For those of you new to the sport of bowling, the idea
of left handed bowling shoes may seem a wee bit odd. After
all, a left handed person usually uses left handed items that
are used by the hands, like left handed scissors and left
handed golf clubs. A “lefty” does not, however,
where left handed golf shoes while using his or her left handed
golf clubs, right?
So, what does something that goes on the feet have to do
with left-handedness? Why is there such thing as left handed
bowling shoes? The answer is actually rather simple:
First of all, it is important to know that high performance
bowling shoes are not the same as the bowling shoes that you
rent from the bowling alley. Those that you rent are neither
left handed bowling shoes or right handed shoes. Rather, they
are universal bowling shoes.
Universal bowling shoes have the same sole on each sole,
and these soles are “sliding” soles. Left handed
bowling shoes, on the other hand, only have one “sliding”
sole. The other sole is used for traction.
If you are left handed and therefore wear left handed bowling
shoes, your right shoe will have the sliding sole, and your
left shoe will have the traction sole. The opposite is true
with right handed bowling shoes.
Alright, so now you understand the difference between left
handed bowling shoes, right handed shoes, and universal shoes…
but why must there be a “sliding” shoe at all?
Well, as you likely already know, a bowler does not generally
start his or her approach right at the foul line, unless he
or she is planning on executing a “granny” roll.
Rather, the approach begins four or five steps back (different
bowlers prefer different approaches).
There are many different types of bowling approaches that
can be taken – different bowlers really do prefer different
approaches. Also, different bowlers often use different approaches
for a hook or a spare shot, etc.
The traction (or lack thereof) of left handed bowling shoes
really play into the approach. Having a good sliding step
at the right time or the right amount of traction at the right
time, etc., can really change and/or improve your approach
and therefore your shot.
Also, many people that wear left handed bowling shoes (or
right handed ones, for that matter) wear shoes with interchangeable
soles. Being able to change the sliding sole so that it either
slides more or less, depending on the bowler and on the lane
conditions, can really give a bowler a great deal of freedom
with his or her approach.
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