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Author Topic: Bowling Shoes ......  (Read 4926 times)

FBM357

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Bowling Shoes ......
« on: April 10, 2009, 01:00:34 AM »
A question from an observation ....

Why do we spend so much money on bowling shoes when (from what I've seen) the majority of the people use a slide sock instead of the interchangeable heels/soles?  I know several people who have given their heels and soles away because they simply don't use them.  Do you find that to be the norm whenever you bowl (i.e. other bowlers)?

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Dan Belcher

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #1 on: April 10, 2009, 09:07:58 AM »
I've only seen three or four people ever using a slide sock.  I tried one once and just about killed myself sliding so far!

azus

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2009, 09:14:38 AM »
I use many of my soles and heels. Because the alley i bowl in have a very sticky approach, so when i come to new amf approaches, it feels like im walking on ice.
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gojr1815

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2009, 09:16:35 AM »
90% of the time the plug change takes care of it. In the other 10% I wear a sock to save the back. My other choice is the not bowl on super tacky approaches.
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kdimera

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2009, 09:23:22 AM »
I bought Shoes 15 years ago where you could change the soles (sst4's).  I did not bowl for 13 years and have started back this year.  I have never changed the sole once.  I still have all the others in the bag they came in.

DON DRAPER

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #5 on: April 10, 2009, 09:56:49 AM »
i don't see a majority of bowlers wearing a slide sock....only a few seniors. i don't change the sole on my 3G tour ultra's very often but it seems that i change the heel at just about every house i bowl at.

JOE FALCO

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #6 on: April 10, 2009, 10:05:28 AM »
Curious .. why would you see a slide sock on only seniors? Can't be only seniors keeping the COMPANIES making them in business! I realize you are only making an observation .. however I can't believe that's the NORM!
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J_Mac

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #7 on: April 10, 2009, 10:07:04 AM »
I very rarely see anyone using a slide sock.  

Personally, it's more often the case that I stepped in something that requires a change of slide sole than the approaches being the reason.

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #8 on: April 10, 2009, 10:07:44 AM »
Back when I wore Dexters I never needed to change the sole or heel.

For that reason I have gone back to wearing Linds, mostly becasue they're more durable and I really hate breaking in new shoes. I can't imagine ever needing a slide sock either.



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kdimera

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #9 on: April 10, 2009, 10:59:47 AM »
quote:
 I can't imagine ever needing a slide sock either.



I would probably slip and fall and break my neck.

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I see about a dozen people with the slide sock at our lanes.

FBM357

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #10 on: April 10, 2009, 11:32:45 AM »
I wear a slide sock with my SST6 LX. Pain in the @$$ trying to find the right combination of heel & sole.  Sock provides consistency.  At the same time, I own a pair of Tour Ultras and only have to replace the heel and that's due to excessive use.

I recently purchased a pair of SST8 and already contemplating using a slide sock.  Really like Dexters but not to the point of wrecking a knee in search of consistent feel. Main issue is problems from shooting 10 pin and strike ball.  Left gutter side of approach seems to always be tacky.  Other areas not a problem.  Then you have to watch your step as some bowlers like to place powder under the ball return, step too close and risk turning your shoes into ice skates.


Edited on 4/10/2009 11:36 AM

Smash49

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #11 on: April 10, 2009, 11:38:47 AM »
Not all slide socks are the same.  People think they are but they are not.  The AMF and Ebonite are made with flannel like bottoms that are super slick.  The Bowlers Slide Sock by SLSM Designs is not.  Slick, Tacky, Wood or Synthetic it does not matter with the Bowlers Slide Sock. Your slide is correct regardless of conditions. SLSM Designs makes the only sock on the market designed for the wide foot print interchangeable sole shoes.  Dexter tried to use our materials to create a sole for the SST series.  It did not work!  It's not the materials but the patented design and materials that allow the Bowlers Slide Sock to work.  People ask me all the time is the BSS an 8 or 10 equivalent.  It's neither and all.  We have tested around the country and in a number of conditions including one lane at BowlExpo a few years ago where they were sweeping EZ Slide off the approach with a wisk broom and letting people bowl in all kinds of shoes.  


Smash49
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JOE FALCO

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #12 on: April 10, 2009, 06:11:29 PM »
I use the SLSM designs and I'll agree they are FANTASTIC!
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gojr1815

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #13 on: April 10, 2009, 06:27:05 PM »
I wear a pair of custom linds that are the extras. I use the slickest inserts they have. Even then once every so often I need a bowling sock. Prime example is the team house of the Iowa state tournament. Very tacky so to save the back and knee I wear the sock.
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Edited on 4/10/2009 6:54 PM

Cobberz

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Re: Bowling Shoes ......
« Reply #14 on: April 17, 2009, 09:49:24 AM »
prolly 25% of the bowlers in my mon night league use a slide sock, seems like a kinda high number considering there is 100 guys in this league