Frequently Asked Questions About Women's Golf Shoes
Do I need to wear golf shoes when I play?
Golf shoes are not required by all golf courses, however, it is strongly recommended that you wear golf shoes during play. By design, golf shoes are built to help golfers look, feel and play their best—from the first tee to the final putt.
A round of golf places a wide range of demands on your feet, and manufacturers place a high importance on feel when constructing their products. Uppers can feature a leather construction for shape consistency, support and weather protection or a mesh/synthetic construction for range of motion and ventilation during warm weather. Insoles and midsoles are designed to provide underfoot support through the stroke and shock absorption with each step. Wearing proper golf shoes ensures your feet remain comfortable based on the demands you are placing on them during play.
Performance is paramount in golf shoe design, and the golfer's ability to maintain balance and grip is key to performing well on the course. Spiked and spikeless outsoles are engineered to help golfers maintain a solid foundation on terrain commonly found on a golf course. Golfers who wear sneakers may notice slipping or unsure footing on the course, which leads to a loss of balance and lack of shot control.
What is the difference between spikeless and spiked golf shoes?
The difference between spiked and spikeless golf shoes lies purely in the design of the outsole. Spikeless golf shoes feature a series of built-in traction lugs placed in key areas on the outsole in order to provide grip and maximize balance through the stroke. Since the lugs are built into the actual outsole, golfers notice a more grounded feel, similar to the feel of a standard sneaker. This style of golf shoe is ideal for golfers who commonly play in firm/dry conditions and require on/off course versatility.
Spiked golf shoes have outsoles that combine built-in traction lugs with protruding, interchangeable spikes (or cleats). These strategically placed spikes are constructed with a soft plastic material and provide multi-directional traction and stability. Since the spikes protrude from the outsole, golfers may notice a slightly elevated feel. This style of golf shoe is ideal for golfers who play in varying turf conditions and require superior grip on any terrain.
What golf shoes are best for beginners?
Spiked golf shoes are often recommended beginner golfers. One of the most crucial aspects to any golf swing is a solid foundation, and spiked golf shoes provide just that. When golfers have a locked-in, reliable foundation, they are able to focus on improving their swing and developing their game. Slipping and excess shifting of the feet during the stroke often leads to undesired outcomes.
Are there any settings where spikeless golf shoes might be inappropriate, such as a country club?
As the trend of spikeless golf shoes continues to grow, the rules and standards of country clubs and other golf courses have adapted in stride. Styles of spikeless golf shoes range from the traditional to the casual, giving golfers plenty of options to choose from based on preferred style.
How can I help extend the life of my shoes?
Uppers: After each round, first remove the shoelaces and insole (if it is not glued in place). Next, gently wipe the exterior with shoe cleaner or mild soap and water to remove excess dirt and residue. Finally, let the shoe air dry at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.
Outsoles: Remove all of the grass and dirt built up during play. For spiked golf shoes, ensure that all cleats are intact and secure in their receptacles.
General Tips
- Many golfers choose to rotate between a couple pairs of golf shoes from round to round. Not only will switching golf shoes allow you to better coordinate your style, it will extend the life of both pairs due to the decrease in wear.
- Do not store your shoes in high-temperature environments, such as a car trunk or direct sunlight. Excessive temperatures accelerate the breakdown of upper and outsole materials.
- If you get caught in the rain during play, stuff your golf shoes with newspaper for 8–10 hours following the round to allow for the absorption of excess water.
- When storing golf shoes, insert cedar shoe trees to maintain the shape of the shoe and to help remove excess water and odor.
How long does a pair of golf shoes last on average?
The longevity of golf shoes depends on how often you wear them and how well you take care of them between uses. Golfers who often play in wet conditions, store their shoes in the trunk of their car or infrequently clean the uppers and outsoles may only get one season out of their shoes. Golfers who clean their shoes after each round and store them properly after each use may be able to get anywhere from three to four seasons out of their shoes. Similar to other pieces of golf equipment, golf footwear requires routine care to ensure it lives up to its maximum potential during play.
What are some signs that it might be time to get a new pair of golf shoes?
Loss of traction is the most obvious sign that you need to update your golf shoes. If you notice yourself frequently slipping during the stroke or while walking the course, it's likely time to replace the shoes. Comfort is also crucial when it comes to your golf footwear. If the insoles are worn down or the uppers have lost their waterproof/water-resistant qualities, updating your footwear will ensure your feet remain comfortable through the entire round.
Can worn-out golf shoes negatively impact my game?
Yes. Wearing worn-out or beat-up golf shoes can have a number of different negative effects on your game. Golf shoes create the crucial bond between your feet and the ground, so keeping them in the best possible shape is imperative to success on the course. If uppers are not properly cared for, any waterproof or water-resistant properties will diminish over time and lead to soggy feet and discomfort during poor weather. If outsoles are not cared for properly, they will lose traction and cause the wearer to slip while walking the course and during the stroke.
When should I change my golf shoe spikes?
To get the most out of your spiked golf shoes, it is important to always keep an eye on the wear of your cleats. Cleats in certain parts of each shoe wear differently because of the natural motion of your swing and the demands you are putting on the outsoles. Although the cadence for changing cleats depends on a variety of factors, including the number of rounds you play and the conditions in which you play, golfers commonly change out spikes once or twice a season or every 10–15 rounds.
Choose from a variety of golf spikes, including replacement kits, at DICK'S Sporting Goods.
If you find a lower price on women's golf shoes somewhere else, we'll match it with our Best Price Guarantee.
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