If you've never bought a pair of bowling shoes before, you may not know where to begin. Because, let's face it, outside of the local bowling centers, you don't usually see bowling shoes. But if you want to bowl more often, or possibly improve your game, you might definitely want to consider buying your own bowling shoes. Here are a few tips that will help you decide when it's time to buy bowling shoes, and several things to know before buying them.

First we have The Rental Shoe. This shoe is for the casual bowler that does not want to pay for rentals at the lanes. We have brand new ones at bowling.com you may purchase. It will help cut the cost of renting them out at the lanes. They have a slide sole and heel on both shoes. They usually are pretty slippery and don't have much traction to them. If your just out to have a good time with friends or family then The Rental Shoe is the one for you.

Next we have the Athletic Shoe. This shoe is for beginner bowlers who do not like the look of the rental. These shoes tend to look like our everyday tennis shoes. They also have a slide sole and heel on both shoes but tend to have a little more traction than the rental shoe. Again this is a cheaper shoe to help cut cost on renting them out from the lanes. They are also a great shoe for league bowlers as well. Usually The Athletic Shoe costs slightly more than the rental but for the style it is worth it.

Then we have our Performance Shoe. These shoes are for the advanced bowler who looks to have a certain slide. With the performance shoes, you can change around the soles and heels to get the slide you desire. Some bowlers like to plant which requires no slide to a minimal slide. Then you have the Marshall Holman's that love to slide, like me! These shoes tend to cost more but are designed to give you the slide you desire.

Bowling shoes come in a variety of widths. While it's probably obvious that you don't want too tight of a fit, it's also important to avoid a bowling shoe that is too loose. Bowling shoes that do not fit snugly can throw off your balance, and can have an negative effect on your game. Measure your feet, or have them professionally measured, even if you already know your size - feet can change over time.