Curling Grippers: What They Are and How to Find the Right One
If you've spent any time on the ice, you already know curling asks your feet to do two very different jobs. One foot slides during delivery. The other needs to grip the ice so you can walk, sweep, and get into position without slipping. That second job belongs to the gripper.
A dependable gripper rarely gets a second thought. A worn one is easy to notice. Your foot shifts slightly when you plant it, or you feel a moment of instability mid-sweep that throws off your rhythm.
This guide explains what a gripper actually does, the different ways curlers maintain traction on the ice, and how to choose a curling gripper that fits your playing style and experience level.
Why Gripper Choice Matters
Not every curler needs the same setup. How often you play, what footwear you already own, and what you want from your setup all affect which gripper actually makes sense for you. There's no single option that works best for everyone.
What Is a Curling Gripper?
Curling grippers are rubber components designed to provide traction on the ice. Unlike a slider, which helps your delivery foot move smoothly, a gripper keeps your non-sliding foot stable while you walk, sweep, and set up for shots.
Curlers get that traction in a couple of different ways:
- Removable grippers that fit over existing footwear
- Grippers built directly into dedicated curling shoes
Which one makes sense depends mostly on how often you play and whether you already own dedicated curling shoes.
Removable Grippers
A removable gripper is a slip-on piece that fits over athletic footwear or a dedicated curling shoe. It's the easiest way to add traction without buying new footwear or committing to a full curling shoe setup.
Asham's Rotator Slip-On Gripper is designed to fit over the Rotator sole and most wide-soled running shoes, which makes it a practical option if you're borrowing club equipment or trying the sport for the first time.
Removable grippers are a good fit if you're not ready for dedicated curling shoes yet, or if you want a backup gripper to keep in your bag.
Integrated Grippers
Many curling shoes use integrated grippers rather than requiring separate accessories. In these setups, the gripper is built directly into the sole of the shoe used for traction. For players who curl regularly, an integrated setup provides a more convenient alternative to attaching and removing a separate gripper every time they step on the ice.
Some curling shoes add replaceable components to this setup. Asham shoes featuring the RDS (Rotator Disk System) allow players to swap the gripper disk as it wears rather than sending the whole shoe in for repair. The disk attaches with Velcro, so no tools are needed.
Double Gripper Shoes
Double gripper shoes are a different setup entirely. Rather than combining a sliding foot with a gripping foot, they provide traction on both feet for players who don't slide at all during delivery. Stick curlers and icemakers, for example, may use double gripper shoes because they prioritize stability over a sliding delivery.
Asham's Club Double Gripper shoes are one example, built with full rubber soles on both feet instead of the sliding and gripping combination found on most curling shoes.
Which Foot Wears the Gripper?
The gripper goes on your non-sliding foot. Some curlers find their sliding foot is opposite their dominant hand, but the correct setup depends on your delivery style rather than handedness alone.
This matters when you're buying shoes or a removable gripper, since the wrong setup won't provide traction on the foot that needs it. If you've delivered a stone before, a quick way to check is to think about which foot you naturally use to push into your slide. If you haven't delivered yet, a club instructor or your first beginner curling session is the more reliable way to confirm which foot is which before you buy anything.
For players who want flexibility between configurations, Asham's RDS system allows the gripper disk to be swapped rather than requiring a different shoe entirely.
Matching a Gripper to How You Play
If you're new to curling or still using club equipment, a slip-on gripper is a simple way to add traction to a shoe you already own.
If you curl regularly but aren't ready to switch to dedicated curling shoes, a removable gripper still gives you reliable traction while letting you keep using your current footwear.
Once you're ready to buy dedicated curling shoes, look for a pair with an integrated gripper that gives you the traction and performance you need. This offers a more permanent setup without needing to attach a separate gripper before each game.
What Do Curling Grippers Cost?
The cost depends largely on whether you are adding a gripper to footwear you already own or buying dedicated curling shoes.
Removable grippers are the most affordable way to add traction to a shoe you already own. Asham's Rotator Slip-On runs $26.99 CAD, so there is no additional investment beyond the gripper itself.
Dedicated curling shoes require a larger upfront cost because you're purchasing purpose-built footwear rather than adapting what you have. That cost includes the gripper as part of the shoe rather than as a separate accessory.
Some dedicated shoes use replaceable gripper systems, such as Asham's RDS, which allow players to swap the gripper disk as it wears rather than replacing the entire shoe. A replacement disk runs $19.99 CAD, helping extend the life of the footwear.
Ready to Find Your Gripper?
Find the Asham gripper setup that matches your footwear, experience level, and style of play.
Asham has been manufacturing curling equipment in Winnipeg for over 40 years, offering solutions ranging from slip-on grippers to dedicated curling shoes with replaceable gripper systems. Every Asham gripper is also backed by a warranty for the life of the product.
Browse Asham's full lineup of curling grippers to find the right setup for your game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a slider and a gripper?
A slider lets your delivery foot move smoothly across the ice. A gripper does the opposite for your other foot, providing traction while you walk, sweep, and set up for shots. Both are used in traditional curling setups, and different shoe and accessory configurations combine them in various ways.
Do beginners need curling grippers?
Beginners need a way to maintain traction on the ice. If you're trying curling for the first time, a removable gripper is often the simplest option because it works with footwear you already own. Players who curl regularly tend to choose dedicated curling shoes for a more consistent, purpose-built setup.
How much should I expect to spend on a curling gripper?
Asham's Rotator Slip-On Gripper starts around $26.99 CAD. Dedicated curling shoes are a larger investment because they include the gripper as part of the footwear, while systems like RDS allow players to replace the gripper disk rather than the entire shoe.
Can I use a regular shoe with a curling gripper?
Yes. Removable grippers are designed to fit over many athletic shoes, which makes them a practical starting point if you're not ready to buy dedicated curling shoes yet. Dedicated curling footwear is designed to provide the comfort and consistency regular players typically look for.
How do I know which foot needs the gripper?
The gripper goes on your non-sliding foot. Some curlers find their sliding foot is opposite their dominant hand, but the correct setup depends on your delivery style rather than handedness alone.
Should I buy curling shoes or use a gripper with regular shoes?
It depends on how often you're playing. A removable gripper on shoes you already own is a practical way to start, especially if you're still deciding whether curling is for you. Once you're playing regularly, dedicated curling shoes with purpose-built sliding and gripping surfaces can provide a more consistent setup, though the switch is a bigger investment than a slip-on accessory.
How often do I need to replace a gripper?
There's no fixed schedule. Replace a gripper when it starts losing traction, becomes noticeably worn, or no longer keeps your foot stable on the ice. How quickly that happens depends on how often you curl and how much use the gripper gets.