Are Spikeless Golf Shoes Better Than Spiked?

I’m walking down fairways and expecting something like ‘nice teeshot!’ or ‘make a birdie here!’ and they are worrying about my shoes. – Fred Couples

In 2010, Freddy had the entire golf community scratching their heads. At the time, it looked like he was wearing tennis shoes.

But Freddy gave spikeless golf shoes their first big break in professional golf.

Since then, the golf shoe market has never been the same. 

Over the last decade, spiked golf shoes have lost dominance with a near-even split.

Spikeless golf shoes are often on the tour and at your local golf course.

That doesn’t mean spikes are soon to be left in the past at all.

So which is better? Which should you choose?

You’re going to hate me for this, but I will sit on the fence for this one because they both have qualities and advantages the other does not.

It comes down to what you need from a golf shoe, what conditions you play in, or even how fast you swing.

Below, you will find out what each shoe offers so you can decide for yourself.

When Should You Use Spiked Golf Shoes

Spiked golf shoes have come a long way since they first burst onto the scene in 1891. 

Back then, they came stocked with metal spikes but have since been replaced by softer plastic alternatives.

The big switch began in the early 1990s as it caused too much damage to golf courses worldwide.

Nowadays, they are usually banned from being worn on courses, although some professional golfers still get to wear them on tour.

Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas are two pros who still prefer a metal spike when they play.

But that’s enough of that history lesson!

You Come From An Area With Wet Conditions

The spikes at the bottom of your shoe dig into the ground. Doing so makes you less likely to slip, slide, or fall over when playing golf.

So, the soil-softer spiked shoes are ideal when you’re from an area that receives frequent rainfalls or the course has many water hazards.

Spikeless shoes won’t perform well under these conditions, and you will lose your footing often.

Although they have advanced grip and technology, they will never be able to compete with spiked golf shoes under these conditions.

By reducing the likelihood of slipping, you will avoid mishits and injuries caused by sliding around the golf course.

You Want A Durable Golf Shoe

Following what we discussed, spiked golf shoes are known for their durability.

They are generally made from heavier materials, which are fantastic for keeping the weather conditions at bay.

And yes, some spikeless shoes are waterproof, too, but they don’t perform as well in wet conditions.

So we have to give spiked shoes the advantage in terms of durability as they perform great all year round, no matter the conditions.

But do they perform as well in hot conditions as spikeless? You will find out more on this further down.

You Have A Fast Swing Speed

Naturally, golfers with a fast club head speed will need more grip on all their shots than someone with a slower speed.  

Spiked shoes provide this extra grip.

Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of pro golfers who swing harder than any of us ever could that wear spikeless, but they’re pros.

They could wear sandals and still hit 300-yard bombs down the fairways.

But spiked shoes are the safer option for the average golfer who doesn’t have a perfect swing and understanding of weight transfer as the pros do.

Spiked shoes will let you focus on swinging as usual without worrying about losing your footing.

When Should You Use Spikeless Golf Shoes

Spikeless golf shoes don’t have as long of a history as their counterparts but have disrupted the golf shoe market in a short time.

Many professionals and amateurs around the globe prefer these shoes. 

But if spiked shoes perform well year-round and have better grip, why would someone choose spikeless?

Find out below.

You Come From An Area With Dry Conditions

Spikeless golf shoes are made for dry conditions, and although spiked shoes perform well in the heat, I think they can’t touch spikeless in this scenario.

Spikeless shoes are superior here because they have enough grip that slipping or sliding on the dry soil is unlikely.

Unless, of course, you swing like Bryson.

But the lack of spikes makes you feel more grounded, which helps with your feeling as you swing.

When it’s dry, the spikes don’t sink into the soil as they usually would, meaning although minimal, they can elevate you off the ground.

In dry conditions, I feel more connected with spikeless.

Also, spikeless shoes allow some movement in these conditions, which can help you turn more freely.

Spiked golf shoes can be rigid in dry conditions, which can strain your lead knee, and you turn through the ball after contact.

You Are Looking For More Comfort

In the court of public opinion, these shoes are considered more comfortable than spiked.

I agree to some extent.

I partially agree because I own a pair of Sketcher spiked golf shoes that are some of the most comfortable I’ve ever owned.

Often, spiked golf shoes get a bad wrap because golfers don’t know how to find the right fit.

But spikeless is more comfortable because I agree if you try on 10 random pairs of each type of shoe.

You will find that more of the spikeless options are comfier than the spiked ones.

(I know this because it’s our job to review shoes.)

Also, spikeless shoes are easier on the joint of the lead leg. So spikeless will be a better fit if you have knee, ankle, or foot problems.

If you have problems like flat feet, check out our most comfortable golf shoe review here.

You Can Wear The On And Off The Course

Lastly, just how spikeless shoes can’t compete with the durability of spiked shoes.

Spiked can’t compete regarding where and when you can wear them.

Spikeless shoes can be worn casually from home to the course, around the grocery store, and driving your car.

The flat sole of the shoe means it grips to any and all surfaces easily. 

While spiked shoes can cause you to slip on certain surfaces, damage flooring, and ruin the spikes themselves.

Also, spikeless shoes are better for the driving range.

I’ve often had a range session in my spikes only for the hard-driving mat to damage or pull them out.

Spikeless shoes are like your 4×4 trucks, they can go anywhere.

Is It Worth Having A Pair Of Each Golf Shoe?

Absolutely yes!

Having a pair of spiked and spikeless shoes gives you the best of both worlds. Like Hannah Montana!

(Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.)

But having each means you have the best tool for whatever the occasion or weather.

You can take out the spiked golf shoe for the winter and spikeless shoe in the spring or summer.

And even throughout the winter, you can continue to wear your spikeless shoes to the range, keeping your spiked shoes in perfect condition.

So neither is better or worse it’s all situational.

Check out our post on the Hoka running shoes that are just as good as some golf shoes.