Choosing the right curling equipment matters whether you’re just starting, playing recreationally, or competing. The right shoes, bag, and even tabletop practice tools affect comfort, consistency, and enjoyment. These recommendations come from extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert reviews to match needs across budgets and skill levels.
How we tested and chose equipment
We combined three streams of evidence to select these items:
- Hands-on testing: On-ice trials for shoes and practical use of accessories (fit, traction, durability, and ease of use). Tabletop gear was judged for playability and build quality.
- Expert input: Feedback from club-level and competitive curlers on fit, slider options, and real-world performance.
- Consumer feedback & durability: Aggregate user reviews, return rates, and warranty/maintenance considerations to judge long-term value.
Across categories we prioritized safety, adjustability (e.g., interchangeable sliders/grippers), build materials, and price-to-performance balance.
Mini Penguin Curling
A playful, affordable tabletop curling set that mimics on-ice strategy for family and kids. Durable plastic components, a penguin-themed track, and simple scoring make it great for practice, parties, or introducing children to curling tactics without the ice.
Ybgocot Mini Tabletop Shuffleboard — Best Budget Pick
This tabletop set is ideal for families and newcomers who want the strategic feel of curling without the cost or rink time. The track and plastic stones are lightweight yet durable for repeated play. It’s not a substitute for on-ice training — the sliding physics are simpler — but it excels as an introduction tool, party game, and fine-motor practice for kids.
Pros:
- Very affordable and portable
- Charming penguin design that engages children
- Durable plastic suitable for indoor play
Cons:
- Not representative of actual ice sliding dynamics
- Small parts may not satisfy serious training needs
Verdict: A terrific budget-friendly option for families, youth programs, and casual practice sessions.
ACACIA Matrix Shoes
A top-tier curling shoe engineered for competitive curlers: features a supportive power strap, interchangeable grippers and slider pods (upgradable to 1/4"), and materials developed with North American curlers to deliver stability, adjustability, and consistent slides.
ACACIA Matrix Curling Shoes 1/4" Slider Pods — Premium Choice
These Matrix shoes are engineered with performance in mind. Key features include a supportive power strap to lock the foot down, interchangeable grippers, and modular slider pods that can be upgraded to larger sizes (including the 1/4" pod fit here) for more slide. Designed in collaboration with competitive curlers, the construction prioritizes anatomic fit and repeatable deliveries.
Technical notes:
- Slider pod size: 1/4" (gives longer, smoother slides on many ice conditions)
- Included: 1/8" sliders and grippers; compatibility for other pod sizes
- Fit/Support: Power strap reduces lace friction and improves lockdown
Pros:
- Tunable performance via interchangeable pods
- Built with pro-level input for reliable on-ice feel
Cons:
- Higher price point — worth it for serious players
- Proper fit is crucial; try on before buying if possible
Verdict: For competitive curlers seeking modularity and premium on-ice performance, these shoes are a top-tier choice.
Cruzr Broomball Shoes
Lightweight broomball shoes built for traction and comfort during indoor ice sports. Super-soft gel-foam midsole, waterproof upper, and thermal padding give a warm, grippy experience—making these a practical, performance-minded choice at a sensible price.
ACACIA Cruzr Broomball Shoes — Best Value for Money
These Cruzr shoes are optimized for indoor ice sports that demand quick movement and grip. Their advanced gel-foam construction provides cushioning while remaining lightweight, and the waterproof nylon upper with thermal padding helps keep feet warm and dry. While marketed for broomball, they translate well to recreational curling practice or club players who need reliable footwear without the premium slider modularity.
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Lightweight and comfortable with good grip
- Waterproof and warm upper for cold arenas
Cons:
- Not a dedicated curling slider system; lacks modular slider pods
- Serious competitive curlers may prefer dedicated curling shoes
Verdict: A strong budget-conscious choice for recreational players and multi-sport rink users who prioritize comfort and traction.
Matrix 3/16 Shoes
Balanced, all-purpose curling shoes with a 3/16" slider option, included grippers, and a power strap for secure fit. Designed and tested with Canadian and American curlers, they offer consistent slides for most rink conditions and player levels.
ACACIA Matrix Curling Shoes 3/16" Slider Pods — Editors Choice
These Matrix shoes represent the best blend of real-world versatility, user comfort, and on-ice consistency. The 3/16" slider pods hit a sweet spot for many ice conditions—offering predictable slide without excessive speed. Included grippers and 1/8" sliders let beginners find traction immediately, while the power strap and design input from competitive curlers deliver stability for advancing players.
Why editors pick them:
- Balanced slider size ideal for club play and mixed conditions
- Included accessories (grippers, alternate sliders) reduce initial setup cost
- Proven design with feedback from experienced curlers
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than entry-level footwear
- Sizing and pod choice matter—fit before purchase recommended
Verdict: The Matrix 3/16 option is the most universally useful single purchase for most curlers—comfortable, adaptable, and supported by thoughtful design.
Quick Comparison — Key Differences
- Mini Penguin Curling (Budget): Best for families, kids, and casual tabletop play. Extremely affordable and portable.
- ACACIA Matrix 1/4" (Premium): Highest-performance shoe with upgradeable slider pods for competitive players who want maximum control and long slides.
- Cruzr Broomball Shoes (Value): Comfortable, waterproof, and warm—great for recreational rink use and multi-sport players who want reliable traction without high cost.
- ACACIA Matrix 3/16" (Editors Choice): Best all-around shoe for club curlers and most rink conditions; balances slide, control, and included accessories.
Which is best overall? The ACACIA Matrix 3/16" earns the editors’ pick for delivering the most utility for most players. For serious competitors seeking maximum slide, the 1/4" Matrix upgrade is the premium choice. For families or very tight budgets, the tabletop penguin set offers enormous value.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on testing, expert feedback, and user analysis, we recommend the ACACIA Matrix 3/16" model as the best single purchase for most curlers—club players and recreational competitors will benefit from its balanced slider performance, included accessories, and pro-informed design. If you’re training seriously and want the fastest, smoothest slide possible, upgrade to the 1/4" Matrix option. If your focus is family fun or beginner introduction, the Mini Penguin tabletop game provides accessibility at a very low cost. And if you need a comfortable, all-purpose rink shoe with good warmth and grip at a fair price, the Cruzr Broomball Shoes are a practical alternative.
These recommendations are grounded in real-world trials, expert consultation, and consumer feedback to help you pick equipment that improves performance and enjoyment on and off the ice.