To become a better golfer, you need to get the best gear including golf shoes. There are plenty of golf footwear brands out there, making it overwhelming to choose which one suits you best. More importantly, you need to decide which is better between spiked and spikeless golf shoes. In this article, you will learn the pros and cons of each golf shoe type and how you can improve your game by wearing the right pair of shoes.
When it comes to the differences between spiked and spikeless golf shoes, there really isn’t so much differentiation to take note of in both categories. However, knowing what makes them distinctively unique and more comfortable can help you make an informed buying choice. So, keep reading to get some helpful tips when choosing a good golf shoe brand regardless of your skill level.
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What Are Spiked and Spikeless Golf Shoes?
Spiked golf shoes are designed with soft plastic cleats on their outsole. On the other hand, spikeless golf shoes have flat outsoles and rubber dimples or studs instead of spikes. When it comes to traction, spiked shoes can better provide lateral stability compared to spikeless golf shoes. This is particularly true when playing in wet weather on hilly golf courses.
Currently, spikeless shoes are getting more innovative and therefore are more advanced in terms of features and advantages. Golf shoe manufacturers are refining their top-down designs of both spikeless and spiked shoes. If you’re playing golf for a long time now, you may have noticed how the line has changed, specifically become more blurred.
Some brands combine common elements in spiked shoes including support and grip traction with the elements found in spikeless models such as ground feel and flexibility. The goal is to create more advanced hybrid golf shoes that will help golfers improve their game. However, you should consider the varying conditions of each course when choosing a golf shoe design for better play.
What are Spiked Golf Shoes for?
If you play on a soggy golf course, spiked shoes offer better traction as they are designed for soft turf. In addition, spikes are helpful when playing on rough courses that often produce inconvenient lies. Spiked golf shoes provide better traction in different playing conditions than spikeless shoes. Whether you’re playing in wet conditions or dry courses, you’ll have more reliable footing when wearing spikes.
Traction is a huge thing for most golfers when choosing between spikes and spikeless golf shoes. The classic cleated style of spiked shoes helps anchor players to the ground. Today’s cleats are made of softer plastic materials because most golf courses now prohibit metal spikes due to the damage they cause on the green. There are also replaceable spikes for better lateral stability since they can grip more effectively into the course when you make a swing.
What are Spikeless Golf Shoes for?
Spikeless shoes offer convenience and versatility, you can quickly navigate the green without the hassle. Unlike spiked golf shoes, you don’t have to change them every time you find it convenient. Many spikeless shoes are also perfect to wear as casual shoes as they feel well-balanced no matter where you go.
The outsoles of spikeless shoes feel more grounded just like a pair of regular sneakers due to the more in-line traction elements, unlike the cleated counterpart. Spikeless traction is now more convenient than ever. Generally, the outsole features rubber nubs, making it more comfortable and manageable to go around the green regardless of the changing weather conditions.
For instance, some outsoles are made of TPU material and have specific zones to provide more durability, rotation, and stability. There are brands that create spikeless golf shoes with fin-like patterns in order to effectively grab the course. While many golfers believe that spikes offer more traction, spikeless shoes are nothing less when it comes to holding up the ground.
Spiked vs Spikeless Golf Shoes - How Each Type Performs?
Durability
So we have tackled the comparison between spiked and spikeless golf shoes in terms of traction. Now, let’s delve deeper into other important categories that make each type of golf shoe unique from the others. Make sure to check this detailed comparison to find which golf shoes you should buy in the future.
When it comes to durability, one of the things that separate spikes from spikeless golf shoes are the outsoles. With spiked golf shoes, you will notice that the replaceable cleats tend to wear down faster. Moreover, they also begin to lose traction or grip on the ground. However, choosing better quality replacement spikes and cleat wrenches will give you a brand-new grip. Spiked shoes can last longer with proper maintenance habits.
On the other hand, spikeless golf shoes don’t have the luxury of replacing the spikes to get back reliable traction. While they are made with durable materials for the spikeless outsole, they still lose traction over time and become less effective on the course. For instance, wearing spikeless golf shoes more often will make them wear down more quickly. However, worn-down spikeless shoes are still great for off-course use.
Fit
One of the most important things to consider when buying golf shoes is the fitting. The traction system doesn’t change regardless of the fit you choose, but it definitely helps your performance if your shoes fit properly. The best way to find the right fit is to measure your shoe size while you wear your golf socks at the same time.
From your current golf shoes, notice how they wear down and where your feet rub. If you feel the toe box rubbing with your feet, look for a pair of golf shoes that offer wider width so that your toes will have more space in the front. Now, if you’ve noticed that your golf shoes are wearing down on the inner heel part, it may be due to a lack of arch support. If it’s wearing down on the outer part of the heel, it means you need more flexible shoes.
Versatility
This is the main category in which spikeless shoes are outstanding. You can wear your spikeless golf shoes before leaving the house, driving to your local golf course, playing one round, taking a break at the 18th hole after hitting the ball, and even stopping by the grocery to get some food before heading home without changing your shoes.
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With spiked shoes, the only purpose it serves is to play golf. While this is not a problem for many golfers, it can be inconvenient to change your shoes on and off course. But if you’re looking for a reliable pair of shoes in terms of longevity and traction, then it’s okay to sacrifice versatility. Or else, investing in spikeless golf shoes may be the best option for you.
Comfort
Before, spikeless shoes were the most comfortable, but now spiked golf shoes are more comfortable and advantageous for golfers. However, there’s only a little difference between these two types of golf shoes. Spikeless golf shoes are more lightweight to use because they are not designed with an insert system and plastic cleats. Therefore, it reduces pressure points where the feet stand over the spiked shoe’s cleats.
Cushioning, lighter materials, and other new technologies make spiked shoes more comfortable than they’ve been in the past. The difference is hardly noticeable, but if you’re looking for a comfortable shoe that feels just like your go-to sneakers, spiked golf shoes may not be the best option for you. Remember, comfort over style is the name of the game.
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Which Is Better for Beginners and Pros?
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, it’s always important to weigh down your options so that you can find the right golf shoes for your needs. If you play on country clubs or more upscale courses, spikeless shoes may be too casual. So, which type of golf shoe is better for beginners and pros? Let’s find out below.
There may be spikeless and spiked golf shoes that suit beginners well, but spiked shoes can be a better option. With a locked-in foundation, you can execute your golf swing better and spiked golf shoes can provide you with an edge over other players. If you have a solid foundation, you can concentrate on improving your swing as you develop your game. Spiked shoes also reduce excess shifting of your feet and slipping to avoid undesirable outcomes.
For the pros, spiked golf shoes remain a go-to choice during tournaments. However, many seasoned golfers have chosen spikeless shoes over the years. They simply want something they can use on and off course without sacrificing their style. At the end of the day, it all depends on personal preferences and what’s more comfortable and convenient to wear on the course.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between spikeless and spiked golf shoes all boils down to the golfer’s choice. The most important categories to consider when buying golf shoes include fit, durability, traction, versatility, and comfort. For players who are looking for more traction on the course, the best option could be spiked golf shoes. If you need versatility, then you may invest in spikeless shoes that you can also wear anywhere.
With plenty of golf shoes to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine which is which. Using this simple guide, you can surely find the perfect pair of golf shoes that you can count on whenever you’re playing on the course. More importantly, you should consider comfort over style if you want to enjoy long-lasting golf shoes and save money. Outsole technology and brand may have an impact on your final choice.