Golf shoes have come a long way over the past decade or two. High-tech materials and anatomically engineered components have transformed golf shoes from boring and burdensome to downright athletic.
Today’s golf shoes are made from lightweight composites and meshes, with 21st-century styles to match. Tradition isn’t completely tossed aside, however. Plenty of leather-clad models remain, while the always-fashionable saddle-oxford design is a staple of most companies’ collections.
The news is all good for golfers – especially those who choose to walk the course rather than ride a golf cart. All the innovation has created many terrific lightweight models that are comfortable, waterproof, blister-resistant and, yes, even sharp-looking.
5 tips to buy golf shoes
Here are a few things to look for when selecting a golf shoe that’s well-suited to an 18-hole walk. (We’re talking 5-plus miles, after all.)
- Lightweight materials: The lightest golf shoes now tip the scales at a scant 13.8 ounces apiece – that’s less than a pound of excess weight for each foot to carry. Many ultra-light models feature uppers made from from fibers or synthetic leather, but some are coated in genuine cowhide.
- Waterproofing: If you’ve ever golfed, hiked or done any other long-distance walking in waterlogged shoes, you know just how unpleasant that can be. Golfing on a dew-covered morning or rain-soaked course is a recipe for wet feet – unless your shoes are waterproof. You’re in luck, though, as most of today’s golf shoes are practically impermeable. Make sure your shoes come with at least a one-year waterproof guarantee. Two years is better, but typically costlier.
- Moisture repellence: While waterproofing is commonplace, even the brightest scientific minds haven’t figured out how to keep feet from sweating. They have, however, developed moisture-wicking materials that whisk water away from your feet. Not only does moisture-wicking prevent dampness, it reduces the risk of nasty blisters. Another modern marvel: the sockliner. Many golf shoes feature mesh-covered liners; some are even removable.
- Flexibility: You don’t need to know what TPU (thermoplastic urethane) and EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) are, just that these polymers are the building blocks of most lightweight golf shoes. TPU and EVA eliminate the stiffness long associated with golf kicks, creating out-of-the-box comfort without the need for a prolonged break-in period. The space-age construction makes golf shoes nice and durable, too.
- Comfort enhancement: Memory foam is a wondrous thing. Placed inside golf shoes, it conforms to the foot and cradles it in comfort. If you’ve ever slept on a memory-foam pillow or bed, you’ll want a pair of golf shoes with the same stuff inside.
About the author:
- Daniel Mitchell
- Golf journalist and sportswriter
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I’ve heard that metal spikes are not allowed on many golf courses, is that true? anyway are they better than plastic spikes?
David80 – Few if any courses allow metal spikes these days. Although a handful of tour pros still use metal spikes, plastic spikes offer equal (or better) traction and are less damaging to the turf.