Spikeless Golf Shoes – The Complete Guide 2024
Sales of Spikeless Golf Shoes for men and women are huge!
Thanks to the latest technology, Footjoy, Adidas & Nike Spikeless golf shoes are now the choice for even Tour professionals. So, do you need spikes on your golf shoes?
Key Takeaways
- Spikeless Golf Shoes offer virtually the same amount of grip on level grass but are more comfortable and can look great off the course, too.
- Spiked golf shoes will still offer the ultimate grip for a wet hilly course. Spikeless golf shoes aren’t far behind, though, thanks to the latest technology.
- If performance is everything, especially during a wet winter, stick with spikes. If you are mainly a summer player or playing casually, a spikeless golf shoe will be a more comfortable, lighter & stylish option. They are also more friendly to the putting greens.
Spikeless vs Spiked Golf Shoes
A Brief History – From Spikes to Spikeless
Spiked golf shoes were first made from small nails in 1857. A groundbreaking study in 1983 by Bengeyfield declared that metal spikes caused the most damage to the green, and spikeless shoes, the least. Plastic spikes or cleats were introduced in the early 90s.
Fast forward to 2010, and thanks to Tour players like Fred Couples, Spikeless golf shoes began their journey.
Since the introduction of spikeless golf shoes in the 90s, you now have a choice …
So, if your ultimate aim is for the best grip & traction, stick with spikes.
If, however, you want the ‘best of both worlds’ – still great grip, but with more comfort and the option of wearing the same shoes off course, then spikeless shoes will be the best option for you.
Are Spiked Golf Shoes Better than Spikeless Golf Shoes?
Spikes on your golf shoes can be likened to snow tires in winter—they’re designed to give you a grip when you need it the most. Spiked shoes do offer superior traction, especially on wet or uneven terrain.
Tested – Spikeless vs Spiked Shoes
In the video below, you will see there was minimal difference between spiked and spikeless shoes on flat ground.
Traction and Stability
Who hasn’t slipped walking down a wet slope? I certainly have in my spikeless shoes. If I had spikes or cleats, would I have still slipped?
Impact on Swing & Body
Here’s the twist—or rather, the lack thereof. Spiked shoes help to minimize unwanted rotation of your foot during your swing and help transfer more of the energy to where you want it to go.
However, is too much traction a good thing? There is a story of a 65+ year old getting pain from a spiked shoe because the spikes made his shoes more planted to the ground, increasing stress on his lower back. Interesting.
Durability
The spikes on a golf shoe are replaceable. The spikeless golf shoe has no spikes to replace, so the actual sole of the shoe wears out, and the whole shoe then needs to be replaced.
Spiked shoes last longer!
Do Tour Players Wear Spiked Golf Shoes?
Approx 15 – 20% of Tour players in tournaments wore metal spikes in 2021; the figure in 2024 will be much lower – the most famous now being Justin Thomas and Bryson DeChambeau (who probably needs more stability than most!)
When is it Better to have Spikes on Golf Shoes?
“If you play year-round, often play in wet or muddy conditions, have a high swing speed, and always want maximum grip, then a spiked golf shoe is a great choice. Traction levels are typically higher and can remain strong due to the replaceability of the spikes. ”
Masun Dennison, Global Directorfor Adidas Golf
Why do Golfers wear Spikeless Golf Shoes?
Spikes on a golf shoe give the ultimate traction, but grip isn’t everything.
How does a Golf Shoe cope without Spikes or Cleats?
What is the latest technology so we don’t need spikes any more?
Design of a Spikeless Golf Shoe
Soles: To replace spikes or cleats, spikeless golf shoes have studs (or dimples!). Adidas claim their Twist Grip technology gives it the ‘Surest fitting on a spikeless shoe.
Foot Support and Comfort
Midsole Technology: Adidas developed the Boost midsole.
Also, look for shoes that feature replaceable inner soles, so you can choose one that fits your own feet.
Proper Fit
Make sure your shoes fit – with enough room to wiggle your toes. If you need an extra wide golf shoe (like me), I recommend Ecco Biom, which has a natural foot shape design and removable insole, which can add even more room.
Maintenance
Cleaning: Keep your shoes clean by wiping off dirt and grass after every round if you can. Why do we like white golf shoes so much?!
Can you wear Spikeless Golf Shoes Casually?
Yes, if you want to wear one pair of shoes for the course, the clubhouse, and in town, choose a spikeless pair. Some, like the Under Armour Charged, even look like sneakers.
Can I wear Spikeless Golf shoes in the Rain?
Yes, but be careful out there! You will be fine on level ground, but avoid any slopes that are too hilly and any ground that is too muddy.
Can I wear Spikeless Golf Shoes in the Winter?
Like about, be careful in the wet, but if the ground is dry, spikeless shoes are fine. I wear mine in the middle of winter when the temperature is below 25 Fahrenheit (minus 4 Celsius)!
What are the Best Spikeless Golf Shoes?
Although there is a move towards spikeless shoes, all the best brands still offer spiked options.
Best Brands
FootJoy is the top-selling brand, whilst Adidas claims to have the latest technology, Ecco, the most comfortable shoes especially for wider feet. Under Armour for golf shoes that look like sneakers. There are many newer upcoming brands, such as Payntr & G Fore.
Price Range
As always, the RRP is always overstated – never pay it!
Good spiked shoes start from $100 for the Under Armour Charged Draw 2 and go up to $270 for the Ecco Biom G5.
Check last season’s range which is still good and available at good discounts.
Best Spikeless Golf Shoe
The best spikeless golf shoe is the one that will fit your feet.
Don’t choose a shoe based on brand, reviews, or a discounted price. If the shoe doesn’t fit, you will literally be walking for hours in discomfort. Always choose a shoe that is right for YOU.
If you are fortunate enough that ‘standard fit’ is suitable, then try out the shoes below either in-store or via a reputable online shop with a good returns policy.
- Ecco Biom C4 / H4 (I have these, and they are great for wider feet)
- Footjoy Pro/SL (Most popular shoe?)
- Adidas CodeChaos (hi-tech, and they look the part)
- Payntr X 002 (full leather, good traction and comfort)
- Nike Roshe / Air Max (iconic designs)
- Puma Ignite (best-looking golf shoe?)
- Under Armour Charged Phantom (if you want golf shoes to look more like sneakers)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need Golf Shoes to play golf?
You can still play in a pair of trainers on a dry, sunny course, but golf shoes will definitely help you with improved grip and stability in the wet and mud. Look at this great article comparing a spikeless golf shoe vs a best selling trail running shoe.
What is the Difference between Spikeless and Spiked Golf Shoes?
Spiked golf shoes offer the best grip on wet grass and hilly courses.
They help maintain a solid stance during the swing and aid the transfer of power as you rotate through the shot, although the benefit on dry, level ground is minimal.
As the spikes are replaceable (US$15), they also last longer than spikeless shoes, which have to be replaced when their soles wear out.
Do Spikeless Golf Shoes slip?
They offer virtually the same grip in the dry but can potentially slip on a wet slope. If you are likely to play in a wet winter, consider spikes!
Can you wear Spikeless Golf Shoes in the Clubhouse?
Generally, no. You will need to bring a spare pair of shoes! Good to avoid scratching the floors and keep the clubhouse free from grass and mud anyway.
Are Spikeless Golf Shoes good in the Wet?
No. If you play often in the wet, consider getting a pair of spiked shoes as well.
How long do Spikeless Golf Shoes last?
It depends if you them off course and in the local grocery store on the way back home! If you do, then they will last as long as your normal sneakers.
If you reserve them mainly for the course and clubhouse, they could last you 2 to 5 years. Do keep an eye on the soles, though. They may be ok to walk with, but grip & traction will go decrease as the dimples wear out – especially on the heels.
Can I Drive in Spikeless Golf Shoes?
Keep your shoes clean, dry them out if they’re wet (no direct heat), and store them in a cool, dry place. Check and replace worn spikes after each round or if you feel a loss of grip. Condition any leather with a suitable cream to prevent cracking.
