Bowling Shoe Soles: Slide Sole, Traction Sole and Heel

Bowling shoe soles are made for one surface: the smooth approach in front of the lane. That is why bowling shoes are worn indoors only, and why the sole under each foot has a different job. This guide explains slide soles, traction soles and heels, why bowling shoes should not be worn outside, and how to look after the soles.

If you are still choosing your first pair, our bowling shoe buying guide is a good place to start.

Slide sole: made for the approach

The slide sole lets your sliding foot glide into the release on your last step – the left foot for right-handed bowlers, the right foot for left-handers. Slide soles are made of leather, microfibre or felt. How far a sole slides depends on its material and surface: felt and smooth microfibre are used for long slides, while textured or sawtooth surfaces give more resistance.

Numbered slide soles

Many performance shoes have a slide sole that can be swapped. Manufacturers mark these soles with numbers: the lower the number, the less the sole slides; the higher the number, the longer the slide. Dexter's scale, for example, runs from S2 (least slide) to S12 (longest slide), and Brunswick's from #2 to #10. Which sole suits you depends on the approach: a tacky approach calls for a sole that slides more, a slick one for more grip.

More on materials and slide length in our slide sole guide.

Traction sole: grip for the push-off

On performance shoes, the other foot – the right foot for right-handers – has a rubber traction sole. It grips the approach so you can push off from a stable base and keep your balance. Because the sliding foot and the push-off foot differ, performance shoes are sold for right- or left-handed bowlers.

Rental shoes and many entry-level shoes work differently: they have a slide sole under both shoes, so anyone can wear them regardless of which hand they bowl with.

The heel

The heel of the sliding shoe controls how you stop at the end of the slide. On shoes with interchangeable parts, heels are numbered too: lower numbers are rubber heels that brake firmly, higher numbers such as leather heels let you stop more gradually.

Can you wear bowling shoes outside?

No. Bowling shoes belong in the bowling center. Asphalt, gravel and dirt scratch the slide sole and change how it slides. Small stones stuck in the sole can also be carried onto the approach and damage it. Moisture is a problem as well: a wet sole can stop abruptly on the approach instead of sliding.

Put your bowling shoes on at the lane and change back into your street shoes before you leave.

Looking after your soles

• Shoe covers: put covers over your shoes whenever you leave the approach, for example to go to the bar or the restroom. Carpet, tiles and spilled drinks pick up grit and moisture that change the slide.
• Brush the soles: brush the slide sole with a shoe brush before and after bowling to remove dust and dirt.
• Keep them dry: if a sole gets wet, let it dry at room temperature, away from direct heat.
• Transport them in a bag: a shoe bag keeps the soles clean between visits.
• Check interchangeable soles: replace worn pads in time.

More care tips for leather shoes in our guide to caring for leather bowling shoes.

Which sole setup suits you?

If you bowl in different centers or in tournaments, interchangeable slide soles and heels let you adapt to each approach. Whether they are worth it for you is covered in our article on interchangeable soles.

If you mainly bowl in the same center, you can also do without interchangeable parts. BOWLIO bowling shoes have a full-length leather sole under both shoes. That makes them suitable for left- and right-handed bowlers, from beginners to professionals. The upper is genuine leather too, and the white heel with the embossed logo is non-marking.

Further reading: Slide sole guide · Bowling shoe care tips · Bowling shoes for left-handers