We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What Should I Consider When Getting Bowling Shoes?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Getting bowling shoes is a task that should be approached with taking a few basic elements into consideration. Whether choosing to rent or buy the shoes, addressing these elements will ensure that you get the highest level of comfort possible, as well as help improving your bowling game. Bowling shoes can make all the difference in how much you enjoy your time at the bowling alley, as well as become part of your personal image.

When renting bowling shoes, it is very important to consider the size of the shoe. This means getting the best fit possible as far as length and width. Many bowling alleys will include shoes up to a size thirteen for men and women, as well as offering three basic widths to choose from. In addition, make sure the sole of the shoes is not worn unevenly, as that can throw off your game from the moment you step up to the lane. Making sure the rental shoes fit properly is very important.

When purchasing bowling shoes, knowing that there is more than one type of sole is very important. Bowling shoes are usually equipped with a traction sole and a sliding sole. People who normally rent shoes to bowl may not be aware of this, since rental shoes use multi-purpose soles. In order to get the right combination of sliding and traction soles, it is important to consider whether you are right or left handed. Right handed people will want to purchase a left sliding shoe with a right traction shoe in order to make the best use of the shoes.

However, if you tend to bowl at a number of different establishments, interchangeable soles may be the answer. Along with allowing you to adjust based on which hand you use to hold the ball, the interchangeable soles also allow the bowler to compensate for the conditions and position of the lanes. While bowling shoes of this type tend to cost a little more, they are well worth the price for avid bowlers on the go.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum , Writer
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

By Buster29 — On Feb 11, 2014

I don't know why rental bowling shoes look so much like clown shoes to me. I guess it's so people won't be tempted to sneak them out of the bowling alley, but honestly, who would want to own a pair of those things?

By pollick — On Feb 10, 2014

I have noticed over the years that rented bowling shoes don't always match up with my regular shoe size. I often find that a size 10 bowling shoe is larger than my regular shoe, so I feel like I'm sliding around in my shoes while trying to bowl. I tend to ask for at least one full size smaller at most lanes.

I don't bowl often enough to warrant buying bowling shoes, but I'm glad the article mentioned something about handedness when it comes to selection.

Malcolm Tatum

Malcolm Tatum

Writer

Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Read more
WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.