Best Bowling Shoes 2025: Tested and Approved
Last updated: September 12, 2025 Bowling shoes are often ignored, but they can be just as important as yourball. Good bowling shoes improve balance, help you repeat shots, and lower therisk of injury. If you're still renting shoes or slipping around in worn soles, it's time fora change. That’s why we tested the newest models and fan favorites to find the bestbowling shoes of 2025. This guide covers top picks for men and women.Whether you bowl casually or chase perfect games, the right shoes can takeyour game to the next level. So let’s find the best bowling shoes for your style and budget. Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means we may earn asmall commission if you make a purchase - at no extra cost to you. Thishelps us keep our content free and accessible to everyone. Quick Picks: Top 5 Best Bowling Shoes for 2025 Don’t want to read the full breakdown? Here are our top 5 picks for the bestbowling shoes in 2025: Best overall (men) -Dexter T.H.E C9 KNIT Dexter T.H.E C9 KNIT Best Budget (men) -Dexter DexLite Pro BOA Light Dexter DexLite Pro BOA Light Most durable (men) -Dexter SST 8 Power-Frame BOA Dexter SST 8 Power-Frame BOA Best overall (women) -Dexter SST 8 Power Frame BOA Dexter SST 8 Power Frame BOA Best budget (women) -Dexter DexLite Pro BOA Light Dexter DexLite Pro BOA Light These are our top-rated models after testing dozens of the best bowlingshoes on the market. Best Bowling Shoes for Men in 2025 – Top Tested Picks #1Dexter T.H.E C9 KNIT - Best Overall Bowling Shoes for Men Dexter T.H.E C9 KNIT - Best Overall Bowling Shoes for Men The Dexter C9 Knit stands out as one of the best bowling shoes for menin 2025. These high-performance shoes deliver serious comfort with a softfeel and snug fit. You’ll get a reinforced toe area, easy BOA lacing system, and a supercushioned midsole. They come ready with a THS7 slide sole, two heels (H5 andH2), and a shoe cover. Whether you bowl one-handed or two-handed, this pair provides smooth slideand firm support. If you're aiming to upgrade your gear, the Dexter C9 is one of the smartestpicks for the best bowling shoes this year. Check Price on Amazon #2Dexter SST 8 Power-Frame BOA- Most Durable Bowling Shoes for Men Dexter SST 8 Power-Frame BOA - Most Durable Bowling Shoes for Men The Dexter SST 8 Power-Frame BOA is one of the best bowling shoes ifyou want long-lasting gear. It’s built with a tough honeycomb outer shell and a secure BOA lacingsystem. Inside the box, you get an S8 slide sole, H5 heel, and a protectiveshoe cover. Looking for durability? This is one of the best bowling shoes to keepyou covered for the long haul. BowlingLife testers tried these beauties on andprepared an in-depth Dexter SST 8 Power-Frame BOA reviewin case you need more detailed insights. prepared an in-depth Dexter SST 8 Power-Frame BOA review Check latest price on Amazon #3KR Strikeforce Hype TPC- Best Unisex Bowling Shoes KR Strikeforce Hype TPC - Best Unisex Bowling Shoes The KR Strikeforce Hype TPC is one of the best bowling shoes in 2025for both men and women. This unisex model includes multiple interchangeable soles and heels, so youwon’t need to buy extra accessories. That gives you more control over yourslide on any approach. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and built to take on serious games. Probowler AJ Johnson even wore these when he won his first PBA title in Sweden. If you want reliable performance and easy customization, the Hype TPC is asolid pick for the best bowling shoes this year. View Hype TPC details on Amazon #4Dexter DexLite Pro BOA- Best Budget Bowling Shoes Dexter DexLite Pro BOA - Best Budget Bowling Shoes The Dexter DexLite Pro BOA is one of the best bowling shoes for bowlerson a budget. These shoes are light, supportive, and easy to adjust thanks to the BOA FitSystem. You also get an interchangeable slide sole that works acrossdifferent lane types. While the heel isn’t removable, the value is hard to beat for under $150. Our testers prepared anin-depth review of these bowling shoesif you would like to find out more about them. in-depth review of these bowling shoes Get Dexter DexLite Pro BOA on Amazon #53G Tour Black - Best Breathable Bowling Shoes 3G Tour Black - Best Breathable Bowling Shoes The 3G Tour Black is one of the best bowling shoes trusted by pros likeJason Belmonte. It offers great grip, a perfect fit, and a smooth feel during play. Eachpair comes with four interchangeable soles and three heels for slidecontrol. 3G is known for making high-quality shoes, and this model is no exception.We have full review of these shoes if you want to check it out. We have full review of these shoes if you want to check it out. If you want a pro-level feel from the moment you lace up, the 3G Tour Blackstands out as one of the best bowling shoes in 2025. Check price on Amazon #6Dexter THE 9 Stryker BOA - Best Bowling Shoes for Versatility Dexter THE 9 Stryker BOA - Best Bowling Shoes for Versatility The Dexter THE 9 Stryker BOA stands out as one of the best bowling shoes forbowlers seeking precision and comfort. This model features the new BOA® Li2 dial for micro-adjustments, plus crossstraps that lock in a secure, custom fit. You’ll also get interchangeable soles and heels, Hyperflex channels forflexibility, and Dexter’s durable Toehold system for extended shoe life. If you want high-tech shoes that combine performance, durability, andversatility, the THE 9 Stryker BOA is a top choice today. Get your pair on Amazon Best Bowling Shoes For Women 2025 #1Dexter SST 8 Power Frame BOA- Best Overall Bowling Shoes for Women Dexter SST 8 Power Frame BOA - Best Overall Bowling Shoes for Women The Dexter SST 8 Power-Frame BOA is one of the best bowling shoes forwomen in 2025. It’s built with Power Frame construction for extra support without extraweight. The BOA Fit System lets you adjust the fit fast with no laces. This model includes a removable S8 slide sole, H5 heel, and a protectiveshoe cover. It fits securely and supports your approach from start tofinish. If you’re a league bowler or serious competitor, these are some of the bestbowling shoes for a strong, custom fit. Plus, purple and white colormix looks amazing! Check price on Amazon #2KR Strikeforce Dream- Best Bowling Shoes For Comfort KR Strikeforce Dream - Best Bowling Shoes For Comfort The KR Strikeforce Dream is one of the best bowling shoes for women whowant performance without giving up style and comfort. It features a soft microfiber upper and breathable STA-DRY™ mesh to keepyour feet cool during long games. You also get three interchangeable soles and heels included, so you canadjust your slide to match any lane. If you’re an intermediate or advanced bowler, this is one of the bestbowling shoes for all-around performance and a great look. Get KR Strikeforce Dream Shoes on Amazon #3Dexter DexLite Pro BOA- Best Budget Bowling Shoes Dexter DexLite Pro BOA - Best Budget Bowling Shoes The Dexter DexLite Pro BOA is one of the best bowling shoes for womenwho want comfort without overspending. They’re lightweight, supportive, and easy to adjust using the BOA lacingsystem. The slide sole helps you move smoothly across different laneconditions. Keep in mind: the heel isn’t interchangeable, but the overall value isexcellent. If you're updating your gear, this is one of the best bowling shoes forreliable performance on a budget. Check latest price on Amazon #4Dexter T.H.E C9 Lavoy- Best High-End Bowling Shoes for Women Dexter T.H.E C9 Lavoy - Best High-End Bowling Shoes for Women The Dexter T.H.E C9 Lavoy is one of the best bowling shoes for womenwho want premium performance and style. It features Dexter’s T.H.E. design for extra flexibility and smooth sliding.The Cloud9 midsole feels soft underfoot while still giving great balance. The BOA Fit System allows quick, precise tightening with no laces. Each pairincludes a THS7 slide sole, two heels, and a shoe cover. If you’re looking for a high-end upgrade, this is one of the best bowlingshoes you can buy in 2025. Check best value on Amazon #5KR Strikeforce Hype TPC - Best Unisex Bowling Shoes KR Strikeforce Hype TPC - Best Unisex Bowling Shoes The KR Strikeforce Hype TPC is one of the best bowling shoes forcompetitive women bowlers in 2025. It features TRI-SOLE technology that reduces toe drag and keeps your slideconsistent. These shoes are unisex but sized for women, giving a flexibleand comfortable fit. Each pair includes multiple interchangeable soles and heels, so you canadjust your setup without extra cost. If you need a shoe built for serious play and long sessions, this is one ofthe best bowling shoes to trust on the lanes. Check price on Amazon Pro Tip To keep your bowling shoes dry and odor-free, useMoso Natural Mini Deodorizer Bags. Moso Natural Mini Deodorizer Bags These scent-free charcoal pouches absorb moisture and sweat without using anyliquid - so nothing spills or leaks in your bowling bag. Just drop them in your shoes after each session and they’ll stay fresh. Why Do You Need Bowling Shoes? Bowling shoes often get overlooked, but they play a huge role in yourperformance. Most bowlers focus on the ball - but without the right shoes,your game can suffer. The truth is, having the best bowling shoes makes your approach smoother,your motion more repeatable, and your body safer. Good shoes = better bowling. That’s the bottom line. Here’s why the best bowling shoes matter: Balance – A stable approach leads to more accurate shots.Consistency – Adjustable soles and heels help you match anylane.Injury Prevention – Proper support reduces stress on your kneesand back.Lane Safety – Bowling shoes keep the approach clean andprotected. Balance – A stable approach leads to more accurate shots. Balance Consistency – Adjustable soles and heels help you match anylane. Consistency Injury Prevention – Proper support reduces stress on your kneesand back. Injury Prevention Lane Safety – Bowling shoes keep the approach clean andprotected. Lane Safety Types of Bowling Shoes There are two main types of bowling shoes: solid and interchangeable. Thebest bowling shoes for you depend on your skill level, frequency, andgoals. Solid Bowling Shoes Features: Fixed slide sole and a built-in rubber heelPros: Affordable and great for beginnersCons: Can’t be adjusted or repaired easily when worn out Features: Fixed slide sole and a built-in rubber heel Features: Pros: Affordable and great for beginners Pros: Cons: Can’t be adjusted or repaired easily when worn out Cons: These are ideal if you bowl occasionally or just started. Most solid shoeslast about a year before the sole breaks down. Interchangeable Bowling Shoes Features: Swappable soles and heels for better performancePros: Long-lasting and easy to adjust to different approachconditionsCons: Higher price Features: Swappable soles and heels for better performance Features: Pros: Long-lasting and easy to adjust to different approachconditions Pros: Cons: Higher price Cons: It’s more fun (and hygienic) to wear your own pair than rent ones used bydozens of people. If you bowl regularly, go for interchangeable shoes. They’ll match yourplaying style better and save you money over time. Considerations for Choosing Best Bowling Shoes Choosing the best bowling shoes depends on how often you play, yourgoals, and what feels right on your feet. Here are key things to consider: How Often You Bowl – Do you play casually or compete weekly?Your Budget – Are you looking for top-tier shoes or great valueunder $150?Key Features – Do you need interchangeable soles, BOA lacing, orextra support?Fit and Feel – A snug fit improves your game and prevents footpain. How Often You Bowl – Do you play casually or compete weekly? How Often You Bowl Your Budget – Are you looking for top-tier shoes or great valueunder $150? Your Budget Key Features – Do you need interchangeable soles, BOA lacing, orextra support? Key Features Fit and Feel – A snug fit improves your game and prevents footpain. Fit and Feel Taking time to choose the best bowling shoes for your style will pay offevery time you hit the lanes. How We Chose the Best Bowling Shoes To find the best bowling shoes in 2025, we combined real testing andtrusted input from bowlers at all levels. Here’s what we used: Hands-on testing with multiple brands and modelsFeedback from league and tournament bowlersReviews from Amazon customers and pro shop staff Hands-on testing with multiple brands and models Hands-on testing Feedback from league and tournament bowlers Feedback Reviews from Amazon customers and pro shop staff Reviews We focused on comfort, support, customization, and long-term value. That way,every pair on this list earns its place among the best bowling shoes thisyear. FAQ Why Do You Have to Wear Bowling Shoes? Wearing bowling shoes gives you the right mix of grip and slide for a smoothapproach and release. The best bowling shoes also protect the lane surface and keep thingsclean for everyone. Renting can work short-term, but owning your own pairimproves comfort and consistency. Where to Buy Bowling Shoes? You can buy the best bowling shoes online from trusted retailers likeAmazon. Or, visit a local pro shop to try them on in person. Check sizing charts, fit tips, and whether the shoes come with interchangeablesoles or not. How Can I Remove Odor from My Bowling Shoes? To keep your bowling shoes smelling clean, we like to useMoso Natural Mini Air Purifying Bags. These small linen pouches contain bamboo charcoal that naturally absorbsodor, sweat, and moisture - no spray or perfume needed. They’re safe,scent-free, and reusable for up to two years. Moso Natural Mini Air Purifying Bags