Tips For Buying Proper Golf Shoes

It’s common for a variety of athletes to wear cleats or studded shoes to improve traction and prevent slipping on potentially slick turf. Golfers are no exception. Properly fit golf shoes can provide stability through your swing and add extra grip when encountering wet grass and uneven terrain around the course. 

As a quick guide, the experts at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club have compiled some tips to selecting the right golf shoes for you.

Spikes or No Spikes
While many of us immediately think of spiked, or cleated, shoes when we think of golf gear, street-style golf shoes have been gaining popularity over the past few years. The spikeless golf shoe has rubber studs or dimpled soles to provide roughly the same traction as cleats. Many golfers find them more comfortable and enjoy the modern style. And the fact that they can easily transition from the course to the 19^th hole.

Speaking of spikes … plastic spikes are almost universally considered more appealing as they are lighter weight and more flexible than their metal counterparts. They also tend to do less damage to the turf. While still popular with the pros, metal spikes are so destructive some courses have actually banned the use of metal spikes – so be sure to check with your favorite courses before you buy/wear metal spikes.

Material
Here in Arizona, we typically look for lightweight, breathable material but before making your purchase consider the most common course conditions you face. If you are a more cold weather golfer, a heavier shoe could be appropriate. Also be sure to think about the level of water resistance you will need.

If you need another incentive to go shopping. it’s common to have multiple pairs of golf shoes to suit changing seasons and course conditions.

Style
Choose a shoe that matches your personal aesthetic so you feel comfortable and confident when stepping onto the course. Aside from a vast array of color options, there are several different styles of golf shoe. From the traditional dress shoe look to more modern styles that mimic street shoes, sneakers (including high-tops), golf boots and even sandals, there’s a golf shoe for everyone.

At the end of the day, you have to be comfortable. Pick a shoe that feels good and fits well. Be sure to wear your regular golf socks when trying on shoes and don’t be afraid to take a few practice swings – it’s not enough to just walk around in the shoe, you need to feel it in action.

Share pics of your golf shoes in action by tagging on social: @superstitionmountaingolf on Facebook and @superstitionmountaincc on Instagram.