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Author Topic: High Performance Shoes and Impact on Foot Work  (Read 6000 times)

EL3MCNEIL

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High Performance Shoes and Impact on Foot Work
« on: February 16, 2015, 01:00:01 AM »
The question I have is how do the high performance shoes impact a persons footwork and approach. Does having a "built in" slide and stop improve a persons footwork and development or does it hinder it?
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MI 2 AZ

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Re: High Performance Shoes and Impact on Foot Work
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2015, 01:51:53 AM »
Not sure I can answer this correctly.  Adjustable soles and heels allow the bowler to adjust the amount of slide and the quickness of the brake (heel).  Every bowler is comfortable with a different amount.  What works for one may not for another.  With different approaches (wood or synthetic) and different maintenance of the approaches plus other variables such as weather or humidity, adjustable shoes allow the bowler to keep a slide in their comfort range.

A bowler's slide or plant is part of their release timing.  If it is off because of sticking or slipping, the shot is going to be off and physical injury could occur. 

I know I need a lot of slide.  If I can't get a good slide, my knee will let me know either then or later.  I think the adjustable shoes are a boon to better bowling.  I have advised beginners to buy the best shoes they can afford, preferably a pair with adjustable soles at least as it is one of the most important things they should have to help them with developing their game.  If you can't slide or you are sliding too much, it will impact your game.

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spmcgivern

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Re: High Performance Shoes and Impact on Foot Work
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2015, 08:06:37 AM »
The best shoes you can afford will help your game more than the newest ball on the market.  (assuming you need new shoes)

Higher end shoes have adjustable soles that MI 2 AZ has already explained help in having a consistent slide across different surfaces.  They typically have a wider foot bed allowing better balance.  Having a pair of shoes with one slide shoe and one "push off" shoe will also help in approach consistency.

One more thing to consider, when you get a pair of shoes with interchangeable soles, make sure you try to break in each sole as soon as you can.  I see too many people with interchangeable soles and when they go to a tournament, they won't change their soles because they don't behave properly.  Most soles require some break-in before they perform properly and consistently.  (same for heels).

Also, keep your push off shoe sole clean.  This will allow a consistent push off and prevent any slippage.  I use my ball cleaner on the sole.  Keeps it tacky and sticky.  Definitely no slipping from dust and dirt.
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livespive

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Re: High Performance Shoes and Impact on Foot Work
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2015, 08:16:15 AM »
At least for me, I have always thought that they help me maintain my slide.  As you are on different approaches, you want to try and keep your slide as consistant as possible.  I thought that is what the heel/ soles/ disk would let you do.
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LuckyLefty

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Re: High Performance Shoes and Impact on Foot Work
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2015, 08:38:42 AM »
I love adjustable slide shoes but I am not a fan of Adjustable push off shoes, only the slide foot.

Example of both feet adjustables...SST8s, Brunswick TPUs, Storm SP900s (all high end and costly)

Example of Single foot adjustables SST5s, SST6s, Storm SP 700s. (more reasonable and Better in my opinion).

About 5 years ago Dexter discontinued Lefty Wides in the Single foot adjustables!  I recently was able to pick up a reasonably priced pair of SST6s used in brand new condition and I must say as Dexter told me they are wider than the SST5s!

I went one half size longer on the SST 6 mediums (only available for lefties today) and they have the width of my pair of Wides from years ago that someone stole the push off foot from(from a lefty, imagine).  Already my footwork and confidence are building every day!

My immediate feeling is a great big two word shout out to Dexter and one word starts with an F!  5 years of discomfort, lack of stable platform etc.....higher costs because of the discontinuation of wide lefty shoes in the single adjustable foot segment!  (I understand their inventory problems).

For whatever reason the adjustable push off feet have problems I don't want to deal with, sharper edges on the slide soles, occasionally loose Velcro, etc.

I am in the process of replacing the Velcro slide sole on one high end shoes to permanent rubber sole with the help of my local cobbler. 

If you are a righty you can get medium width and wide width in these great middle cost single adjustable foot shoes, they are fantastic and worth it!

REgards,

Luckylefty
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spmcgivern

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Re: High Performance Shoes and Impact on Foot Work
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2015, 09:47:10 AM »
Lucky, I would assume the loss of the single adjustable was a cost reduction reason.  Now, they only make one style of shoe instead of left and right.  I don't have them, but it would make distribution easy if all shoes were the same and only the foot you put the soles on would change.
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LuckyLefty

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Re: High Performance Shoes and Impact on Foot Work
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2015, 02:26:54 PM »
SPMC,

The single foot adjustables are available for everyone!

Righty Medium
Righty Wide
Lefty Medium.

Except: Only the lefty wide foot is SCREWED!

Regards,

Luckylefty
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spmcgivern

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Re: High Performance Shoes and Impact on Foot Work
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2015, 03:38:36 PM »
I guess being lefty and having a wide foot isn't enough for Dexter to make those shoes.  (I thought most lefties were accustomed to being ignored when it came to sports equipment)  After looking at Dexter's website, I am surprised they are still offering LH and RH models.  Personally, I could see all shoes that have slide and push off shoes to be universal in the basic construction.  That way you would only need a medium width and a wide width (you could add narrow if you want).  And the pro shops and distributors wouldn't have to stock extra shoes. 

I know a lot of people don't like the Velcro at times and would rather have a permanent sole, but the manufacturing would be easier and cheaper in the long run to go with a universal shoe for both RH and LH.
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LuckyLefty

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Re: High Performance Shoes and Impact on Foot Work
« Reply #8 on: February 16, 2015, 10:45:29 PM »
It all makes money sense for the manufacturer, but I am humped!

Except I now basically have two sets of SST6s.  Two slide shoes(one from the pair that one shoe was stolen from about 6 years ago)and one push off foot from the new pair.

I am good for the next 5 years I hope!  Also, my other two adjustable shoe pairs I am having my cobbler put on (glue) one of his rubber push off additions that is like the power pivot and duratip of the Dexter.

Thanks cobbler.  No thanks to Dexter!

Regards,

Luckylefty
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dmonroe814

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Re: High Performance Shoes and Impact on Foot Work
« Reply #9 on: February 17, 2015, 02:46:32 PM »
As an older bowler, I find the higher end bowling shoes give me more stability during my slide.  I drag my push toe, but I have found the Storm SP-900's don't wear as quickly as other manufacturers, including Dexters.
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JustRico

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Re: High Performance Shoes and Impact on Foot Work
« Reply #10 on: February 17, 2015, 06:35:41 PM »
Try bowling in socks to answer your question...
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