Curling players wear specialized curling shoes that are built very differently from regular sneakers, with one “sliding” shoe and one “gripping” shoe designed for the ice.

Quick Scoop

  • Curlers usually wear purpose‑built curling shoes, not normal running shoes.
  • Each pair has two different soles:
    • A smooth slider sole (often Teflon or stainless steel) for long, controlled slides.
* A rubber _gripper_ sole for traction and safe walking on the ice.
  • The slider is normally on the foot that leads in the delivery (left foot for right‑handed players, right foot for left‑handed players).
  • Uppers are usually lightweight athletic or leather‑style, with insulation for warmth and support for balance.
  • Beginners can start in clean, flat‑soled sneakers with a removable slider/gripper, but serious players quickly move to dedicated curling shoes.

What Kind of Shoes Do Curling Players Wear?

Most curlers at club and pro level wear dedicated curling shoes made by brands like Goldline, BalancePlus, Hardline, and similar curling‑specific companies. These look a bit like low‑profile athletic sneakers but the bottoms are built for sliding and stopping on pebbled ice.

Key features:

  • Slider sole
    • Flat, very smooth, usually Teflon, stainless steel, or similar low‑friction material.
* Comes in different “speeds” or thicknesses: thinner/faster sliders for experienced players, thicker/slower for control and beginners.

* Mounted only on the sliding foot.
  • Gripper sole
    • Textured rubber, designed to bite into the ice and prevent slipping when walking or sweeping.
* Often has a removable rubber “gripper” cover you can slip over the slider shoe so both feet have traction when needed.
  • Uppers and fit
    • Athletic or leather uppers with padding and insulation for warmth and stability.
* Reinforced toes for players who drag or toe‑push during delivery.

* Designed to be snug and supportive so your balance stays consistent end after end.

Do You Need Special Shoes to Curl?

For first‑timers or a fun “try curling” session:

  • Clean, flat‑soled indoor sneakers (like tennis shoes) are usually acceptable, plus a rental slider/gripper from the club.
  • They must be very clean to avoid bringing dirt onto the ice, which can ruin the playing surface.

For regular league play or competition :

  • Dedicated curling shoes are strongly recommended because they give:
    • More predictable slide distance and balance.
    • Better grip for sweeping and moving quickly on the ice.
    • Greater warmth and durability over a long season.

Mini FAQ

Why do curlers slide on one foot?
The sliding foot rides on the low‑friction slider sole so the player can smoothly deliver the stone while staying low and stable.

Why are some curlers’ shoes covered?
That’s a removable rubber gripper or a slip‑on cover put over the slider when they’re not delivering, so they can walk safely without skidding.

Can I just use ice skates?
No. Curling is played in shoes on pebbled ice; blades would destroy the surface and make controlled delivery nearly impossible.

Short answer / TL;DR

Curling players wear special curling shoes with one smooth sliding sole (Teflon or similar) and one rubber gripper sole, often with insulated athletic‑style uppers; beginners may start in clean sneakers with temporary sliders, but dedicated shoes quickly become the norm for stability, safety, and performance on curling ice.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.