Bowling shoes are a critical component of your bowling game, after all, they help you keep your balance and stop you from slipping and sliding so you can release the ball at the right time and in the right place. There are four different types of shoes you might consider for bowling and, depending on your skill level and ambition for the game, you might prefer one over the other.

Sneaker style bowling shoes are probably the least expensive and also offer the least amount of balance and support. They are basically like sneakers and made from cloth. These are not your high-end shoes but are probably good enough for someone who will be bowls once in a while.

Those funky colored scuffed up shoes that you can rent at the bowling alley are typically referred to as house shoes and, while they may not be the height of fashion and wearing shoes a dozen other people have worn may not be that appealing to you, they offer a bit more support than the sneakers. The drawback is that it might take you a few tries to find a good shoe in the size that is right for you, and there's no guarantee you'll be able to get that shoe the next time you come back.

If you're serious about your bowling game, then you'll probably want invest in some good leather bowling shoes. While these might not be as comfortable as your sneakers when you first put them on they will, over time, mold to your foot and offer comfort, balance and support. If you buy a good leather pair, they'll be durable as well if you care for them properly they can last quite a long time.

When you go out shopping for bowling shoes, you want to be sure to wear the Socks that you plan on wearing during each bowling game. This way you'll know that the shoe will fit just as good in the bowling alley as it did in the store. Make sure that you have a half inch of space from your front toe to the front of the shoe. Walk around in the store for about 15 minutes with the shoes on making sure that they feel comfortable in that you're heel does not slip out of the shoe.