How to Choose a Golf Shoe – The Complete Guide 2024
Why do I need golf shoes? How do I choose the right Golf Shoe?
The average golfer will play on a 6000-yard course. Allowing for the inevitable zig-zagging & searching for lost balls (!), you will be walking 4 hours and a distance of 5 miles.
Having comfortable shoes and a good, stable foundation for your swing will definitely benefit your game. Golf shoes are the ’15th’ club!
The latest golf shoes now offer waterproofing, breathability, flexibility, a good fit, and, importantly, they look good, too!
Quick Read
- Find a golf shoe that fits your feet! You will spend many hours walking many miles. A comfortable shoe will be good for both your feet & your game.
- Choose the right style for you – whether that is spiked, spikeless or even a golf sandal or boot.
- What season do you play in? Different shoes for Summer and Winter really do make sense.
- Look good! Play Good! There are plenty of top brands now making golf shoes. If you want to stand out, try a custom golf shoe.
Types of Golf Shoes
Spiked Golf Shoes
These traditional golf shoes feature replaceable plastic or metal cleats on the sole that grip the grass, providing a good foundation for your swing. Thankfully, those metal cleats are being phased out now as they can damage the greens.
Spikeless Golf Shoes
Now increasingly popular and used on Tour by players such as Adam Scott, Justin Rose and Tyrell Hatton. For versatility and comfort, spikeless golf shoes have a flat sole with rubber studs or dimple-like designs. They are great for both on and off the course, and they tend to be lighter than spiked shoes.
80% of women play in spikeless shoes, around 50% of man, but less than a quarter of tour players.
Golf Boots
Built to provide warmth and waterproofing, golf boots are great for wet and cold weather. They come with either spikes or spikeless soles.
Golf Sandals
Golf Sandals: Who wants sweaty feet on those hot days on the course?Golf sandals offer breathability and comfort but not the same support or stability as traditional golf shoes. Wear them for a casual round but not for when the loser has to buy the drinks on the 19th.
High Top
The modern & comfortable option with better ankle support.
Slip On
No-tie golf shoes for when you don’t want (or can’t) tie those laces.
Materials Used in Golf Shoes
Leather
The traditional choice for waterproofing and durability. Over time, choose the right leather, and it will soften as it has the ability to change to your foot shape.
Waterproof Linings
Waterproof golf shoes are great not just for the rain but also for playing in dewy morning grass. Materials like Gore-Tex help make them breathable & waterproof at the same time. Having wet feet for 4 hours is not much fun!
Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester can be easier to clean and maintain compared to leather but won’t provide the same level of waterproofing or durability.
Shoe Fit and Comfort
Fit and Sizing
The perfect fit in a golf shoe means a snug, supportive feel without any pinching or slipping as you turn through your swing.
Wide Feet
If you have wide feet like me, look for shoes specifically designed with wider toe boxes or offered in wide sizes. After much research, I chose the Ecco Biom H4, which is great as it has a detachable insole to give greater width. Try Sketchers too.
Insole Support
The insole should provide a firm foundation that supports your foot.
Unfortunately, most shoes have poor insoles, so it is better to choose a replacement insole that fits your own feet.
I personally use green insoles from Superfeet, which are rigid but still comfortable as the shape matches my feet.
Midsole Cushioning
Midsole cushioning absorbs shock and reduces fatigue – good for those long zig-zag walks!
Technology and Innovation
Lacing Systems
The new-ish BOA Fit System, allows you to make micro-adjustments just by turning a dial rather than tying laces. A gimmick? Maybe not as it does mean no more playing with loose laces which stick in the mud and they are quicker to readjust mid-round.
Spikes
There are some many different spikes for a golf shoe!
Pulsar, Stealth, Silver Tornado, Black Widow just to name a few of those with the best names!
Breathability Features
The latest mesh panels, waterproof fabrics and even ‘socks’ around the tongue of the shoe are now available from companies like Adidas with the Primeknit in their Ultraboost range.
Style and Aesthetics
Classic Designs
Classic golf shoes resemble traditional leather dress shoes and often feature a saddle design. A professional and polished look on the course – look at FootJoy’s iconic offerings.
Modern Styles
New athletic designs, vibrant colors and the latest advanced materials for better performance. When a golf shoe no longer looks like a golf shoe.
Personalization and Customization
For a unique look or fit, try a personalised design from Nike or an even more exclusive bespoke option from companies such as Parfleet.
Custom Golf Shoes
If you want to stand out on the course or ensure a perfect fit, a custom golf shoe could just be for you.
Choices usually include:
- Style: Traditional, modern, or Sporty.
- Material: Leather, synthetic fabrics, and waterproof materials
- Color: Pick and mix colors for different parts of the shoe.
- Details: Personalize further with specific patterns or monogramming.
Certain brands like Civardi offer a comprehensive selection where you can choose a design and customize it to create a unique pair of luxury golf shoes. Meanwhile, other companies like ADORSI allow for different patterns and textures.
Remember that custom golf shoes aren’t just about style. They can be tailored for comfort to match your own unique feet!
Sustainability in Golf Shoe Design
Eco-Friendly Materials
Manufacturers are increasingly using sustainable materials such as recycled plastic or vegan leather.
Recycling Programs
Some companies are also offering recycling programs that encourage you to send back your worn-out shoes rather than throwing them away.
Brand and Manufacturer Options
Leading Brands
The most established brands include Footjoy, Ecco, Callaway, Mizuno, True Golf, Sketchers, Under Armour, Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Puma, and G Fore.
Each brand offers something different – from the best selling Footjoy to the unique designs of G Fore and the comfort of Ecco.
Up-and-Coming Manufacturers
Have a look at Olukai, Sqairz (Nick Faldo), Payntr, and Travis Mathew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Golf Shoes? Are Sneakers ok?
You can definitely play in your sneakers, and they will be fine for the occasional round. If you want to play regularly, some courses will actually insist on dedicated golf shoes. Benefits of dedicated golf shoes include flexing in the correct place as you swing, providing better lateral support, and having a better grip on the grass.
Nick Faldo hits his drives 7 yards further in certain brands of golf shoes (guess which?!).
Are there different types of golf shoes for different terrains or conditions?
Yes, there are waterproof shoes for the rain. Breathable fabrics or golf sandals for dry, hot weather and High Top boots for warmth.
What is the difference between Summer & Winter golf shoes?
Summer golf shoes typically offer breathability and comfort in hot weather and could be spikeless.
Winter golf shoes are more likely to have. spikes, be waterproof, and be in darker colors to hide the mud marks!
What should beginners consider when selecting golf shoes?
Beginners should look for golf shoes that fit & are suitable for the time of year & conditions of when you play. Do you need waterproof shoes? Golf shoes can easily last 2-3 years, but many players change every year. You could have two pairs and rotate them.
What are the benefits of spiked versus spikeless golf shoes?
Spiked shoes give better grip on on hilly terrains or in wet conditions. The spikes will need to be replaced when worn out.
Spikeless shoes can feel more comfortable for walking both on or off the course, but make sure they offer enough grip for your swing.
How do you replace golf spikes?
Replacing golf spikes involves removing the old spikes with a spike wrench and screwing in the new ones until they are secure. They probably need replacing every 20-30 rounds.
Will golf shoes stretch?
They will if they are made from leather!
Can you wear golf shoes off-course?
Only spikeless golf shoes and if all the mud has been cleaned off!
How do you clean & maintain golf shoes?
Ideally, clean them with a soft bristle brush & soapy water after every round in the winter as the bottom of the shoe will be filled with mud. Remember to take out any detectable insoles so they don’t get wet, and dry them naturally – not near heat, so the leather doesn’t crack. Leather conditioner for those expensive shoes you would like to keep in the best condition!
White golf shoes will never stay white, though, so bear that in mind when buying.
Can you recommend some top golf shoe brands for performance?
FootJoy (Pro) for the best selling shoes. Ecco (Biom) for comfortable (wide fitting) shoes, Nike (Jordan), Adidas, Payntr & G Fore for style as well as performance.
