One of the least thought-about golf accessories is your shoes. The right golf shoes can help you and your game greatly. At the same time, the wrong pair of shoes could hinder your game. We’re not talking about brands either. We’re talking about spiked versus spikeless, the type of material that they’re made of, comfort, and traction. In the rest of this blog, we will dive into each of those categories and how to find shoes that are right for you and your game.
Spiked Versus Spikeless
If you imagine a retro golfing shoe, the traditional spikes come to mind. The classic spiked golf shoe features leather material, tassels, and black and white wingtips. Along with lots of traction, the classic style offers breathability, and to top it off, they’re water-resistant thanks to the leather. Spiked shoes have come a long way. Previously they could be heavy and uncomfortable, but now it’s easy to find lightweight pairs. A positive attribute of spiked footwear is how much stability it can offer to your swing. You’re firmly rooted in place by the spikes as you move your body and momentum. The stability comes from the grip on the ground. They’re also a popular choice for playing on wet courses.
The spikeless versions are a modern update of classic styles. They offer a look that’s more like a sneaker, and they’re becoming popular in tee boxes and clubhouses. The great thing about spikeless options is how versatile they are. You can wear them on and off the course because they’re lightweight and comfortable. It’s not just the casual golfers wearing street-style footwear. Professional golfers are opting for spikeless shoes as well. As so many of us suffer from sore feet and back pain, spikeless shoes are gaining popularity because the softer shoe is kinder to your feet. The downside of comfort is that they don’t offer the same amount of grip and stability as their spiked counterparts. They might become slippery on wet course grounds. Also, some variations will not be water-resistant because of the softer alternate materials
Material
Leather:
Leather is a popular choice across all ranges of footwear. You may have seen variations of leather from animal-derived leather to synthetic. Leather is processed and stitched onto the outside of the shoe, creating a tight-fitted water-resistant exterior. Typical leather golf shoes come in a saddle design. Leather is a great breathable material and can last years with the appropriate care.
Waterproof:
Gore-Tex hasn’t been around too long but is a top material in making footwear waterproof. It’s thick and water-resistant, so it’s great for playing during winter. This material isn’t necessarily a fabric but more of a porous material. It allows air to pass through, but the pores are too tiny for anything larger. Gore-Tex keeps your footwear breathable while keeping out water molecules and keeping your feet dry. They may make your feet warmer than leather shoes, so if you play during summer, they might not be the best choice.
Synthetic:
Synthetic leathers are typically cheaper than animal-derived leathers. The material consists of non-porous polyester that coats the shoe and protects your foot. This lining is thinner and, therefore, lighter. It’s cheaper, but the material can be less breathable than real leather.
Comfort
If comfort is your top priority, you might be better off choosing spikeless shoes, even if advancements are starting to bridge the gap. These are generally lighter and require less effort to walk in, meaning they shouldn’t hurt your feet as much after long periods. They also add less pressure to your foot in places where your weight is on the cleats. The difference is only slight, but if sneakers are your favorite type of shoe, you might not find the spikes very comfortable.Â
Traction
Traction is the biggest debate between spiked and spikeless golf footwear. Spikes and cleats keep you anchored into the ground, offering improved stability and secure footing while you swing. When you swing, the force will push you forward, so without proper footing, it’s possible to have an accident and lose your balance. Lots of spiked footwear nowadays features plastic spikes rather than metal to protect green areas and lawns from unnecessary damage. There are options for removable spikes, too, which combine spiked and spikeless choices.
Although spikeless footwear is constantly improving, you can still find options offering excellent traction. They generally use small rubber nubs on the outsole. The texture aids in foot grip on different terrains. Â The difference will be more noticeable in wet weather when the ground is soggy with more movement. This happens sometimes on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour so, spiked shoes might be better here.
Finding the right golf shoe is a blend of performance needs and personal style. The sheer number of available options can be overwhelming, so a little homework goes a long way. While online platforms offer many choices, always prioritize trying shoes in-store before making a final purchase. Golf shoes should provide a snug fit, especially around the midfoot. Your toes should have minimal space to wiggle, ensuring your feet remain stationary during play. Additionally, the heel should sit tight, with solid lateral and arch support. Hopefully, this article helps you find the golf shoe that is right for you!
