So, I figured I'd chime in on the SST 8's. Currently I've been bowling in the SST 5 sport for the last few years. My previous shoes were the SST 6 LE with the Kangaroo leather. I really liked my SST 6 LE, even though they are different than the orginal SST 6 which I had and loved, with the flashy tourqoise down the side.

The SST 6 LE slide shoe ended up warping on me after about 5 years of use. When I went to slide, the middle of the shoe where there is no slide sole actually was hitting the approach first. The outside part of the shoe had started to seperate . I supinate or underpronate, so I tend to walk on the outside of my feet, and slide on the outside of my foot. I wore the outside of my SST 6s, so this isn't uncommon for my bowling shoes nor my regular tennis shoes.

In going to the SST 5 sport, I've realized after a few years that they effect my slide in a way I don't care for. Part of this is due to their more stable sole but also due to the higher heal to toe drop that I wasn't used to, and has negatively impacted my slide.

So in come the SST 8. Sizing online seemed a bit wierd because reports are that they are larger than the other SST models. Nothing was really mentioned about width, though, which for me, is an important issue. I decided to order a 13 2E( or wide).

Now that they have come in, I can report that length wise, they are almost as long as my SST 6 LE 14. A 13.5 in length would be a good way to describe them. Width wise, they are actually slightly narrower. Keep in mind that a 13 2E is actually wider than a 14 D by a hair. So, its obviouis to me that these are a longer, narrower design. A 14 would obviously been too long for me and might have not fit my width.

The sole and leather is much stiffer in these than the soft supple leather of the SST 6 LEs I have. The sole being stiffer I think is a good thing, other than that they are no where near as comfortable or cushioned as the SST 6 LEs I have. The good thing is that the sole will last longer, especially for a heavier guy like me. The bad thing is they aren't as comfortable out of the box and I will probably have to put in some better cushioned insoles. I do find them more comfortable than the SST 5 sports I have.

The leather is also stiffer and thicker. Again, a good thing because for me, the outside foot area will hold up longer. The bad thing is that they will need break in time to get the leather softer. The material is also thicker and heavier than both the SST 5 sport and SST 6 LE I have.

Tonight we will find out how they do on the lanes.

Finally got onto the lanes tonight.

Comfort wise: Well, they seemed to fit better in the width. It is possible my feet were swollen a little bit Sunday night in trying them on. Last night on the lanes they seemed to fit perfect in the width department. Sadly, the soles are hard as a rock. My SST 6 LEs had a nice comfortable insole that they came with and for 3 games, my feet had no problems. After the first game I removed the Dexter insoles and put in my own. These I wear in tennis shoes with no problems, but the soles still felt hard, especially just standing and walking around. I'll have to find some softer insoles.

Slide: Its been awefully humid down here in the south. The new "S8" soles I hate. They do not slide as much as the old yellowish looking leather ones. I ended up having to go S10 on the sole and H7 on the heal.

Push foot: I do like the improved traction of the pushoff foot. It seems better than the not removable red rubber thats on my SST 5 sport and SST 6 LEs.

Overall, they feel like proper bowling shoes compared to the SST 5 sport. The SST 5 sport has a higher heel to toe drop, which really is awkward. So far, I'm satisfied. If I can get the insoles worked out, I'll be happy.