Durable Leather Bowling Shoes: What Makes Them Last

What makes leather bowling shoes durable?

Durable leather bowling shoes come down to three things: the material of the upper, the sole and how the shoes are treated between games. If you bowl regularly and want a pair that lasts for many seasons instead of a few, this article explains what to look for and how to make your shoes last longer.

The upper: leather that adapts to your foot

A leather upper gives with wear: the more often you wear the shoes, the softer the leather becomes and the more comfortable the shoe feels. Synthetic uppers are usually lighter and comfortable from the first game, but they do not adapt to the foot in the same way.

Leather stays supple and hard-wearing as long as it is kept clean and does not dry out. Leather that dries out becomes brittle over time and can crack, so a little care makes a real difference to how long the upper lasts.

The sole: where a bowling shoe wears

The slide sole lets your sliding foot glide into the release – the left foot for right-handers, the right foot for left-handers. Performance shoes often have interchangeable slide soles in leather, microfibre or felt; entry-level and rental shoes usually have fixed soles.

A leather sole wears slowly with use. If it has become visibly thin after years of bowling, a cobbler can replace it.

How to make bowling shoes last longer

• Wear them on the approach only. Grit, dirt and moisture from outside stick to the slide sole. Shoe covers help whenever you leave the approach area.
• Brush the slide sole. Use a bowling shoe brush and brush in one direction.
• Keep water off the sole. A damp sole grips and makes your slide unpredictable.
• Let them air. Rather than leaving them in a closed bag, let the shoes air out at home after bowling.
• Condition the upper every few weeks, depending on how often you bowl – the upper only, never the slide sole.
• Store them dry, at moderate temperatures. Heat dries leather out, and cold makes it less flexible.

Step-by-step instructions are in our guide to caring for leather bowling shoes.

Durable leather bowling shoes from BOWLIO

BOWLIO started in 2003 as a maker of leather rental shoes for bowling centers – shoes worn by many different guests, day after day. The shoes for individual bowlers are built to the same standard, and customers are still bowling in pairs they bought over ten years ago.

BOWLIO bowling shoes are genuine leather top and bottom: a genuine leather upper and a full-length leather sole under both shoes, which makes them suitable for left- and right-handed bowlers, from beginners to professionals. The white heel with the embossed logo is non-marking. Nero, Torino and Verona are the same shoe in different colours.

Further reading: Why your own bowling shoes make a difference · Leather or synthetic bowling shoes · Breaking in new bowling shoes