The great news about golf shoes is that you have plenty of options. This might seem overwhelming at times, but it sure beats the days of simply just picking out your metal spiked shoes.
Do you remember the days of the metal spikes in golf?
Golf shoes, as far as comfort, have come a long way in providing a quality experience for the golfer
Golf shoes are much more athletic looking and have a rather comfortable feel.
In fact, some of the golf shoes today come without spikes and can be worn for more than just playing golf. The golfer has to decide which type of golf shoe is best for their game and their comfort.
What people want out of their golf shoes is typically the following:
- Performance
- Comfort
- Durability
- Style
- Support
Spiked vs Spikeless Golf Shoes: Which Ones Should I Wear
If you are a golfer that uses their legs and the ground forces, I would highly recommend the spiked version of the golf shoes. If you are a casual golfer that wants a pair of shoes to wear at the golf course and beyond, the spikeless golf shoes are a great option.
Other people that may consider wearing spineless golf shoes are those that work at a golfer course around the pro shop, caddies, and anyone that works in the sales world associated with golf.
Half the battle is looking the part and having a professional looking appearance tha makes you fit in and belong.
Spiked vs Spikeless Golf Shoes: The Differences
The major difference between the two is that the spiked shoes in today’s golf world come with soft spikes on the bottom that help problem stability and traction when swinging a club or walking on a soft slope. The spikeless golf shoes of today do have the soft spikes and instead have rubber studs or little dimples in place of spikes.
Both are golfer friendly and provide comfort, durability, style and support. The major difference between the two would be on the performance side.
For those that are serious about the game and compete at any level, they will want to have spiked golf shoes. Why not have the extra stability and performance that the spiked golf shoes can provide.
You will even see the occasional professional golf on the PGA Tour wearing the metal spikes, which can provide another level of stability within the swing.
Spiked vs Spikeless: Performance
The spiked golf shoe will perform at a higher level. The extra level of stability with the ground will be essential for those competing. This is especially true when it is either wet out or has rained recently and the ground is soft. The last thing you want to do is slip while swinging a driver over 100 miles per hour.
This could lead to injury, bad shots and overall poor performance on the course. The decision is easy, buy the spiked golf shoe if you are competing, playing in poor conditions or swing a driver at a higher speed.
Resource: Are golf shoes necessary?
Spiked vs Spikeless: Comfort
Spiked and spikeless golf shoes are all sold at different price points. Generally speaking, the more money you pay for your shoes, the more comfort you will be provided. Regardless of spiked or spikeless, the level of comfort is important for those that walk many of their rounds.
Within a 18 hole round of golf, a golfer might walk up to 7 miles. Having a high quality, comfortable pair of golf shoes that stay dry and provide support throughout the round is vital. The last thing you want is to have sore feet at any point during the round of counting down the number of holes until when you can take your golf shoes off.
Spiked vs Spikeless: Durability
You want a golf shoe that will perform, look good, provides comfortability and of course last a long time and is durable. You don’t want to have to replace your golf shoes every 6 months and instead want to get at least 1-2 seasons out of the shoes and this is for the person that golf frequently. I play close to 80 rounds a season and buy a new pair every winter as I get excited about the upcoming golf season.
Resource: How long should golf shoes last?
Spiked vs Spikeless: Style
You can find stylish golf shoes at different price points. However, I believe some of the best looking golf shoes are often more expensive. The lower priced shoes are often very basic and don’t have the best look. However, style is all a personal taste and might not rank high up on a list for you! Find the style that fits your game, matches your outfit and figure out what you want! There are many quality options out there now that can meet all 5 of the criteria discussed!
Resource: Why are golf shoes so ugly?
Spiked vs Spikeless: Support
Every brand of golf shoe might fit a bit differently. Find the brand that works best for you and I would recommend sticking with this brand. This will help with any online order with size and how the shoe will support your feet. I prefer to wear the Nike Golf shoes both from a style, comfort and size.
Are Spiked or Spikeless Golf Shoes Better?
The spiked golf shoes are better as they can provide performance, comfort, durability, style and support. The extra level of traction and support when swinging a club is important for many.
Find what golf shoes are most comfortable for you and go with it. I believe of the 5 categories listed above, the comfort of a golf shoe is most important. The comfort impacts the performance and your overall experience on the golf course. When I have spent quality money on a pair of golf shoes I am typically thankful for the extra money spent as the level of comfort often increases!
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One More Important Area With Golf Shoes: Waterproof Shoes
If you are someone that plays in a variety of weather conditions, it is important to ensure that your golf shoes are waterproof. Even if you never play in the rain, having a quality waterproof pair of golf shoes is important. I play many rounds in the early morning during the summer and the course often has moisture either from the morning dew or the course irrigation that takes place throughout the night and into the early morning.
One of the worst things in golf is having wet feet. Keeping your feet dry and comfortable is essential to your overall experience and your performance on the course.
Be careful when selecting your golf shoes. Ensure that they have certain material and are advertised as waterproof if you are going to play in different conditions or in the early morning.
If you are going to play all of your rounds in temperatures between 60 and 85 and never have to worry about rain, you have a wide range of shoes to select from!
Final Thoughts: Spiked vs Spikeless
If you are buying shoes to primarily play golf, go with the spiked golf shoes. You might as well give yourself the extra traction in your swing to help performance and to prevent injury. Both types of golf shoes can be comfortable and waterproof. Don’t be afraid to spend the money necessary to get a high quality pair of shoes. It will make your overall experience with the game better!
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