Why do you need to wear bowling shoes?

Simple. Street shoes could have gum or other things on them that would damage the lanes.

Well if you're planning on bowling occasionally thru out your life, buy a pair. You can get a good no-name pair for around 20.00 and unless your feet are still growing, they'll last for years.

There are left and right handed pairs. One of the shoes slides better than the other.

Look at this ad http://www.bowling.com/shopping/bowling_shoes/ and you will see that some shoes are right handed and some have both types.

If you wear socks there's really no need for bowling shoes. You can slide quite well.

So that you will not damage the finish on the lane area you walk on.

Actually bowling shoes are quite fashionable. I have several pair. They are great for lounging around the house in and if the mood strikes (no pun intended) me I can just head on out to the alley without worrying about shoes!

they dont want your shoes to scuff up the floor

So you won't scuff the floor.

Because the sign says so