Interchangeable Sole Bowling Shoes: Are They Worth It?

Bowling shoes with interchangeable soles let you swap the slide pad and the heel to suit the approach. This article explains how interchangeable sole bowling shoes work, what the numbers on slide soles and heels mean, and for whom they are worth it.

Why interchangeable soles exist

Approaches differ from center to center and sometimes from day to day. One approach feels sticky, another fast; humidity, dust or a spilled drink change the slide as well. A fixed sole always slides the same way, so you adjust to the approach. With interchangeable soles, you adjust the shoe instead. A general overview of choosing shoes is in our bowling shoe buying guide.

How interchangeable soles work

Slide foot and push-off foot

Performance bowling shoes are usually built differently on each foot. The sliding foot – the left foot for right-handers, the right foot for left-handers – has a slide sole. The other foot has a rubber traction sole that gives you grip on the push-off.

On interchangeable models, the slide sole and the heel of the sliding foot are removable pads. On many models, the traction sole can be changed as well. Some shoes, such as the Dexter THE 9 or the Storm SP3, are built symmetrically, so slide and traction soles can be fitted to either shoe.

How the pads are attached

The pads are usually attached with hook-and-loop fasteners. Each manufacturer uses its own system, and pads often only fit particular shoe series of the same brand. Check compatibility before you buy replacement pads.

Slide soles: what the numbers mean

Slide soles are numbered. With Dexter and Brunswick, a higher number means more slide:

• Low numbers (e.g. S2 to S4 at Dexter, #2 at Brunswick) – little slide, for fast or slippery approaches.
• Middle numbers (around S6 to S8) – the range many bowlers use as a starting point.
• High numbers (S10 and above at Dexter, #10 at Brunswick) – long slide, for sticky or humid approaches.

The principle: the sole compensates for the approach. On a fast approach, choose a sole with less slide; on a sticky approach, one with more. How the slide sole materials differ is explained in our slide sole guide.

Heels and traction soles

Heels: braking at the end of the slide

The heel of the sliding foot controls how your slide ends. Heels are numbered too: at Dexter, a low-numbered rubber heel brakes strongly, while a higher-numbered leather heel lets the foot glide a little further before it stops.

Traction sole: grip on the push-off

The traction sole on the other foot keeps your push-off foot stable. If it wears or loses grip, a replaceable traction sole can be swapped without replacing the whole shoe.

Brands with interchangeable systems

Interchangeable soles are offered mainly by the large bowling brands:

• Dexter – for example the SST series (slide soles S2 to S12) and the THE 9 series with a symmetrical sole that fits either shoe. The two series use different pads.
• Brunswick – numbered slide soles from #2 to #10, which are cut to fit the shoe.
• Storm – for example the SP3 with a symmetrical, fully interchangeable sole and heel system.

Which system suits you depends mainly on fit. Try shoes on if you can, and check which replacement pads are available where you bowl.

When are interchangeable soles worth it

Interchangeable soles are worth considering if several of these apply to you:

• You bowl in different centers or travel to tournaments.
• You notice that your slide changes from one approach to the next.
• You bowl regularly in a league and want to fine-tune your equipment.
• You are willing to test different pads and keep them with you.

Keep in mind that replacement pads and heels are bought separately and wear over time, so the system becomes an ongoing part of your equipment. If you mostly bowl in the same center or bowl for fun, a shoe with fixed soles is usually enough. How beginner and performance shoes differ is explained in our comparison of beginner and pro bowling shoes.

Fixed soles: the simpler alternative

Not every bowler needs to tune their slide. BOWLIO bowling shoes have a full-length genuine leather sole with a slide sole under both shoes. That makes them suitable for left- and right-handed bowlers, from beginners to professionals, without having to choose or change pads. The upper is genuine leather as well, and the white heel is non-marking on the lane.

Care

Keep spare pads flat and clean, wear bowling shoes only inside the bowling area and keep the soles dry. Dirt or moisture on the sole changes your slide. More tips are in our article on bowling shoe care.