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Equipment Boards => Bags, Shoes, Accessories => Topic started by: Buckwild on June 02, 2014, 06:27:46 PM

Title: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Buckwild on June 02, 2014, 06:27:46 PM
Just saw these, will be coming soon:

http://www.bowling.com/products/brunswick-mens-tpu-x-black-royal-right-hand.htm

http://www.bowling.com/products/brunswick-mens-stealth-black-graphite-right-hand.htm
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: amyers2002 on June 02, 2014, 08:05:31 PM
I'll take my SST-8 any day
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: kidlost2000 on June 02, 2014, 08:19:24 PM
I use to really like Dexters but they keep making ugly shoes. Not just them. All of the HP shoes recently releases in the U.S. look like crap.

I really like my older Brunswick HP shoes Im currently using from when Dexter was still making them. Great looking shoes. These new ones seem to continue back where they left off.

Graphite is the winner
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Dogtown on June 02, 2014, 09:49:18 PM
Dexter offers less in choices than previous years.  Used to, their shoes came with several heels and soles.  Not anymore.  You have to pay $20 for each heel and sole.

Makes since right.  If you want to grow your market, offer less......oh wait.  what??
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: cheech on June 02, 2014, 10:02:43 PM
im a dexter fan i loved the look of the white and black sst8s and the black with red and now the black and gold. i just have to buy an s2 sole for $12 and ill be good to go
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: xrayjay on June 02, 2014, 11:10:56 PM
I'm not a fan of dexters color choices, but I love the way they feel on my feel. I don't use all their soles and heels, in fact I sell the ones I don't use that came with the box.

I go for comfort, performance, then style/color.....
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: SVstar34 on June 02, 2014, 11:33:29 PM
I really like the look of those Stealth ones. just simple colors nothing fancy, I think that'll appeal to quite a few people.

That's why I went with the Storm SP700's black/gray and just a little yellow to distinguish
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: amyers2002 on June 02, 2014, 11:39:04 PM
I have the blue/black SST-8 and I like the way they look maybe a little big and clunky but I do have the EEE's so what do you expect. I have liked some of storms shoes also made by dexter I believe just not sure what some of you are looking for. One of my team mates wears pink sparkled women's shoes because he couldn't find any that were comfortable in left hand wide in men's that fit right if anyone has a right to complain it's him and he's happy the work watched him bowl a 297 Friday night in them
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: EL3MCNEIL on June 04, 2014, 04:42:44 AM
I just wish personally that they would go back to the SST-5 and SST-6 in all black. I thought they were perfect. I'm probably gonna go with the black and gold SST-8's that will be released this summer out of a dire need for new shoes.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: batbowler on June 04, 2014, 10:04:07 AM
I quit using Dexters when they would fall apart in 6 months if you're lucky and never tried them again. It's been almost 10 years since I've tried them and never wanted them after the several I used fell apart and heels wouldn't stay on.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: BallReviews-Removed0385 on June 04, 2014, 11:07:25 PM
I quit using Dexters when they would fall apart in 6 months if you're lucky and never tried them again. It's been almost 10 years since I've tried them and never wanted them after the several I used fell apart and heels wouldn't stay on.

+1
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Artimust on June 20, 2014, 02:53:32 AM
So, I believe that these new Brunswicks were released.  Did anyone get them or see them around?  I'm in the market for new shoes, so looking for feedback. 
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: St. Croix on June 20, 2014, 07:37:42 AM
I just wish personally that they would go back to the SST-5 and SST-6 in all black. I thought they were perfect. I'm probably gonna go with the black and gold SST-8's that will be released this summer out of a dire need for new shoes.

I like Dexter shoes. I have been using the SST-1s for a number of years They are really good shoes that will not break the bank. I have many games on those shoes, and they still look great: solid black. If those shoes ever wear out, I will buy another pair without a doubt. See https://www.dexterbowling.com.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: LuckyLefty on June 20, 2014, 08:31:11 AM
I am a wide footed lefty, still wearing a pair of SST5 medium width!  Ouch and causing so many problems with my feet!

SO uncomfortable, so bad for my feet.  I just love the power pivot push off foot!

My frustration with Dexter and their discrimination IMHO against lefties has recently peaked!  (I didn't know discrimination against classes of people was popular anymore).

However, here is what I have learned.

The SST8s (at least the SEs) out of the box suck for Toe Draggers!  I am one!  It now says so on their websites!  Some believe it is the leather protective toe on the front.  I am not so sure.  I believe it is the fact the sole is so stiff!  Recently I tried this....
http://www.bowlersdeals.com/dexter-replacement-sole-sst-8-traction-sole-red-t2-hyperflex/

This push off sole seems to really improve things!  The flex zone makes the thick sole on these shoes feel softer and adds a feeling of more flex to the sole.  This seems to allow me to bend that toe more easily get lower and drive better to the target!  Perfect.  As good as a wide width SST5? not quite, I believe the sharp edge when cut is not as favorable as the slightly rounded edge of the powerpivot....

I also have found out the very similar to the SST5, the SST6 the last runs really wide!
ie the SST6 medium is a wide as the old SST5 wide!  As good, I doubt it! but....maybe close!

Bottom line, should I really have to go thru all these shenanigans no!  Have I maybe found some solutions!  YES! and spent so far a lot of money and more to come!

A quick mini story.  A friend of mine got so fed up with Dexter that he purchased a pair of closeout converse at Kmart for about $1.25 and then put Velcro on all the surfaces and created some SST8's on Converse.  He told me he is Done with them!

I love my SST5s (boo hoo!) if I ever knew they were going  to discriminate against lefties IMHO with wide feet as mentioned by posted by AMYERS2002 I  would have purchased 5 backup pairs to take me in to my later years!

Regards,

Luckylefty
PS I think Dexter has corrected a problem with their shoes sole stiffness in the SST8 line with the Hyperflex traction sole hopefully they come out with something more similar to the power pivot material!  LOVE that stuff!
PPS I don't understand how going to a woman's shoe solves anything for a Wide footed lefty male but I am interested in hearing about it!
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Artimust on June 20, 2014, 02:58:23 PM
Has anyone tried the TPU-X shoes yet?  I'm curious to see it they are worth it or not and I can't afford to be a guinea pig, lol.  Staffers?  Anyone? 
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: BackToBasics on June 20, 2014, 08:55:18 PM
Has anyone tried the TPU-X shoes yet?  I'm curious to see it they are worth it or not and I can't afford to be a guinea pig, lol.  Staffers?  Anyone? 

They won't be available to staffers until July. I plan on ordering as soon as they are available.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Artimust on June 21, 2014, 02:22:15 AM
Has anyone tried the TPU-X shoes yet?  I'm curious to see it they are worth it or not and I can't afford to be a guinea pig, lol.  Staffers?  Anyone? 

They won't be available to staffers until July. I plan on ordering as soon as they are available.

My bad!   I thought the release date was June 18, but I now see that it's July 18!  Dang, I hope my old shoes can hold on for another month, or at least until we get some feedback. 
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: JohnnyG on July 06, 2014, 04:49:22 PM
I am a Dexter user but planning to try Brunswick.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: tommymo on July 06, 2014, 04:58:32 PM
I am excited to try these! I've heard great reviews from people who attended bowl expo. I have Dexter SST 6's currently. I avoided the 8's because of issues I saw from several bowlers. Can't wait to try these.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: LuckyLefty on July 12, 2014, 10:08:41 PM
Talked to a staffer for Brunswick.  He says these new TPUs are awesome.

He talked about a better company making them.  He talked about technology from Callaway shoes that give a lot of flexibility to bending the shoe upwards from the toe but that resists bending the other way.

He says he tried the TPU and loved them.  Sounds really interesting.

REgards,

Luckylefty
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Miscue on August 03, 2014, 12:41:54 PM
I just tried out my new TPUs.  I've used SST8s, and most recently 3G Pro Tour Ultras.

The TPUs were not a big change from the 3Gs, so I got used to them quickly.  Going from the SST8s to 3Gs threw me off for a couple weeks because of the weight, flexibility, and height differences - with the SST8s higher off the ground.

The SST8s were the heaviest/stiffest, 3Gs lightest/most flexible, The TPUs are in between... but not far off from the 3Gs.

I like the TPU's insoles.  I put orthotics in my other shoes, but these "Ortholites" feel pretty good out of the box... so I don't think I'll be changing them.

The TPU is a nice looking shoe, appears well made with sturdy materials - although I prefer the color scheme of the Stealth.  The trim is darker blue than the photos (probably because of light source during photo), which I prefer.

The 3Gs are a favorite shoe, the TPU is now my other favorite shoe.  I think the TPU's sole/heel system is functionally better, the factory insole is better, and the overall construction is sturdier.  I prefer the 3G's kangaroo leather, and they feel a bit more comfortable (with an aftermarket orthotic insole) - but the trade-off is less sturdy construction and the push off sole is not interchangeable.  My 3Gs have held up well enough, with occasional need for super glue (no big deal), but I've worn out the push off sole... and decided to try something new.

These TPUs are very good - I took a chance with a new, unknown product, and am not disappointed.  The sizing is accurate.  Brunswick's marketing is accurate... they feel like they're about broken-in already, and their shape/cushioning is good like they claim.  I appreciate it when companies do not rely on "hype" to market their products... and their claims are matter-of-fact.  I have a feeling that a lot of people will love these shoes.

What I'd like to see though, is a shoe that combines the best features of both the TPU and 3G Tour Ultra.

Actually, what I'd really like to see is a bowling shoe that borrows from high-end, lightweight road bike shoe construction, including a Boa-cable system instead of shoe strings.  Why would you want this?  Because it's awesome - you'd have to try it to see why.  Ever been late to practice and you're in a hurry to get your shoes on?  Never again!

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftr/shoes/road-shoes/sworks-road
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: kidlost2000 on August 03, 2014, 01:14:56 PM
I got mine in Thursday and I am very happy. They look better in person then the pics online. Very much similar to golf shoes.

(https://www.ballreviews.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi250.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg252%2Fsoundcontrol%2F20140802_150335.jpg&hash=d2a152535a856728b6aacded2dfd77cbe6791812) (http://s250.photobucket.com/user/soundcontrol/media/20140802_150335.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Artimust on August 03, 2014, 09:54:25 PM
I ordered a pair of the Brunswick TPU-X, daughter got the Brunswick Stealths, and my son got the Dexter SST8 white/black/gold.  Ordered them from bowlersdeals.Com and they should be delivered tomorrow!  Feeling excited!
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Artimust on August 05, 2014, 03:08:06 AM
Ok, I got the shoes delivered this afternoon and when I first opened the box, I was impressed.  The shoes are very nicely designed and look solid.  I tried them on and they are very comfortable, almost like an athletic shoe.  I like that it's all leather, and the blue accents the black very nicely, and they also give an extra pair of blue laces.
The kids wanted to break in their shoes, so off to the center we went.  These shoes had to be broken in a little, and I had to play with the sole combinations to get the right feel. We practiced 5 games, and after every game, the shoes felt better and better as they started to break in. Although the shoes have vent holes, they felt hotter than the 3G Tour Ultras that I have been using for the past few years.

After the 4th game into the 5th, I started to notice something. The non-slide side toecap was already starting to show some wear, and the sole right at the bottom of the cap was starting to slightly come apart.  Not the Velcro, but the part that adheres the Velcro to the bottom of the shoe.  Upon further inspection, I saw that the "TPU" material in the toecap was wearing down, not a little, but quite a lot, which is causing the sole to start coming apart. 

I am now in contact with the online store that I purchased the shoes from, and I'm sure things will be worked out.  I really like the look and feel of these shoes, but this much damage on the very first day using it is unacceptable. It would probably be a great shoe for someone that does not toe drag, but this will not work for me.  I can just imagine what they will look like in just a couple of weeks.  Hopefully I will get a full refund and I will get something else. 
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: EL3MCNEIL on August 05, 2014, 03:13:52 AM
I got my new SST8's (New Black and Gold) about a month ago but this was the first time I bowled with them due to me being underway (Marine Corps obligations, gotta love the time on ship).

Honestly at first I did not like the stiff feeling and the fact that they had me a few extra inches off of the ground. But once I started bowling in them and got used to them they were comfortable and felt like the molded around my feet. Despite my hesitations I am satisfied with my purchase of these shoes and would recommend them to anyone.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: LuckyLefty on August 09, 2014, 09:29:08 AM
Artimust,

What does the term "TPU material" mean?

Thank you,

Luckylefty
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: BrunsNick on August 09, 2014, 11:27:38 AM
Thermal Poly Urethane.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: LuckyLefty on August 09, 2014, 11:29:47 AM
Brunsnick....what does that mean.

What does it do that is good or different.  Is that the clear stuff?

Experience with the new shoes from others including you Brunsnick.

Thanks!

Regards,

Luckylefty
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Artimust on August 09, 2014, 11:41:44 AM
The advice I got from the online store, per their discussion with he manufacturer, was to move the sole 1/4" back.  Upon looking at the tip, there is a very thin lip that goes around the front, and the part where my toe drags is gone.  What I have done is put a strip of the loop side of Velcro across the front of the TPU material, and if it holds, I think it will hold off or minimize further damage.  But I did try this Velcro trick with my 3g's but it came off after like 3 frames, so this remains to be seen if the glue will hold firmly enough. But other than this problem, and this problem is because of me dragging my toe, this is really a comfortable, well built shoe. 
Comfort wise, these feel better than my 3G Tour Ultras, it does feel hotter even though there are vent holes.  Lots of bells and whistles...extra soles, heel, accessory bag, and shoe boot.  Oh yeah, and an extra pair of blue laces. 
If the Velcro holds, then I'll be all good, if not, the quest continues. 
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: BrunsNick on August 09, 2014, 11:43:06 AM
TPU is durable, flexible and supportive. You will not see splitting issues with these shoes, and there is virtually no break in period. I have used mine for about 10 games now and have finally retired my 8 year old Swirls. In 2010, I had a pair of Brunswick Classic (SST8 clone), and gave them away only after a few months. They were stiff, never broke in and make my feet hurt. I went back to my Swirls until just a week ago when I started using the TPU-X.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: billdozer on August 09, 2014, 03:27:00 PM
Tpu is what good durable phone cases are made of.  The thick and clear, yet still soft.

Cruzer lite makes many in TPU...if u want an example.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: LuckyLefty on August 09, 2014, 03:55:11 PM
Wow, guys thanks for all the feedback.

Regards,

Luckylefty
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Miscue on August 11, 2014, 01:27:27 AM
Ok, I got the shoes delivered this afternoon and when I first opened the box, I was impressed.  The shoes are very nicely designed and look solid.  I tried them on and they are very comfortable, almost like an athletic shoe.  I like that it's all leather, and the blue accents the black very nicely, and they also give an extra pair of blue laces.
The kids wanted to break in their shoes, so off to the center we went.  These shoes had to be broken in a little, and I had to play with the sole combinations to get the right feel. We practiced 5 games, and after every game, the shoes felt better and better as they started to break in. Although the shoes have vent holes, they felt hotter than the 3G Tour Ultras that I have been using for the past few years.

After the 4th game into the 5th, I started to notice something. The non-slide side toecap was already starting to show some wear, and the sole right at the bottom of the cap was starting to slightly come apart.  Not the Velcro, but the part that adheres the Velcro to the bottom of the shoe.  Upon further inspection, I saw that the "TPU" material in the toecap was wearing down, not a little, but quite a lot, which is causing the sole to start coming apart. 

I am now in contact with the online store that I purchased the shoes from, and I'm sure things will be worked out.  I really like the look and feel of these shoes, but this much damage on the very first day using it is unacceptable. It would probably be a great shoe for someone that does not toe drag, but this will not work for me.  I can just imagine what they will look like in just a couple of weeks.  Hopefully I will get a full refund and I will get something else.

I noticed the same thing - the TPU X is stuffier than the 3G Tour... distinctly warmer.  Big deal, no... but would be nicer if it was vented more.  The 3G even has a vent on the bottom of the sole.  I like the TPU X having a bit stiffer sole... it seems just right.  Yep, the TPU X feels almost like an athletic shoe - while the 3G Tour feels almost like a house slipper.  I like the TPU X quite a bit so far... after a couple weeks use.  What I'd like to see in the next version is something like a 3G Tour leather upper + venting... with a TPU X sole and insole.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Artimust on August 11, 2014, 01:46:12 AM
I'd like to see a more rugged toe cap, and maybe more ventilation.  I can see my shoes smelling like toe jams fairly quickly.  Good thing I always have foot deodorizers in my shoes.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: BackToBasics on August 11, 2014, 05:33:59 AM
After a few weeks I can say I love these shoes.  I wore Etonic Stabilites Pluses for several years and they were incredibly comfortable.  I battled Plantar Fasciitis once and the Etonics helped cure it.  I tried some Dexters and the Plantar returned within a week.


The TPUX are  extremely comfortable. No signs of Plantar after about 30 games.  The TPUX sole is rigid without being stiff. Very stable. Almost like golf shoes.  I also love the leather heel.  Because the Etonic's heel wasn't changeable, I had to use the S10 to be able to slide. With the TPUX, I can use the leather heel and the S8 and slide like I used to before the Etonics.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Buckwild on August 11, 2014, 11:23:15 AM
After a few weeks I can say I love these shoes.  I wore Etonic Stabilites Pluses for several years and they were incredibly comfortable.  I battled Plantar Fasciitis once and the Etonics helped cure it.  I tried some Dexters and the Plantar returned within a week.


The TPUX are  extremely comfortable. No signs of Plantar after about 30 games.  The TPUX sole is rigid without being stiff. Very stable. Almost like golf shoes.  I also love the leather heel.  Because the Etonic's heel wasn't changeable, I had to use the S10 to be able to slide. With the TPUX, I can use the leather heel and the S8 and slide like I used to before the Etonics.

Sounds good! Did you have the problems Artimus encountered with the toe of the non-slide shoe?
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: BackToBasics on August 11, 2014, 07:56:05 PM
After a few weeks I can say I love these shoes.  I wore Etonic Stabilites Pluses for several years and they were incredibly comfortable.  I battled Plantar Fasciitis once and the Etonics helped cure it.  I tried some Dexters and the Plantar returned within a week.


The TPUX are  extremely comfortable. No signs of Plantar after about 30 games.  The TPUX sole is rigid without being stiff. Very stable. Almost like golf shoes.  I also love the leather heel.  Because the Etonic's heel wasn't changeable, I had to use the S10 to be able to slide. With the TPUX, I can use the leather heel and the S8 and slide like I used to before the Etonics.

Sounds good! Did you have the problems Artimus encountered with the toe of the non-slide shoe?

Not at all but I don't drag my foot.
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Artimust on September 05, 2014, 05:18:39 PM
So after having the shoes for almost a month now, I can say that these shoes are great.  The loop end of velcro that I stuck across the top of my toe-cap has been doing the job very well, with very little signs of wear.  The shoes are very comfortable, as comfortable as the 3G Tour Ultras, but like I mentioned, it feels hotter to me.  The fit is perfect like an athletic shoe, form fitting and light.  With everything broken it, I love these shoes. 

So the only real issue that would occur if you are a toe-dragger like me.  Other than that, I believe that most will love these shoes. 
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: LuckyLefty on September 19, 2014, 09:23:08 PM
I am falling in love with my Brunwick TPU shoes!

Leffty Wides by the way.  Stick that in your (nicely said) craw Dexter!

I may buy a couple more pairs for the long term.  Coupled with Buckskin leather instead of the Synthetic SST 8 slider(crap in my opinion).  Love affair!

Regards,

Luckylefty
Title: Re: Are these the answer to the Dexter shoes frustration?
Post by: Artimust on October 01, 2014, 02:06:00 PM
After another month using the TPU-X, I wasn't keeping tabs on the toe-cap because I have velcro on the front.  I checked my shoe and the bottom half of the velco is worn through and that portion of the toe-cap material is gone.  Gone as in worn away.  I need to replace the velco when I get a chance because the TPU material is quite soft and wears away fast, its not rugged material at all.  Either I need to stop dragging my toe, or I need to start planning for my next shoe purchase.