terms of width and length. If in doubt, visit a sports store and have your shoes measured by a professional the first time you buy.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 3,481 times. This page was last modified 05:58, 1 July 2008.
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