Are you tired of struggling with slipping and sliding on the bowling lane? If yes, then try these tips to make your bowling shoes slide more.
It’s no secret that bowling shoes can be a little slippery. In fact, many bowlers prefer to have a little more traction on the soles of their shoes. Luckily, you can do a few things to make your bowling shoes slide more.
Bowlers know that having the right shoes is important in bowling. Bowlers often wear shoes with textured soles to help them grip the floor and get better control over their shots.
However, there are times when you may want your bowling shoes to slide more on the floor. In this post, we’ll share a few ways how to make bowling shoes slide more. Check out these tips!
Are Bowling Shoes Supposed to Slide?
First off, it’s important to note that bowling shoes are not necessarily supposed to slide on the lane. In fact, many serious bowlers prefer shoes with textured soles for better control over their shots. Because of this, some bowling shoes may not have a slick sole that slides easily on the lane.
However, some bowlers may want or need their shoes to have more sliding abilities for certain techniques or personal preferences. And that’s where these tips come in handy!
What Will You Need?
Before getting started, here are a few things you may need to have on hand:
- Bowling shoe sole brush or scrubber
- Soft cloth
- Shoe sole cleaner or polish
- Hair dryer (Optional )
- Bowling lane conditioning oil (Optional)
With these items, you’ll be ready to make your bowling shoes slide more on the lane.
10 Easy Steps on How to Make Bowling Shoes Slide More
1. Clean the Soles of Your Shoes
Before trying any techniques to make your shoes slide more, it’s important to ensure that the soles of your shoes are clean. Any build-up on the soles can prevent them from sliding smoothly on the lane.
Using a bowling shoe brush or scrubber, give the soles of your shoes a good cleaning. Then, use a soft cloth, shoe sole cleaner, or polish to remove any remaining dirt and grime.
2. Buff the Soles with Sandpaper
After cleaning your shoe soles, try buffing them with sandpaper to create a smoother surface for sliding. Use light pressure and long strokes to buff the sole evenly. Because sandpaper can be rough, it’s important to use light pressure and not over-buff the soles.
3. Polish the Soles
Polishing your shoe soles can also help create a smoother surface for sliding. Use a shoe polish or cleaner and buff the soles with a soft cloth. You can get even more shine by using a hair dryer to heat the polish as you buff it onto the soles.
4. Use a Hair Dryer on the Soles
For an extra smooth surface, try using a hair dryer on the soles of your shoes. The heat can help soften and smooth out the sole material for better sliding ability. Be careful not to overheat the soles, as this can damage the material.
5. Apply Bowling Lane Conditioning Oil
If you have access to bowling lane conditioning oil, try applying it to the soles of your shoes. This can help create an even smoother surface for sliding on the lanes. Just be sure to use sparingly and wipe off any excess oil before entering the bowling alley.
6. Practice Sliding in Your Home or Backyard
Before heading to the bowling alley, try practicing sliding in your home or backyard. This can help wear down the soles of your shoes and create a smoother surface for sliding on the lanes. Make sure to wear proper footwear to protect your feet while practicing.
7. Wear Your Shoes In
Wearing your bowling shoes regularly can also help break them in and make them slide more easily on the lane. So be sure to wear them during practice sessions and league games to get the most out of them. Otherwise, you may want to consider investing in a second pair of bowling shoes for regular use.
8. Replace Your Bowling Shoes Regularly
Over time, the soles of your bowling shoes may become worn down and not as effective for sliding on the lanes. In this case, it may be worth investing in a new pair of bowling shoes to ensure the optimal sliding ability. Don’t forget to properly care for and maintain your new shoes to keep them in good condition.
9. Talk to Your Pro Shop
If you’re still having trouble making your bowling shoes slide more, consider talking to your local pro shop. They may have additional tips or products that can help improve the sliding ability of your shoes. Moreover, they can provide expert advice on finding the right shoes for your bowling style and needs.
10. Try Different Bowling Shoes
Another option is to try out different types of bowling shoes to see which ones work best for your style and preferences. Some brands and styles may offer better sliding abilities than others, so experiment to find the right fit for you. So, don’t be afraid to try different options and ask for recommendations from fellow bowlers or your pro shop.
Making your bowling shoes slide more can take some trial and error, but with these tips, you’ll be on your way to improving your game. Good luck!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
1. Use a Slide Sole: These can be purchased at most bowling pro shops and easily applied to your shoes.
2. Use Shoe Spray or Silicone Spray: This can help to enhance the slickness of the sole further.
3. Make Sure Your Shoes Fit Properly: This ensures that you have maximum control and stability while sliding.
4. Polish The Sole of Your Shoe: This can help increase the surface’s smoothness, allowing for a better slide.
5. Experiment With Different Slide Techniques: Practice sliding on different parts of your foot to find what works best for you.
Remember also to adjust your starting position and release point to optimize your slide.
5 Things You Should Avoid While Making Bowling Shoes Slide More
- Avoid using excessive cleaning chemicals on the soles of your shoes. These can damage the material and cause it to become slick, reducing your control.
- Don’t use sandpaper or abrasive materials to rough up the soles of your shoes. This can also damage the material and make it too slippery.
- Try not to walk on non-bowling surfaces while wearing your bowling shoes, as this can decrease the effectiveness of the sliding sole over time.
- Avoid using leather conditioners or oils on the sliding sole, as these can make the surface too slick for proper control.
- Don’t wear your bowling shoes outside of the lanes, as dirt and debris can build up on the soles and interfere with sliding ability. Keep them reserved exclusively for bowling to maintain optimum performance in your game.
Overall, the most important thing to remember is to use caution and avoid anything compromising the integrity of your shoe’s sliding sole. Maintaining proper care of your shoes will ensure they slide smoothly for a successful game. Happy bowling!
Why Do Bowlers Slide Their Foot?
Sliding allows bowlers to build up momentum and power in their throws, leading to a smoother and more accurate delivery. It also helps with maintaining balance while releasing the ball.
Moreover, sliding allows bowlers to adjust their starting position and release point, allowing them to customize their throws for optimal results. Therefore, sliding is an essential technique for any serious bowler.
Of course, proper sliding also requires the right bowling shoes with a slick soles to aid in smooth movement on the lanes. But with the proper technique and equipment, sliding can greatly benefit a bowler’s game.
Additionally, sliding can prevent injury by distributing weight evenly throughout the body instead of placing excessive strain on one particular area, such as the arm or shoulder.
Overall, sliding helps to improve a bowler’s technique and performance.
Conclusion
Now you know the importance of sliding in bowling, as well as some tips and tricks for enhancing the sliding ability of your shoes.
You can do a few things to make your bowling shoes slide more. Be sure to clean them regularly and use the proper type of cleaner. You should also consider applying a sliding compound to the soles of your shoes. If you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to improve your game in no time!
If you follow these steps, you should be able to make your bowling shoes slide more easily. Remember to use a sliding compound and adjust your technique if necessary. With a little care and attention, you can keep your shoes in top condition so you can bowl your best.
Hopefully, the article on how to make bowling shoes slide more has been helpful to you. Try out these tips and see how they work for you! Thanks for reading!
