Yes, curlers wear special shoes, and notably, they often wear two different types of shoes, or shoes with distinct soles, specifically designed to aid their unique movement on the ice. This specialized footwear is crucial for both stability and sliding during a game.
The Unique Footwear of Curling Athletes
Curling shoes are engineered to allow athletes to perform the delicate balance of sliding precisely and pushing off firmly. This is achieved by equipping each foot with a sole designed for a different purpose.
Understanding the Sliding Shoe
One of the shoes, typically worn on the lead foot (the foot that pushes off), is known as the sliding shoe. This shoe is characterized by its exceptionally smooth sole.
- Material: The sliding shoe features a Teflon surface, often appearing as white disks on the sole.
- Function: This Teflon surface significantly reduces friction, enabling the curler to slide farther and faster across the ice during the delivery of the stone. The ability to slide smoothly is fundamental to achieving accuracy and power in a shot.
The Importance of the Gripper Shoe
The other shoe, worn on the trailing foot (the foot that remains stable and provides traction), is referred to as the gripper shoe.
- Material: Unlike the sliding shoe, the gripper shoe has a textured, rubberized, or otherwise high-friction sole.
- Function: Its purpose is to provide maximum traction and stability on the ice. This allows curlers to maintain their balance, push off effectively from the hack, and remain stable when sweeping or waiting for their turn.
Some curlers may even use interchangeable soles or overshoes (also called "sliders") that can be placed over a regular athletic shoe, allowing them to convert a standard shoe into a sliding shoe as needed. This specialized footwear is a cornerstone of curling technique, enabling players to execute their moves with precision and control. For more insights into the sport and its equipment, you can explore resources like Curling Canada's guide to the sport.
