Buzz
Although bowling may not be America's national pastime, it's still a fantastic way to socialize, compete, and, for league members, show off some truly eye-catching shirts.
Yet, the most perplexing aspect of the game is undoubtedly the footwear. Bowling alleys insist that we trade our regular shoes for stiff, uncomfortable, and sometimes odorous pairs that can amplify social discomfort. Why is this a requirement? And why can't we just wear a fresh pair of New Balances instead?
It’s common knowledge that bowling shoes provide traction on slippery lanes, but in reality, they do the opposite. Quality bowling shoes have smooth soles that allow bowlers to glide across the lane, giving them greater freedom of movement, which is one of the key reasons they’re preferred over everyday shoes.
Imagine wearing sneakers with treads: When you swing the ball and remain stationary, you're putting additional strain on your ankles, knees, wrists, and other joints. The goal is to slide, not halt, which is achievable with bowling shoes. But it’s not as slippery as it might sound. The soles of bowling shoes aren't fully made of leather: The heel is rubber, acting as a brake for your foot. You’ll glide, but it won’t feel like ice skating. (Some models feature leather on one side and rubber on the other.)
Although safety is the main reason bowling alleys require a switch to bowling shoes, they also aim to protect their floors. If everyone wore regular street shoes, the polished surfaces would quickly become scuffed and dirty. Picture rolling a bowling ball only to have it veer off course due to dirt, or even getting stuck with a piece of chewing gum beneath your foot. Bowling shoes, which are worn exclusively inside, can also prevent floors from becoming damp or wet during rain or snow. (You may still deal with a sticky concession floor, but that’s part of the experience.)
Should you invest in your own bowling shoes? They might be worthwhile if you're a frequent bowler. However, for purely hygienic reasons, it's probably not necessary. While using shared shoes could, in theory, spread bacteria, warts, and fungi leading to athlete's foot, the likelihood is low. The shoes are meant to be disinfected and/or sprayed with antifungal products after each use, but the best defense is wearing socks and avoiding open wounds or blisters on your feet.
