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Author Topic: Shoes...thoughts?  (Read 2855 times)

AlonzoHarris

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Shoes...thoughts?
« on: February 19, 2017, 05:49:03 PM »
Never had shoes with changeable pads. Been using Dexter mid level Pro Am II's. Work pretty well but with bowling in different centers, having the option to change soles and heels would be nice. Are there any pairs that's pads are secured better to the shoe (clip vs stick), good breathability, great comfort level, durability?

I see Hammer dropped some, there's the Dexter 9's, TPU's, 3G's. Just looking for some opinions. At $55 a pair on these Pro Am II's, it's tempting to just get a new pair every year or two and call it a day, but curiousity is spiked.
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SG17

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2017, 07:17:04 PM »
I have used Dexter SST5s, SST6s, then 3G Tour Ultra, the SST8 and starting next week, back to the tour ultra.

I get years out of each; but as someone that drags my toe I tend to wear out the right shoe pretty quick.  The reason I am ditching the SST8s is that dexter took them ambidextrous; both shoes have the Velcro for replaceable soles and you place a rubber sole/heal combo on the non-slide foot.  They did this so that the same pair of shoes works regardless of slide foot.

for me, my toe dragging has killed the Velcro on my non-slide foot and the rubber sole falls off on my approach or in the slide.  I have been sending the rubber sole 2 lanes over on my slide.  I am returning to 3G tour ultra's because the interchangeable aspect is on the slide foot only.

in terms of comfort, no complaints about the SST8s but the tour ultras they replaced were better, and I expect that to be the same once the new pair is broken in.

leftybowler70

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2017, 07:32:55 PM »
I second the 3G's, they give the utmost comfort, and they also also breathable as well; the comfort is second to none (as comfy as a pillow).

northface28

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2017, 07:50:41 PM »
Totally off topic, it is amazing to me how some guys have top shelf bowling shoes yet have the nerve to wear $19.99 "Air Dad" specials from Kohls.
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MI 2 AZ

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2017, 08:42:31 PM »
I liked the comfort of the 3G Ultra Tours but they do not come in a wide size so that became an issue for me.  Mine ended up splitting on the sides (too tight?).  I am currently using the TPUs and they are comfortable, but they are also the ambidextrous type, just so you know.

Both the Tour Ultras and TPUs use the velcro soles.
« Last Edit: February 19, 2017, 08:45:15 PM by MI 2 AZ »
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AlonzoHarris

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #5 on: February 19, 2017, 09:49:44 PM »
I don't drag my toe, I don't need ambidextrous. Do the Dexters use a different form of attachment for its pads than the TPU's and Tour Ultras?
« Last Edit: February 20, 2017, 02:42:19 PM by AlonzoHarris »
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SG17

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #6 on: February 19, 2017, 11:23:24 PM »
I don't drag my toe, I don't need ambidextrous. Do the does the Dexters use a different form of attachment for its pads than the TPU's and Tour Ultras?

I think all interchangeable systems use Velcro.  I know the SST8s and Tour Ultras use Velcro.  T.H.E. 9 is a bit different with the toe channel, but I think Velcro in for the remainder of the sole.

the noticeable wear and tear on my SST8s are almost exclusively due to my toe dragging, the slide shoe is in pretty good shape.

Honestly, if you are not a toe dragger, you will probably be happy all the choices available; I would suggest inquiring at a local shop to see if any have a demo pair so you can see them and ask around your leagues.

in my sport league, most are using the SST8s, with a few TPUs and Storm shoes (also made by dexter) and I think I am only one using the Tour Ultras.  I know of nobody that uses T.H.E 9

Metal_rules

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #7 on: February 20, 2017, 05:55:15 AM »
I have had my 3G Tour Ultra's for over 4+ years now. I did have an issue with my toe cap splitting from drag. After I repaired the split with super glue, I took a piece of velcro and glued it on the end of the cap. This has helped from it from getting worse and it does work. I recommend the 3G'S.
« Last Edit: February 20, 2017, 07:24:17 PM by Metal_rules »
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spmcgivern

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #8 on: February 20, 2017, 08:02:27 AM »
I had the Tour Ultras (from ABS before the 3G or Dynothane days) and they lasted me around 13 years.  They were extremely comfortable but the rubber on the push off shoe began to deteriorate and it lost its gripping power causing me to slip in my push off.  Nothing that detracts from the shoe, just 13 year old rubber.

I decided to get a pair of TPU-Xs mainly because they were on clearance at less than $100.  For me, they are pretty comfortable and are similar in cushiness to my Tour Ultras.  The downside was the included insole which seemed somewhat narrow and not well suited for someone with flat feet.  I replaced the insole with one I used to run with and it is much better now.

I have owned the TPU-Xs for a couple months now and they seem to be holding up pretty well.  The toe area is showing some signs of wear but nothing that makes me think they won't hold up for a couple of years.

Steven

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #9 on: February 20, 2017, 11:18:28 AM »
There are so many variables that it's hard to make absolute recommendations. Just about every high end shoe is going to have its fans and detractors. Feel means far more than features on paper.
 
At the two ends, from most comfortable to most supportive, the best of breed are probably the TPUs and the 9s. I've owned or tested most high shoes available and these are the two that stand out.
 
It's hard, but you have to try on the different shoes to know what feels best for you. That's one of the cool things about Nationals. The different booths carry most of the high end shoes available.

Pocket Smasher

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #10 on: February 20, 2017, 04:38:53 PM »
Anybody know anything about the Pyramid shoe's that have changeable soles and heels? I want a good shoe but I'm a bowler on a budget

Steven

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #11 on: February 20, 2017, 05:00:47 PM »
Anybody know anything about the Pyramid shoe's that have changeable soles and heels? I want a good shoe but I'm a bowler on a budget

 
I have the Pyramid HPX, which are the same as the Brunswick TPUs. For $100, they're very good shoes. I had a shoe repair shop cement a piece of leather to the tip of the non-slide shoe to eliminate any dragging wear issues, and they're wearing great. I have between 200-300 games on them, and they still look almost new.

AlonzoHarris

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #12 on: March 14, 2017, 09:05:04 AM »
Since I'm using the Dexter Pro Am II, what interchangeable pad would this be equivalent to?

If I get a pair for next season that allows changing them, I want to get at least 1 that's equivalent for the adjustment period and because it works a lot of the time.
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CoorZero

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #13 on: March 14, 2017, 10:33:25 AM »
Since I'm using the Dexter Pro Am II, what interchangeable pad would this be equivalent to?

If I get a pair for next season that allows changing them, I want to get at least 1 that's equivalent for the adjustment period and because it works a lot of the time.

Either the 8 or 6 slide (numbers are fairly similar across all companies). I want to say the latter but it's hard to say. Haven't looked into these shoes for a long time.

For what it's worth Buddies still has the Storm SP 800 shoes, made by Dexter, on sale for $85. Lots of sizes available too. For a shoe with an interchangeable sole and heel that's a really good deal. Comes with the S6 and S8 slide along with two different heels.

AlonzoHarris

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Re: Shoes...thoughts?
« Reply #14 on: March 14, 2017, 11:51:37 AM »
Since I'm using the Dexter Pro Am II, what interchangeable pad would this be equivalent to?

If I get a pair for next season that allows changing them, I want to get at least 1 that's equivalent for the adjustment period and because it works a lot of the time.

Either the 8 or 6 slide (numbers are fairly similar across all companies). I want to say the latter but it's hard to say. Haven't looked into these shoes for a long time.

For what it's worth Buddies still has the Storm SP 800 shoes, made by Dexter, on sale for $85. Lots of sizes available too. For a shoe with an interchangeable sole and heel that's a really good deal. Comes with the S6 and S8 slide along with two different heels.

Awesome, I'll have to take a peek at those.
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