what kind of shoes do they wear in curling
Curling Shoes: The Essential Footwear for Ice Precision Curling players wear specialized shoes designed specifically for the sport's unique demands on ice, featuring one slider sole for smooth gliding and one gripper sole for stability. This setup allows the delivering player to slide effortlessly toward the stone while the other foot anchors firmly during sweeps or positioning.
Slider Sole Explained
The slider is typically made from low-friction materials like Teflon (PTFE) or stainless steel , enabling a controlled glide of about 12-15 feet during delivery. Thickness options range from 1/16" for beginners (more grip, shorter slide) to 1/4" for pros (longer, faster slides), with indents in models like Goldline's G50 series reducing drag at the ball of the foot. Popular brands include Goldline (e.g., Cyclone, Fuego) and Olson (e.g., Zapa, CrossKicks), often with customizable pads via Velcro systems in newer Momentum series shoes.
Gripper Sole Features
- Made of rubber for maximum traction, preventing slips on ice.
- Typically on the non-delivery foot; double-gripper shoes (both feet grippers) suit stick curlers or those avoiding sliders.
- Options like Goldline's regular/wide or Olson's Hexa pods come in various colors for personalization.
Key Brands and Models
Brand| Popular Models| Slider Highlights| Best For
---|---|---|---
Goldline| G50 Series (Cyclone, Storm, Azul), Momentum (Dash, Charge)|
Indents, split sliders, Velcro swaps| All levels, customizable 39
Olson| Zapa, CrossKicks, Genesis| Hexa pods, 1/8"-1/4" thicknesses|
Competitive, balance-focused 3
Others| Vessi (off-ice alternative)| N/A (general waterproof sneakers)|
Beginners, practice 5
These shoes prioritize fit, comfort, and insulation for cold rinks, with leather uppers and ankle support vital for long games. Beginners might start with clean flat-soled sneakers, but dedicated curling shoes elevate performance significantly.
Forum Buzz and Trends (as of 2026)
Recent discussions on Goldline's blog highlight demands for wide/narrow fits (e.g., size 12AA custom sliders) and stick curling adaptations with telescopic brooms. Users rave about Momentum's versatility: "Pop sliders on whichever foot—game-changer!" No major 2026 updates noted, but Olympic coverage (post-2025) emphasizes faster PTFE sliders for precision.
"Teflon sliders slide very well—low friction is key!" – Curling gear expert
TL;DR : Curlers rock asymmetric shoes—one slick Teflon slider , one rubber gripper —from brands like Goldline and Olson for glide-and-grip mastery.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.