Best Curling Shoes 2026: Sliders, Grippers and First Pairs

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Tuesday night league, sheet three. Your skip taps the broom on the far side of the house, you settle into the hack, push off, and for once the slide just keeps going: long, straight, balanced, the stone leaving your hand right where you meant it. Then you stand up, take two steps on your gripper and sweep like mad without slipping once. That’s what good footwear does in curling. This guide covers the best curling shoes in 2026 and the cheaper ways in: slider versus gripper, full versus half sliders, slip-on sliders for your first season, double-gripper shoes for stick curlers, and a word on helmets, because falls are the real risk on curling ice.

Prices change often. The prices below are what we saw at the maker or a major retailer in October 2026; check the current price before you buy. Most curling footwear isn’t sold on Amazon, so several picks link to Broomfitters, a US curling shop. Sizes sell out during the season.

Our top picks

Curling shoes compared

Pick	Type	Slider	Hand	About (Oct 2026)
Asham Slip-On Slider	Slider for your own shoes	1/32 in half or full sole; 3/32 in full; 1/4 in half	Either foot	$34 to $60
Asham Rotator Gripper	Slip-on gripper	None (rubber)	Left or right	$24
Asham Club Ultra Lite	Curling shoe, swappable disks	3/32 in Teflon	Either	$205
Goldline Chinook Gen 2	Curling shoe	Speed 5 (3/32 in)	Right	$200
Goldline Storm Gen 2	Curling shoe	Speed 8 (like 5/32 in)	Right or left	$260
ACACIA Stick Curling Shoes	Grip shoe, no slider	None	Either	$80
Darn Tough Solstice sock	Merino ski sock	n/a	n/a	$29

Slider, gripper, full or half: the basics

Every pair of curling shoes has two different soles. The gripper is soft rubber that holds the ice, which Goldline compares to a winter car tire. The slider is usually Teflon (PTFE), sometimes stainless steel, and it’s what you glide on during the delivery. Right-handed curlers slide on the left foot, so “right-handed” shoes have the slider on the left; left-handed shoes are the mirror image. Goldline’s simple rule: if you throw right-handed, buy right-handed shoes.

Thicker Teflon slides faster. Goldline rates 3/32 inch as speed 5, 5/32 inch as speed 7 and 1/4 inch as speed 10 on a 10-point scale, and argues that most curlers play better with a faster slider, because a slow one makes you shove harder out of the hack. Starter sliders sit at the slow end on purpose: Asham calls its thin slip-on sliders good for beginner or novice curlers.

Full or half slider? A full-sole slider runs the whole length of the shoe and gives a big, steady platform. A half-sole slider covers only the front, which keeps the shoe more flexible for walking. Goldline notes that most modern curling shoes use a “split” slider that doesn’t run the full length, often hinged at the toe, which matters most if you slide up on your toe in a tuck delivery. For a first slip-on, a full sole is the steadier choice; a half sole is lighter and easier to walk in.

The best curling shoes and sliders in 2026

1. Asham Slip-On Slider: best for beginners

The cheapest way to turn clean, flat-soled sneakers into curling shoes. The slider holds on with an elastic strap and fits either foot, and Broomfitters lists 1/32-inch half-sole (about $34) and full-sole (about $46) versions, a faster 3/32-inch full sole (about $60) and a 1/4-inch half sole. Sizes run XS to XL against a women’s and men’s shoe-size chart. If you’d rather not strap anything on, the Asham Full Step-On Slider (about $46, 1/16-inch Teflon) simply sits under your shoe.

• Good: low cost, works with shoes you own, either hand.
• Watch out: you must take it off or cover it before walking; a thin slider is slow.
• Best for: Learn to Curl grads and first-season league players.

See the Asham Slip-On Slider at Broomfitters

2. Asham Rotator Slip-On Gripper: best gripper

This is the piece people forget, and it’s the one that keeps you on your feet. The rubber gripper slips over your sliding foot whenever you walk or sweep, and it protects the slider too. Asham says it fits its Rotator sole and most wide-soled running shoes, and stresses a snug fit so it won’t slip off. About $24, left or right, sizes XXXS to XL. Goldline’s Universal Slip-On Gripper (about $27) is the alternative for Goldline and Hardline shoes.

• Good: cheap, works on curling shoes and runners.
• Watch out: a loose gripper can come off mid-stride; Asham notes running-shoe sizing may vary.
• Best for: every curler who slides, from day one.

See the Asham Rotator Gripper at Broomfitters

3. Asham Club Ultra Lite: best first curling shoe

When you know you’re staying, this is a sensible first real pair. It has a synthetic upper on Asham’s Ultra-Lite RDS sole, a Velcro lace cover, a moisture-wicking lining, and it comes with two 3/32-inch Teflon sliding disks, two gripper disks and a slip-on gripper. Because the disks attach with Velcro, you can set the shoe up for a right- or left-handed delivery and upgrade to a faster disk later instead of buying new shoes. Men’s and women’s versions, about $205.

• Good: works for either hand; swap or upgrade disks as you improve.
• Watch out: several sizes were sold out when we looked.
• Best for: second-season league curlers and lefties.

See the Asham Club Ultra Lite at Broomfitters

4. Goldline Chinook Gen 2: best ready-made right-handed shoe

A ready-to-go curling shoe with the slider built in: Goldline’s speed 5 slider in traditional 3/32-inch Teflon on the left foot, its gripper on the right, and an insulated IceKnit upper. The Gen 2 adds a taller heel cup. Goldline sells it only right-handed, in men’s and women’s versions, for about $200, and every men’s size was in stock when we checked.

• Good: warm knit upper; a friendly, low-speed slider for newer curlers.
• Watch out: right-handed only; you’ll outgrow the slider speed if you get serious.
• Best for: right-handed curlers who want a classic built-in slider.

See the Goldline Chinook Gen 2 at Broomfitters

5. Goldline Storm Gen 2: best step up

The next speed up in the same G50 family. Goldline says the Storm’s reinforced Teflon slider is lighter and steadier while keeping a Speed 8 rating, equivalent to traditional 5/32-inch Teflon. It has the same IceKnit upper and Goldline gripper, in men’s sizes 7 to 14 and women’s sizes, about $260. Right-handed sizes were well stocked when we looked; left-handed versions were sold out.

• Good: a faster, longer slide without going to a full 1/4-inch slider.
• Watch out: a faster slider takes balance; try a teammate’s before you buy.
• Best for: league regulars ready for more distance out of the hack.

See the Goldline Storm Gen 2 at Broomfitters

6. ACACIA Stick Curling Shoes: best for stick curlers

Not everyone slides. Stick curlers, coaches and anyone who’d rather throw standing up need grip on both feet. ACACIA says these are made for curlers who don’t slide, with a soft foam-gel grip sole and a padded, waterproof upper. About $80 on Amazon, where each men’s size has its own listing. If you want a dedicated double-gripper from a curling brand, Goldline’s Swagger Gen 2 (about $180) has grippers on both feet, but most sizes were sold out when we looked.

• Good: the most affordable curling-specific shoe we found; on Amazon.
• Watch out: no slider at all; pick your size listing carefully.
• Best for: stick curlers, coaches, older curlers who’ve stopped sliding.

Check the ACACIA Stick Curling Shoes price on Amazon

7. Darn Tough Solstice OTC Lightweight Sock: best for warm feet

Curling clubs are cold, and you stand still between shots. A thin merino sock keeps feet warm without crowding a snug curling shoe. Darn Tough’s Solstice is a lightweight, over-the-calf merino ski sock, knit in Vermont, about $29. Tuck a pair of HotHands hand warmers (about $25 for 40 pairs) in a pocket for long bonspiel days.

• Good: warm, thin, made for cold-weather sport.
• Watch out: over-the-calf length; wear the socks you’ll curl in when you try shoes on.
• Best for: anyone whose toes go numb by the sixth end.

Check the Darn Tough Solstice sock price on Amazon

How to choose curling shoes for beginners

• Start with a slip-on. A slip-on or step-on slider plus a gripper costs about $60 to $70 and tells you whether you’ll stick with it. Clubs often lend them for Learn to Curl.
• Buy for your throwing hand. Right-handed shoes slide on the left foot. Shoes with Velcro disks can be set up either way.
• Slower is fine at first. A 3/32-inch (speed 5) slider is a common starting point; move up when your balance in the slide is solid.
• Fit like a running shoe. Goldline says a curling shoe should fit snugly, like a running shoe, so your heel doesn’t slip when you push out of the hack.
• Grip matters more than speed. Most curling injuries come from falls, so a gripper that stays put is worth more than a faster slider.
• Think about your head too. See the helmet note below.

A note on helmets. In a Canadian study of curling injuries treated in emergency rooms, over 90% came from falls and 31.7% were head impacts, and 41.3% of injured curlers surveyed blamed their fall on not having proper footwear. Curling Canada strongly suggests helmets for all curlers under 12 and in beginner programs, and many US clubs require them for juniors. A curling helmet such as the BalancePlus Curling Helmet (EN 1077, about C$90 at the maker) or a properly fitting bike, ski or hockey helmet is the usual choice. Anyone who hits their head should stop for the day and see a healthcare provider; if a fall leaves you with knee or back pain that doesn’t settle, see a sports medicine doctor, physical therapist or athletic trainer.

Want the full kit? Our curling gear guide covers brooms, stabilizers, delivery sticks and helmets, the youth curling page covers junior programs, and the curling injuries page covers falls and concussion signs. For after the game, see our best recovery shoes and recovery tools guides, or browse the curling blog and the curling hub.

Curling shoe questions

Do I need curling shoes to start curling?

No. Clean, flat-soled sneakers with a slip-on or step-on slider and a slip-on gripper are enough for Learn to Curl and your first league, and most clubs lend them.

Which foot does the slider go on?

The left foot for right-handed curlers, the right foot for left-handers. That’s why right-handed curling shoes have the slider on the left shoe.

Is a full slider or a half slider better?

A full slider gives a bigger, steadier platform, which many beginners like. A half or split slider keeps the shoe flexible for walking and for toe-up tuck slides. Most modern curling shoes use a split slider.

How much do curling shoes cost?

A slip-on slider and gripper run about $60 to $70. Entry curling shoes are about $120 to $210, and faster performance shoes about $260 to $300 at Broomfitters in October 2026.

What if I curl with a stick?

Get grip on both feet: a double-gripper curling shoe or a grip-soled shoe made for stick curlers. You don’t need a slider.