Bowling Shoes vs Regular Shoes: Basic Differences

What is the first thing you look for while shopping for your regular walking and running shoes? Once you know the shoes can provide comfort, no matter how long you wear them, you speculate the build of the shoes.

Are they sturdy or not? Can they handle log-time wear? Is it slip-resistant? So many things to know! Do you look for the same things when it comes to bowling shoes? Of course, not! You want the bowling shoes to slip, and you’re also not gonna involve in any heavy physical activity wearing those shoes. Because each kind of shoe is made for its own specific purposes. Today, I will point out the differences between bowling shoes vs regular shoes to help you understand better.

What are bowling shoes called?

Now that it is clear that you can’t wear your regular shoes for bowling, and your bowling shoes for regular activities, you should have a pair of shoes for each purpose. If you’re into bowling, you should definitely have a pair of shoes that you only while you play. So what are these shoes called? Well, the shoes bowlers use while bowling are simply called “bowling shoes”. Some kids in my bowling alley call them “gliding shoes” for fun. But I wouldn’t call that! Just call them bowling shoes and universally everyone will understand that.

Differences between Bowling shoes and Regular shoes:

There are several distinguishable facts that exist between bowling shoes and regular shoe features. Some of you are already aware of that. Some new bowlers are still confused about why they must use a pair of bowling shoes to play in the alley. As mentioned, you can’t wear one particular kind of shoe for another activity. So let me put out the differences-

Soles and their functionality:

Traction is the first feature you should notice in regular shoes, and for bowling shoes, your first priority should be to know if it will move smoothly (aka sliding) or not. Without enough traction, you can’t possibly run or walk on a smooth surface. If you work, run, or walk wearing bowling shoes, there’s a high chance you will slip and fall. And what happens when you fall on the ground? Well, you will injure yourself terribly! Similarly, if you wear anti-slip, high traction shoes, you won’t you able to deliver your ball on the lane smoothly. While bowling,  just an inch of off-sliding will ruin your possibility of a perfect shot. Therefore, a good pair of slippery shoes are important to master bowling.

On the other hand, traction is very important when you do your regular activities. You don’t wanna constantly slip while walking or moving. The soles of regular shoes are usually made with medium-hard rubber that can be either flexible or non-flexible. The soles of walking and running shoes have herringbone patterns etched in them to increase your stability during quick pivots, stops, and starts.

So do bowling shoes have any sort of anti-slip component? Apparently, bowling shoes only have some sticky rubber materials at the heel area that allow you to walk freely on the bowling alley floor without slipping. And then in the forefoot area, there are felt or microfiber-like materials that ensure superior sliding on the smooth bowling lanes. So, you can see, how different these two shoes are when it comes to providing stability, balance, and traction.

Types:

Bowlers can be right-handed or left-handed. And based on which hand a bowler uses, bowling shoes vary. You can find specific bowling shoes that are solely for right-handers. Then there are particular bowling shoes just for lefties. Some bowling shoes are made for all kinds of players. So no worries, it won’t matter if you use your right or left hand for bowling. Now, do you see any regular walking or running shoes having any type for right or left-hand dominants? Nope, there’s no type for that. Doesn’t matter which hand you use for regular activities, it has nothing to do with your shoes.  

Cushioning:

In general, the regular shoes you use for daily activities have lots of cushioning. This is because you are always on the move and there are no specific patterns for that. If you work out in your regular shoes, then you’re into much more extreme moves, jumping, and even running. If you have ever put on a bowling shoe, you will immediately know that there isn’t enough cushioning to support that kind of activity. When you are wearing your bowling shoes, do you run or jump with a heavy ball in your hand? Of course, you don’t. You wear that for your stance, take 3 step to 5 steps during the approach, and slide your feet for the ball release. Hence, cushioning is not a mandatory feature of bowling shoes. If you start your daily activities in non-cushioning bowling shoes, you will not only get those shoes damaged but also incur serious foot injuries.

Comfortability:

Did you ever feel how thin bowling shoe soles are? This feature allows you to feel the lane surface. However, when you wear your regular shoes, you don’t intend to feel the ground. Generally, the shoes you wear to your work or school, have comparatively thicker soles due to the foam and cushions, unless you wear flat slippers. Additionally, your regular footwear has supportive or padded uppers that bowling shoes don’t. The upper of your regular shoes protect your toes from facing any injuries or getting hit by any object. Due to the padding, your regular shoes are much more comfortable than bowling shoes. 

Shock Absorption:

You can often come across shoes that don’t have soles to offer sufficient shock-attenuating capabilities. Bowling shoes are good examples of that. Shoes like these put a lot of pressure all over your feet, from the forefeet to your heel bones. When we are walking or running, we can’t risk enduring this kind of pressure on our feet. So if you wear shock-absorption-free, non-supportive shoes, be ready to incur the worst kind of physical injuries. All the shock gets absorbed into your heels when you don’t wear shoes that don’t attenuate shock. With time, this may lead to nerve irritation, heel spur, tendonitis, and so many other complicated problems. Bowling shoes, on the other hand, don’t need the shock-absorption feature because this sport doesn’t involve extreme physical movement. Therefore, shock-absorption quality is not a big deal for bowling.

Heel Type:

If you look at bowling shoes carefully, you will see that the heels are slightly elevated, which means bowling shoes are not completely flat. The rubber sole at the heel area is what gives bowling shoes a little height. Contrarily, your regular shoes can either be completely flat or can have high heels. That depends on the users.

Casual Wearing:

All bowlers at least once in their lives have wondered— “Can I wear bowling shoes outdoor?” It is one of the most common FAQs asked on the internet regarding bowling shoes. The answer is simply ‘NO!’ Contrarily, regular shoes are for meant for wearing outside. This means, you can wear that on road, during a run/walk, and while driving. Bowling shoes are made for smooth indoor surfaces only. After you reach your local bowling center, this is when you switch to your bowling shoes from your regular shoes, and then take them off right before leaving the place.

Weight:

Because bowling shoes don’t have too much padding or sturdy thick soles, they are very lightweight. Your regular footwear, on the other hand, are quite heavier than bowling shoes, unless you wear thin slippers or flip flops. But don’t worry, your walking or running shoes are not uncomfortably heavy. It won’t make your feet heavy or pull you down. So it won’t interrupt your performance/activities.

What are special about bowling shoes?

What do you think bowling shoes were first designed for? It was to promote better sliding on the lane. Besides ensuring smooth gliding that no other shoes can provide, bowling shoes also serve a greater purpose. What is it? Well, bowling shoes help the lanes to stay clean. Street shoes, aka your regular shoes, contain dirt and debris that can muddy up the lanes when it mixes with the oil. As a result, it makes the lanes less slick, which impacts your game and prevents you from sliding easily. Moreover, it also requires extra cleanup time, costs, staff, and man-hour for not wearing bowling shoes.

Conclusion

So there you go, my friends! I have put down all the differences between bowling shoes and your regular shoes. Now you know why you can’t wear your bowling shoes for regular activities, and your regular footwear in the bowling alley. Each footwear has its own purpose and you better stick to that. For your own safety and to prevent any future injuries, always wear bowling shoes in the bowling centers and take them off when you leave. Good luck!