Dexter THE 9 Bowling Shoe: Soles, Upper and Fit
An overview of the Dexter THE 9: how its interchangeable sole and heel system works, how it is set up for right- or left-handed bowlers, and which bowlers it suits.
Michael Spare
Dexter THE 9 at a glance
The Dexter THE 9 is a performance bowling shoe built around interchangeable soles and heels. The name stands for "Toehold Hyperflex Engineering", two features of the sole construction. If you are searching for a Dexter THE 9 review, this overview sums up what the shoe offers, how its sole system works and which bowlers it suits. It is based on the manufacturer's specifications as listed by bowling retailers.
The sole system
Interchangeable soles and heels
On a performance shoe, the sliding foot carries a slide sole and the other foot a rubber traction sole for push-off. With THE 9, both soles and heels can be removed and replaced. According to the retailer listings, the current men's model ships with a THS7 slide pad, a THT2 traction pad and two heels (H5 and H2).
Right- and left-handed
Because the soles are symmetrical, the slide sole and the traction sole fit either shoe. Retailers describe the shoe as "right and left convertible": the same pair can be set up for a right-handed bowler, who slides on the left foot, or for a left-handed bowler, who slides on the right foot.
Adjusting the slide
Replacement slide soles for THE 9 are numbered. A higher number means a longer slide, a lower number more braking. Retailers list slide soles from S5 to S12 and a traction sole. This lets you adapt the shoe to approaches that are faster or slower than usual. The soles for THE 9 fit only shoes with the same toehold system.
Upper, fit and durability features
- Upper: the standard men's model has a leather upper and a lower tongue with mesh.
- Toehold: the front of the sole is reinforced against abrasion from toe drag and can be replaced.
- Hyperflex channels: flex channels at two stress points are meant to add flexibility and help prevent the sole from cracking.
- Heels: the heel system works with Dexter's replacement heels.
THE 9 is available in several versions, for example the wingtip model THE 9 WT, a knit version and a version with BOA lacing. Some versions are also sold in wide width. Sizes and widths vary by version and retailer.
Who THE 9 suits
THE 9 is aimed at bowlers who want to fine-tune their slide: league bowlers who play on different approaches, or players who want to swap individual soles and heels as they wear rather than the whole shoe. If you are unsure which sole setup you need, the guide to interchangeable soles explains the pros and cons.
If you prefer a shoe without interchangeable parts, a fixed sole setup is the simpler choice. BOWLIO bowling shoes have a genuine leather upper and a full-length leather sole with a slide sole under both shoes, so they are suitable for left- and right-handed bowlers, from beginners to professionals.
Summary
Dexter THE 9 is a performance shoe for bowlers who want to adjust their slide with interchangeable soles and heels and set the shoe up for either hand. Before you buy, check the version, width and included soles with your retailer.
Further reading: Dexter, Brunswick and Storm compared · Slide soles explained · Bowling shoe buying guide