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Golf Shoes
If you've ever played golf, you know how important it is to be steady on your feet. What separates golf shoes 
from other sports shoes and sneakers is a set of spikes on the sole designed to do just that. Whether you're a beginner, an avid player, or purchasing a gift for the golfer in your life, this buying guide will walk you through the surprisingly complex world of golf shoes.
The primary function of golf shoes is to keep your feet firmly planted when you swing your club. As a rule, a good golfer will shift their weight from one foot to another to gain momentum in their swing. This can be tricky if you don't have a firm foundation. Second, comfort is key. We've all experienced uncomfortable shoes - imagine walking the length of a golf course in them. Third, your footwear should be weather appropriate. This can have several meanings, depending on where you live and play. Finally, you'll want to consider both cost and style.
Most courses don't require you to wear golf shoes, but they are certainly recommended. Not only will they improve your swing (and game), but they are easier on the course itself, since you aren't as apt to slip or damage the lawn. That being said, you don't need to run out and buy a pair for your first trip to the driving range. Feel free to play in sneakers until you're ready to commit to the sport.
Stability and Traction
Stability is by far the most important feature of golf shoes. The nature of a golf swing makes the player prone to slipping, particularly in wet or damp grass. First and foremost, your shoes should be designed for golfing and nothing else. The majority of golf shoes come with spikes or large treads on the bottom. These will grip the ground, keeping your feet in place throughout your swing and helping you stay balanced. The type of spikes vary from shoe to shoe; spikes can be removable or fixed, soft or steel, and they come in countless patterns and shapes. Removable and non-removable spikes are essentially the same in terms of performance. Removable spikes can be slightly deeper (more grippy), and they can be rotated (or replaced) if you wear down your shoes unevenly.
Comfort
Golf is a game--it should be fun! If uncomfortable or painful shoes are taking away from that fun, you need a different pair. There are no hard and fast rules for the fit of your golf shoes. Mostly, they should just feel good. Some people like their golf shoes to feel like any other athletic shoe--soft and sneaker-y. Others prefer that their golf shoes feel a little more substantial, or have a heavier and stiffer feel. Both types are readily available, so it's completely a matter of preference. One thing you should keep in mind is that although golf shoes are sometimes called "golf cleats," they should not fit like a traditional pair of cleats. Most cleats fit snugly for running and agility; you will be walking or riding in your shoes, so they should fit accordingly. If you need to adjust the fit of an existing pair of golf shoes, think about insoles or shoe inserts to extend their lifespan.
Weather Resistance
Golf shoes can be pricey, so you want to make sure the pair you buy is appropriate for the weather you tend to play in. Depending on your location, you'll want to look for waterproof shoes, breathable shoes, or even golf sandals. Waterproofing is the most popular feature in golf shoes. Most players will encounter morning dew, post-rain moisture, or recently watered courses often enough to want waterproof golf shoes. Synthetic leather shoes can be waterproof treated, but genuine leather shoes are naturally waterproof and more breathable (and more expensive). Breatheability is important if you frequently play in hot weather or if your feet tend to sweat. If it's both hot and arid where you tend to play, you may want to look into golf sandals. They're not the industry standard, but they're common enough that you'll see them on other players and no one will be surprised to see them on you. For die-hard golfers (and Alaskans) there are golf boots. Most are winter-proof, so you can extend your season or practice in your backyard in January. However, be sure to read the description before purchasing golf boots - some are meant for style rather than function.
Style
To a non-golfer or a new golfer golf shoes look pretty identical, so this might surprise you. There are countless styles and trends in golf apparel, including golf shoes. The most common style is reminiscent of saddle shoes, or has a black or brown belt across the laces of an otherwise white shoe. However, there are plenty of other popular styles today. Women's shoes have a little more "style variety," such as colored trim or decorative fringe over the laces. Men's golf shoes are less about detail and more about fit or comfort, for example laceless golf shoes.
| Types of Golf Shoes |
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The Golf Shoe This is the industry standard, and for good reason: it offers comfort, breathability, water resistance, style, and traction. Style-wise the options are virtually endless. Choosing a pair is up to your personal needs and preferences. |
The Golf Sandal Although they buck convention, in recent years many companies have designed golf sandals for social golfers looking for a more comfortable spike. It's very lightweight and simple: a sandal with spikes. They're cheaper than most golf shoes, but offer a somewhat limited resistance to wet weather. |
The Golf Boot A rare and new version of golf shoe, the golf boot is a waterproof alternative to a shoe. They offer the Arctic golfer traction and warmth in the frigid winter months. They're expensive due to the heavy weatherproof material, as well as pretty impractical for golfers outside of the Great White North. |
Quick Picks
Major Manufacturers
Don't Forget...
Golfers are VERY superstitious. Make sure you buy equipment that you feel happy and comfortable with, because once you start winning you may never take it off. It's no coincidence that Tiger's always wearing red! If you need more than just golf shoes, try our other golf guides!
Related Guides
External Links
- GolfALot.com: A helpful shoe buying guide.
- Golf.com: A site dedicated to bringing you the latest golf news and tips.
- PGA.com: The official site of professional golf.
- GolfDigest.com: A website containing archives of several popular golf magazines, such as Golf Digest and Golf for Women.
- GolfTipsMag.com: Online tips for beginners and advanced players.
- LearnAboutGolf.com: A site dedicated to helping beginners learn golf. Includes instructive videos.
By kennedye
