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Author Topic: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?  (Read 22547 times)


 

BackToBasics

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #16 on: June 20, 2014, 08:55:18 PM »
Has anyone tried the TPU-X shoes yet?  I'm curious to see it they are worth it or not and I can't afford to be a guinea pig, lol.  Staffers?  Anyone? 

They won't be available to staffers until July. I plan on ordering as soon as they are available.

Artimust

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #17 on: June 21, 2014, 02:22:15 AM »
Has anyone tried the TPU-X shoes yet?  I'm curious to see it they are worth it or not and I can't afford to be a guinea pig, lol.  Staffers?  Anyone? 

They won't be available to staffers until July. I plan on ordering as soon as they are available.

My bad!   I thought the release date was June 18, but I now see that it's July 18!  Dang, I hope my old shoes can hold on for another month, or at least until we get some feedback. 

JohnnyG

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #18 on: July 06, 2014, 04:49:22 PM »
I am a Dexter user but planning to try Brunswick.

tommymo

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #19 on: July 06, 2014, 04:58:32 PM »
I am excited to try these! I've heard great reviews from people who attended bowl expo. I have Dexter SST 6's currently. I avoided the 8's because of issues I saw from several bowlers. Can't wait to try these.
Tom M.

LuckyLefty

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #20 on: July 12, 2014, 10:08:41 PM »
Talked to a staffer for Brunswick.  He says these new TPUs are awesome.

He talked about a better company making them.  He talked about technology from Callaway shoes that give a lot of flexibility to bending the shoe upwards from the toe but that resists bending the other way.

He says he tried the TPU and loved them.  Sounds really interesting.

REgards,

Luckylefty
It takes Courage to have Faith, and Faith to have Courage.

James M. McCurley, New Orleans, Louisiana

Miscue

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #21 on: August 03, 2014, 12:41:54 PM »
I just tried out my new TPUs.  I've used SST8s, and most recently 3G Pro Tour Ultras.

The TPUs were not a big change from the 3Gs, so I got used to them quickly.  Going from the SST8s to 3Gs threw me off for a couple weeks because of the weight, flexibility, and height differences - with the SST8s higher off the ground.

The SST8s were the heaviest/stiffest, 3Gs lightest/most flexible, The TPUs are in between... but not far off from the 3Gs.

I like the TPU's insoles.  I put orthotics in my other shoes, but these "Ortholites" feel pretty good out of the box... so I don't think I'll be changing them.

The TPU is a nice looking shoe, appears well made with sturdy materials - although I prefer the color scheme of the Stealth.  The trim is darker blue than the photos (probably because of light source during photo), which I prefer.

The 3Gs are a favorite shoe, the TPU is now my other favorite shoe.  I think the TPU's sole/heel system is functionally better, the factory insole is better, and the overall construction is sturdier.  I prefer the 3G's kangaroo leather, and they feel a bit more comfortable (with an aftermarket orthotic insole) - but the trade-off is less sturdy construction and the push off sole is not interchangeable.  My 3Gs have held up well enough, with occasional need for super glue (no big deal), but I've worn out the push off sole... and decided to try something new.

These TPUs are very good - I took a chance with a new, unknown product, and am not disappointed.  The sizing is accurate.  Brunswick's marketing is accurate... they feel like they're about broken-in already, and their shape/cushioning is good like they claim.  I appreciate it when companies do not rely on "hype" to market their products... and their claims are matter-of-fact.  I have a feeling that a lot of people will love these shoes.

What I'd like to see though, is a shoe that combines the best features of both the TPU and 3G Tour Ultra.

Actually, what I'd really like to see is a bowling shoe that borrows from high-end, lightweight road bike shoe construction, including a Boa-cable system instead of shoe strings.  Why would you want this?  Because it's awesome - you'd have to try it to see why.  Ever been late to practice and you're in a hurry to get your shoes on?  Never again!

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftr/shoes/road-shoes/sworks-road

kidlost2000

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #22 on: August 03, 2014, 01:14:56 PM »
I got mine in Thursday and I am very happy. They look better in person then the pics online. Very much similar to golf shoes.

…… you can't  add a physics term to a bowling term and expect it to mean something.

Artimust

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #23 on: August 03, 2014, 09:54:25 PM »
I ordered a pair of the Brunswick TPU-X, daughter got the Brunswick Stealths, and my son got the Dexter SST8 white/black/gold.  Ordered them from bowlersdeals.Com and they should be delivered tomorrow!  Feeling excited!

Artimust

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #24 on: August 05, 2014, 03:08:06 AM »
Ok, I got the shoes delivered this afternoon and when I first opened the box, I was impressed.  The shoes are very nicely designed and look solid.  I tried them on and they are very comfortable, almost like an athletic shoe.  I like that it's all leather, and the blue accents the black very nicely, and they also give an extra pair of blue laces.
The kids wanted to break in their shoes, so off to the center we went.  These shoes had to be broken in a little, and I had to play with the sole combinations to get the right feel. We practiced 5 games, and after every game, the shoes felt better and better as they started to break in. Although the shoes have vent holes, they felt hotter than the 3G Tour Ultras that I have been using for the past few years.

After the 4th game into the 5th, I started to notice something. The non-slide side toecap was already starting to show some wear, and the sole right at the bottom of the cap was starting to slightly come apart.  Not the Velcro, but the part that adheres the Velcro to the bottom of the shoe.  Upon further inspection, I saw that the "TPU" material in the toecap was wearing down, not a little, but quite a lot, which is causing the sole to start coming apart. 

I am now in contact with the online store that I purchased the shoes from, and I'm sure things will be worked out.  I really like the look and feel of these shoes, but this much damage on the very first day using it is unacceptable. It would probably be a great shoe for someone that does not toe drag, but this will not work for me.  I can just imagine what they will look like in just a couple of weeks.  Hopefully I will get a full refund and I will get something else. 

EL3MCNEIL

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #25 on: August 05, 2014, 03:13:52 AM »
I got my new SST8's (New Black and Gold) about a month ago but this was the first time I bowled with them due to me being underway (Marine Corps obligations, gotta love the time on ship).

Honestly at first I did not like the stiff feeling and the fact that they had me a few extra inches off of the ground. But once I started bowling in them and got used to them they were comfortable and felt like the molded around my feet. Despite my hesitations I am satisfied with my purchase of these shoes and would recommend them to anyone.
"Nothing is real, everything is permitted"
-Assassin's Creed

LuckyLefty

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #26 on: August 09, 2014, 09:29:08 AM »
Artimust,

What does the term "TPU material" mean?

Thank you,

Luckylefty
It takes Courage to have Faith, and Faith to have Courage.

James M. McCurley, New Orleans, Louisiana

BrunsNick

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #27 on: August 09, 2014, 11:27:38 AM »
Thermal Poly Urethane.
Nick Smith
Digital Media Manager - Brunswick Bowling
http://www.brunswickbowling.com
http://www.youtube.com/c/brunsnick

LuckyLefty

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #28 on: August 09, 2014, 11:29:47 AM »
Brunsnick....what does that mean.

What does it do that is good or different.  Is that the clear stuff?

Experience with the new shoes from others including you Brunsnick.

Thanks!

Regards,

Luckylefty
It takes Courage to have Faith, and Faith to have Courage.

James M. McCurley, New Orleans, Louisiana

Artimust

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #29 on: August 09, 2014, 11:41:44 AM »
The advice I got from the online store, per their discussion with he manufacturer, was to move the sole 1/4" back.  Upon looking at the tip, there is a very thin lip that goes around the front, and the part where my toe drags is gone.  What I have done is put a strip of the loop side of Velcro across the front of the TPU material, and if it holds, I think it will hold off or minimize further damage.  But I did try this Velcro trick with my 3g's but it came off after like 3 frames, so this remains to be seen if the glue will hold firmly enough. But other than this problem, and this problem is because of me dragging my toe, this is really a comfortable, well built shoe. 
Comfort wise, these feel better than my 3G Tour Ultras, it does feel hotter even though there are vent holes.  Lots of bells and whistles...extra soles, heel, accessory bag, and shoe boot.  Oh yeah, and an extra pair of blue laces. 
If the Velcro holds, then I'll be all good, if not, the quest continues. 

BrunsNick

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Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
« Reply #30 on: August 09, 2014, 11:43:06 AM »
TPU is durable, flexible and supportive. You will not see splitting issues with these shoes, and there is virtually no break in period. I have used mine for about 10 games now and have finally retired my 8 year old Swirls. In 2010, I had a pair of Brunswick Classic (SST8 clone), and gave them away only after a few months. They were stiff, never broke in and make my feet hurt. I went back to my Swirls until just a week ago when I started using the TPU-X.
Nick Smith
Digital Media Manager - Brunswick Bowling
http://www.brunswickbowling.com
http://www.youtube.com/c/brunsnick