Question 1. What is the "best" shoe out there right now? I think I must be a slight toe dragger based on the condition of my sst8 that were on their last legs two years ago... That I am finally deciding to replace since the traction sole fell off when I was bowling tonight.
There is no such thing as a "best shoe". Shoes are very taste specific by individual, and no shoes is "the best" in every aspect (comfort, support, toe durability, etc.).
Having said this, I'm a bowling shoe junkie and I've owned most of the higher end shoes on the market. This includes the Dexters (SST5, SST6, SST8, The 9), the TPU-X (Pyramid HPX equivalent), and very briefly, the 3G Tour Ultras.
Of the shoes listed, the only one I really didn't like were the 3Gs. There is too little foot support, and while they probably have the best toe guard available, it protrudes too much for my taste. Others will jump up and down and protest this, but it just goes to show that shoes are very individual.
My favorite would be a tossup between The 9 and the TPU-X. The 9 isn't the best at any one thing, but good at just about anything you would want from a shoe. The TPU-X is pure comfort -- beating the 3G Ultras at their claim to fame. Their weakness is almost no toe protection. If you're a toe dragger, you'll probably destroy these shoes within a few months. I fixed this by having a shoe repair shop cement a piece of black leather around the toe. The mod has worked out great.
There is no substitute for trying shoes on to see what feels best. It's really no different from the process you go through to buy regular shoes.
