Do you wear golf shoes? Are they really needed?

[Sante TwoGloves]

I got some custom made foot inserts this year (easy way to increase your distance and lower your score btw ) but they didnt  fit well in my golf shoe. I started playing in these Brooks tennis shoes because the orthotics DO fit well in them and I have to say I love it. havent slipped or felt like i needed more.  from my car to the course or range in less time. dont have to change shoes and all that business.  life is good without golf shoes. how about you?

[krupa]

I started playing with just running shoes.  One day, at a wet tee box I slipped while swinging my driver.  I didn't do anything crippling or long lasting, but did feel a sharp stab.  I have chronic back problems so I took that as a warning that I needed something better than running shoes and bought footjoys that weren't much joy to my fee.  This year, I got a pair of Nike Explorer golf shoes and find them to be very comfortable.  Golfsmith labels them as "spikeless" but they have tiny rubber spikes in them.  I usually put them on at home and drive to the course in them.  The spikes don't interfere with a manual transmission car.

[DaveP043]

I always wear golf shoes when I'm swinging a club.  I was raised back in the day of steel spikes.  I've had a couple of pair of "spikeless" shoes, but I was a little disappointed in having the nubs on the sole wear out before the uppers were worn much, so I'm back to buying shoes with replaceable (non-metal) spikes.  At my home club, we have a significant number of pretty steep slopes, and I'd hate to walk up or down these on a dewy morning, let alone try to swing, without having my feet fairly firmly attached to the ground.

[BubblesUSMC]

I think "spikeless" is a marketing strategy, cant replace the spikes mean more shoe sales... I've got foot joys that are 7 years old in amazing shape. (doesnt take a ton of work to keep your equipment nice)

But a beginner golfer, no I dont think they need shoes.

Regular golfer yes I recommend shoes but you need to actually talk to someone who can measure feet. understand the different structures of each manufacture to get you into something that will fit well.  I've seen a wet surface, and slip during a swing actually end up in a severely injured ankle... obviously that's probably a rare occurrence but still a possibility

Avid golfer - MULTIPLE pairs of shoes, because a good shoe needs a rest for every day play so you need to alternate...plus I dont take my new ICONs out on a yuk day... i take the older pairs out.

[David in FL]

I wear them. Absolutely necessary for me. While you can certainly play and have fun without golf shoes, I think that even beginners, less skilled players, and the rest of us with poorly balanced swings benefit from the stability and traction that golf shoes provide.

[Yukari]

I like to play early in the morning to avoid slow play. That means golf shoes is a must to avoid slipping on wet grass during swing.

[Yukari]

Hey! Who changed my avatar to red team? I predicted blue to win.

[Natural Patrick]

I like to play early in the morning to avoid slow play. That means golf shoes is a must to avoid slipping on wet grass during swing.

X2

[Fourputt]

I haven't owned golf shoes for more than 10 years, and I don't plan on ever buying any again.  First of all, I never found a pair that was as comfortable as the shoes I've worn for hiking and backpacking, so I decided to just go with what I prefer.  I wear Merrill Moab Ventilators for golf now, and my feet have never been happier.

[DrvFrShow]

I wear Puma spikeless with custom orthotic inserts. Some of the courses I play are "spikeless" courses.

[Missouri Swede]

Some of the courses I play are "spikeless" courses.

I hate it when they install spikes at my golf course.   Golf is hard enough as it is with bunkers and water hazards!

Yes, I know what you mean-- couldn't resist, though. Great visual image.

[jcjim]

I grew up when steel spikes were the golf shoe...Jerks created a lot of damage on the greens with them...Plastic replaced them and were better...I haven't played in golf shoes for many years...I ware running shoes...The only problem with them is when it is wet... once your feet get wet they stay wet....I am looking for a good pair of spikeless that are waterproof and don't cost $125..

[David in FL]

Some of the courses I play are "spikeless" courses.

Really? I've never heard of a "spikeless" course. That would really tick me off to show up with normal soft spikes and not be allowed to play!

[Natural Patrick]

I wear Puma spikeless with custom orthotic inserts. Some of the courses I play are "spikeless" courses.

Really? I've never heard of a "spikeless" course.

That would really tick me off to show up with normal soft spikes and not be allowed to play!

Never heard of "spikeless"  courses in my area either. What is wrong with a soft spike?

[Judah Ben-Hur]

Really? I've never heard of a "spikeless" course.

That would really tick me off to show up with normal soft spikes and not be allowed to play!

Never heard of "spikeless"  courses in my area either. What is wrong with a soft spike?

My course has it listed as a spikeless facility.

I suppose you guys don't have any metal woods in your bag either.

[DrvFrShow]

After seeing the great condition of the putting greens, I wouldn't want any spikes on them either. I can understand the philosophy.

[David in FL]

My course has it listed as a spikeless facility. I suppose you guys don't have any metal woods in your bag either.

So you can't play in normal soft spikes? Nope, I've never seen that.

[dkolo]

I used to wonder why the outside edge of my sneakers was wearing out. I spun out with my front foot and it was destroying the unreinforced foam. Golf shoes are designed to be stronger in places where they tend to take a lot of abuse. They also tend to have wider support in the forefoot to accommodate the spinny nature of the golf swing and what it does to your feet. I would roll over the sides of my sneakers because they're designed for different torques / stresses.