If you've spent any time on the ice recently, you've probably noticed how much of a difference the right pair of balance plus shoes can make for your curling game. It's one of those things you don't really think about when you first start out—you're just happy to stay upright—but as you get more into the sport, you realize your footwear is basically your most important piece of equipment.
I've seen plenty of people try to get by with sneakers and a step-on slider for years. Honestly, that's fine for a casual Friday night social league, but once you want to actually improve your delivery and feel stable on the ice, upgrading to a dedicated pair of shoes is a total game-changer. There's just something about the way balance plus shoes are engineered that makes the whole experience feel more controlled.
What's the Big Deal with the Design?
You might wonder why this specific brand gets so much love in the curling world. It mostly comes down to their patented design. If you look at the bottom of most balance plus shoes, you'll notice a literal hole in the slider. It looks a bit weird at first, right? But there's a real reason for it.
The idea is to distribute your weight toward the outside of the slider. By moving the pressure to the perimeter, you get a much more stable platform. Instead of wobbling on a flat piece of plastic, you're basically balanced on the "rim," which stops that annoying rocking motion during your delivery. When you're trying to hit a tiny target at the other end of a sheet of ice, that extra bit of stability is everything.
It's not just about the slide, though. These shoes are surprisingly light. If you've ever worn heavy boots on the ice, you know how tiring it can be to haul them around for two hours. Most of the newer models feel more like a modern running shoe than a stiff piece of sports equipment.
Understanding the Slider Options
When you start looking at balance plus shoes, the first thing that'll probably confuse you is the slider thickness. They usually come in different measurements like 1/16", 1/8", or 1/4". If you're new to buying your own gear, it's easy to think "more is better," but that's not always the case.
The thicker the slider, the faster you're going to go. A 1/4" slider is basically like stepping on a sheet of glass. It's incredibly fast and requires a lot of core strength and balance to control. If you're a pro or someone who has been curling for a decade, that's probably what you want. But if you're still working on your form, a 1/4" slider might feel like you're trying to stand on a banana peel.
Most club players find a sweet spot with the 3/16" or 1/8" options. It gives you a nice, smooth slide without making you feel like the shoe is trying to run away from you. The cool thing about balance plus shoes is that they offer these different variations across their different series, so you can pick the style you like and then choose the "speed" that fits your skill level.
A Look at the Different Series
Balance Plus usually breaks their lineup into different "series," which can be a bit overwhelming if you're just browsing a website. Generally, you'll see the 500 series, the 700 series, and the Deluxe models.
The 500 series is usually the go-to for someone looking for a lightweight, athletic feel. They look like a standard sneaker, and they're great because they don't require a long "break-in" period. You can pretty much take them out of the box, head to the rink, and feel comfortable right away. They're usually made of synthetic materials which keeps the cost down and the weight low.
Then you've got the Deluxe leather shoes. These are the "old reliable" of the curling world. They're a bit heavier, but they're incredibly durable. Leather tends to mold to your foot over time, so once you've worn them for a few weeks, they feel like they were custom-made for you. Plus, leather is naturally warmer, which is a huge plus if your local club is particularly chilly.
There's also the 700 series, which kind of sits in the middle. It's got a bit more of a premium feel than the 500s but keeps that modern, sporty aesthetic. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them; it just depends on whether you prefer the feel of leather or the lightness of a synthetic shoe.
Don't Forget About the Gripper
We spend all this time talking about the slider, but the "gripper" foot is just as important. That's the shoe you use to push off and walk around on the ice. In most balance plus shoes, the gripper side is made of a high-quality rubber that actually grips the ice.
One thing I always tell people is to make sure they get a good "slip-on" gripper to cover their slider when they aren't throwing. Walking around with an exposed slider is a great way to scratch it up or, worse, slip and end up on your backside while you're just trying to sweep. The rubber on the gripper foot of these shoes is specifically designed to stay soft even in cold temperatures. Cheaper shoes often have rubber that gets hard and slick when it gets cold, which kind of defeats the purpose of a gripper!
Comfort and the "Break-in" Period
I've mentioned this briefly, but it's worth repeating: comfort is king. You're going to be lunging, crouching, and walking several miles during a standard game. If your balance plus shoes are pinching your toes or rubbing your heels, you're going to have a miserable time.
If you go with the synthetic 500 series, you'll find they're pretty flexible right off the bat. However, if you opt for the leather Deluxe models, give yourself a few games to really break them in. Don't judge them by the first ten minutes you wear them. Leather needs to warm up and stretch a bit.
Also, pay attention to the insulation. Some of these shoes come with Thinsulate lining. If you're the type of person who always has cold feet, look for that. If you're someone who gets hot and sweaty after two ends of sweeping, you might want something more breathable.
Are They Worth the Investment?
Let's be real—good curling shoes aren't exactly cheap. You might look at the price tag of some balance plus shoes and wonder if you should just stick with the club's rental gear. But here's the way I look at it: a good pair of shoes will easily last you five to ten years if you take care of them.
When you have your own shoes, your delivery becomes consistent. You aren't guessing how fast the slider is going to be this week. You aren't worrying about whether the rental shoe fits quite right. That consistency is what allows you to actually get better. You can stop worrying about your feet and start focusing on your line and weight.
To keep them in good shape, just make sure you don't wear them outside. Ever. Even just walking from the car to the front door can pick up tiny pebbles or salt that will ruin the ice and scratch your sliders. Keep them in a bag, put them on at the rink, and they'll treat you well for a long time.
At the end of the day, picking out balance plus shoes is about finding that balance between your budget, your skill level, and what feels good on your feet. Whether you're aiming for the Brier or just trying not to finish last in your local league, having the right gear makes the game a whole lot more fun. And really, isn't that why we're all out there anyway?