The 5 Best Bowling Shoes for Men
Anyone that has ever tried to bowl with regular sneakers knows that slick-bottomed bowling shoes are essential to the sport. That's because "the slide" is everything for an accurate and powerful roll. And since you have to bowl with these special shoes, why settle for the nasty rentals? Those in the market for some new bowling shoes have come to the right place. There's a seemingly-endless number of options out there, so we decided to whittle down the list to the best of the best. Here, we present our top five favorites in men's bowling shoes, from the best style to the best value.
KR Strikeforce Flyer Black/Orange Men’s Bowling Shoe Right Hand
Strike the perfect balance
How could you go wrong with a bowling shoe called the KR Strikeforce Flyer? This option is designed to amplify your game and maybe even attract some admirers along the way. For starters, it features the best in breathability. Due to the mesh inner lining, the KR Strikeforce ventilates air around the entire perimeter of your foot. It even has air holes on the man-made upper, so say goodbye to sweaty toes. And as far as performance is concerned, this pick is a perfect game. The “komfort fit” soles provide balance and control while the FlexSlide soles are designed for a smooth slide. Plus, this option sports universal slide pads. Thus, even lefties can wield the pin-crushing force of the KR Strikeforce Flyer.
Pros
- Fair price
- Breathable
- High performance
- Premium slide pads
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Style not for everyone
Brunswick Vapor Men’s Bowling Shoe White/Black
A prem-o shoe for a prem-o player
When they put your picture on the “Wall of Fame,” you’re going to want to look your best and feel your best. That’s why we recommend the Brunswick Viper to anyone looking for a premium bowling shoe. Attractive in every facet, from performance to aesthetic, this baby comes with a higher price tag than most other options. Most size and color combinations come in at around fifty dollars, so while it’s not going to cost you the family farm, it’s still a considerable expense for those shopping on a budget. Nonetheless, the Brunswick Vapor offers a high-performance design, with an extra-lightweight construction and a breathable, padded collar and tongue. It’s a worthwhile investment, too, since this pick offers the performance, comfort, and style of other options twice the price.
Pros
- Stylish
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Cons
- White gets scuffed easily
- Pricey
BSI Men’s Basic #521 Bowling Shoes
Sometimes, basic is better
After the cost of the bowling ball, the membership fees, and other essentials, who has the money for shoes? Fortunately, there are options out there that won’t cost an arm and a leg. That’s why we were delighted to discover that the BSI Basic bowling shoes are not only inexpensive, they’re actually incredibly well-made and functional. Although the basic black color won’t turn any heads, the thoughtful design is a testament to quality craftsmanship. For example, the outsole sports tight double-stitching for greater longevity and durability. On the inside, the BSI Basic is lined with a soft plush material that keeps your dogs from getting sore or stuffy. Best of all, this lightweight shoe features the BSI microfiber sliding soles, which deliver a high-performance, medium slide resistance.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Comfortable inner lining
Cons
- Sizing runs slightly big
- Not super breathable
Dexter Men’s Kam Bowling Shoes
Slip-on, slide on
If you suffer from ailments of the foot, can’t bother with tight stuffy shoelaces, or just want extreme comfort on the lanes, we recommend Dexter Men’s Kam bowling shoes. The slip-on design and supportive, lightweight materials can reopen the sport of bowling for those that struggle with various maladies of the joints. This pick slips on in seconds, so you can warm up while your teammates and rivals are still tying their laces. Plus, the canvas upper is soft and lightweight, providing optimal air flow to the feet. And while most sizes cost more than our premium pick, it’s the price you pay for this level of convenience and comfort.
Pros
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Slip-on convenience
Cons
- Canvas takes time to break in
BSI Men’s #751 Bowling Shoes
Look like a boss, bowl like a boss
Yes, BSI has made it onto our list yet again, this time with their Men’s #751. This pick sports a stylish look that looks somehow both modern and classic at the same time. Maybe it has something to do with the contrast of the black leather uppers and the tight white stitching. Or perhaps the timeless aesthetic stems from the dapper white raised heel. Whatever the reason, the BSI #751 is an attractive piece of footwear. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend a bowling shoe based on appearances alone. BSI has a reputation for making durable, fairly-priced, and comfortable shoes and the #751 is no exception. With a timeless style and a hardy construction, this pick might just be the last bowling shoe you ever buy.
Pros
- Fair price
- Sport leather upper
- High-performance slide sole
Cons
- Sizing runs slightly big
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t I wear regular sneakers?
Bowling shoes are absolutely critical to the sport. Besides the fact that most bowling alleys won’t allow you to bowl without the proper shoes anyway, these special sneakers sport a slick, smooth sole that allows you to slide during your throw. When a bowler releases the ball, the forward energy of their swinging arm and body is transferred to the bowling ball. If their shoes were to stick or stop suddenly, the backwards force of friction is transferred into the ball, reducing control and power.
How do I make sure I get the correct size?
Shopping for shoes online can be convenient but it also presents the challenge of finding the perfect fit without trying on the shoe first. Even if a shoe purportedly fits true-to-size, you should always do a bit of research to find out if your shoe-of-choice runs wide or slightly looser. Because feet come in all shapes and sizes, those with wide feet may want to check the manufacturer’s website or customer reviews to find out if they should order a size up or down. If your shoe is slightly too large, however, you should consider wearing thicker socks rather than ordering an entire size down.
Are these bowling shoes left-handed or right-handed?
All of the bowling shoes on our list are universal, meaning they can be used by both left- and right-handed bowlers. Universal bowling shoes feature slide soles on both shoes, rather than just on one. Although you won’t be able to slide quite as smoothly in universal shoes, they offer greater balance and control during your stride.
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