Impressed by the feel of the shoes, impressed by the changable soles. Not so impressed by the quality.

Got these shoes earlier this year. First, I can't slide much and if I do I'll slip and I need to be stable at the line, which is why I had to stop using Linds (originals and XXXtra's) The No 6 sole wore out even after scuffing and had use the no 4 (the red one). That dang thing stuck so bad I really had to wear it in to use it well. I then had to constently use a wire brush to get off the "smoothness" and any type of dust or whatever or I'd slip at the approch. When that works, I can shoot terrific shots. Well the sole needed to be changed on most houses. I eventully tried the waffle one which I have nearly gotten injured with but after awhile I got used to it. But then it started sticking really bad so I went to the smooth one, that was too slippery so I went to the smooth one with the little ridges on it. Eventully the red one was worn out. Even tried washing it and it worked for awhile but after some games I would slip. Then I went to the no 2 sole (the brown one). I had to get used to the sudden jolt at the foul line, but after awhile it was more like the red one (no 4) when it was newer. But I still have to use a wire brush it seems before every shot. What's the deal? I don't like to slide but I don't want to over stick. I ordered some new soles to replace these two so mabey it will be better. But I haven't had them all that long so I'm questioning the durability.

Speaking of durability, I've complained about that Goodyear red rubber on the trackion shoe on a thread once. From time to time, I will stick on my 3rd step and god knows where the ball will go. Cost me a gutter ball once in league. But I put my shoes on and notice that the Goodyear red rubber is coming apart. Not all the way but I can see it coming apart. I now have to get super glue to put underneath it.

I'm tight on money, but once long ago I concidered using house type shoes cause it seems to be the only thing that works, but they are very uncomfortable. I can't afford a new pair of Dexters much less a new pair of ABS or whatever. I'm just pissed about the overall quality. Nice looking, nice idea but they are poor quality! Where these made Taiwan?

This isn't my first bad experince with Dexter's. About 4 years ago I guess I got a pair of "Rocky" type entry level shoes for Christmas. I hated the feel of them and they stuck bad but after a few games I never complained about slippng. But in about 5 months the right shoe litterly cracked in the middle and a wide gap was in the center of the shoe. Not even super glue could fix it which I'm hoping with my new problem super glue will help. Mabey I should of gotten a new pair of Linds XXXtr'as or new cleets. At least their shoes are good quality. I've owned those and had the orignal Linds's so my opinion is valid and true.

Brian: My current set of SST5's will be 3 years old next month. I average about 20 games a week between practice, league, and tournaments. I see 20+ different houses each year, with approach surfaces ranging from ice to sandpaper, so I find the different sole/heel combinations more than adequate. I bowl with several others who wear Dexters and they have experienced the same shoe longevity.

The moral of the story is that there is nothing inherently wrong with Dexter durability. Some bowlers (like yourself) are just hard on shoes, so live with it.

It's wrong to make a sweeping statement against Dexters. The problem is you -- not the shoe.
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"Yeah...what Jabroini said"

Well that didn't work, they came apart. I guess I'll have to try super glue. Contact cement was a bad idea. Luckily it's only halfway off or I'd have to use a different push off shoe. I'm so thinking about getting ABS next year. Mabey thier soles will match up better with my game too.

Edited on 12/15/2005 11:33 PM