Curling Sliders: What to Know Before You Buy

Curling is unusual in that your shoes have two very different jobs. One foot needs to grip the ice while the other needs to slide across it during delivery. The slider is what makes that controlled movement possible, helping you push out of the starting position, travel down the sheet, and release the rock with control.

Choosing the right slider isn't just about finding the fastest option. Thickness, material, and slider design all affect how it feels underfoot, and the right setup depends on your experience, delivery, and how often you curl.

Why Slider Choice Matters

A slider that's too fast for your current technique can make delivery feel unpredictable. One that's too slow can leave you working harder than necessary to get enough weight to the hog line.

For newer curlers especially, control matters more than raw speed. A slower slider can make it easier to develop balance and delivery mechanics before moving to a faster option as your technique improves.

Because the slider affects nearly every part of delivery, from your first push out of the hack to how you release the rock, it's one of the pieces of equipment worth understanding properly rather than guessing at.

What Is a Curling Slider?

A curling slider is a low-friction surface, often made from Teflon or similar materials, attached to the bottom of your delivery foot. It replaces the traction your shoe would normally have, letting that foot slide across the ice instead of catching on it.

Curlers can get that sliding surface a few different ways:

• Slip-on sliders that strap or slide over an existing shoe
• Step-on sliders that offer more coverage and are removed simply by stepping off it to have two feet with grip.
• Integrated sliders built directly into the bottom of a dedicated curling shoe
• Interchangeable disk systems, like Asham's RDS (Rotator Disk System), where the sliding disk itself can be swapped for one with a different speed rating

Which setup makes sense depends mostly on how often you play and how much control you want over the exact speed of your slide.

Slip-On and Step-On Sliders

A slip-on slider is one of the simplest ways to add a proper sliding surface to an existing shoe. It's a practical option if you're borrowing club equipment, trying curling for the first time, or aren't ready to invest in dedicated curling shoes. Asham's Teflon Slip-On Slider starts at $36.99 CAD.

A step-on slider provides more coverage and is more easily removed than a basic slip-on. Asham's Thin Teflon 1/16" Full STEP-ON is $49.99 CAD and covers more of the sole for a more substantial sliding surface.

For players looking for a more complete setup, Asham's Teflon Slider Kit starts at $49.99 CAD and provides a DIY option rather than buying a slider on its own.

Integrated Sliders and the RDS System

Dedicated curling shoes build the sliding surface directly into the bottom of the delivery foot, rather than adding it as a separate piece. This is the setup many regular players eventually move to, since it removes the need to attach anything before stepping on the ice.

Asham's RDS (Rotator Disk System) takes this a step further. Instead of a fixed slider, the RDS system uses an interchangeable disk that attaches with Velcro, so the disk itself can be swapped out for a different one as your technique changes, without replacing the shoe.  Additionally, as scratches develop on the sliding surface, the Asham RDS Discs can be rotated to eliminate the negative drifting effect of scratches.

A beginner learning delivery mechanics will often benefit from a slower, more forgiving disk. As balance and technique improve, a faster disk becomes usable without the delivery feeling out of control. RDS lets a player make that change themselves rather than needing a new shoe or a shop visit.

Handedness and Which Foot Slides

The slider goes on your delivery foot, the one opposite of the hand you are holding the rock in.  The other foot will push off the hack and have a gripper sole for stability.

Right-handed curlers typically slide on the left foot, while left-handed curlers slide on the right. If you're unsure, your delivery foot is the one that naturally extends forward as you slide into your shot.

Slider Thickness and Speed, Explained

Asham uses a 1-to-10 speed rating for its sliding disks, with higher numbers indicating a faster slider. The scale is useful for comparing Asham's own options, but it isn't a universal standard across curling equipment manufacturers.

Within Asham's Teflon range, the 1/16" disk is rated 5 out of 10, the 3/32" is 7 out of 10, the 5/32" is 8 out of 10, and the 1/4" and 1/4" Ring disks are both rated 9 out of 10. Hard ANO, Hard ANO Ring, and Stainless Steel disks are all rated 10 out of 10.

For a newer curler, the important point isn't memorizing the ratings. A slower option generally provides a more controlled starting point, while faster options can become useful as your balance and delivery improve.

Slider Wear and Care

Sliders wear down with use, and small scratches naturally build up on the surface over time. Beyond just slowing the slide, those scratches can cause drifting, where the slider pulls slightly off a straight line during delivery.

With RDS disks, drifting can often be corrected without buying anything new. Removing the disk, rotating it, and reattaching it can sometimes extend its usable life by allowing you to slide on a less-worn section of the disk. Integrated Sliders, slip-on and step-on sliders don't offer that same flexibility, so once one becomes noticeably worn or develops noticeable drift, replacement is usually the more practical option.

Matching a Slider to How You Play

New to curling or using club equipment? A slip-on slider is a low-cost way to get a proper sliding surface under your existing shoes.

Curling regularly and want more secure coverage? A step-on slider or slider kit offers that without committing to dedicated curling shoes.

Ready to invest in your own footwear? Look for an integrated slider, or an RDS setup if you want the flexibility to adjust your slide speed as your technique develops.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a slider and a gripper?

A slider lets your delivery foot slide 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 necessary, and different shoe and accessory setups combine them in different ways.

Do beginners need a fast slider?

No. Beginners are usually better off with a slower, more forgiving slider while they're still developing balance and delivery mechanics. A slower disk like the Teflon 1/16" is a common starting point, with faster options becoming more useful as technique improves.

Can I use a slip-on slider with a regular shoe?

Yes. Slip-on sliders 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.

How do I know which foot needs the slider?

The slider goes on your delivery foot, the one you slide on during your shot. Right-handed curlers typically slide on the left foot, while left-handed curlers slide on the right, though your actual delivery is the more reliable check.

What is the best slider for beginners?

For most new curlers, a slip-on or step-on slider with a slower sliding surface is a practical starting point. Players who curl more regularly often move toward dedicated curling shoes with an integrated slider or an RDS setup for more control over their slide speed.

How often do I need to replace a slider?

There's no fixed schedule. Watch for reduced slide or noticeable drifting during delivery rather than waiting for visible wear. RDS disks can sometimes be rotated to extend their life before a full replacement is needed.