Are you looking to buy a new pair of golf shoes?
If so, it’s very important that you take your time when selecting them. This is because the right pair of golf shoes can make a huge difference in your game.
But, with hundreds of styles and brands to choose from, how do you know which pair is right for you?
Check out this guide to learn the top tips for buying new golf shoes.
- Spiked vs Spikeless
Whether you’re buying men’s golf shoes or women’s golf shoes, the first thing you need to figure out is whether or not you want your golf shoes to have spikes.
What one you decide on will depend on your own personal taste as well as the type of terrain you play on.
If you plan to play on flat surfaces and in dry conditions, then we suggest going with spikeless golf shoes. These are flexible, lightweight, and generally more comfortable for walking than spiked shoes.
If you want, you can even wear these shoes off the golf course.
Spiked golf shoes, on the other hand, offer more grip and traction. If you play in wet areas with lots of hills, then spiked golf shoes are a better choice. However, make sure shoes you choose have plastic spikes, as a lot of courses are phasing out metal spikes in order to protect their greens.
- The Right Fit
When shopping for golf shoes, it’s very important that you find a pair that fits comfortably.
When playing an 18-hole round of golf, you’re going to walk anywhere from 3 to 6 miles. If your shoes don’t fit you properly, your feet are going to be aching by the final holes and you’re not going to be enjoying yourself.
Here are the top signs that your golf shoes are the perfect fit:
- The forefoot has 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch of extra room
- You don’t feel any pain or pressure when walking
- Your feet don’t slide around in the shoes
- The midfoot and heel fit snugly
- For adequate width, there should be about 5/8 inch of space between the top eyelets
In order to find the perfect fit, make sure you bring a pair of golf socks with you when trying on shoes. Also, make sure you spend some time walking around in the shoes and practicing your swing in the shoes to make sure they’re comfortable.
And, keep in mind that new shoes are going to feel stiff when you first try them on, but they’ll break in over time.
- Style
A quality pair of golf shoes can last you several years, which is why it’s also very important that you consider the different styles available before purchasing.
There are several golf shoe styles. These include:
Traditional
Traditional golf shoes are naturally waterproof and are often made of leather. To the untrained eye, traditional golf shoes just look like a pair of dress shoes.
This style is known for being incredibly durable, and they almost always have spikes. For the stylish golfer, traditional shoes are a great option.
However, it’s important to note that they do require a bit more care than other golf shoe styles, particularly if you buy ones made from leather.
Modern
Modern golf shoes closely resemble the type of shoes you’d wear on a typical day out and about.
In fact, they look very similar to running shoes, and many people do wear them off the golf course as well. The modern style golf shoe is typically spikeless and is known for being more flexible and lightweight than the traditional golf shoe.
They’re also very comfortable for walking.
Golf Sandals
Lastly, we have golf sandals, which we consider to be more of a subcategory of modern golf shoes than a category of their own.
Golf sandals are great for casual games played in warmer weather. However, they don’t have the same performance level as regular shoes. However, they do offer a lot of freedom, as they are very lightweight and breathable.
But, if you’re playing in bad weather or on a course with rough terrain, you can pretty much forget about wearing golf sandals.
- Material
The material is another very important factor to consider when shopping for golf shoes. The right material can play a big role in your performance as well as your comfort, so this is a factor that should not be overlooked.
Here are the main types of materials you have to choose from:
Natural Leather
As we mentioned earlier, leather is a very popular material for traditional golf shoes.
People like leather golf shoes because they’re extremely durable, breathable, are naturally waterproof, and they even mold to your feet for the ultimate comfort.
But, keep in mind that with leather, you get what you pay for. There are varying degrees when it comes to quality, and typically, the more you pay, the higher of quality you’re going to get.
Synthetic Leather
If you don’t have the money to fork over for natural leather golf shoes, synthetic leather is a great alternative.
These shoes are thinner, lighter, more flexible, and come at a fraction of the cost of real leather shoes. They’re also easier to clean.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that synthetic leather is not as durable or breathable as natural leather.
Breathable Fabrics
If you’re looking to play in warm, dry weather, then you may want to consider a fabric that’s more breathable and comfortable than leather.
Some breathable materials include nylon, polyester, or mesh panels.
Are You Ready to Buy New Golf Shoes?
Now that you’ve read this guide, you’re ready to buy new golf shoes.
Just remember to try on at least a few different pairs and to walk around in each pair to see if they’re the right fit.
And, if you enjoyed this post, be sure to check back in with our blog for more golf-related tips and tricks.
