Why Do You Have to Wear Bowling Shoes? [ANSWERED]
Bowling is an excellent way to enjoy quality time with family and friends as you listen to good music. But why do you have to wear bowling shoes? You'll have to stick with those old-school kicks regardless of how they make you feel. If you want to learn why bowling shoes are so crucial, you should read this article.
Why do you have to wear bowling shoes? Bowling shoes have a unique design to let you slide effortlessly along the alleys. You might get injuries if you go down the path in improper shoes. One other benefit is that they keep the bowling lanes clean from the debris that ordinary shoes would bring in.
Would you love to know more about bowling shoes, the material used to make them from a regular pair of shoes, and more? Then, dig right into this post!
The Material Used To Make Bowling Shoes
Bowling shoes have a mixture of leather and rubber, with the leather material covering the top of the feet and the rubber material on the sole. On the surface, bowling shoes may look like any other design, but if you are keen, you will notice they have a unique design. Bowling shoes and lanes have very low friction, meaning both soles will slide along easily.
Can you Make Bowling Shoes from Regular Shoes?
Yes, you can convert regular shoes into bowling shoes, except for shoes with heels. It is easy, and many bowling alleys allow you to use your custom-made shoes.
Buy a special conversion kit that you will use first to modify the regular shoes. You must use a shoe conversion kit to avoid making low-quality bowling shoes that can cause tripping and injury during the game.
How to Converting Ordinary Shoes to Bowling Shoes
Follow this simple guide to convert your ordinary shoe to bowling shoes.
- Start by selecting the shoes you want to change: the shoes should be flat or have a tiny heel, like sneakers.
- Prepare your materials. You'll also need strong-duty glue, new soles, scissors, and Velcro.
- Cut the Velcro to size by measuring it. Separate the material to use as the shoe's instep and heel.
- Next, using the same method, remove the old sole and replace it with the new one using Velcro.
Hygiene Concerns of Using Bowling Shoes
There is a risk of contracting a foot infection from rental bowling shoes, especially if you have a wound or open sore and aren't wearing socks. Should your bowling shoes get wet from sweat and start to smell, don't hesitate to ask for a new pair; fungus thrives in dark, damp places.
Socks made of Nano bamboo charcoal or copper ions are excellent in wicking moisture away from the foot. These two substances work together to improve blood flow and slow the spread of bacteria. The most efficient way to eliminate the bacteria that survive in your shoes is with ultraviolet light, but most local bowling centers do not use this sanitizing method.
Tips for Maintaining Your Bowling Shoes.
Proper maintenance is essential if you want your bowling shoes to last as long as possible while keeping you comfortable, safe, and thriving on the lanes.
Proper Storage.
- After a game, do not just throw your shoes in your bowling bag with the ball and other accessories. The bowling ball will exert some pressure from its weight that may damage the shoes.
- When you get home, clean the shoes thoroughly and store them in a cold, dry place.
- Let your shoe air dry thoroughly, then brush the areas that became wet with a brush with firm bristles to restore them.
Bowling shoe Accessories.
- A wire brush is handy for cleaning bowling shoes.
- Buy bowling shoe covers, which you will use when leaving the bowling alley for a short period, like when you want to use the bathroom or when getting a snack.
Cleaning your Bowling Shoes.
- Use a wire brush to scrub the sole gently but firmly to remove any grime or debris collected over time. Don't use too much force; you want to scrape the trash off, not gouge the soles.
- Eventually, your shoes' soles will wear out, and at that point, you'll either need to re-sole them or get new shoes.
Adjusting New Bowling Shoes.
When you get a new pair of bowling shoes, wear them and walk around the house to loosen up the upper part. Choose the sock size that works best with your shoes so that you can focus on bowling rather than whether your shoes are too tight or too loose.
When you first go to the alleys with your new shoes, try sliding around in different parts of the path close to the foul line. If, after some bowling, your new shoes are still sticking to the approach surface, you may need to apply a few pats of powder.
The Drawbacks of Using Bowling Shoes.
There are numerous advantages to using bowling shoes, but there are also some drawbacks.
- The cost of hiring bowling shoes is an additional cost. Again, they are pretty pricey, so it is only economical to buy a pair if you want to continue bowling in the long run.
- Depending on the cleanliness standards of your bowling alley, sharing bowling shoes might spread germs and infections such as fungus.
- There is no guarantee that you will find bowling shoes with the perfect width fit for your feet. When you bowl in shoes that are too narrow or too big might, there will be some discomfort, and you won't concentrate on the game.
Conclusion
The unique design of bowling shoes helps players slide without damaging the lanes or causing injuries. A good pair of bowling shoes are expensive, so clean and store them well to maintain their quality. Even though bowling shoes are a must-have in the alley, they may spread fungal infections if not properly washed and sanitized.