There are really only two needed items to play the game of bowling. The first is the ball and the second is the bowling shoes. You dont need to own either of these as it is standard practice to rent them at the bowling alley. However it wont take you long to realize that most serious bowlers have their own ball and bowling shoes.
The reason for that is fairly simple when it comes to the bowling shoes. And if you have ever used rented bowling shoes, you probably can well understand why. If the bowling shoes do not fit properly then it is distracting. If you have your own pair of bowling shoes then they become an extension of your feet, they fit properly and feel good and you get used to their little quirks and the way they glide on the lane.
If you are new to bowling you may not even realize that special shoes are mandatory. They are because of the gliding motion one makes when approaching the lane and releasing the ball. Regular tennis shoes cannot give that glide.
In fact, when it comes to bowling shoes, each shoe is designed differently as they function independent of each other. One shoe is glossy smooth so it gives the bowler a flawless glide. The other...