The local wood center did a screening this past summer, and since then I've been having problems with my approach.  It seems there's been a thin film of very fine dust all over the approaches that just wont go away.  Almost like bowling with a ton of ez slide on both shoes.  

I'm a fairly high rev player, and I prefer a strong push step and a very short slide.  Not quite a plant, but very short.  After weeks of struggling with slipping on the push off and sliding way too much for my liking, I finally found the solution.  Last night I bowled in street shoes.  It was amazing how good my timing and release were compared to the struggles that I'd been having.

I guess I won't be blowing a wad of cash on new bowling shoes any time soon.

Actually, I wore them in off the street.  However, I made sure the soles were clean and that they didn't leave any marks or residue on the approaches before practice started.  I did consider my fellow competitors, although most of them wouldn't have the same courtesy.

Approaches Must Not Be Defaced
Rule 12. The application of any foreign substance on any part of the approach that detracts from the possibility of other players having normal conditions is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, such substances as talcum powder, pumice and resin on shoes; also soft rubber soles or heels that rub off on the approach.

As long as this rule is not being broken, it makes no difference where the shoes have been.