Ten-pin bowling usually requires that players wear special shoes produced specifically for the sport. These shoes can only be used in the ten-pin bowling alleys and are designed with a slide on the soles to give you a nice glide and enable you to slide into your release.
During bowling, optimal control over the destination of the ball is required. This is why you must be able to approach, slide, and release effortlessly in one smooth motion.
However, no matter how clean your bowling shoes are, they still can get stuck sometimes. That’s when the need for a bowling shoe slider arises.
Basically, bowling shoe sliders are sock-like bowling accessories that are worn on your bowling shoes and designed to provide the needed slide. They are usually very effective, affordable, and convenient.
There are currently a lot of shoe sliders on the market and I have selected the best 5 products. Even better, I’ll also tell you below why they are the best.
Check out some of the best bowling shoe sliders and let these reviews help you make the right choice.
Contents
At A Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Bowling Shoe Sliders
If you’re in a hurry, you can jump straight into our top picks (these are the bowling shoe sliders that most people buy).
- Brunswick Shoe Slider Top Pick
- Bowlingball.com’s Bowling Shoe Slider Runner-up
- Ebonite Bowling Shoe Slider Runner-up
Top 5 Best Bowling Shoe Sliders – Our Reviews:
1. Brunswick Shoe Slider
The Brunswick Shoe Slider is our first choice because apart from being very effective at sliding, it is also one of the most affordable shoe sliders in the market.
Made of suede and features an attached elastic band strap for securing to your bowling shoe, this bowling shoe slider is also designed to fit most sizes, precisely women’s size 5 shoes to men’s size 14 shoes according to the manufacturer. This is probably possible because of its stretchy elastic construction and roomy length.
Also, durability and quality are assured as its sole is thicker than those of other brands and can give even bowling shoes a run for their money when it comes to sliding.
The Brunswick Shoe Slider completely covers the sliding sole of your bowling shoe and boosts your sliding ability. With all its nice features, this is one slider you’ll want in your bowling bag all the time.
Features
- Covers bowling shoe slide sole
- Consistently increases slide
- One size easily fits most shoe sizes
- Elastic band to fasten to shoe
Pros
- Affordable price
- Available in black, neon green, and neon orange
- Thicker sole than is currently available in the market
- 1 year limited warranty
Cons
- Slides too much on first use, takes some getting used to
2. Bowlingball.com’s Bowling Shoe Slider
Bowlingball.com’s slider is an easy second choice as it is so efficient at sliding that it comfortably competes with name brands.
Apart from being outstanding for its impressive quality and optimal performance, another reason for this product’s excellence is the fact that it covers up to the midsole of most shoes. Because it features a rather long slider, it easily panders to the need of people with large feet.
This bowling shoe slider also does not carry a large display of a bowling brand’s logo.
So, if you’re one of those who dislike wearing huge adverts, this is probably a good choice for you. Of course, it still displays the Bowlingball.com’s website and logo, but you might consider that a lesser evil than wearing an actual (popular) name brand.
It is designed with suede material and has a one-size-fits-most fitting which means that it is suitable for sizes from a size 5 youth to a medium-width size 14 men, according to the manufacturer.
Features
- Covers bowling shoe to mid-sole
- Significantly increases slide
- One size fits most shoe sizes
- Elastic strap to attach to the shoe
Pros
- Extra-long slider than is currently available in the market
- Modest design
- No name brand logo
Cons
- Might need some getting used to as it slides too much on first use
3. Ebonite Bowling Shoe Slider
Made from napped flannel material, the Ebonite Bowling Shoe Slider noticeably increases your sliding in the bowling alley.
In addition to generously covering the entire sliding sole in most shoes, it also doesn’t stretch enough over the upper part of the bowling shoe to hide its look.
For users who prefer a brand name, this is an excellent choice as it is produced by a bowling brand name.
Features
- Made of napped flannel material
- Has an elastic band for fastening
- Covers bowling shoe’s whole sliding pad
- Efficient for sliding
- One size fits most
Pros
- Extra-long slider design
- Simple design
- Brand name
Cons
- Too slippery at first use
4. Storm Shoe Slide
On the fourth position is the stylish Storm Shoe Slide.
Uniquely, this bowling shoe slide covers most part of your bowling shoe’s outsole. This gives you the impetus to make better slides.
Also, if you love a good bargain, this slide shoe is definitely an option you simply can’t resist. Other products of similar quality are priced way higher on the market.
Features
- Extended bottom cover
- Enhanced sliding
- Sliding motion support
Pros
- Consistent slide
- Excellent coverage for your sliding pads
- Affordable price
Cons
- Materials not specified
5. Brunswick Offense Shoe Slider
If you’re a big fan of Brunswick bowling shoes, then you may want to take a look at this Offense slider.
Easy and consistent slide is what you get from this slick shoe slider. So, if you want to perform better down the bowling alley, this is the right accessory for your bowling shoes.
Far more interesting than the mentioned qualities is the use of napped flannel instead of the popular suede material. If you’re looking for a bit of a change but still want a reliable product, the Brunswick Offense Shoe Slider is sure to give you that.
Features
- Made of napped flannel material
- Enhanced sliding
- Covers bowling shoe’s sliding pads
- One size fits most
Pros
- Quality construction
- Excellent coverage
- Durable material
Cons
- Expensive
How to Choose a Bowling Shoe Slider
A bowling shoe slider prevents your bowling shoe from getting stuck in tacky situations and helps you get the slide you need to release properly. Always keep this in mind as you shop for a bowling shoe slider.
Here are some features you need to look for:
Quality
The durability of your bowling shoe slider depends on its quality. This is why it is advisable to always consider the quality of a product before making a purchase.
Look at the material used in designing a bowling shoe slider. Is it sturdy and durable? Can it withstand the wear and tear that comes with constant use?
Remember, sliders are worn on the shoe which is always exposed to a lot of action. So, if you buy a product of low quality, it won’t last.
Performance
It will greatly defeat the purpose to buy a bowling shoe slider and then realize that it doesn’t boost your sliding. Before buying, you could read reviews or ask questions to see if a certain slider does what it says it does and gives optimal performance.
Size
Most bowling shoe sliders come in a one-size-fits-most construction, so if you have an average size, you might not have any problems with finding a slider that would fit you.
However, if you have a really small or really large shoe size, you might find it difficult to find a shoe slider that would fit snugly or at all. Be sure to try a slider first before purchasing to see if it fits you.
Conclusion
Having gone through the reviews, I hope it is clear how the Brunswick Shoe Slider comes at the top. Apart from being perfect at sliding, which is the basic description of what a bowling shoe slider does, it is also very affordable and durable.
A close second choice is the Bowlingball.com Bowling Shoe Slider. This particular choice performs comparably to brand products and is designed to last.
If for some reason you’d rather go for a slider that is not included in the list, be sure to check out the section that tells you what features to look for to ensure you get the best bowling shoe slider.