The first decision you have to make when buying golf shoes is what type of shoe you prefer? This article will guide you on how to choose the right golf shoes.

In our articles discussing golf shoes, we have detailed reviews of the best golf shoes for walking, ECCO golf shoes, and Skechers golf shoes. We have also discussed how to soften new golf shoes, and a round-up of golf shoe tips.

Athletic or walking are the most popular types, but only two other choices are stability and spikes.

Stability shoes are designed for people who suffer from foot, ankle, and knee pain when walking. They provide more support on the shoe’s inside rim, which allows your feet to spread out more as you walk.

Spikes give traction and help keep your feet safe on slick surfaces such as water hazards and rough sand traps.

Spikes are not the only way to get traction on a golf course, but they are the best choice for more than 90% of golfers. Golf shoes with spikes give traction on any surface. Although you can choose an athletic style shoe with a built-in rubber traction pattern, there is nothing like the feel of spikes that attach to your golf shoes.

All the major shoe manufacturers offer spike systems, and they all provide excellent traction on just about every surface you will play, from grass to golf ball carpet.

Many golf clubs, however, do not allow spiked golf shoes. This is because the spikes will damage the grass or turf on the golf course.

There are two types of spikes that you can choose from carbon or all-metal. All-metal spike systems have a plastic tip that is removed before each round of play to protect you on concrete and fairway surfaces.

Get the right type of golf shoe

This might seem like a no-brainer for those who have been in the know about leather since forever. But for those who have not, here are the three types of golf shoes to choose from:

Synthetic vs Leather Golf Shoes

Here’s how synthetic golf shoes differ from leather ones. Synthetic golf shoes are made from different types of materials, often other than leather.

Synthetic material ranges from a material that feels similar to leather, like the Adidas Men’s Tech Response 4.0 Golf Shoe and Skechers Go Golf Men’s Torque Waterproof Golf Shoe.

We reviewed both of these shoes in our detailed review of the best golf shoes for walking.

Alternatively, synthetic shoes may come from plastic or other artificial materials that do not feel like leather at all.

If you get synthetic golf shoes, be sure only to clean them with water and mild soap so you don’t compromise their quality.

Leather golf shoes are made from pure leather. However, some parts of the shoe may include synthetics and other materials to make for a better shoe. Do not use water or mild soap on leather golf shoes. Instead, care for them with special leather cleaning products.

Some leather golf shoes have a synthetic sole or other parts, and some are entirely made of leather.

All-Weather Golf Shoes

These shoes are made to fit well in any weather, be it wet or dry. These particular types of golf shoes are waterproof, sometimes with breathable synthetic leather linings.

Some examples of all-weather golf shoes for men that might be suitable for those with a more serious game include the Callaway Men’s Solana Sl Golf Shoe. At the same time, there is the New Balance Women’s Minimus WP Waterproof Spikeless Comfort Golf Shoe.

The main difference between all-weather and waterproof golf shoes is the amount of wetness the shoes can handle. All-weather golf shoes can protect you from some wetness but are not completely waterproof.

It would be best if you cleaned these shoes according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. For most all-weather shoes, you can use with water and a mild soap without compromising their waterproofing.

Some all-weather golf shoes might use a breathable lining with synthetic leather, making it ideal for both hot weather and rainy days.

Waterproof golf shoes

These types of golf shoes are waterproof and perfect for those playing in the rain, snow, or on rainy days. Some people even wear them for skiing or other outdoor activities. These types of golf shoes generally have rubber outsoles.

Even if your leather golf shoes are not waterproof, you can still get water-repellent shoe sprays to keep them from soaking up water.

We have previously reviewed the Skechers Men’s Drive 4 Lx Waterproof Golf Shoe as the best waterproof golf shoe for walking.

According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, most waterproof golf shoes are made from leather and should be cared for. It would be best if you used a leather shoe cleaning product to clean them.

Some brands may use a synthetic outer material with a leather liner. You may need to check the shoe tag or contact the manufacturer for cleaning instructions. In most cases, using water and a mild soap would work just perfectly.

Lightweight Golf Shoes

These golf shoes are great for people who do not play too often and prefer to play with a lighter pair of shoes.

They tend to weigh a little bit more than the standard golf shoes. However, they are still considered to be some of the lightest options on the market.

Some examples of lightweight shoes, for men and women, are the FootJoy Men’s Superlites Xp Golf Shoes and FootJoy Women’s Fj Leisure Slip-on Golf Shoes.

Frequently asked questions around how to choose the right golf shoe

Do golf shoes help your game?

A great pair of golf shoes can make a difference in your game. Once you learn the proper way to walk in them, you will see that you can control your shots and that your balance is better.

Additionally, golf shoes provide stability not found when playing barefoot or in traditional athletic shoes. Even when wearing the best waterproof golf shoes, they will still offer both protection from debris on the fairway and a great grip on slippery grass and cement.

Do golf shoes need spikes?

No, they do not. Golf shoes can be used with spikes or without. It’s just a matter of preference.

Some golf shoes come with removable spikes. When you are ready to play, you will need to attach your spikes onto the golf shoe if you prefer. You can remove the spikes when walking on the concrete or at the clubhouse.

Today, many golf clubs do not allow spikes at their facilities, so it’s important to check the golf club’s policy or contact the golf course to ensure that it will be okay for you to wear spikes.

How much money should I spend on golf shoes?

The more durable and comfortable your shoes are, the more they will cost. A good pair of golf shoes can last a few years, even if you play every weekend. Most decent golf shoes cost between $59 and $199.

If you are not sure what type of shoe would fit you best, then consider using Amazon’s prime wardrobe to order your shoes.

Many of the popular golf shoe options are available on Amazon prime wardrobe. You can order your golf shoes and try them before you buy them. Returns are also free in case you don’t like the shoe or it does not fit.

Should you wear golf shoes with or without socks?

The answer to this question depends on your personal preference. While many golfers prefer to wear golf shoes with socks, many still go without socks.

When you wear your golf shoes with socks, you will notice that your feet are more protected from the ground, and there is less chance of blisters or other injuries. When you are playing without socks, the friction in your shoes can cause some injuries. This can also happen if you are wearing thin socks.

Final thoughts on how to choose the right golf shoes

Choosing the right golf shoes can make a huge difference in your game. Not only will your golf shoes protect your feet from injuries, but they will also give you better performance on the course.

If you are new to golf and prefer the appearance and fashion of golf shoes, a good pair of trainers with a non-slip grip can accomplish that without sacrificing performance.

Many newbies who use hiking boots often suffer from back pain or knee pain after a few rounds. This is because their shoes are not designed for walking on the golf course.

If you want to have a full golf experience, it is important to get a pair of golf shoes that provide comfort and support.

Although numerous types and brands of golf shoes are available on the market today, they don’t all offer the same functionality.

When choosing a golf shoe, you need to consider whether you want ones with spikes or ones that can be used without spikes. It would help if you also thought about how much money you are willing to spend on your shoes.

I hope you found this article helpful. If you’d like to learn more about golf shoes, check out our blog and click here.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!

Until next time…