Shopping for new spikes for your New Balance golf shoes can feel oddly complicated, but it all comes down to one simple thing: knowing which insert system your shoes use. Getting this right means your new spikes will lock in perfectly, keeping you stable and ready to swing with confidence. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your shoe’s system, select the right spikes, and even change them out like a pro.
As a golf coach, one of the first things I check with a student is their setup, and that starts from the ground up. Your connection to the turf is the foundation of your entire golf swing. Think of it like this: your body is trying to rotate powerfully and consistently, swinging a club at high speed. If your feet slip, even a tiny bit, you lose leverage, power, and accuracy. It’s the difference between swinging from a stable platform and swinging from a slippery floor.
Worn-out spikes are basically a one-way ticket to inconsistency. You might not even notice the small slips, but your body does. It will instinctively make compensations to protect its balance, leading to strange swing faults that have nothing to do with your technique. A fresh set of spikes isn't just about preventing a fall on a wet morning, it's about:
In short, don’t neglect what’s on the bottom of your feet. It's a small investment that pays big dividends in your performance.
This is where most golfers get confused. It’s not about the brand of the shoe as much as it's about the type of receptacle - the threaded socket - that’s built into the sole. Think of it like light bulbs and sockets, not every bulb fits every lamp. Over the years, several systems have come and gone, but for modern New Balance golf shoes, you’re almost always dealing with one of two primary systems, both made by the industry leader, Softspikes.
Nearly every pair of New Balance golf shoes manufactured in the last several years will use either the Fast Twist 3.0 or the PINS (Performance INsert System). They are not interchangeable, so identifying the right one is essential.
So, how do you know if you have FT3 or PINS? Here are a couple of surefire methods:
A Quick Look at Popular New Balance Models:
While you should always double-check your specific model, here's a general guide for some popular lines:
Always, always verify your specific model before buying replacements. A quick search on the Softspikes or manufacturer’s website with your shoe's model name will save you a lot of hassle.
Once you’ve confirmed you need either Fast Twist 3.0 or PINS spikes, you get to choose the model. Softspikes makes several different styles, each with its own benefits.
Changing your spikes is easy, but doing it wrong can damage the receptacles in your expensive shoes. Follow these simple steps to do it right.
You’ll need a proper spike wrench, a stiff brush (an old toothbrush is perfect), soap, water, and maybe a towel.
Before you even try to remove the old spikes, use the brush and soapy water to scrub all the dirt, sand, and caked-on mud from the spikes and the area around them. Getting junk caught in the threads is the number one cause of broken receptacles.
Fit the spike wrench onto the old spike. Apply firm, steady pressure counter-clockwise (lefty-loosey). Don't jerk it. If a spike is stubborn, try another spray of soapy water or a drop of WD-40 and let it sit for a minute. If it's really stuck, gentle heat from a hairdryer can sometimes help expand the sole and loosen the gunk.
This is the most important step! Once the old spike is out, use your brush to thoroughly clean the inside of the empty receptacle thread. Any remaining grit can prevent the new spike from seating correctly.
Place the new spike into the receptacle and turn it clockwise by hand until it feels snug. Then, use your wrench to finish the job. With Fast Twist systems, you’re listening and feeling for two distinct clicks. That second click locks the spike in place. Don’t overtighten past this point! Too much force can strip the receptacle.
Go around and give each new spike a final check to ensure they are all secure. Now you’re ready to hit the course with a renewed sense of stability.
There's no hard-and-fast rule, but a good guideline is every 15-20 rounds of golf for an avid player. However, the best method is simple visual inspection. Look for these signs:
Regularly changing your spikes doesn't just improve your game, it also helps prolong the life of your golf shoes.
Finding the right spikes for your New Balance golf shoes is as straightforward as confirming whether they use the Fast Twist 3.0 or PINS system. Once you know that, you can confidently select a replacement that matches your needs for traction and comfort, keeping your game on solid ground.
That same principle of having a solid foundation applies to your strategy, too. When you’re facing a tricky lie, an awkward yardage, or any shot that puts your footing to the test, feeling confident in your decision is just as important as the spikes on your shoes. Using our app, Caddie AI, you can get instant, expert advice right on the course. You can even take a photo of a challenging lie, and we’ll help you figure out the smartest way to play it, removing doubt so you can make a committed, stable swing.
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