BallReviews
Equipment Boards => Bags, Shoes, Accessories => Topic started by: Steven on August 07, 2015, 05:21:43 PM
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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…...
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Do they only come in right handed? I look on line and there is no left handed option
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Now we need a comparison of them and the TPX-U's.
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OlderDude: It's a single sole/heel design to accommodate either left or right handers. They call it their symmetrical outsole system.
Doom: Does the TPX-U have a replaceable toe cap??
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thanks
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No idea, man. Just heard that they're as comfy as all get out. Too bad I wear size 7s. :(
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Now, only if they came in white......
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I keep hearing people wearing out the toes on the tpus....
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You sold me on REPLACABLE TOE CAP! My TPU-X toe cap is slowly wearing down. Slowly because I put tape on that area to protect it. The 9's may possible be my next shoe.
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I keep hearing people wearing out the toes on the tpus....
That's exactly what happened to mine. After approximately 12 games, the velcro pad on the plant foot wouldn't stick. Received a replacement sole, and after about 12 games, it did the same. I got my money back and went back to 3Gs.
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The toe cap is what is finally going to retire my SST 8s after 7+ years.
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i should be picking up a pair this week, will update on my first thoughts real soon!
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I have been considering getting THE 9. one of my biggest issues with my black/red SST8 is that as a toe dragger I tend to leave marks on the approach.
The marks seem to come from the side of the sole, not from the leather top of the shoe.
any one have information regarding if THE 9 marks up the lanes if I drag the toe? my old worn out SST5s, SST6s and Tour ultra's that I have had over the years never did this.
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The toe cap is what is finally going to retire my SST 8s after 7+ years.
I had to retire my traction shoe after couple months of use (3 months) because the velcro pad will not stick anymore, so I use my asics as traction shoe, I guess I'm an ultra toe dragger
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The TPUX are by the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. What is ridiculous about the bowling shoe industry is that they seem to focus on bowling needs first (15K replaceable heel and soles) and not shoe and feel comfort (i.e. golf shoes). The TPUX seems like the first shoe where they emphasized the shoe first and added bowling features second.
I tried SST8s a few years ago and they were horrible for my arch and heels. Sold them after a few weeks. The 9s seem like they continue with that same flat base support which is ridiculous given the price.
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I tried SST8s a few years ago and they were horrible for my arch and heels. Sold them after a few weeks. The 9s seem like they continue with that same flat base support which is ridiculous given the price.
Your experience with SST8s is far from universal. My feet are a mess. I've suffered through multiple bouts of severe Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis (all heavy backpacking triggered). If a shoe lacks adequate support, my feet scream. I averaged around 30 games a week on my SST8s, and shoe discomfort was the least of my issues.
The 9s are a different feel from the SST8. They're softer and more streamlined. It doesn't mean that bowlers are going to automatically love them, but they're different -- not just SST8s with a few cosmetic changes.
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Because they do not suit your needs does not translate to ridiculous...Dexter shoes are worn by more professionals...especially ones that aren't paid to
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Dexter shoes are worn by more non-professionals than professionals.
True fact.
:)
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Just Rico is a former "staffer type" for Dexter and he will not give any credence to any shoe other than Dexter. He dismisses Brunswick TPU-X, 900 Global 3G's as sub-standard to any Dexter shoe produced. Even though everyone knows there have been numerous problems with the Dexter SST 8's and others in the Dexter line.
The Dexter 9's may prove to be a great shoe, but that has not yet proven.
Right now the Brunswick TPU-X is the most comfortable shoe out there and as far as sturdiness equals performance try telling that to Parker Bohn III, WRW, JR. and Johnny P. and see what they have to say about the TPU's.
Give it up JUST RICO and let time tell whether the SST9;s are great or not. Your "pitching them" as the best thing to hit the bowling shoe market before they are proven, makes no sense. Time will tell, not you!
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I have no loyalties to any company I merely state facts...plain & simple so sorry you do not like my comment
You've listed 3 guys that are paid & required to wear TPU's and I'm biased?
They've put time in testing the 9's...but what do I know?
So if time tells they are what will be your argument?
Btw I wear Nike Lunar Control IIIs...
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Just Rico is a former "staffer type" for Dexter and he will not give any credence to any shoe other than Dexter. He dismisses Brunswick TPU-X, 900 Global 3G's as sub-standard to any Dexter shoe produced. Even though everyone knows there have been numerous problems with the Dexter SST 8's and others in the Dexter line.
The Dexter 9's may prove to be a great shoe, but that has not yet proven.
Right now the Brunswick TPU-X is the most comfortable shoe out there and as far as sturdiness equals performance try telling that to Parker Bohn III, WRW, JR. and Johnny P. and see what they have to say about the TPU's.
Give it up JUST RICO and let time tell whether the SST9;s are great or not. Your "pitching them" as the best thing to hit the bowling shoe market before they are proven, makes no sense. Time will tell, not you!
TPU-x made by callway are comfortable but wear out way too quickly to any pair of dexter. I will stick with dexter
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If time reveals that the Dexter SST9's are "Great" by any persons expectations, I will be the first to promote them as such. My point is they are not proven (yet). So let's all sit back, take a deep breath and see what time tells us. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the comfort and sturdiness that my TPU's provide. And I am not paid to promote them.
I just believe in being "fair"' until the facts speak for themselves.
BTW my TPU's are almost a year old and have shown no sign of wearing out. As previously posted the toe drag issue was cured by the simple installation of a three inch piece of Velcro strip, which is a small price to pay for the comfort the TPU's provide.
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Bowlaholic, I think "fair" means to provide input through having experience with the 9s. It seems a few here have made reaching speculation about what the shoe is and isn't without having seen them, much less actually having bowled with them.
You're right that only time will tell if the 9s live up to expectations. However, on paper, they have more features than any shoe on the market. And they are very comfortable. I've never tried on a pair of TPUs, so I don't have a basis for comparison. But in my experience with the 9s so far, if a bowler doesn't find them more than acceptably comfortable, there is something seriously wrong with their feet. I really doubt this will ever be one of the arguments against the shoe.
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I would try the 9's before the TPU's because THEY DON'T MAKE MY SIZE!!!
>:(
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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.
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When it comes to shoes bowling or otherwise, it's all about personal preference. It doesn't matter who makes it as long as "You" like it.
When it comes to high end bowling shoes though, Dexter SST's have pretty much ruled the roost since the time they came out with changeable soles.
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So.........why do most touring pros not sponsored by Dexter wear Dexter? ;D
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Because for a while they were the only option.
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Are the pros allowed to wear older shoes, like Lind's? I think they can only wear/use items from companies that pay the PBA fee, but are older items no longer in production allowed?
When 'its what the pros use' comes up, they are limited to what companies paid the fees, right?
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Regionals are now open to any footwear, Tour is registered products only.
It used to be only registered for all PBA competition, but that changed recently.
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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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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.
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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.
3835
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
(https://www.ballreviews.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs5.postimg.org%2Fhchb1vfuv%2Fthe9toepiece.jpg&hash=51e6fb825feffaf92450759cf5c6c40c69244ffa)
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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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Rico,
No I have not tried that. Is there any specific one I should try if I go that route?
3835
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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
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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.
(https://www.ballreviews.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs5.postimg.org%2Fhchb1vfuv%2Fthe9toepiece.jpg&hash=51e6fb825feffaf92450759cf5c6c40c69244ffa)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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??
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Besides unsuccessfully trying a few pairs here and there I haven't worn anything but Dexters in over 20 years. I tried a couple different pairs of Etonics and a couple of whatever the 3g shoes were called at the time I tried them, but always ended up giving them to the kids at the bowling center. I've used a pair of SST1's that I converted to be able to use changeable soles and heels for as long as I can remember.
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Yea, I've tried some Etonics and 3Gs over the years too. I also ended up giving them away.
I like these discussions because I get perspectives I otherwise wouldn't consider. I'm especially amused when I read posters favoring a given shoe because it feels like a slipper. We're all guilty of evaluating things through our own personal lens, so it took a while for this shoe selection criteria to sink in.
I can see scenarios where some bowlers might favor 3G or TPU-X models. But there is also a large segment of bowlers who will gravitate to SST8s or 9s for their unique features. Hopefully, we can collectively have civil discussions where we can at least identify which shoe matches best to which profile of bowlers.
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Any "Toe-Draggers" using the 9's? How's the durability of the toecap? I know it's replaceable and all, but is it durable? This is my main concern since I basically destroy toecaps. My Brunswick TPU-X right-side shoe Velcro is not holding on the tip and tends to catch the approach at times. I went as far as using Super Glue to keep it down, but it doesn't hold very long. Being that the 9's has the sole/toecap that is one piece and replaceable, this would pretty much be problem solved.
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I'm not a toe dragger, and I've only had my 9s for a few weeks. I can only go by how it looks, but the toe material is hard and appears like it would be durable. Because of the design, you won't have the TPX-U issue of the toe catching and separating.
It might be a while before you get some real world input.
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I tried the 3 G's the first year they came out and I liked them so well that I am still wearing the same pair today. I found the fit and comfort second to none. They felt like I had been wearing them for 6 months or more the first time I put them on. It is a relief to have a shoe that good and long lasting, especially after going thru a pair of Dexter SST 1's every 1-2 years prior to getting the 3G's
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+1 for Brick. Exactly the same here. I'm replacing them this year, but only because it's been 15 years at least, maybe more... lost count. I hate the lack of response from ThomasR, and hate the lack of color options for lefties as you all know from previous posts, but in the end, I'm just waiting for the new ones. They have been that good.
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Lefty, glad that both you and Brick like your 3Gs. My position has always been for anyone that if you like the shoe you have, why change? Especially if you already have a stash of extra soles and heels you can continue to use. Good decision on your part to continue with the 3Gs.
What's interesting about the new 9s is that for the first time, Dexter matches the features of any other shoe on the market. Their new replaceable toe implementation is much more streamlined than the rubber like knob sticking out of the tip of 3Gs. The leather on the 9s is extremely soft, but the shoe still retains some rigidity in places where a bowling shoe should have it. I happily bowled in my 9s again today, and it's clear that Dexter put a lot of time and effort into the design.
Still, "good" is in the eye of the beholder, and 3G will continue to have a loyal following. I hope your new 3Gs are as good to you as your old ones.
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I've been waiting for the PSO here to get his 9's in so I can get a look and opinion on them.
I talked to him tonight he hadn't got his yet because he's waiting to get some different soles. He can't use the one that comes with it.
Well while I was there I was talking to the GM of the house, came to find out he was Brunswick staffer and he was talking up the TPU-X's.
Come to find out he wore the same size as I do and let me try his, Well they fit nice. Any better than Dexter I couldn't say.
But it's got me wondering now.
They are cheaper than the 9's and according to him the latest ones, they have fixed the issues people had been complaining about.
Like for the toe draggers (which he was) he said they changed something about the front of the shoe, a lip or rounded something so you wouldn't peal the front of the sole up.
He didn't say anything bad about the 9's other than they are high priced and the soles cost a lot.
But it does have me wondering now, they do cost a lot less and the 9's haven't been out long enough for people to find any glitches in them yet). and according to him you could put a dexter sole on it (You just have to trim it) if you had a favorite one.
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If you're worried about "proven", I'd want to see how this new toe design on the TPU-X works out, especially if I was a toe dragger. The old design doesn't seem to have worked out so well. If the new toe wears out in the matter of a year (or less), the shoes are toast, and so much for your up front savings.
Yes, the TPU-X soles are about $15 vs. the $30 for the 9s. But how often do you replace soles? For most bowlers, it isn't very often. Most bowlers get through a league season using the same sole. When you amortize the difference in cost over time, the additional outlay is minimal.
The buy decision should be more about feel, with consideration for how hard you generally are on shoes. If you like the TPU-X, and you're easy on shoe wear, maybe it's a better buy for you. If you abuse shoes, the design of the 9s suggest they'll probably last a lot longer than a pair of TPU-Xs. Time will tell.
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Theres the thing, I'm not a toe dragger. At least not like most of you guys, if I drag it throws me off. So I try not too.
And I'm easy on my shoes and take care of them, you might not believe it but I'm using the org. soles that came with my Dexters 8 years ago (and they have a LOT of games on them. Mainly I use the old tan sole, I've changed heels more than soles.
The main thing wrong with them now is the yellow traction sole which has got hard and cracking. The tan sole has lost some slide too.
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I've taken the next step in my transition to the 9s with the purchase of orthotics. I went with the Superfeet Blue inserts. I was OK with the inserts that came with the 9s, but I use Superfeet orthotics in all my other shoes, and once you're used to them, it's hard to go back. In any case, everything feels as good as I could expect in a bowling shoe.
The journey hasn't been cheap. $190 for the 9s, $30 for a backup sole, and $45 for the Superfeet. That's $265 before tax. But, I have a pair of shoes that should last for many years even bowling 600+ games annually. The combination of comfort plus support means I can bowl long tournament blocks (15+ games) without damage to my feet.
Everybody has to look at how often they bowl and what they want out of the game to decide if the investment is worth it. There are clearly cheaper options (almost everything else). The final decision won't be the same for everyone.
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Picked up a pair of the 9s today before league started. Surprisingly enough I was able to use the stock slide that came with the shoe with the burgundy brake. I went ahead and picked up a few slides for when I decide to go bowl other places that are much slicker than the house I bowl in. Definitely not a cheap investment. 185 from PSO and extra soles at 25 a pop from buddies. But IMO after a few games these will be well worth the investment rather than purchasing another ball.
first impressions are "I love these" and "these are different"
Hard to explain. but something just felt right when wearing them. Slide was consistent which I struggle with on the pro anvilane at my house and the comfort is great for bowling shoes.
cant wait to try them out over a league night.