I don't own golf shoes...

[Orange]

...do I really need them? I think I would rather spend my money on clubs or green fees.

[ks8829]

I would do what you are considering and put the money into clubs. you can play with tennis shoes and sometimes this will prevent you from over swinging because you will lose your balance.

[CG031]

I would do what you are considering and put the money into clubs. you can play with tennis shoes and sometimes this will prevent you from over swinging because you will lose your balance.

I agree. Shoes can come later, or you can buy a cheap pair for now for like 40 dollars...you don't need to go with anything real pricey.

[kris]

golf shoes make my feet hurt and the places I play don't require them so I obviously don't have any either. I don't think it's a big deal if you don't have any.

[Ed_Bighead]

I agree. Shoes can come later, or you can buy a cheap pair for now for like 40 dollars...you don't need to go with anything real pricey.

Picked up my GreenJoys for $40 shipped. Great shoes. But yeah, you can wait to get them.

[MI Rob]

I have played many times without mine. But I do wear them a lot. But I personally dont believe you need them and tennis shoes will be fine. Use your money on green fees and clubs and lessons.
Just my 2cents.

[Orange]

That's what I thought, just makin' sure. ;) Thanks for the replies.

[Zeph]

golf shoes make my feet hurt and the places I play don't require them so I obviously don't have any either. I don't think it's a big deal if you don't have any.

If they make you hurt, the shoes doesn't fit you. They are no not that different from an ordinary pair of shoes. Why are they not required on the places you play? Don't they have grass?

Golf will always be about where to put your money. From the first time I tried my golf shoes, I was sold. I'll never play without them again. Regular shoes does work, but doesn't give the stability I get from golf shoes. You can look for a sale and pick up a cheap pair.

[prutkows]

I play in these and have no problems.

[zeg]

If they make you hurt, the shoes doesn't fit you. They are no not that different from an ordinary pair of shoes.

A lot of the golf shoes I've tried on fit/feel a lot different from ordinary shoes. The soles seemed to be a lot stiffer and that really was uncomfortable to me. I managed to find a pair that felt all right, but I went through a lot of shoes that just felt awful. It wasn't an issue of wrong size; maybe they didn't fit in the sense that the design was incompatible with my feet.. but I've not had that experience with ordinary shoes.

Why are they not required on the places you play? Don't they have grass?

I don't understand this.

Golf will always be about where to put your money.

This is true. If money is at all tight, I'd put it toward the things you must have to golf. That's clubs and course time. Shoes are nice, but certainly not musts.

[TakeDeadAim]

Interesting post.

I own three pairs of golf shoes. I forgot all of them one day and shot my best round to date (72) using my tennis shoes.

Unless the grass is wet, which will cause you to slip, I believe using tennis shoes will help you smooth out your tempo for fear of losing your ground.

[alf174]

Your courses must be very flat. Going against the grain here, I say shoes first. MY 22yo son started to golf again recently and that was the first thing I bought him. I put together a bag of misc. clubs for him to use ( he doesn't get out very often while away at college) but the shoes were important to avoid an injury.

[Cussin hacker]

I wear a pair of Merrell's with a good ground grabbing sole. Never have liked the feel of golf shoes.

[right handed phil mickelson]

I STILL GOT MY NIKE BOOTS.

Nike makes great shoes. Very comfortable. Plus, there's now adjustable cletes, to change the feel of the golf shoe to one of a regular shoe if need be. It makes a big difference. I suggest you go ahead and try them out. You'll be surprised.

[shortstop20]

I don't know how I played without them now that I have golf shoes. If I wasn't wearing them I'd feel like I was taking a club out of my bag or something.

[Aetsh]

I got the cheapest Nike's I could find at a factory outlet store ($40)

I wear them every round, and they are the most comfortable shoes I own!..It is by no means necessary, but they are nice to have..I like having them so I don't have to get my normal shoes grassy/muddy.

[imtomtomim]

I spent 10 bucks on my first pair on ebay, only worn once, and it was including the 7 bucks shipping btw. They do make a difference to give you a little more control when your swing gets away from you but I'd say it's not a necessity to the game like a club or ball is. If you'd like some, just get some cheapies that are comfy.

[ArrrrJay]

The main benefit of golf shoes is keeping your feet stable while you swing. If you're on a slope, or the grass is wet, you can see the right foot slip out from under someone as they swing hard without golf shoes.

I do have a friend who enjoys playing in old sandals or barefoot... He's got a very smooth swing though.