Bowling World Select 2025 {Bowling Shoes Award Winners}

The Brunswick Fanatic earned our staff’s pick as the Top Men’s Athletic Shoe of 2025 for its unbeatable mix of comfort, style, and performance. Available in two color options, it gives bowlers the freedom to choose a look that fits their style without sacrificing function. With its lightweight build and athletic-inspired design, the Fanatic feels more like a modern sneaker than a traditional bowling shoe, making it an easy transition for bowlers who want performance and all-day comfort.

What set the Fanatic apart in our testing was how well it balances value and versatility. It’s durable enough for frequent league play, yet comfortable enough for casual nights at the lanes. Add in Brunswick’s proven quality, and it’s easy to see why the Fanatic has become a go-to shoe for bowlers of all levels. For bowlers who want an affordable athletic option that looks good and performs even better, the Fanatic stands out as our Top Men’s Athletic Shoe of 2025.

The Dexter Raquel has long been a favorite among women bowlers, and this year our staff selected it as the Top Women’s Athletic Shoe of 2025. Combining the look and feel of a lightweight sneaker with the functionality of a bowling shoe, the Raquel delivers comfort, breathability, and dependable slide on every approach. Its sporty design makes it easy to wear, while the quality construction ensures it holds up game after game.

What makes the Raquel stand out is its versatility. It’s the perfect option for new bowlers looking for their first pair of shoes, but it also has the durability and comfort that league bowlers appreciate week after week. Stylish, affordable, and built with Dexter’s trusted craftsmanship, the Raquel checks all the boxes for women who want an athletic-style shoe that doesn’t compromise on performance. That’s why it earned our award for Top Women’s Athletic Shoe of 2025.

When it comes to high-performance bowling shoes, the Dexter SST 8 line continues to set the standard. That’s why our staff selected it as the Top Men’s Performance Shoe of 2025. Known for its interchangeable soles and heels, the SST 8 gives bowlers the ability to fine-tune their slide and traction to match any approach condition. Built for serious competitors, it offers the stability, durability, and precision that performance bowlers demand, while still providing the comfort needed for long tournament days.

What makes the SST 8 line especially impressive is its versatility. With several different styles and price points available, there’s an SST 8 for nearly every bowler looking to step into the performance category. Whether you want a sleek, modern look or a more classic design, every model in the line carries Dexter’s trusted craftsmanship and performance-driven features. For bowlers who are serious about maximizing their game, the SST 8 line is the clear choice for Top Men’s Performance Shoe of 2025.

The Dexter SST 8 line isn’t just a leader in men’s performance shoes—it’s equally outstanding for women. That’s why our staff selected it as the Top Women’s Performance Shoe of 2025. With its interchangeable soles and heels, the SST 8 gives women bowlers the same ability to fine-tune their slide and traction to match different lane conditions. It combines performance-focused engineering with a fit designed for women, making it a trusted choice for league and tournament bowlers who need both precision and comfort.

The real strength of the SST 8 line is the range of styles and price points available, so there’s an option for every bowler ready to invest in performance footwear. Every model delivers Dexter’s signature blend of stability, durability, and adjustability—features that set it apart from other shoes on the market. For bowlers who want to compete at their highest level with gear that adapts to them, the Dexter SST 8 line is our clear choice for Top Women’s Performance Shoe of 2025.

The Dexter Pro BOA line was our staff’s choice for the Best Value Shoe of 2025, and for good reason. Combining modern athletic style with the performance features bowlers need, the Pro BOA delivers comfort, durability, and technology at a price point that’s hard to beat. The BOA® Fit System replaces traditional laces with a micro-adjustable dial that creates a secure, customized fit every time—making it faster and easier to get locked in before you step on the lanes.

Available in multiple colors for both men and women, the Pro BOA line gives bowlers the ability to find a style they love without sacrificing function. Each shoe is built with Dexter’s trusted craftsmanship, offering consistent slide, support, and all-day comfort whether you’re bowling casually or in weekly league play. Affordable, versatile, and packed with features usually found in higher-priced shoes, the Pro BOA line truly earned its place as the Best Value Shoe of 2025.

When our staff voted on the Most Comfortable Shoe of 2025, the choice was clear: the Hammer Power Diesel. Built with a wider base and extra cushioning, this shoe is designed for bowlers who want maximum support without sacrificing performance. From the moment you lace them up, the Power Diesel delivers a broken-in feel that minimizes fatigue and keeps you comfortable through long practice sessions, league nights, or tournament blocks.

What sets the Power Diesel apart is how well it blends comfort with durability. The reinforced design stands up to frequent use, while the padded construction ensures a secure but forgiving fit. Bowlers of all styles and skill levels have praised the way these shoes keep them steady at the line while still feeling soft and supportive. For those who prioritize all-day comfort on the lanes, the Hammer Power Diesel is our top recommendation—and the well-deserved winner of Most Comfortable Shoe of 2025.

Not only did the Hammer Power Diesel take home the award for Most Comfortable Shoe of 2025, it also earned our staff’s pick as the Most Durable Shoe of the Year. Comfort doesn’t mean much if the shoe can’t hold up, and that’s where the Power Diesel shines. Its sturdy construction, reinforced materials, and wide, stable base make it one of the toughest shoes in the game, capable of withstanding heavy use week after week.

Our staff has seen the Power Diesel last longer than many other shoes in its class, holding up under the demands of league bowlers and tournament players who put in countless games. The balance of comfort and rugged build makes it a rare standout—soft on your feet while built like a workhorse. For bowlers who want a shoe that performs just as well in year two as it did out of the box, the Hammer Power Diesel is the clear choice for Most Durable Shoe of 2025.