What Makes A Good Golf Shoe?
A variety of elements make a good golf shoe, and ultimately, what you choose will reflect your own taste and needs.
But getting the right golf shoe isn’t always easy, with so many styles available on the market - from different materials to various spike options.
To help make things easier for you, we’ve created this guide which covers important information you need to consider when you’re shopping.
So, let’s delve into what makes a well-designed golf shoe.
Comfort level
Comfort is the most important factor to consider when searching for the perfect golf shoe. Consider the fit of the shoe - a good shoe will fit well, without being too tight or loose. It shouldn’t make you feel uncomfortable.
Comfort is also a category where spikeless shoes might have an advantage, even though with technology and new designs, it’s a slight one. In general, spikeless golf shoes are lighter because they don’t have plastic cleats or the inserts necessary for wearing them - this also eliminates the increased pressure points where your foot stands over the cleats of a spiked shoe.
Even though the difference is minor, if you prefer the comfort of a golf shoe that’s more similar to your trainers, spiked shoes might not be right for you.
Stability during the swing
Swinging the golf club is no easy feat, especially for beginners. This action can become even more difficult if poor swinging capability is not supported by a stable pair of shoes.
As you get into a backswing position, the back of your foot stores a lot of energy. This energy is released in the kinetic form to the front foot when you complete the swing. These movements produce a lot of kinetic energy that can cause you to be destabilised, and without the support of a good shoe, this energy can be lost resulting in a loss of power and cause a greater dispersion pattern.
A well-designed golf shoe will provide much-needed stability when walking or swinging on the golf course, whatever the condition. It will have good traction and hold the golfer’s weight without any trouble.
Breathability
When it comes to outdoor wear, the best and most usable fabrics are breathable. New golf shoe technology will allow moisture to be released to prevent overheating or any feeling of discomfort.
Your feet shouldn’t slip back and forth after a few hours of golfing, so make sure you opt for shoes that are made of high-quality material, like full-grain leather, that will offer enough breathability. This is particularly important for warmer weather.
Flexibility
As well as stability and breathability, a good golf shoe will provide enough flexibility, so that your movement isn’t restricted. Look for elasticity when choosing the right footwear.
Spikeless shoes are more flexible and tend to be more comfortable, and are better suited for dry conditions or wear off the course.
Waterproof
Even though you might be wearing the most comfortable golf shoes, are they designed to help you when you play on wet grass? It’s important to prepare for the possibility of wet conditions.
There’s nothing worse than the feeling of water in your favourite pair of golf shoes.Don’t let water affect your game - invest in some quality waterproof golf shoe that are completely sealed to prevent leaks, and grip onto slippery terrain for better stability on the course.
Versatility
A great pair of golf shoes will perform well on different types of terrain on the course. Whether you’re on the fairway, in the rough, on the green or in a bunker, a shoe should provide traction on all these types of terrain. This is particularly important for hilly courses, where stability and grip are key. Also, golf shoes should perform well in different weather conditions, come rain or shine.
The choice of the perfect golfing shoes also boils down to personal taste. If you’re struggling to pick the perfect shoe and would like to find out more about stability, breathability or our various waterproof options, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll help you choose what’s right for you.