How necessary are proper golf shoes?

[Jaymancds]

In my opinion soft spikes are the best at all times.  The courses I play are very hilly and heavily watered.  They are almost always wet.  I slip alot in just plain tennis shoes.  I have one less thing to worry about with my shoes on.

[Jmdmbike]

I think golf shoes help - especially when the conditions aren't totally perfect. So when it's wet, uneven lies, bunkers, etc. I think this has all basically been said. Even when conditions are good - dry, even lies, etc. I think they help just keeping you more stable. Lots of golf shoes look like running shoes/sneakers these days so basically best of both worlds. 

[Tomboys]

IMO, proper golf shoes are a necessity.  However, what is deemed "proper" varies greatly.  Suffice to say, if you're happy with what you're using, then that's all that matters.

For me, I prefer stability over all else, so I wear FJ Icons.  Sure, they can be a tad bit on the rigid side, but I have a tendency to hit shots into places that aren't on the course map, so it helps to have shoes that perform like military boots.

[trombettista_vecchio]

It's been many years since local courses have ALLOWED proper (steel spiked) golf shoes.

If you grew up with the soft spikes or nubbies, that's one thing.  Those of us who wore proper spikes for decades will probably never be satisfied with what we're allowed to wear now.  I won't for sure.

[Natural Patrick]

11 hours ago, trombettista_vecchio said:

It's been many years since local courses have ALLOWED proper (steel spiked) golf shoes.

If you grew up with the soft spikes or nubbies, that's one thing.  Those of us who wore proper spikes for decades will probably never be satisfied with what we're allowed to wear now.  I won't for sure.

Count me in for one who misses the steel spikes. The only good thing that came out of it for me was. I now don't swing like I'm coming out of my shoes on certain shots.