If you are just starting out in golf, you may wonder if it is necessary to get a pair of golf shoes? After all, golf shoes are not cheap plus you only get to wear them for golf and not for other activities. If you’re going to just stick to the driving range, I would say a good pair of sports shoes will suffice. However, if you are going to play on the golf course, you’ll need proper golf shoes. For one, it’s a requirement in most golf courses. It’s part of the dress code. If you do not have golf shoes, they won’t allow you on the course. Second, golf shoes gives you the support and grip you need especially on wet grass, slopes and loose sand. You want your feet well grounded when you swing the club. Golf shoes are specially designed to meet the needs of the golfer. Like all other sports, using the right equipment will aid your game and give you more confidence.
Having said that, how do you tell the difference between a pair of normal shoes and golf shoes?
If you go shopping for golf shoes, you’ll see two distinctive styles: classic and sporty. The classic shoes have a more stiff upper, whereas the sporty shoes look more like sneakers. I don’t think you’ll have a problem identifying the classics as golf shoes but you may wonder about the sneaker type ones. The biggest giveaway would be the spikes on the soles of the shoes. There are basically two types of spikes: metal spikes and soft spikes. Metal spikes look more like nails whereas soft spikes are round plastic protrusions. These spikes function to anchor your feet during the golf swing. It is what gives you balance and stability. You don’t see much metal spikes these days. Although they give good grip but they are not so green friendly. If you happen to drag your feet on the green, you’ll see it leaves terrible spike marks. Most golf courses would rather you wear soft spikes which are less damaging. Spikes are usually screwed on, so you can replace them when they are worn out.
What to look for when shopping for golf shoes?
1. Comfort and fit definitely tops the list. Don’t forget that you’ll be doing lots of walking. A normal round of 18 holes usually takes about 4 hours. You really want to be wearing something that doesn’t hurt your feet. On the contrary, you want a pair of shoes that protects, supports and cushions your feet. The last thing you want to end up with are blisters on your feet.
2. Get a pair that is waterproof. You’ll be glad to have a pair that keeps your feet dry when you have to play in wet weather or walk on soggy ground. Even the morning dew on grass can get your shoes pretty wet. So you definitely want to keep water out.
3. The style, color and material is pretty much up to your preference. Some people prefer the classic style. It may be a bit stiffer but it offers great support. Some people like the sporty style better. It grips like a golf shoe and offers the comforts of a sneaker.
Whatever shoe you select, make sure you give it time to break in. Don’t wear a new pair during tournament days. To be on the safe side, carry your older pair of golf shoes with you in case you feel the new pair pinching.
What are some recommended golf shoes in the average price range?
– Footjoy is a leading brand in golf shoes. You can find them in the price range of USD70-120. They are comfortable and durable.
– Nike is known to produce great quality footwear. Unfortunately there are complains that they don’t last long.
– Adidas is another favorite brand among golfers. They break in quickly and are comfortable too.
Golf shoes may not make you a better golf player. However, selecting a good pair does make a difference when playing the game. You really don’t want to be distracted by footwear that hurts or are uncomfortable. A pair of golf shoes that gives you good grip and support can make your golfing experience an enjoyable one.
