Main Difference Between Bowling Shoes & Regular Shoes

Sliding Soles

• Bowling shoes differ from regular street shoes mainly because of the soles. Bowling shoes have leather sliding soles on both shoes. This provides balance and grip to the bowler regardless of which hand is being used.and thus enables both left handed and right handed bowlers to comfortably use them.

Cleanliness

• Another reason some bowling allies require the use of their rental shoes is to ensure cleanliness. Unlike street shoes, bowling shoes are not meant for walking outdoors. They only touch the waxy floors of the bowling lanes and therefore don't pick up dirt or grim from the street. This allows the bowler to easily glide across the lanes.

Soft Soles

• Another difference: unlike regular shoes, bowling shoes have soft, heel-less soles. These soles are meant to avoid scratching the bowling lanes. Since bowling lanes are waxed wooded floors, bowling shoes are specifically meant to glide across the lanes easily, without leaving scuff marks.

Friction

• Bowling shoes are specifically designed to create friction, allowing the bowlers to release the ball at the perfect moment and angle. Most bowling shoes allow you to change both the heel and sliding pad of the shoe. This allows you to create various combinations of slide and stopping power, which you can choose to suit specific lane conditions. Regular street shoes pose the risk of slipping when used on the lanes.