Golf Shoes

While it’s possible to play golf without specialized shoes, wearing shoes for golf can make a significant difference in performance and safety. Golf shoes are designed to ensure traction and stability. Many golf shoes have spikes or cleats on the sole, providing grip on the turf. This helps your feet remain firmly grounded during your swing to minimize the risk of slipping.

Additionally, men’s and women’s golf shoes offer support and comfort. Your golf swing exerts pressure on the arches of your feet, but the right shoes provide adequate arch support and prevent unnecessary strain.  

Overall, golf shoes enhance performance. A stable footing is crucial for a consistent swing. Golf shoes provide the stability required to ensure your swing mechanics remain consistent, leading to better shots. 

When it comes to golf shoes, there are different types to be aware of. The two main types of golf shoes you can pick between include:

Spiked golf shoes: Golf shoes with spikes are the traditional golf shoes you may be familiar with. These golf shoes feature plastic or metal spikes that help ground you and provide traction. Today, most spiked golf shoes are made with plastic spikes since many courses have outlawed metal spikes that are known for damaging greens.

 

 Spikeless golf shoes: Spikeless golf shoes don’t feature spikes on the bottom of the shoe. While they are less common, brands have made vast improvements to increase traction and stability without the need for spikes, which is increasing their popularity. 

 

If you’re deciding between spiked and spikeless golf shoes, it ultimately comes down to preference. However, if you regularly play in wetter conditions, spiked golf shoes are recommended.  

The best golf shoes are made from high-quality, durable materials. Materials that golf shoes can be made of include:

Leather: The most common golf shoe material is leather, which is highly durable, stable, stretch-free, and comfortable. The quality of leather can vary depending on the brand, so do your due diligence and read reviews and product specs. 

 

 Synthetic: A more affordable option for leather is synthetic materials, such as polyester. Because golf shoes made from artificial fibers are less expensive, the quality can be lower. This means the golf shoe may be more prone to stretching, ripping, or having limited breathability over a period of time

 

 Waterproof: Some golf shoes can come with a waterproof lining called GORE-TEX, which ensures no water permeates the shoe. Golf footwear made from this material is great for golfers playing in wetter conditions. 

 

Choosing the right golf footwear is crucial for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. When your shoes for golf fit well, you can focus solely on your game and not on foot discomfort or potential blisters. Here’s how to make sure you find the right size: 

 

Measure your foot: Stand on a flat surface with a blank sheet of paper under one foot. Mark the heel and the tip of your longest toe. Measure this distance in centimeters or inches and repeat on the other foot. Then, use the measurement and our golf shoe fitting guide to select your size

 

 Consider the width: The width of your foot can greatly affect comfort. Brands often offer shoes in varying widths, from narrow to wide. If the sides of your shoes feel overly tight or roomy, you may need to reconsider their width

 

 Allow some wiggle room: Your toes should have a bit of space and shouldn’t feel cramped. Ideally, there should be about a thumb’s width of space between the end of your toes and the front of the shoe.  

 

Similar to golf clothing, there are certain qualities to look for in a golf shoe to ensure you bring home a durable and long-lasting shoe. Whether you’re creating a custom golf shoe or buying spikeless golf shoes, here’s what to look for:

 

Breathability: Your feet expend a lot of heat, which can be uncomfortable when out on the course. To stay cool and comfortable, choose golf shoes made from breathable materials like leather.

 

Durability: You can walk up to five miles during a single round of golf, which means you need shoes that can support you from hole to hole. Shop for the best golf shoes from high-quality brands that create shoes with durable materials.

 

Size: A golf shoe in the wrong size can leave blisters and calluses. To prevent this, take the time to measure your foot properly to ensure the correct size. 

 

It's important to take care of women’s and men’s golf shoes properly to maintain their traction and increase their longevity. This means storing them in a golf shoe bag and cleaning them regularly.

 

Clean the uppers with a mild soap or shoe cleaner after each round. Fill with crumpled newspaper for 8-10 hours or until dry to help them maintain their shape. When cleaning, remember to remove any laces and insoles and air dry in the shade. You can wipe your outsole clean after each round

 

Beyond regular cleaning, there are protective measures you can take to ensure your golf shoes remain in the best condition: 

 

Waterproofing: If your shoes aren’t already waterproof, consider applying a waterproofing spray. This will help repel water during damp rounds and protect the shoe material, especially if it’s leather.

 

 Store with silica gel: When storing golf shoes, include silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture and prevent mold or bacterial growth.

 

 Use protective sprays: Consider using a protective spray for leather golf shoes to shield them from water stains or damage and preserve the natural look of the material.