Sportswear
What Shoes Do You Wear When Curling: A Comprehensive Guide
Curling, often described as “chess on ice,” is a sport that demands precision, strategy, and, surprisingly, the right footwear. What Shoes Do You Wear When Curling isn’t just a matter of preference, it’s a crucial element that can significantly impact your game. The specialized nature of curling footwear might seem confusing at first, but understanding its design and function can greatly enhance your experience on the ice. Let’s delve into the world of curling shoes and discover what makes them so unique.
Curling’s origins trace back to 16th century Scotland, where it was played on frozen lochs and ponds. The game evolved over centuries, becoming formalized in the 19th century. Early curlers likely wore their everyday winter boots on the ice, which would have presented challenges with both stability and sliding. As the sport gained more structure, equipment began to be standardized, including the development of specialized curling shoes. These shoes were essential for allowing players to perform their key movements – the slide and the delivery of the stone – efficiently and safely. The evolution of curling footwear parallels the growth and popularisation of the sport itself, underscoring the need for specialized equipment for this strategic ice sport.
The Anatomy of Curling Shoes: More Than Just a Slide
Curling shoes aren’t your average athletic footwear. They are specifically designed to facilitate the unique movements involved in curling. Here’s a breakdown of their key components:
- Slider Sole: This is perhaps the most distinctive feature of a curling shoe. The slider is typically made of Teflon (or other low-friction materials) and is applied to the sole of one shoe (usually the left for right-handed curlers, and vice versa). This allows the curler to slide smoothly and consistently across the ice when delivering a stone. The amount of slide is determined by the speed of the slider, which is an integral part of understanding what type of shoes do they wear for curling.
- Grip Sole: The other shoe features a rubber or similar textured sole, designed to provide traction and stability on the ice. This grip shoe helps with balance and pushes the curler off of the hack (starting block) when initiating the sliding movement. This shoe also aids in general mobility while on the ice.
- Construction: Curling shoes are usually made of leather or synthetic materials and may feature ankle support or other structural elements. Quality curling shoes are designed with durability in mind because the intense action required by the sport can put considerable strain on the footwear.
Why the Right Shoes Matter
The specific design features of curling shoes directly impact your performance on the ice. A good pair of curling shoes does the following:
- Enables a Smooth Slide: The slider is crucial for delivering the curling stone with accuracy and control, allowing curlers to maintain a consistent, stable base.
- Provides Stability and Balance: The grip shoe and shoe construction give the support needed for balance, especially during the crucial moment of the slide and delivery of the stone.
- Enhances Safety: The balance and control afforded by the right shoes are not just about performance, they are also a key aspect of reducing the risk of slipping or injury during play.
Types of Curling Shoes: What Suits You Best?
When choosing curling shoes, there are several options to consider, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Here are some common types:
- Traditional Curling Shoes: These shoes are designed to be specific to curling. They feature a dedicated slider on one sole and a rubber grip on the other. They are the standard for serious curlers and are the type of shoe worn for curling most frequently.
- Step-On Sliders: This type of slide doesn’t require a specific type of curling shoe. Instead, a slider is a device that is strapped onto any shoe and can be easily removed. These can be a good option for beginners or casual curlers. While step-on sliders offer flexibility, they are not quite as secure or integrated as shoes with built-in sliders. This can occasionally affect your balance and overall feel on the ice.
- Convertible Curling Shoes: These are a middle ground, with a slider that can be added or removed as needed. Convertible shoes are great for those who want to switch between having a dedicated grip sole or using the slider sole for specific situations. They offer greater convenience and adaptability than a traditional pair of curling shoes.
Choosing the Right Slider Speed
The speed of the slider is critical in determining what shoes do curling players wear. Slider speed refers to how easily you move across the ice. This is commonly described on a scale ranging from 1 to 10, with 1 being the slowest and 10 being the fastest. Different speeds of slider are useful to different curling positions and player styles:
- Slower Sliders (1-3): Often preferred by beginners, these sliders provide more control and stability. They require more effort to generate speed but allow for greater accuracy. They can also be used by players with a quicker or more aggressive delivery.
- Medium Sliders (4-6): Ideal for intermediate and recreational curlers, they offer a good balance of control and slide. They are a good all-around slider for most players.
- Faster Sliders (7-10): These are favored by experienced curlers and those who prefer to slide more quickly. They require good balance and technique but allow for more aggressive deliveries. Faster sliders may also be more useful for playing positions that are not always delivering rocks.
“Choosing the right slider speed is crucial to maintaining consistency and accuracy in your game,” says David Robertson, a 25-year veteran of curling and a former national champion. “Start with a medium slider and adjust as needed based on your playing style and comfort.”
Maintaining Your Curling Shoes
Proper care and maintenance are essential for extending the life of your curling shoes:
- Clean After Each Use: Wipe down your shoe with a damp cloth after each game to remove any dirt or ice debris.
- Store Properly: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place when not in use, avoid letting them stay in cold areas.
- Regularly Check Slider: Inspect the slider for any wear and tear or damage, and replace it as necessary.
- Avoid Unnecessary Wear: Try to avoid wearing your curling shoes on surfaces other than the ice rink to maintain the integrity of the slider.
Understanding the care requirements helps in choosing what shoes do you wear in curling.
“Taking care of your curling shoes is just as important as choosing the right ones,” advises Susan Tremblay, a certified curling coach. “Proper maintenance will not only prolong their lifespan but also ensure consistent performance on the ice.”
Where to Buy Curling Shoes
Curling shoes are available at specialized sports equipment retailers and online stores that cater to the sport. When buying:
- Look for Reputable Brands: Stick to brands known for quality and performance.
- Read Reviews: Pay attention to customer reviews to get a sense of durability and performance.
- Consider Your Budget: High-quality shoes will be an investment, but they can improve your game and enjoyment.
- Seek Professional Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask experienced curlers or professionals for advice on which shoes suit you.
Conclusion
Choosing the right curling shoes is not just about comfort; it’s about enhancing your performance, safety, and enjoyment of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned curler or just starting out, understanding the nuances of curling footwear will help you make informed decisions that will improve your experience on the ice. Now that you are aware of what shoes do curling players wear, you can confidently step out onto the ice with the right equipment.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do curling shoes have one slippery sole and one grippy sole?
The slippery sole, usually made of Teflon, allows players to slide across the ice during a delivery, while the grippy sole provides traction and stability for balance and movement. This combination allows for accuracy and control.
2. Can I use regular athletic shoes for curling?
Regular athletic shoes are not suitable for curling. They lack the necessary slider and grip features and do not provide sufficient stability on the ice, affecting both safety and performance.
3. How do I choose the right slider speed for my curling shoes?
The ideal slider speed depends on your skill level and personal preference. Beginners should start with a slower slider for greater control, while advanced players may prefer a faster slider for better distance.
4. How often should I replace my curling shoes?
The lifespan of curling shoes depends on usage frequency and care. It’s essential to regularly check the slider for wear and tear, which often requires replacement much more frequently than the rest of the shoe.
5. Can I use a step-on slider instead of purchasing special curling shoes?
Yes, step-on sliders are an alternative for beginners or casual curlers. However, they don’t provide the same integrated stability and control as shoes designed specifically for curling.
6. What materials are curling shoes typically made of?
Curling shoes are typically made of leather or synthetic materials for the upper, with a Teflon slider on one sole and a rubber or textured grip on the other for maximum movement and balance.
7. Do I need special socks when I wear my curling shoes?
It’s usually helpful to wear thin to medium thickness socks to keep your feet comfortable inside curling shoes without compromising fit and feel on the ice.
8. What is the difference between a traditional and convertible curling shoe?
Traditional curling shoes have a fixed slider and grip on each shoe, while convertible shoes have a removable slider, allowing for more versatility.
9. How do I care for my curling shoes?
You should clean your curling shoes after every use and store them in a cool, dry place. Regular inspection of the slider for wear is also recommended.