You are here because you have the question: How do you choose the correct golf shoes?
You have spent time wandering the isles in your local golf store to find the perfect pair of golf shoes that fit your needs.
You have spent your hard-earned money on plenty of pairs and are still looking for the ideal option that feels right out on the course.
We get it, which is why we have created this all-inclusive checklist outlining what you need to consider before making your next purchase.
This list covers everything from your typical course conditions to lace structure.
Follow this to a tee, and your next golf shoe purchase will be your last for a while.
Quick Menu
What Conditions Do You Play In
Before buying your next pair of golf shoes, the first question to ask yourself is: What kind of conditions do I typically play in? Here are some things to consider:
Do I typically play in the morning while dew is on the ground? If so, you need to consider a pair of waterproof golf shoes; if not, consider a breathable pair that is not waterproof.
Do I typically play in the rain or run for the car at the first spot of a drizzle? If rain doesn’t scare you away, look for a fully waterproof pair. If not, consider shoes that breathe easily to keep your feet cool.
Is my course typically dry or wet? Once again, you know the drill here: if it is dry, a breathable pair will most likely suit you best, and if it is wet, look at the waterproof shoes section.
Do I play in extreme heat or cold? If you typically like it hot when you play, look for a shoe that values breathability. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a colder climate, see if you can find a shoe with any added insulation.
By asking yourself these four questions, you will be sure to check off the weather-related boxes before going to the store.
What Golf Shoe Style Suits Your Game The Most
Now that we have nailed down all the weather-related factors that can influence your purchase, let’s talk about what would make you decide between spikeless or spiked golf shoes.
Spikeless shoes have become increasingly popular over the years and are well known for their comfort and fashion statement. Instead of traditional replaceable spikes, they have their own built-in spikes as treads.
Spiked shoes are the traditional golf shoes that allow players to replace their spikes once worn out. They are still very popular and have their place alongside their spikeless counterparts, as they give a slightly better grip.
It can be confusing which one of these options is correct for your game, so see below for decision factors that can help you make the right choice.
Do you typically play in dry or wet conditions? For players out there whose course constantly stays wet due to poor drainage, you may opt for a spiked shoe over a spikeless option, as it will give you additional grip on slick tees and fairways.
If you play a lot of golf on a dry course, the added grip from a spiked shoe will not hurt anything, but most players can get away just fine with spikeless.
Do you play on tightly cut Bent Grass or Zoysia tees and fairways? Tight Bent Grass or Zoysia can be fantastic to hit off of. Unfortunately, it can also be some of the toughest grass to get good traction on, so if you are lucky enough to play on it all the time, choose a spiked shoe.
These types of grasses, when cut tight, make slipping a real problem, so you will want the most grip you can get.
If you are like most of us meal mortals and play on any other type of grass that is not slippery, spikeless shoes will do just fine.
Do you have very aggressive or sloppy footwork? Face it, not all of us can have the calm but efficient footwork of a tour pro.
Some of us find ourselves aggressively jumping around through impact, and to avoid slipping, we need a spiked pair of shoes.
If you have sloppy or aggressive footwork, do yourself a favor and avoid spikeless. If you have great footwork, spikeless shoes will be just fine for your game if you like how they look and feel.
Do you have a breakneck clubhead speed? If you are lucky enough to have a very fast clubhead speed, it doesn’t matter how good your footwork is, you need a spiked pair of shoes.
One reason you can create a lot of speed is that you are great at using the ground. All of this incredible torque requires maximum grip to work.
Thus, spiked shoes are the best option. Spikeless shoes will work just fine for those of us without the gift of speed, as the lowered torque lowers the risk of slipping.
Do you like walking or riding the course? Modern-day spiked shoes are much more comfortable than they used to be, but they are far from their spikeless counterparts.
Golf shoe companies have specifically designed modern golf shoes for comfort, so if you are a player who likes to walk the course instead of ride, spikeless golf shoes are something to consider seriously.
What Shoes Laces Would You Prefer
The way that you tie your shoe is not something that you typically factor in when purchasing a new pair of golf shoes. However, with the invention of BOA technology, most manufacturers have given you the option to tie your shoes with the turn of a dial.
Most golf shoes don’t have this feature.
For lazy people like us who hate having to tie and untie their shoes, the BOA feature is a must-have when buying a new pair.
It makes getting your shoes tight easier and allows you to take them off by pulling out on a dial instead of fighting against the double knot you tied 5 hours prior.
Check both traditionally laced and BOA shoes out the next time you look for a new pair to see what you like the best.
What Golf Shoe Material Would You Prefer
The next thing to consider when purchasing a new pair of golf shoes is what material you want.
Fortunately, we live in a time where we still have traditional-looking leather shoes available to us while also having the option to wear new synthetic versions that feel like running shoes.
If you value the traditional look and don’t mind the risk of blisters, leather golf shoes are hard to beat.
However, if you are someone who likes to walk a lot at the course and doesn’t want to run the risk of blisters, get yourself a shoe with synthetic material.
Do You Need Your Golf Shoes To Provide Additional Support
Just like a good runner does their due diligence by ensuring their running shoe gives them the support they need, a golfer should do the same.
Of course, make sure you buy shoes or insoles that give you the arch support you need but also make sure your shoes support your golf game. Checkout out our post below if you suffer from flat feet and need additional support:
If you are a player who tends to sway and get off balance, consider finding a shoe with an extra wide base to help you stay centered.
Some shoes feel more supportive than others laterally, so this is something to seriously consider before purchasing your next pair.
What Does Your Budget Allow You To Get
Like all other shoes on the market, modern shoes vary widely in price.
Sometimes, price difference signifies high quality, while sometimes you pay for a newer version or a logo.
No matter your budget, you will be able to find a great pair of shoes.
For example, the G4 Gallivanter Nubuck Leather premium golf shoes are listed at $350, while the Adidas S2G Spikeless shoe is listed at just $100.
Both of these shoes are great for anyone looking for an excellent shoe, while the G4, you are paying for the brand name.
The critical thing to remember is the factors we discussed in the previous paragraphs, as you should be able to find a shoe that checks your boxes no matter your budget.
How Custom-Fitted Golf Shoes Can Be A Game Changer
Listen, you’re a smart guy. You’ve been around the block a couple of times. Custom-fitting anything is always going to give you the best results.
It’s a no-brainer, what it really comes down to is if paying the extra money is worth getting those results.
Firstly what’s the difference between getting custom fit golf shoes and regular ones?
Starting off with how your size is taken. It’s not as straightforward as your shoe size and how wide you’re foot is.
These shoe fitters look at the shape of your arch, heel, and basically the entire shape of your foot. From this, they then design your golf shoe to fit like a glove, providing support in all the right places.
Having this done can make a huge difference in preventing injuries, foot soreness and even the longevity of the shoes themselves. The better they fit, the less wear and tear they’ll pick up.
After this base has been covered, you can then look at picking the perfect material whether that’s synthetic or genuine leather, what laces you want, amongst other things.
You can then opt to choose the color scheme too.
But is all this worth it? For most golfers, I would say no. My opinion would be that if you’re looking to improve your game, getting fitted for your clubs or getting lessons will directly impact your game more.
That being said if you can’t ever seem to find a shoe that fits perfectly and have suffered with foot soreness for years on the course, then getting custom shoes would absolutely be worth it.
Or if you’re stinking rich, then why wouldn’t you?
The Importance Of Choosing The Right Golf Shoes
Like choosing a correct driver or putter, your golf shoes are equally important to your golf course success.
Finding the right shoes that fit perfectly for your next round can help make it more enjoyable and also allow you to shoot lower scores.
The right pair of shoes on the course will protect your feet from the elements, reduce your risk of slipping, and increase your comfort level, so the last thing you are thinking about is your feet.
When choosing a pair of shoes, you must ask yourself a series of questions that include typical playing conditions such as weather, turf, and moisture level.
Also, before heading off to the store, it is critical to decide what type of spikes (plastic soft spikes or metal spikes), laces, and material you’re looking for.
Determining these factors before heading to the store will reduce the time it takes to find a pair of shoes you like.
Also, keep in mind that a higher price only sometimes means a better shoe.
Find a price range that you are comfortable with and find a shoe that checks your boxes; this should be possible no matter what requirements you’re looking for.
Like selecting the right golf club for a particular shot, choosing the perfect golf shoes is a strategic decision that can elevate your game.
The right pair of golf shoes boosts your performance and adds to your overall enjoyment of your round.
By keeping your feet protected, providing stability on the course, and ensuring lasting comfort, the right golf shoes free your mind to focus entirely on your golf swing and strategy.