Bowling Shoes Get a CRAZY Conversion

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This pair of 20 year old bowling shoes was mailed to us for a conversion. After a short time of use on the bowling lanes, the owner of these shoes wants to use them for every day wear. We ditch the rubber soles and welts and provide some upgraded parts to this pair of Brunswick bowling shoes. Time for another restoration!
* Proverbs 21:25
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Video edited by:
Ashley Saldanha
[e-mail]
IG handle - AshMedia_org

[@TrentonHeath]

Sorry we didn’t have any BEFORE pics y’all. We had already started taking them apart before we realized it. Oh…and that the velcro is like that intentionally. Us sub-150 bowlers have always used the cheap rentals without it. 😉😁

[@robertcolfack26]

I think you did a great job on the soles and still with the leather soles he could still bowl in them if he wants to you guys always make a pair of shoes or boots look better and sometimes even look brand new.... I really enjoy your videos it always brings me back to my youth in the 1960's there was a cobbler in the town where I grew up, and I sometimes came into his little store and watched him work....

[@Kingfisher1215]

Those are the nicest bowling shoes I’ve ever seen. You did a great job resoling them. I sure hope he has a few Nat Nast shirts to pair with them.

[@georgekolb9331]

I think you hit the nail on the head with the shoe…and with the algorithm lately. The content like the hiking boot and this are going to bring traffic from other areas of the KZbin rabbit hole. Good stuff. I’m in the market for sandals now I’ll go check out your stuff. Exactly how it’s all pose ta work

[@gold8737]

Have you guys messed around with Doc Martens in the past? Seen some at Goodwill for $15 but the soles were cracked in half.

[@joeyhemlock]

THOSE ARE MY SHOES AND I LOVE THEM. I love the layered look of the midsole and sole (that white midsole is amazing: Is it sold like that or did you glue a white piece to a leather piece?), and the honey-colored heel was the perfect way to cap them off. When you were asking if you should dye the soles or keep them natural, I was yelling at the screen to leave them. The roughed-up welt to match the suede was a stroke of genius. I told you to make them fun and gave you free rein to do whatever you needed to do and you knocked it out of the park. I'm not just happy with them: I'm ecstatic. They're more then I could have hoped for.

[@joeyhemlock]

BTW: The shoes came that way with the velcro. They had three or four different pads for each section so you could customize how much slide you wanted. It didn't matter which ones I used as I was a terrible bowler with any combination. Then the traction (right) shoe of course doesn't have any slide to it. When I took them out and looked at them as a potential project for you, I spent a LOT of time watching videos on how to tell if boots were actually goodyear welted or faked and everything pointed to them being genuine, and I'm glad it turned out that way. They'll get a lot more use now then they ever did on the alleys. THANKS SO MUCH for doing such a great job. I can't wait to get them back and show them off.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks so much! We’re glad to hear you like them! The white midsole is a piece of rubber that we used. Hope you enjoy wearing them again. You’ll need to send us an updated pic as you begin wearing them so that we can possibly post it.

[@joeyhemlock]

@@TrentonHeath Will do!

[@joeyhemlock]

@@TrentonHeath Was sanding the top lift to that angle a pain in the butt? I saw that you pre-angled the block but I imagine it was a pain to do the top lift, unless you have a belt sander in addition to all of those drums...

[@stevenduhaime1484]

Good idea to to resolve them. These made a cool pair of shoes.

[@jacmccauley7581]

The Velcro on one side and rubber on the other is designed for bowling. You can change how much you slide by changing out the sole and heel on the one shoe.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks! That makes sense.

[@kyleessex6301]

Elite level bowling shoes are directional (right vs left handed bowlers,) allowing that slip that Jac said above.

[@ernestbeckley]

They didn't have that when I stared bowling---50 years ago :)

[@jmsmom67]

Wow, interesting. Thanks for sharing that information!

[@Cerus98]

@@ernestbeckley - Yeah they did.

[@shoemanfu4715]

That's how bowling shoes are made for a right handed bowler. The Velcro pads allow for the left shoe pad to be replaced. The left shoe is designed to slide. Once that pad gets dirty or wet it can be replaced so it will once again slide. The right shoe is designed for traction so it doesn't slide. Hope this helps. I've actually been thinking of doing the opposite.. I want to convert a pair of Strands into bowling shoes.

[@TrentonHeath]

That makes sense. Thank you!

[@tinydancer7426]

Funny thing there ..... the replaceable pad on the slide shoe. When I was a teen and started bowling on my parents' bowling team, mom got me my own shoes and kit to care for the soles which included a suede brush (much like the suede brush I had for the suede soles on my western dance boots) When the suede sole got slick, the brush (much like a "slicker" brush used to brush long haired cats and dogs) did a wonderful job to roughen up and clean the sole again.

[@choyfalcon]

Not to mention they have 4 or 5 different slide styles that have more or less resistance to sliding in case you're sliding too far or stopping too fast you can switch out the slide resistance to adjust for that. The other shoe with a regular sole is the "power step" shoe. It's designed to intentionally not slide so you can push off of it.

[@Ambrovious]

Well those actually turned out really well...He has pretty much got himself a nice pair of all leather sneakers. I wouldn't put the money into my old bowling shoes but I'd wear these. Thanks guys that was a fun video.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you, Mike

[@DeliaLRuiz]

Exactly what I said.

[@rc-cnc3431]

I've had my old Red Wings resoled numerous times. I worked in a quarry & stone fabrication plant for 14 years, so the soles got chewed up quickly. My knees gave out and had to find another profession, but I still have those old Red Wings almost 20 years later. :) Our area cobbler Charlie has long since retired, but he sure had a love for the craft. Your channel popped up on my side bar a couple days ago, and I find myself binge watching your episodes. The passion you guys have for the craft reminds me of Charlie my cobbler. Great videos and I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

[@Ruben74]

Very cool! Reminds me of the mod revival in late 70’s Britain, The Jam used to wear bowling shoes with black suits and it looks sharp as a tack. Great job restoring those soles.

[@kizer-no2kg]

what you are doing are showing these youngsters that want to learn A craft. that’s a trade. is. priceless. Hammer time. 👍👍👍

[@autofanaticcars]

From someone who works with leather and custom upholstery your craftsmanship is outstanding. Love it guys

[@kit2770]

Wow, great job on the shoes! Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski would *love* them! I like how the layered look of the midsole/sole/heel kind of resembles the various shades of brown one would see in the wood of an average bowling lane, with the planks of various brown tones. Not sure if that was on purpose or a happy accident, but either way, it's great. Very appropriate... and, like you said, fun!

[@kennywallace1]

I can imagine Brunswick discovering & creating an entirely new market as a result of this experiment. Thats the most amazing bowling style casual shoe I've ever seen. Between yourselves and the Elegant Oxford I've learned so much about shoe construction and care that has played a part in keep my mind occupied during lockdown by implementing a lot of what you talk about; shoes trees, leather care, etc. Big love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.

[@dalepellerin]

Remember in the mid 80s when bowling shoes were all the rage in Junior Highs and High Schools across North America? I still have a few from then and love them.

[@markbarlow4918]

These are without doubt, some of the smartest shoes you've refurbished. Absolutely love them. Really appreciate the hands on skill behind cobbling. Awesome!!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you very much, Mark

[@ttop64]

Good morning Trent. This video harkens me back to my younger days when I wanted to get a pair of vintage bowling shoes with leather soles just to have as some eye catching casual kicks instead of just your average run of the mill sneakers. I wanted some that were two toned red and green and I once found the perfect pair at an antique mall but alas they were two sizes too small. After seeing this video you've planted the bug for me to maybe start looking again.Have a great weekend. : )

[@TrentonHeath]

👍

[@moonlitegirl72]

Never in a million years that I think I would ever enjoy watching a shoe cobbler at work 😂 drove a valet van for a dry cleaner for 30 years picked up many shoes at shoe repair and then return to the customers without ever thinking of the process. Who knew that it would be so interesting PS the the bowling shoes turned out absolutely beautiful

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you very much for watching

[@markcoffman494]

This came out fantastic. I never would’ve thought a bowling she would’ve had such construction. You guys did a fantastic job! What a fun project and I hope this guy enjoys his new shoes! Hopefully later in his life he may take up bowling yet again.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you very much!

[@DK-Design]

When I worked at the lanes, we had guys there that would bowl 24-36 hrs a week. and yes you buy a good set of bowling shoes you get quality materials and workmanship and they put a boat load of R&D into the science of controlling the slide.

[@joeyhemlock]

They're mine and I love them. :)

[@markcoffman494]

@@joeyhemlock enjoy them!

[@SuperSteelSteve]

@@markcoffman494 how many more knife/gear guys like good boots🤔🤣👊

[@GwynneDear]

My father is a retired farrier and watching you guys work is very reminiscent of watching him work. It’s very soothing and lacks the danger of working under a 1000 +/- pound animal.

[@fed8925]

These Look Great!! Heck even I would wear them out in public, might change the laces (thinner lace) but wow these look amazing. The sude where the felt was on whatever show that was on, is usually used for sliding on the lead foot whenever you're approaching the foul line. Still learning how to bowl myself and I might be wrong on some of the terms. Keep these videos coming, appreciate your attention to detail as always.

[@markmilan01]

Those are some good looking shoes!! Amazing job with the slanted diagonal heel, the badge on the side, the little crown at the back of the shoe in the “B” left shoe. They look like they were always that way. Incredible job guys!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you, Mark

[@georgeolin3234]

Awesome! 19 minutes of fun! Love y'alls videos. Father was stationed in Naples 70-75 and we bought our shoes at "Shoe Alley".

[@neleig]

Beautiful choices for the soles. I think the bowling shoes look great! I used to wear mine casually as a kid. My Dad would get mad at me for it, saying I was going to wear them out. He was right! Enjoyable and informative video.

[@christophergilbert6773]

Wow just started watching your channel loved it love the way you did the bowling shoe and I am starting to go back and watch a lot of the other videos you guys are doing great keep up the great work! Not only am I a watcher but now I am a subscriber

[@christiandawes6382]

I love watching your videos. The process and how you take the time to explain things. I was yelling to keep the soles as they are, they look so natural. I am so envious of the owner and I hope he wears them on a daily basis.

[@tgarry100]

I have wanted a street-wearable pair of bowling shoes forever. This is one of the coolest things I've seen on any of these shoe-related channels. Thanks for sharing!

[@evfast]

Leaving the soles undyed was the perfect choice. Coolest bowling shoe conversion I've ever seen.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you very much

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

I really like these! Years ago, there were “bowling” street shoes for women that were all the rage. They weren’t really bowling shoes, but they had that look.🐝🤗❤️

[@TrentonHeath]

👍❤️

[@Pysiaczkek]

In 14:49 I would absolutely leave it natural. The mix of colors fits almost perfectly to vibe of these shoes. Gorgeous!

[@TrentonHeath]

👍

[@davidsnow1481]

Who knew that a bowling shoe could turn out to look awesome. Great work keep up the good work and stay safe out there.

[@Keell444]

I know these guys have been doing this a while, but it still amazes me how precise and perfect they are at lining everything up.

[@jimjackson9343]

Hey guys the bowling shoes turned out great. As usual your quality of materials and workmanship are top notch. Who knows, this may start a new trend….. love your channel.

[@jarrodabel4529]

I would rock these daily. I like the different color layers and the slope of the heel. Everything about these I love.

[@paulsherf7438]

These bowling shoes turned out awesome! Your work is always top notch and speaks volumes towards your integrity and craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing your tips and knowledge concerning the fascinating world of shoe care.

[@pernillemakholm645]

They look amazing! Everyone’s gonna want bowling shoes now. 😍

[@TrentonHeath]

😂👍

[@jonkomatsu8192]

Awright! This is cool, and something I have also wanted to do! I have always wanted to turn a pair of old, vintage bowling shoes into street shoes as well. I see a trend coming coming, a whole slew of bowling shoe conversions. Great job, thanks! 🤙🎳

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@TrentonHeath]

👍

[@niklashbg]

Just WOW! Amazing transformation guys! Love your content 🤩

[@Chris-oc6ge]

Trenton, you did a very good job in turning the Brunswick Bowling Shoe into an every day wearing shoe. Very nice!

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

I love that you guys never cut corners when repairing shoes. There are a few other cobbler channels on KZbin and one in particular always keeps the old, broken material and reuses it

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you very much

[@Fastaschit]

Wow, that's a sharp looking shoe thanks to the new rework and great creativity. You two are truly Masters of your craft.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you very much!

[@chrisa7409]

"If you didn't just don't comment" 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Shoes looked awesome. I love your videos!

[@TrentonHeath]

😁 Thank you!

[@your_andrew]

Funny weekend shoes for a warm summer and early autumn. Very creative and versatile design of the sole, gentlemen

[@artyseibert]

Absolutely amazing. Strong work as usual!

[@prescribedtrax]

Great work as always…this one was fun to watch! You made the process look easy but of course lots of skill is required. A+ 🔥

[@joehancock2735]

Great job. Always enjoy seeing you work.

[@markmorgan5482]

I had a pair of all leather shoes from the late 1960s that were red, white and blue. I just don't remember if they were welt constructed. They were quite the conversation starter. I can't tell you how many comments about "bowling shoes" I received. I have a photo of me wearing them...too bad I can't show it. This project made me LOL...I was just about 50 years before fashion caught up with me.

[@bbqlips]

Right on, looks awesome!

[@erich9244]

That is a crazy conversion! I always enjoy your stuff :) Keep up the great work!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you, Eric

[@Lfd-225]

Love watching you guys

[@toddfraisure1747]

Always interesting to watch your channel. I really enjoy reconditioning shoes with the help of my cobbler and I've learned a lot from all three of you.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@walterwaller9784]

These looked great when you guys were done! I personally love the multi color look on these. Makes them super fun!!!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you

[@Paul-044]

I seen y'all fix shoe's so many time I could do the voiceover for y'all. Great video and content. Y'all the best!!!

[@KyleSnarr]

Loved this one guys. Keep these fun ones comin’!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks, Kyle

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Those look incredible! Beautiful work as always!

[@saulgoodman7509]

Great work. The soles really fit the brief and the shoes have a fun 1920s boating vibe now.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you

[@joelopez1172]

They look great! Great job!

[@chadparker1283]

Who would have thought? Not I, but wow. There are funky cool. Casual to medium dress and slick. I would wear these. I am a shoe guy and love whimsy and fun stuff. These are definitely in that category. Hats off, great job.

[@Melendon44]

This a great surprise for all of us. Great looking pair of bowling shoes/casual shoes. And just like you said, "If you are going to do it do it right". Excellent work on your part, again..

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you very much

[@chriscinnamon2256]

I love the bowling shoe "transformation"!! Really cool!!

[@pvg44]

Great video! Love the sports shoe conversions, keep up the awesome work! Maybe a pair of vintage baseball cleats next , LOL!!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks! I like the idea.

[@thomaskraincuk9815]

What a great piece of craft! Thx so much Trent!

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you, Thomas!

[@ronadkins8997]

This was fantastic! Nice,fun video...I'll keep watching for sure!

[@nathan3942]

I'm addicted to this channel. Keep sending, guys!

[@cw2lido]

Absolutely love the shoes! Makes me want to get some bowling shoes for everyday use!

[@artadrians]

They look GREAT 👍...NICE under a pair of Chinos or Jeans .. and DEFINITELY FUN...GOOD JOB...!!!

[@christophers.4007]

looks great! the welt and heel colors really pull the whole look together, so good call on not dying them.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks, Christopher

[@michaelshocik5915]

I love how this pair of shoes came out. Keep up the good work!!!

[@spenserhow6275]

Nice work guys! Oh and nice to hear your voice getting better Trent!

[@beadladee]

These are so cool! Well done!

[@betinapie]

I love these!!! They look great!

[@HonicBlue]

what a fun vid, thanks once again!

[@Just_the_Q]

Great video. I like the concept

[@Philip8825]

Incredible workmanship 👏🏽✨

[@VinylToVideo]

I have a pair of Hyde bowling shoes from 1950 that I found basically new old stock for $40. They are a terrific off white leather and if they weren't bowling shoes I would wear them as everyday shoes. If I had a second pair I would definitely have them resoled for street wear. It's crazy to me that bowling shoes aren't made of this quality and style anymore.

[@Kirkorr123]

The whole time Trenton is doing this he has a look on his face that says (am I really doing this). Fun video thanks for sharing.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thanks, Kirk

[@martelhermann5202]

Bowling shoes! I've seen a few people wear them as regular shoes before, but you really made these look spectacular!

[@Romulus_xxii]

Fantastic idea and workmanship! I love the natural color 💯🔥

[@lotsabirds]

Looks great! Really good quality pair!

[@spuds7677]

I am gonna be honest, these turned out much better than expected. I am impressed.

[@kyliepierson8718]

Awesome you did a good job with Changing the purpose and style of a bowling shoe

[@asherarnold5884]

I think they look great. What a fun and diffrent shoe. I like the variety you guys show, even if it is not your usual day to day bread and butter work.

[@maryannrurup353]

Beautifully done.

[@mofosoto]

Now I wanna see fancy shoes soled with bowler bottoms!!!

[@buddhistmonkey182]

These turned out gorgeous!

[@eonarts]

In the 80’s bowling shoes were totally cool! I had a number of friends wear their worn out converse bowling and go home with the bowling shoes! Maybe they’re coming back?

[@gmill7911]

Very nice! Bowling shoes always remind me of the Jim Gaffigan joke where the guy behind the counter says, "Here, put on these moist shoes that 10,000 people wore..." Not in this case.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you

[@the.otis.burger617]

These look great! OUTSTANDING! 🙌🏾

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you

[@josephcotten4015]

This was such a great video!

[@annoxelia5440]

This is one of my favorite videos. The shoes look amazing. The white edge of the sole goes great with the laces.

[@terriwinn6806]

I do like them quite a lot . you'all do amazing work .

[@tedgorman12]

You guys continue to do great work and this was a fun project. I thought it was a mistake sanding down that welt… until it was finished. Bravo. I know that the (off)white laces matched the stitches, etc., but would love to see the playful shoe paired with a different darker lace. Hope the customer enjoys them for years to come. Keep up the solid work.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you, Teddy! 👍

[@kennethlow9417]

Looks amazing, great job guys.

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you!

[@joekanicki5306]

I enjoyed this a lot and I think you did a terrific job in your selection of colors and materials!

[@jennifermalick543]

Looks great. Good job

[@josephsorento1541]

You did an awesome job!!! They look fantastic! Who knew? I would wear these around town , to picnics and events and to an oyster roast party/shindig. Great job!!!

[@UGA.D]

Those are freaking AWESOME!

[@jeremiahbarham6512]

I can’t believe how good it came out! This might be a new thing 🤣🤣🤣

[@f1sk8mm]

When I was in highschool I had a couple friends who wore bowling shoes (guys and gals) but it was the mid 90s and for in with the northwest grunge style at the time. These came out looking pretty good and could see these for a musician or night out getting some beers with the pack.

[@OG_Jack]

Great job, love those shoes!

[@enanosiniestro]

They look great! As always excellent work. 🤘🏽😎

[@TrentonHeath]

Thank you, Jose’

[@czs1mc]

They look awesome!

[@blackbass4u2c]

I think they look amazing... great job