Yes, you can and absolutely should remove and replace the spikes on your golf shoes. More than just a simple fix, learning how to do it yourself is a fundamental part of golf equipment maintenance that gives you more stability, better performance, and extends the life of your footwear. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the tools you'll need to the step-by-step process, plus how to handle those infuriatingly stubborn spikes that just don’t want to budge.
Before we get our hands dirty, let's talk about why this is such a valuable skill. It's not just about replacing something that's broken. Regular spike maintenance has a direct impact on your game.
Think about the tires on your car. As you drive, the tread wears down, reducing your traction, especially in wet conditions. Golf spikes are no different. Over dozens of rounds, they get worn down by sand, cart paths, and the twisting force of your swing. A worn-out spike is a smooth spike, and a smooth spike won't dig into the turf and give you the stable base you need to make a powerful, confident swing. If you've ever felt your back foot slip during your downswing, old spikes are often the culprit. Replacing them is the single best way to restore that brand-new, locked-in feeling.
You can scrub the outside of your shoes all day, but the only way to truly clean them is to remove the spikes. Over time, a dense mixture of grass, dirt, sand, and other debris gets compacted into the spike receptacles (the little threaded sockets they screw into). This gunk can prevent new spikes from seating correctly and can even damage the threads over time. A full removal and cleaning every few months keeps your shoes in top condition.
There's no hard-and-fast rule, but a good rule of thumb is to change your spikes every 15 to 20 rounds. However, your mileage may vary. If you play in very wet conditions or do a lot of walking on hard surfaces like cart paths or parking lots, you'll need to change them more frequently. The best way to know is a simple visual inspection. Look for:
Gathering your supplies beforehand makes the whole process smooth and easy. You don't need a professional workshop, just a few simple items.
Alright, you've got your tools, your new spikes, and a bit of determination. Let's get to it. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a frustration-free experience.
Before you even think about putting the wrench on the spike, you have to clean your shoes. This is arguably the most essential part of the process. Use your stiff brush to aggressively scrape out every bit of dirt, mud, and grass from around each spike. If mud is packed into the little holes on the spike itself, the wrench can't get a proper grip, and you’ll end up stripping the plastic. Get them as clean as possible - it will save you a massive headache later.
Take your two-pronged spike wrench and find the two small holes on one of the spikes. Insert the prongs of the wrench fully into these holes. You need to make sure it's seated firmly and isn't at an angle. If it feels wobbly, you probably still have some dirt in there. A solid connection between the wrench and the spike is everything.
With the wrench seated, apply firm, downward pressure to keep it in place. Then, begin turning the wrench counter-clockwise. Remember the old saying: "Lefty-Loosy, Righty-Tighty." You may need to apply a good amount of force, especially if the spikes haven't been changed in a while. The key is to be steady and consistent with your pressure. Avoid quick, jerky motions, as this is how wrenches (and spikes) snap.
Once you’ve successfully removed a spike, you'll see the empty, threaded receptacle. This is your chance for that deep clean. Use your brush, or even a Q-tip, to get all the crud out of the socket and its threads. This ensures your new spike can be screwed in cleanly and securely without damaging the threading on the shoe.
Repeat this process for every spike on both shoes.
Every now and then, you’ll encounter a spike that seems fused to the shoe. Don’t panic. As a coach, this is a common issue I see golfers struggle with. Here are a few solutions.
If you're turning with all your might and nothing is happening, stop before you break something. Try one of these methods:
It happens. You apply force, and suddenly the top half of the spike either breaks off or the plastic holes strip out, leaving the wrench with nothing to grab onto. This is where your needle-nose pliers become invaluable.
Take the thin tip of your pliers and firmly grab whatever is left of the spike base. You may need to press hard to get a good grip. Once you have a solid hold, slowly but firmly begin twisting counter-clockwise. It might take a few attempts to get a purchase on the remaining plastic, but patience is your friend here. Just keep working at it, and it will eventually come out.
Once all the old spikes are out and the soles are clean, it's time for the rewarding part: installing the fresh ones.
This is extremely important: not all spikes fit all shoes. Golf shoes use several different insertion systems, and you must buy replacements that match what your shoe uses. The most common systems are:
Check the manufacturer's website for your specific shoe model to see which system it uses before you buy new spikes. Buying the wrong kind is a common and completely avoidable mistake.
Installing new spikes is much easier than removing old ones.
Once you've installed all the new spikes, take a moment to admire your work. You've just performed one of the most effective pieces of maintenance to improve your connection to the ground and bring back that powerful, stable feel to your golf swing.
Changing your golf spikes is a straightforward task that boosts your on-course stability and extends the life of your favorite shoes. With the right tools and a little patience, you can swap them out in an afternoon and feel the difference in your very next round.
This same feeling of being equipped with the right know-how applies to your game on the course, too. Often, uncertainty about club selection or how to play a tricky shot can be just as frustrating as dealing with a worn-out spike. At Caddie AI, our goal is to eliminate that guesswork. We provide on-demand, expert-level advice right when you need it. If you're stuck, you can analyze a tough lie from a photo, get a smart strategy for the hole, and receive the clear guidance needed to play every shot with more confidence. You can learn more about how to play with a digital caddie in your pocket at a href="https://www.caddiehq.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener>Caddie AI.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
