I don't own golf shoes...

[alf174]

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.

Exactly. If your feet slip at all, its a power leak.

[whetstone]

I own a pair, but rarely wear them. Normally my tennis shoes are just fine. I only put on the golf shoes if it's going to be wet, I hate having wet feet.

[DriverTees]

I actually think they will help your game more than that half a club you could buy instead. Honestly, try playing out of the rough with tennis shoes.

[David in FL]

Do you have to have golf shoes to play the game? Heck no. But there's a reason the 99.99% of the golfers out there do.

[GaijinGolfer]

Golf shoes do help you to maintain traction during your golfswing, but unless you are playing in wet conditions you will be fine with tennis shoes.

[BASHERBAKER69]

...it can be a bit tricky when it gets wet on hilly or undulating courses, not to mention dangerous.

[deronsizemore]

I can't imagine playing golf in anything but golf shoes. I like to wear my golf shoes even when I go to practice. Just like to keep the same feeling in my feet as I'm chipping, putting, etc. Some shoes have thicker soles which feels a lot different than my golf shoes.

[schigara]

I finally bought some golf shoes after playing 4 years without them. I was at a very hilly course and was walking back down a very steep hill in the rain and slipped, fell half way down the hill. I got up, slipped again and fell the rest of the way down the hill.

If they are good for anything, they will help prevent falling down hills!

[SpringBokVol]

Shoes are a must for me.

[iWALK18]

I am shocked that so many people don't consider golf shoes essential. I absolutely consider golf shoes as "must have" items even for casual golfers.

You can get a nice pair of shoes for about 45=50 bux, either on ebay or rockbottom golf... its not that much of an investment.

[ScottRempel]

Played without them when I was young, but can't imagine doing it now. Traction, stability, dry feet, comfort...just some of the reasons I wear them. I have a pair of Footjoy GF:IIs and Reelfits and love them both.

[Dave H]

I couldn't imagine not having my golf shoes when I play. I "graduated" from a cheap pair of shoes found at a bargain store to a pair of FootJoy Superlites and I love my shoes. Another benefit of golf shoes that I've noticed is that they're much more waterproof than your average tennis shoe. My feet always stay dry even on the wettest days.

[zeg]

Weird. I like my golf shoes, but honestly I don't notice that much difference from when I just used my everyday tennis shoes.