What Kind of Golf Shoes Should I Get?

Choosing the right golf shoe can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most critical equipment decisions you'll make. Your shoes are your connection to the ground and the foundation of your swing. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the great spiked versus spikeless debate to the finer points of materials and fit, so you can step onto the first tee with confidence.

Why Your Golf Shoes Are So Important

Before we get into the different types, let’s talk about why this matters so much. A lot of golfers, especially those just starting, will throw on a pair of running shoes and call it a day. But those shoes are designed for forward motion, not the powerful rotational forces of a golf swing. Here’s what a proper golf shoe provides:

• Stability: The golf swing is a dynamic, athletic motion. Your feet need a stable base to prevent slipping and sliding, which robs you of power and consistency. Good golf shoes lock you into the ground, allowing you to rotate your body effectively.
• Power: As you swing, you use the ground to generate force. Professional golfers sometimes call this "ground reaction force." A solid connection with the turf, thanks to well-designed traction, lets you push off and transfer that energy efficiently up through your body and into the clubhead. More grip equals more potential power.
• Comfort: You’re on your feet for four to five hours and might walk several miles during a round. The wrong shoe will lead to aching feet, blisters, and fatigue. A comfortable golf shoe lets you finish the 18th hole feeling as fresh as you did on the first tee, helping you stay focused on your shots.
• Protection: Most golf courses start the day covered in dew, and you'll inevitably find yourself in wet grass or a damp bunker. Quality golf shoes are waterproof, keeping your feet dry and comfortable, which is a massive factor in enjoying your round.

In short, a good golf shoe helps you swing better, feel better, and play better. It's not just an accessory, it's a piece of performance equipment.

The Main Event: Spiked vs. Spikeless

This is the most significant decision you’ll make. For years, the only option was metal spikes, which eventually evolved into the modern "soft spikes." In the last decade, however, spikeless shoes have exploded in popularity. Let's break down the pros and cons of each.

Spiked Golf Shoes: The Choice for Maximum Grip

Spiked shoes feature plastic cleats or spikes on the outsole that screw into receptacles. These cleats are designed to dig into the turf, offering the highest level of traction available.

When to Choose Spiked Shoes:

• You Play in Wet Conditions: If you frequently play in the early morning dew, after it has rained, or in a region known for wet weather, the extra grip from spikes is a game-changer. They prevent slipping on slick grass or mud.
• Your Home Course is Hilly: Walking and hitting shots on uneven lies and steep slopes requires serious stability. Spikes give you a firmer anchoring, helping you maintain your balance on challenging terrain.
• You Have a High Swing Speed: Golfers who generate a lot of power put immense rotational force on their feet and ankles. Spikes provide the lockdown needed to support an aggressive swing and prevent your lead foot from spinning out.

Pros of Spiked Shoes:

• Unmatched Traction: This is their primary benefit. The grip is superior in almost all conditions, especially wet and soft turf.
• Superb Lateral Stability: The design provides a rigid and secure platform, which is ideal for players who want to feel completely locked in during their swing.
• Replaceable Cleats: When the spikes wear down, you can simply buy a new set for a fraction of the cost of new shoes, extending the life of your footwear.

Cons of Spiked Shoes:

• Typically Less Comfortable for Walking: The receptacles and cleats create pressure points on the bottom of your feet, which can become noticeable over 18 holes. While modern designs have improved this, they generally aren't as comfortable as spikeless models.
• Lower Versatility: You can't wear them anywhere but the golf course. You have to change into them at the club and out of them before you get in your car.
• Greens-Keeping: While soft spikes are much better than old metal ones, they can still pick up debris and leave more pronounced marks on a soft green if you aren't careful to walk lightly.

Spikeless Golf Shoes: A Fusion of Performance and Comfort

Spikeless shoes don't have removable spikes. Instead, they use a sole made of durable rubber or TPU with dozens of small, molded lugs and nubs that act as the traction system. They were initially seen as a casual alternative but have evolved into tour-proven performance footwear.

When to Choose Spikeless Shoes:

• You Value Comfort and Versatility: If walking 18 holes without foot fatigue is your top priority, spikeless is the way to go. Their sneaker-like feel and the ability to wear them from your front door to the 19th hole and back home is a huge plus.
• You Primarily Play in Dry Conditions: For firm, dry turf, the traction provided by a good spikeless shoe is more than enough for the vast majority of golfers.
• You Walk the Course Often: Because they feel much more like athletic shoes, they are the preferred choice for avid walkers who want to minimize foot fatigue.

Pros of Spikeless Shoes:

• Exceptional Comfort: They are designed a lot like running shoes or trainers. The soles are more flexible, and with no cleat receptacles, the pressure is distributed evenly across your foot.
• Amazing Versatility: This is a massive selling point. Wear them to the course, play your round, go to the clubhouse for a bite, and drive home without ever changing your shoes.
• Lighter Weight: Generally, spikeless shoes are lighter than their spiked counterparts, adding to the overall comfort.

Cons of Spikeless Shoes:

• Slightly Less Grip in Slippery Conditions: While modern designs are incredibly effective, in very wet, muddy, or slick conditions, they may not offer the same bite as a traditional soft spike.
• Traction Wears Down: The molded lugs wear down over time, especially if you wear them a lot on hard surfaces like concrete. Once the traction is gone, the entire shoe needs to be replaced.

Other Important Features to Look For

Once you’ve decided between spiked and spikeless, there are a few other elements to consider.

Material and Waterproofing

The upper of the shoe is usually made of either full-grain leather or a synthetic material. Natural leather offers a premium look and feel, is highly breathable, and will mold to the shape of your foot over time for a custom fit. It does, however, require some maintenance to keep it in top shape.

Synthetic materials are lightweight, durable, and often offer excellent waterproof protection right out of the box with little to no break-in period required. Many of today’s most popular athletic-style shoes use advanced synthetic fabrics.

No matter what, look for a shoe that has at least a one-year waterproof guarantee. Wet feet will ruin a round faster than a three-putt. A waterproof shoe is absolutely essential.

Lacing System

You have two main options: traditional laces or a modern closure system. Traditional laces are what we're all used to - they are reliable and offer classic style. Modern systems, most famously the BOA Fit System, use a micro-adjustable dial and steel lace to create a precision fit that won’t loosen during the round. It's a fantastic feature for quick, consistent tightening and easy removal.

Fit and Comfort

This cannot be overstated: your golf shoe must fit correctly. A shoe that's too tight will cause pain, while a shoe that's too loose will cause your foot to slide, leading to blisters and a loss of stability. When trying on shoes:

• Shop in the afternoon. Your feet naturally swell throughout the day, so trying on shoes later gives you a more accurate idea of how they'll feel at the end of a round.
• Wear a golf sock. Make sure you’re wearing the same type of sock you’d wear on the course.
• Check the spacing. You should have about a half-inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe when you're standing up.
• Walk around. Take a few laps around the store. Your heel should feel locked in with minimal slipping.

Making Your Final Decision

So, what kind of golf shoes should you get? It really boils down to an honest assessment of your personal needs. Ask yourself these four questions:

1. Where do you play? Is your home course hilly and often wet, or is it flat and typically dry? The wetter and hillier it is, the more you should lean toward spiked shoes.
2. How do you play? Are you an athletic player with a high swing speed, or are you a smooth swinger? Do you almost always walk the course, or do you prefer to ride in a cart? Powerful swingers and avid walkers have different priorities.
3. What do you value most? Is it the absolute maximum lockdown and grip for every possible situation? Or is it all-day comfort and the convenience of wearing your shoes on and off the course? Be honest about what truly matters to you.
4. What feels best? At the end of the day, after considering everything, the best shoe is the one that is comfortable and makes you feel confident. Always try on a few different pairs before buying.

Final Thoughts

Picking the perfect golf shoe is about matching the technology underfoot to your game, your course, and your personal priorities. For most golfers in average conditions, the blend of comfort, performance, and versatility in a high-quality spikeless shoe is the winning combination. For players who demand ultimate stability or frequently battle wet conditions, spiked shoes remain the champion of traction.

Making smart equipment choices like this puts a better foundation under your feet for every swing. Of course, once you’re standing over the ball, different decisions come into play. If you're ever looking at a tough lie and unsure of the right play or club, that's where we can help. My app, Caddie AI, gives you an expert second opinion right in your pocket. You can even send a photo of your ball's lie to get instant, tailored advice on the best way to handle the situation, which helps you make smarter choices and play with more confidence.