I am by no means an expert bowler, but my friends and I recently started bowling 1-2 times per week.  I dislike rental shoes for a few reasons - they never fit right because they're unisex shoes, they're ugly, you just don't know what feet have been in them, and they don't breathe at all.  These shoes fit right out of the box.  I normally wear size 9 and the 9 I ordered was perfect.  If you have a wider foot, it may feel too snug.  They have arch support and padding on the tongue and around the ankle, which are things a rental never has.  They're really cute, and I don't have to share them with strangers.  I am very pleased so far with them.  I cannot review their performance, unfortunately, as I have never previously owned my own bowling shoes and really don't have any kind of sliding technique for these to enhance or detract.