Playing a sport, especially for the first time, can be daunting. One wonders what the proper attire is.
In the world of golf, showing up in a plain T-shirt and jeans is a no-no. The right golf shirt, shorts, and hat make a difference.
To get an idea, check out these golf shoes from FootJoy. Read on below to know more about the best golf shoes for you.
Types of Golf Shoes
Golf essentials are not to be missed both by newcomers and experts to the sport. Wearing the proper shoes is one of them.
There are two main options for golf shoes, and seeing the benefits can help you decide which one is best for you and the context by which you play the sport.
Spiked Golf Shoes
Many golfers wear spiked golf shoes due to the stability they offer. This is needed most especially when conditions on the course are wet and hilly.
Better traction, simply put, is best achieved with the use of spiked golf shoes on soft turf. Awkward stances are also managed better with spikes.
Simply put, if you play into a broader range of conditions, spiked golf shoes are preferred. There is a certain footing with them, rain or shine.
A word of advice: When choosing spikes, buy the pair with soft ones. After all, spikes with metal ones are sometimes prohibited at some venues.
Spikeless Golf Shoes
Another option for the sport is spikeless shoes. Golfers laud their use because they are convenient to use and are versatile.
There is no need to change as much as one does when wearing spikes. We’re talking about how one can go straight from the 17th hole to the 18th one.
Also, one can wear spikeless golf shoes even when not playing the sport. They function as casual footwear, too.
More importantly, some golfers think that spikeless golf shoes feel more balanced. By contrast, spiked ones tend to have cleats protruding from the outsole.
Also, some feel slightly elevated when dealing with the ball and walking with spiked shoes. Spikeless ones, on the other hand, make them feel more grounded.
Factors to Consider in Choosing Golf Shoes
Besides knowing the two main types of golf shoes, the following factors should also be considered.
1. Golf shoes should be durable.
Because golf is a sport that requires a lot of walking, having thin soles might wear your shoes down faster.
This is a disadvantage for spiked shoes because the cleats can be worn down quickly and may start to lose grip.
Fortunately, replacement spikes and cleat wrenches are used to address this problem. Also, proper maintenance of any shoe helps.
On the other hand, spineless shoes are usually designed with durable materials. Still, they are no longer deemed effective when they are worn down and when they lose traction.
Simply put, both types can be durable but have their own set of cons.
2. Golf shoes should be versatile.
Versatility is another crucial factor in the choice of shoes. In this area, spineless ones have an advantage, for there is no need to change regardless of activity in the course.
On the other hand, spiked golf shoes are only used for playing golf. They are not versatile enough, but that’s in exchange for the longevity of the spikes and for gaining better traction.
3. Golf shoes should be comfortable.
Of course, as with any type of shoes, comfort must be prioritized. Spikeless shoes have another advantage here because they are lighter.
Spikeless shoes also do not use plastic cleats or any insert system. In the end, there is no need for pressure points, unlike a spiked shoe’s cleats.
With new technology, the good news is that comfort is made possible for both spiked and spikeless shoes.
Not only that, if you want comfort to be at the same level as your favorite pair of sneakers, then spineless is the way to go.
The Best Golf Shoes
With so many reasons behind wanting to play golf, including stress management, come various choices and factors to consider in proper wear.
The best golf shoes are the shoes that would bode well with how you play the sport. Go for spikeless ones if you need more versatility and functionality.
On the other hand, you should opt for spiked ones if you’re all for sticking to what they’re primarily designed for.
Still, all factors considered, spikeless golf shoes have a bit more advantage than spiked ones. However, experts say that it is better to use spiked golf shoes for those only starting to learn golf.
Why not try getting both shoes, though, and wear them according to the golf course conditions? The choice is up to you!
