Are Golf Shoes Comfortable?

From beginners to experts, finding the most comfortable pair of golf shoes is crucial. With the wrong pair, not only will you be uncomfortable, but you also risk injury – not to mention how you will end up ruining your shoes in the process.

Like everything else you bring on the golf course, golf shoes also serve a very specific purpose, such as giving you a good grip over different terrains, protecting your feet from water, and more. 

But are golf shoes comfortable?

If you choose your pair of golf shoes correctly, you can expect them to be very comfortable (perhaps the most comfortable pair you own) and long-lasting. There are two different types of golf shoes, though, and both offer a unique sense of comfort.

Let’s take a closer look at the things you need to consider before buying a new pair of golf shoes, especially if comfort is your top priority. 

Most Comfortable Golf Shoes

How comfortable your golf shoes are will largely depend on whether or not you get the shoe sized correctly and the brand. Unfortunately, this may also mean that your golf shoes may end up costing quite a lot. 

Three of the best brands for comfortable golf shoes (in my opinion) include, but may not be limited to:

• FootJoy
  
• Adidas
  
• Skechers
  

The comfort level will also depend on the type of golf shoes you buy. As mentioned above, there are two types of golf shoes, each of which offers a unique sense of comfort.

Spikeless Golf Shoes

First, there are the spikeless golf shoes, which are kind of like regular running shoes. These are lightweight and very flexible. In my opinion, spikeless shoes are much easier on the heels and ankles than spiked shoes. 

However, they may not have as good of a grip as spiked golf shoes do. 

If you define comfort as something soft that will reduce the impact on your feet, spikeless shoes may be the perfect pair for you.

Spiked Golf Shoes

If you go for spiked golf shoes, you will most likely find that these shoes are heavier and less flexible because of the spiked base. They sacrifice softness for their performance and agility. 

If you define comfort as shoes that will help you stay agile and active on your feet without having to exert any extra force, spiked shoes may be right for you.

Finding The Most Comfortable Golf Shoes

Let’s take a closer look at what spiked and spikeless shoes have to offer and which one would be more comfortable for you.

Golf Shoes Traction

The primary difference between spiked and spikeless shoes is that of traction. Naturally, spiked shoes are going to offer better traction because of the cleats underneath. Whether it is raining or it is dry, these shoes will give you the firm grip you need to make your shot. 

Make sure you don’t run on concrete with spiked shoes, though.

The cleats on spiked shoes can be metal or plastic. Of course, metal cleats are much more durable than plastic ones. However, metal cleats can damage the surface you are walking on, especially the greens.

Spikeless shoes have a rubber sole or nubs made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The wetter these shoes get, the better their grip becomes. Naturally, these run the risk of slipping in the bunkers.

As far as traction is concerned, spiked golf shoes are going to be more comfortable for you.

Golf Shoe Versatility

Golf shoes are exposed to different environments in a very short period of time. From the greens to walkways, bunkers, and even the pond, they need to be able to handle all of that. Not only that, when considering whether golf shoes will be comfortable while playing, you should consider whether they are comfortable golf shoes for walking.

You can wear golf shoes while playing, when going for groceries, gym, a friend’s place, when driving, or even at family parties! Only spikeless shoes can offer this benefit.

Spiked shoes aren’t as versatile and therefore will not be as comfortable outside the golf course or any other play area.

Golf Shoe Fit – Perhaps The Most Important Consideration

When choosing your golf shoes, you must make sure that they fit properly. Even the most comfortable pair in the world for your friend can be very uncomfortable for you if it isn’t sized properly.

You can go to a physical golf shoe store to check out different pairs and see which one is the most comfortable. It is important to point out that even if you are a size 10, not every size 10 golf shoe will fit you like Cinderella. 

Each shoe is designed differently. Their external design can alter their shape, which in turn may impact their overall fitting.

Being spiked or spikeless doesn’t have much of an impact on the fitting of a shoe. When buying golf shoes, it is a good idea to give your feet some room inside the shoe – perhaps a quarter inch on the sides and half an inch at the front.

Golf Shoes Material

The material of your golf shoes will have a direct bearing on the stability, flexibility, and balance that they provide. The material that your shoe is made out of is also a very important factor contributing to your comfort.

Spikeless golf shoes are usually soft and made of lighter material. It is suitable for people who think their feet are under unnecessary stress or think that their shoes are tiring them.

Spiked shoes, on the other hand, are made of harder material and are relatively stiffer because of their base. This provides the foot with more support but may not be as easy on the feet. 

However, this is changing with the newer golf shoes models (in most cases). By padding the shoe with light cushioning, even the spiked shoes can feel very soft, albeit heavy.

Golf shoes, in general, are considered to be one of the most comfortable shoes. However, you may have to spend a couple of extra bucks for the premium comfort level. If you consider the cleats that professionals wear or the spikeless (hard-soled) shoes that basketball players wear, you will find that golf shoes really are very comfortable.