When most discussions are had about having proper bowling equipment, the focus often leads to having a great bowling ball. But the oft forgotten bowling shoe plays an important role in increasing your score, and keeping your game consistent from game to game.

When looking to purchase your own shoes, choose a pair that best fit your foot and provide you with the most comfort and support.  Wearing the same shoes every time you lace up will give you a consistent slide each time you step up on the approach that can only lead to improved consistency and higher scores.

Here are three things that you should consider when purchasing a new pair of shoes:

What is Your Bowling Style? Many people do not realize that there are different types of bowling shoes. There are left-handed bowling shoes and right-handed bowling shoes. If you are right-handed, the shoe that goes on your right foot will be the brake shoe and vice versa for those that are left-handed.

How Much Do You Want to Slide? If you only want a minimal slide when you release, pick a pair of shoes that has a flat bottom. If you want an increased slide, a bowling shoe with a raised heel is perfect for you. If you are an advanced bowler and want to control how much you slide after your release, you will want to select a pair of bowling shoes that features interchangeable soles or heels.

Do You Want Comfort or Performance? Are you a casual bowler? If so, you should opt for the athletic style of bowling shoes. If you are someone that bowls at least once a week, you may want to choose performance bowling shoes.

Now what? After you’ve picked up your shoes, get a good feel for them. Go through your motions of bowling without a bowling ball and give it a few tries.