Golf Footwear: Spikes, Street Styles and Fit

Spikes, spikeless or street style: how much grip do you need?

Golf shoes with replaceable soft spikes grip best on wet or sloped turf and suit walking the course. Spikeless shoes have molded rubber nubs, offer less grip but are comfortable and can be worn off the course. Street-style golf shoes look like casual shoes and give the least traction, so they suit dry courses and relaxed rounds. The product type field shows which style a listing is.

Check how replaceable spikes attach. Several thread systems exist, including Fast Twist and Q-Lok, and spikes from one system usually do not fit another. Many courses ban metal spikes, so choose soft spikes and keep the matching wrench in the bag. Waterproof uppers help in dew and rain but trade away some ventilation.

Size, width and cushioning: a fit for four hours on your feet

Check the Suitable for field first: men's, women's and youth sizes use different scales, and very small numbers such as 2 to 5 usually mean youth or women's sizing rather than adult men's sizes. Width is usually listed as medium, so if your feet are wide, look for a listing that says wide. Leave room at the toe, since feet swell over a round.

Walking a course can cover several miles, so cushioning, arch support and a stable heel matter more than looks. Sandal-style and orthopedic golf shoes exist, but they trade protection for ventilation. Wear golf socks when trying them on, and break shoes in before a long round to find any rubbing.

Questions about Golf Footwear: Spikes, Street Styles and Fit

Can I wear golf shoes off the course?

Spikeless and street-style golf shoes are made to look like casual shoes and suit everyday wear. Shoes with replaceable soft spikes grip well on turf but are awkward on hard floors, and pavement wears the spikes down.

Are all golf spikes interchangeable?

No. Several thread systems exist, and spikes from one system usually do not fit another. Check which system your shoes use before buying replacements, and use the wrench made for it. Many courses ask for soft spikes.

How should golf shoes fit?

Snug at the heel and midfoot, with room to wiggle your toes. Try them with golf socks, late in the day when feet are largest, and walk around. If the heel slips or your toes touch the end, try another size or width.