Why a Curler Slides on One Foot
A curling delivery is a controlled, low glide—not a run-up. The player pushes away from the hack, the foothold at the end of the sheet, then travels forward close to the ice while releasing the stone. The two shoes need opposite properties: one must move easily, while the other must hold its position long enough to create the push.
Two Shoes, Two Jobs
The slider is a smooth sole, commonly made with a low-friction material, that lets the delivery foot travel across the ice. The other shoe has a grippy sole so the curler can brace against the hack and drive forward without that foot slipping backward. Once the glide begins, the gripper foot may trail behind or lift, depending on the player’s technique.
Putting sliders on both shoes would make it harder to push off securely. Putting grippers on both would make the forward glide drag and stumble. The one-slider setup is a deliberate compromise: traction at the start, glide during the delivery.
Why the Balance Matters
Curlers also use a stabilizer—a long-handled support held in one hand—to steady the body while sliding and guiding the stone with the other. The stable push foot and sliding delivery foot help make that motion repeatable. Small variations in balance or glide can change how cleanly the stone is released, so the shoes are not just equipment for staying upright; they help shape the delivery itself.
