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Author Topic: First Thoughts on The 9s  (Read 22086 times)

Steven

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First Thoughts on The 9s
« on: August 07, 2015, 05:21:43 PM »
I picked up my new "THE 9" shoes today, and threw 3 games to make sure I didn't make an expensive mistake.  ;D 
 
Here are some of my first impressions: 

The 9s have a more streamlined profile than my SST8s. When I first looked at them, I almost thought they would be too small. But when on the feet, they're every bit as roomy as my SST8s. As advertised, the leather is soft, and they're comfortable without any need for break-in. It did take me the first two games to comfortably wear in the new S7 sole. I used one of my broken-in H7 red leather soles from my SST8s. The H5 that comes with the 9s is too much brake for my tastes.
 
The design of the 9s should correct a few of the major complains about the SST8s. First, there is finally a replaceable toe guard. It's built into the replaceable soles that integrate perfectly into the shoe. Wear out the toe guard? Simply replace the sole. It's a vast improvement over the clunky toe cap used on the 3G Ultras. Second, the 9s have built-in sole flex points that should largely eliminate the cracking many experienced on the SST8s. That's the problem that finally killed my SST8, although I got 5 years and close to 3,000 games out of the pair.
 
Only time will tell if the improved design translates to longevity. My initial impressions of the 9s is that they're solid and should last as long as I want to keep them. Given the total dollar investment, I'm hoping so…...

 

JustRico

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #31 on: August 22, 2015, 09:33:13 AM »
Why would anyone wear a limited type shoe such as a Linds? You have 3 brands of shoes that allow options for varying approaches and issues? Linds were comfortable but that's about it
And for the record, Dexter is the one that innovated the interchangeable soles and any issues that have arisen they've stood behind and warrantied...I worked the Dexter booth in '95 at the NBS and when the 4's had the sole issue, we replaced everyone no questions asked...so use that they've had issues but they stand behind them
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kidlost2000

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #32 on: August 22, 2015, 12:07:28 PM »
PBA players are skewed in a way as well. How likely are staffers for track/ebi/columbia/hammer to wear Storm or Brunswick brand shoes?

Many will likely not have that as an option. Dexter makes and has made great shoes for years. I've owned several. Currently Brunswick TPUx are my favorite.

Still have my Brunswick pros by Dexter as backups.
…… you can't  add a physics term to a bowling term and expect it to mean something.

3835

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #33 on: August 22, 2015, 12:30:34 PM »
Rico,

I wear the Linds because of the platform style versus the flat sole the rest offer. I do understand that limits me, but that is also why I have to carry four different pairs of Linds with different sole and heel combos when I travel.

Its a matter of preference I guess.

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JustRico

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #34 on: August 22, 2015, 12:48:25 PM »
Have you tried putting in orthotics into the Dexters?
That and adding a spacer on the heal to raise it up works well
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Steven

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #35 on: August 22, 2015, 02:46:42 PM »
Are they comfortable to the guys that used to wear old Linds, probably.  Are they comfortable to the generation that thinks flip flops are shoes, maybe not.

My take-The two inches of hard plastic at the front of the shoe that doesn't flex definitely feels different and takes some getting used to, and for a shoe that is going to retail for $190 Dexter could have sprung for a little better insole.

 
I'm staring at the shoe as I write this, and the only hard plastic I see is the reenforcement at the tip where the replaceable sole with the toe guard slots in. It's not a part of the shoe you would normally expect to flex, unless you're doing some kind of ballerina pose at the finish. I'm trying to understand where there should be any 'feel' difference.
 
As far as insoles, for most any shoe (of any type) made, the generic footbeds are crap. I don't blame the manufacturers because they don't know the shape of the foot going into the shoe. The person could have a high arch, no arch, or anything in-between. You try to cater to one, and every other foot type is going to be extra miserable.
 
That's why for almost every shoe I own, I insert an orthodic that conforms to the shape and support needs of my feet. That means my ski boots, snowboarding boots, hard hiking boots, soft hiking boots, tennis shoes, casual walking shoes, and of course, bowling shoes. I'm still getting the feel for my 9s, and haven't put in my favorite orthodic yet. I'm surprised that so far, I haven't felt the need to.   

itsallaboutme

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #36 on: August 22, 2015, 04:07:27 PM »
The stiffness in the toe area was the first thing I noticed when I put them on, that's why I mentioned it. But thanks for your explanation of my opinion.

Aloarjr810

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #37 on: August 22, 2015, 04:25:56 PM »
I assume this is the two inches of hard plastic at the front of the shoe that doesn't flex .

I could see maybe feeling that under your toes, but as for not flexing it would depend on where the individuals toes happen to bend and how much you come up on your toes.



« Last Edit: August 22, 2015, 05:11:12 PM by Aloarjr810 »
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JustRico

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #38 on: August 22, 2015, 05:09:11 PM »
If it doesn't fit someone's opinion of what it should be they will manage to find everything wrong with it...
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3835

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #39 on: August 22, 2015, 07:10:11 PM »
Rico,

No I have not tried that. Is there any specific one I should try if I go that route?

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JustRico

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #40 on: August 23, 2015, 12:03:22 AM »
Orthotics? No but possibly go to a Fleet Feet or somewhere that can help you with the athletic portion of fitting...they should be able to recommend the proper insert
Co-author of BowlTec's END GAMES ~ A Bowler's COMPLETE Guide to Bowling; Head Games ~ the MENTAL approach to bowling (and sports) & (r)eVolve
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Steven

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #41 on: August 23, 2015, 03:25:00 PM »
I assume this is the two inches of hard plastic at the front of the shoe that doesn't flex .

I could see maybe feeling that under your toes, but as for not flexing it would depend on where the individuals toes happen to bend and how much you come up on your toes.





I don't want to speak for itsallaboutme, but I think you're right. After he brought the issue up, I checked my 9s out, and that area you're pointing to is stiff. It's part of the design to support the replaceable sole/toe cap.
 
I bowled 6 straight practice games with the 9s today, and I partially focused on what impact that stiff area has on the feel and performance of the shoe. For me, the natural bend spot on the push off foot is behind the stiff area, between the two built-in flex points in the shoe. I've never depended on 'give' in that stiff area (for any bowling shoe), so personally, it's not a problem. I can see where if a bowler expects flex/bend in that area, it could feel awkward. 
 
I was happy with the performance of the 9s today. I was my first extended session with the shoes, and my feet felt good when I finished. I'm battling Plantar Fasciitis in my right push off foot, and the 9s provided the combination of comfort and support that allowed me get through the set without problems. I'm fairly certain I'll be making my Brunswick branded SST8s my backup shoes starting next month.

itsallaboutme

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #42 on: August 23, 2015, 06:09:59 PM »
After I brought it up you said I'd have to be doing a ballerina pose at the finish to be able to feel something I felt as soon as I put on the shoes and walked around. Good thing you posted that and then went back and looked at the shoes.

Steven

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #43 on: August 24, 2015, 12:46:57 PM »
After I brought it up you said I'd have to be doing a ballerina pose at the finish to be able to feel something I felt as soon as I put on the shoes and walked around. Good thing you posted that and then went back and looked at the shoes.

 
Come on, no need to take every comment so seriously.
 
Yea, I read what you said, and made the effort to check it out. Again, you're correct that there is stiffness in the tip. But it is a detriment? When you think about the mechanics of bowling delivery steps, where does one need (or use) bend in that part of the shoe? Most people bend on the ball of the foot, which is behind the stiff area in question. If anything, that stiffer area contributes to stability. I'm just trying to understand where some bowlers might find this to be a problem.

itsallaboutme

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #44 on: August 24, 2015, 01:22:33 PM »
I never said anything about this being a hard plastic are being a problem.  I said it felt different and takes some getting used to.  (Different than pretty much every pair of shoes I've ever tried on, except steel toes).  Then you went on explaining how my opinion was wrong.  Read what is written, not what you think it says.

And I stand by my comment that Dexter could have put a better insole in the shoe.  I went through my closet and golf locker.  EVERY pair of shoes I own that has an insole has a better insole in them than the 9's.

It wouldn't matter if they made them like a dress shoe with no insert in them as far as I'm concerned.  I don't have any problems with my feet.  I grew up with Lind Classics.  Every other bowling shoe ever made is more comfortable.  I can stand in dress shoes all day or walk the golf course every day in FJ Classics.  But if a company is going to sell a shoe for $190 and it has an insole it should be higher quality than the one they have put in this shoe. 

Steven

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #45 on: August 24, 2015, 01:40:08 PM »
I read what was written. Commenting on two inches of hard plastic that doesn't flex, without any qualification other than it takes getting used to, suggests it's possibly a problem. At best, your comments were obscure. I believe my interpretation was reasonable.
 
With respect to the insole, I'll stand by my comments that almost all insoles that come with any type of shoe are jokes. We're talking about different degrees of uselessness. There isn't a generic footbed made that competes with the comfort and support provided by the top orthodics on the market. Since you don't have any problems with your feet (congratulations), it's not something you'd likely understand.   
 
BTW, what non-Dexter bowling shoe are you wearing now??