Let’s talk about something often overlooked in bowling: your shoes.
Every coach will say it early — the best bowling shoes for beginners matter more than the ball.
Why? Because good shoes keep you balanced, prevent injury, and help build a
clean release from the beginning.
Getting started or ditching rentals? This guide covers the
best bowling shoes for beginners
with tested picks for men and women.
Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links.
Best Bowling Shoes for Beginners
Dexter DexLite Pro BOA - Best Beginner Bowling Shoes for Men
More shoes for men...
KR Strikeforce Maui - Best Beginner Bowling Shoes for Women
More shoes for women...
Feet tend to swell after a few games. Choose a slightly larger size to keep your bowling shoes comfortable throughout the day.
Best Bowling Shoes for Beginners (Men)
Ready to upgrade from rentals? Here are the best bowling shoes for beginners that men should look at first.
#1 Dexter DexLite Pro BOA
Just getting started? These are among the
best bowling shoes for beginners
you can get for under $150.
The Dexter DexLite Pro BOA feels light, breathable, and easy to tighten with
its twist-to-lock BOA system.
That dial setup replaces laces - no tying, just turn and go. Perfect for
bowlers who want quick setup.
Another reason it stands out: the changeable slide soles. You can adjust
them to match different lanes and approaches.
This flexibility helps new bowlers build consistency as they play more often and face different conditions.
Want more details? Our testers wrote a full review of the Dexter DexLite Pro BOA to help you decide if it’s the right fit.
#2 Dexter Ricky IV
The Dexter Ricky IV is a top choice for new bowlers who want a simple, solid
first pair of shoes.
These shoes offer comfort, strong build, and good price — ideal for anyone
just starting to bowl regularly.
They feel steady on your feet and clearly outperform rental shoes in every way.
Easy, supportive, and smooth on the lanes — great for learning without
overspending.
Want the best bowling shoes for beginners under budget? The Ricky IV is a strong option to consider.
#3 3G Tour Black
Want a strong start with a pro-like feel? The 3G Tour Black offers great
grip, comfort, and a locked-in fit.
These beginner bowling shoes include slide soles and heels you can switch
based on lane conditions.
That extra control helps you stay balanced on dry or oily lanes as you bowl
more often.
The 3G Tour Black also stands out for its strong build and trusted
performance from early frames onward.
Searching for the best bowling shoes for beginners with pro-level features? This one is worth a look.
Need more information? Read full 3G Tour Black review!
#4 KR Strikeforce Flyer Mesh
Tired of stiff rental shoes? The KR Strikeforce Flyer Mesh feels lighter,
cooler, and easier to move in right away.
These beginner bowling shoes use a mesh upper that keeps feet cool while
offering great movement on the approach.
The slide sole helps new bowlers feel smooth and steady during early
games.
These shoes are easy to wear and cost less than most name brands - ideal for
casual players.
Want the best bowling shoes for beginners under $60? This pick offers great value from the start.
#5 Brunswick Renegade
The Brunswick Renegade offers comfort, clean style, and smooth steps - great
for new bowlers who want a steady start.
These beginner bowling shoes include a soft upper, padded collar, and
lightweight outsole to keep you stable.
Slide soles on both shoes help you stay balanced and consistent as you learn
to control your release.
The 1-year warranty adds extra confidence, especially if you're just
starting to bowl regularly.
If you want the best bowling shoes for beginners without overspending, the Renegade is a smart option.
Best Beginner Bowling Shoes For Women
This list highlights the best bowling shoes for beginners made for women who are just starting to bowl.
#1 KR Strikeforce The Maui
Need stylish, easy shoes for bowling? The KR Strikeforce Maui is one of the
best bowling shoes for beginners.
It uses the FreeLock twist system, so you can tighten the fit in seconds
without any shoelaces.
The upper is soft and light, while the heel adds support without extra weight.
Inside, the padding feels bouncy and soft perfect for long bowling
sessions.
The flexible sole helps keep you steady, so each step feels smooth and under
control.
Starting your bowling journey? These shoes give you balance, comfort, and confidence right out of the box.
#2 Dexter Women's Kerrie Bowling Shoes
The Dexter Kerrie is a fun option if you're ready to ditch rentals and enjoy
bowling more.
These beginner bowling shoes are light, stylish, and colorful - great for
comfort and showing your style.
Inside, soft lining and padded collars add cushion. Side vents keep your
feet cool during long games.
Looking for the best bowling shoes for beginners with personality and comfort? The Kerrie is a great place to start.
#3 Dexter DexLite Pro BOA (Women's)
The Dexter DexLite Pro BOA is among the best bowling shoes for beginners who
want comfort and a secure fit early on.
Its twist-to-tighten BOA system adjusts fast - no more loose laces or double
knots during play.
These shoes feel light and snug, helping you move confidently on the
approach.
You can also swap the slide soles to adjust grip for dry or oily lane conditions.
Starting to bowl more often? These shoes grow with you.
Want more info? Check out our full review of the Dexter DexLite Pro BOA.
#4 Brunswick Axis
The Brunswick Axis gives new bowlers a clean, simple upgrade from old rental
shoes.
Its sporty look and soft feel make it one of the best bowling shoes for
beginners who bowl casually.
The mesh upper keeps your feet cool. The padded collar and tongue add
comfort and support.
Slide soles on both shoes help you move smoothly from your first frame
forward.
These shoes feel light, easy, and perfect for anyone just getting into bowling.
#5 Pyramid Seamless Lite
The Pyramid Seamless Lite is a great first pair for bowlers who want lightweight shoes with a fun design.
These beginner bowling shoes feel soft, fit true to size, and come in eye-catching colors. They’re comfortable from the start - no long break-in period needed.
Pyramid built these shoes to deliver solid value at a budget price.
If you’re new to the game and want something easy to wear, this pair checks just perfect.
Pro Tip
Taking care of your shoes matters as much as choosing the best bowling shoes
for beginners from the start.
To keep them dry and odor-free, try
charcoal pouches like Moso Natural Mini Deodorizer Bags.
These scent-free bags pull moisture and sweat from your shoes - no sprays or spills needed.
Just drop one in each shoe after bowling. Your gear will stay fresh and ready for next time.
How to Choose the Best Bowling Shoes for Beginners
Picking the best bowling shoes for beginners matters more than many think, especially when you're just starting to bowl.
The right shoes help you stay balanced, avoid injury, and learn faster. That’s why your choice matters early on.
First, think about how often you’ll bowl. If you bowl once or twice a month for fun, stick with simple shoes that have a slide sole. But if you bowl weekly or join a league, it’s smart to upgrade.
Advanced shoes often have changeable soles and tougher materials that handle wear better. They also fit more securely and help you adjust to different lane surfaces as you improve.
No matter your level, comfort comes first. The best bowling shoes for beginners help you feel steady and confident every time.
How We Choose the Best Bowling Shoes for Beginners
At BowlingLife, we test every shoe before making a recommendation. No guesswork — just real bowling, real feedback.
To find the best bowling shoes for beginners, we try each pair ourselves on the lanes, not in a showroom.
We focus on three things: comfort, fit, and how each pair works for new bowlers.
Our goal is honest advice - simple, clear, and from bowlers who actually bowl. We also update product links so you can quickly find the shoes we feature.
Every bowler is different. That’s why we test many options and share what works - fairly and clearly.
FAQ
Why do you have to wear bowling shoes?
Bowling shoes protect lanes and help you slide safely during your approach. Their smooth soles prevent falls and keep the lanes clean by avoiding marks. Regular sneakers don’t slide - they grip too much and could cause injury.
What makes bowling shoes different from sneakers?
Bowling shoes have flat soles that slide smoothly. Some let you switch soles for different lane types. Sneakers grip too much and can stick to the floor, making throws unsafe.
Where can I buy the best bowling shoes for beginners?
You can buy the best bowling shoes for beginners on Amazon or from your local pro shop. Just be sure to choose the right size and think about features like slide soles or heels.
How much does bowling shoes cost?
Beginner shoes usually start at $50. Most mid-range options cost $70 to $100. Higher-end shoes with pro features cost over $120. Choose based on how often you bowl - don’t overspend early on.
What do they spray in bowling shoes?
Bowling centers spray a cleaner that kills germs and fungus between uses. It keeps rental shoes safe. Still, we recommend buying your own pair - it’s worth it if you bowl often.
