Best Bowling Shoes 2025: Tested and Approved Bowling Shoes
- Erikas Jansonas
- Dec 3, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: May 23
Last updated: May 23, 2025
Bowling shoes are one of the most overlooked pieces of equipment — but any serious bowler (or coach) knows that they can be just as important as your ball. Good shoes help you stay balanced, make consistent shots, and avoid injury. If you're still renting house shoes or skating around in worn-out soles, it's time for an upgrade.
We’ve tested the latest releases and trusted favorites to bring you our expert picks for the best bowling shoes of 2025 — for both men and women. Whether you're a casual bowler or chasing perfect games, these shoes will help you perform your best.
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Top 5 Best Bowling Shoes for 2025 (Quick Picks)
Don't feel like reading the full review? Here are our top 5 picks for the best bowling shoes to buy in 2025.
Best overall (men) - Dexter T.H.E C9 KNIT
Best Budget (men) - Dexter DexLite Pro BOA Light
Most durable (men) - Dexter SST 8 Power-Frame BOA
Best overall (women) - Dexter T.H.E C9 LAVOY
Best budget (women) - Dexter DexLite Pro BOA Light
Best Bowling Shoes For Men 2025
#1 Dexter T.H.E C9 KNIT - Best Overall
These top-tier shoes from Dexter combine high performance with unmatched comfort. With reinforced toe space, BOA disc lacing, and a Cloud9 midsole, they feel like walking on air. Included are a THS7 slide pad, two heels (H5 Saw Tooth & H2), and a shoe cover. Whether you're a one-hander or two-hander, they offer consistent slide and support. If you're serious about bowling, these are a smart investment.
Built for durability, these shoes feature the new Power Frame KPU honeycomb overlay and a convenient BOA Fit System. They come with an S8 slide sole, H5 heel, and shoe cover. We've tested SST 8s for years — they’re easily the most rugged, long-lasting bowling shoes out there. BowlingLife testers tried these beauties on and prepared an in-depth Dexter SST 8 Power-Frame BOA review in case you need more detailed insights.
The Hype TPC seamlessly combines a host of top-notch features that any bowler would desire in a pair of high-performance bowling shoes, all wrapped up in a sleek and contemporary design. Hype bowling shoes are unisex, meaning both male and female bowlers can wear them. We loved that it comes with a variety of interchangeable soles and heels included in the box, eliminating the need for additional expenses. Here's a fun fact: AJ Johnson clinched his first PBA Tour Title in Sweden while wearing these shoes, making them a standout choice. So, you can't go wrong with choosing these!
Lightweight, budget-friendly, and surprisingly supportive. The BOA system allows quick adjustments, while the interchangeable slide sole adapts to various lane conditions. Although it doesn’t have an interchangeable heel, it's the best value under $150. Our testers prepared an in-depth review of the Dexter DexLite Pro BOA bowling shoes if you would like to find out more about them.
This shoe delivers an excellent grip, fit the foot just right and feels comfortable. Comes in with four interchangeable soles and three heels for adjustable slide, this pair of men's bowling shoes meet the highest quality standards as 3G is one of the best bowling shoe manufacturers in the world. The moment you put them on, you'll feel the difference. No wonder players like Jason Belmonte trust them on the lanes.
The Dexter SST 8 Pro BOA LE is a premium choice for bowlers who demand professional-level quality and versatility. Designed with full interchangeable sole and heel construction, it’s fully convertible for both left- and right-handed players — ideal for bowlers who want maximum flexibility from one pair of shoes. It comes ready to roll with a White Microfiber S8 slide sole, Goodyear T2+ traction sole, H5 SawTooth heel, and H2 UltraBrakz heel already attached.
Best bowling shoes for women 2025
The women’s Dexter SST 8 Power-Frame BOA is a high-performance bowling shoe built to last. It features the new Power Frame KPU construction — a durable overlay that reinforces the shoe without adding bulk — and the BOA® Fit System for quick, no-lace adjustments. With a removable S8 slide sole, H5 saw-tooth heel, and included shoe cover, it offers solid customization right out of the box. This model fits securely and feels stable through your entire approach, making it ideal for league bowlers and serious competitors who want pro-level gear with a tailored women’s fit.
The KR Strikeforce Dream blends comfort, flexibility, and style in a package that’s perfect for women bowlers who want performance without sacrificing looks. The soft microfiber upper combined with STA-DRY™ mesh keeps your feet cool and comfortable, even during long league nights. It comes with three interchangeable soles and heels, giving you adjustability for different lane conditions and footwork styles without needing extra purchases. The Dream is ideal for intermediate to advanced bowlers looking for a versatile shoe that performs just as well as it looks. If you want a shoe that fits great, slides smooth, and turns heads — this one’s a winner.
Dexter DexLite Pro BOA Women's bowling shoes offer exceptional comfort and lightness, suitable for bowlers of all skill levels. The BOA system facilitates quick adjustments, while the interchangeable sole allows you to customize your footwork in various conditions. Considered among the finest options, Dexter DexLite Pro BOA is an excellent choice for your bowling shoe update. Bear in mind that the soles are not interchangeable.
The Dexter T.H.E C9 Lavoy is the premium choice for serious female bowlers in 2025. Featuring Dexter’s advanced Toehold Hyperflex Engineering (T.H.E) for better flex and slide control, it also includes the responsive Cloud9 midsole — giving you that “walking-on-air” feel without sacrificing stability. The BOA Fit System lets you dial in the perfect fit in seconds, and the shoe comes with a THS7 slide sole, two heels, and a cover. Stylish, durable, and incredibly comfortable, the C9 Lavoy stands out on the lanes — not just for its looks, but for how confidently it lets you play.
The KR Strikeforce Hype TPC offers everything competitive women bowlers need — durability, comfort, adjustability, and serious style. Built with TRI-SOLE Technology, these shoes resist wear from toe drag and provide great slide consistency across different approaches. They’re unisex in design but available in women’s sizing, making them a flexible fit. Each pair comes with multiple interchangeable soles and heels included in the box, so you won’t need to spend extra for customization.
PRO TIP: Your feet swell during play, especially in long sessions. Choose a half-size up for the best long-term comfort.
Why Do You Need Bowling Shoes?
Bowling shoes often don't get the attention they deserve, overshadowed by the significant focus on bowling balls. While it's true that a bowling ball is essential for making a strike (unless throwing a shoe at that last stubborn 10th pin is tempting), it's crucial to recognize the importance of good shoes. Good shoes = better bowling. That’s the bottom line.
Balance: Keeps your approach stable.
Consistency: interchangeable soles and heels let you fine-tune your slide for every lane.
Injury Prevention: Proper slide and support protect your knees and back.
Lane Respect: Bowling shoes protect the approach from wear and tear.
Types of Bowling Shoes
Bowling shoes can be divided into two main types - interchangeable and solid.
Solid Bowling Shoes
Features: Fixed slide pad on the front and a non-replaceable rubber heel.
Pros: Cheaper than interchangeable shoes.
Cons: Need replacement when the slide pad or rubber heel wears out.
Interchangeable Bowling Shoes
Features: Customizable soles and heels.
Pros: Adaptable to different playing styles and conditions, longer-lasting.
Cons: More expensive upfront.
Based on our experience, solid shoes generally endure for about a year before the slide pad wears down, making the shoes ineffective and requiring replacement. We suggest solid shoes for beginners or children.
It's more enjoyable to have your own pair rather than wearing shoes someone else used just moments ago.
If you frequently engage in bowling or strive for better performance, it's advisable to invest in high-quality interchangeable bowling shoes.
Owning a reliable pair of bowling shoes can result in future cost savings.
Considerations for Choosing Bowling Shoes
Frequency of Use: Casual or competitive?
Budget: How much are you willing to invest?
Features: Interchangeable soles/heels, BOA lacing system, comfort.
Size and Fit: Ensure proper sizing for comfort and performance.
How We Picked Best Bowling Shoes
We combined:
Hands-on testing
Feedback from competitive bowlers
Amazon reviews & pro shop insights
When choosing the best bowling shoes in 2025, we looked at comfort, support, adjustability, and long-term performance.
FAQ
Why Do You Have to Wear Bowling Shoes?
Bowling shoes are designed with specific features crucial for the sport. They provide the right balance of traction and slip needed for the approach and delivery. Wearing bowling shoes also protects the delicate lane surface and ensures hygiene.
Where to Buy Bowling Shoes?
You can purchase bowling shoes from popular online retailers like Amazon or visit a specialized bowling pro shop near you. Consider factors like size and sole type when making your purchase.
