Footwear Fundamentals: A Beginner’s Guide To Golf Shoes

beginner golf shoes

So, you’re looking for golf shoes. Feeling overwhelmed by the range of options?

Don’t fret! That’s what we’re here for. We’ve done all the tough groundwork to steer you in the right direction.

We know that stepping onto the golf course in the wrong shoes can significantly impact your game, so let us help you find the perfect pair.

Top Tips For Finding The Perfect Beginner Golf Shoes

Let’s uncomplicate the process. We want to make it easy for you to find the perfect beginner golf shoes.

Here are our key considerations.

Determine Your Budget

You don’t have to break the bank to find the perfect pair. Our rule of thumb is to spend as much as you can afford.

Golf shoes come in a range of price points, but if you’re looking for an inexpensive pair, we recommend shopping during our sales and clearance events. Here you can find past-season pairs at discounted prices.

Prioritise Comfort

Comfort should be your highest priority. We recommend looking for a cushioned, supportive and secure fit that will provide stability on all 18 holes.

We’ll give you a range to try that best suit your needs and check they’re a snug fit with enough room to wiggle your toes.

Choose Between Spikeless Or Spiked

What’s the difference? Spiked shoes have small metal or plastic protrusions on the sole of the shoe that provide extra grip on the ground. Spikeless shoes have a flat sole with rubber or plastic nubs that offer traction.

For the most part, opting for spiked or spikeless comes down to personal preference. In a nutshell, Spikeless shoes tend to be more versatile as you can wear them on and off the course. Spiked shoes offer heightened traction, offering stability in wet conditions and uneven terrain.

We have a mix of spiked and spikeless in our range, so try both styles and get a feel for what you like.

Seek Advice On Sizing And Fit

Sizing varies between brands, so you can’t always rely on your usual shoe size. This is where purchasing online can get a little tricky.

As a beginner golfer, you may be yet to find a brand you love and trust. Our team are always here to lend a helping hand with size and fit. Having owned a fair share of golf shoes in our time, we know exactly what to look out for!

Try Before You Buy

When you come into Golf 360 for golf shoes, we’ll get you to try them out in a few different ways. We’ll ask you to take a good walk around the store, checking the space around your toes and the snugness of the fit. We’ll also have you simulate your golf swing (no judgements here!) and wear similar socks you intend to wear on the course.

If you come in barefoot, no worries! We have a range of socks you can try with your shoes.

So, What’s My Favourite Beginner Golf Shoe Brand?

Footjoy golf shoes

I have a few favourites, but top of the list would have to be FootJoy.

What I love most about FootJoy shoes is their comfort and resistance to wear and tear. I can walk in mine for hours!

Most FootJoy shoes are waterproof and can withstand all terrains and weather conditions without compromising on the performance of the shoes.

Shop FootJoy Golf Shoes

Golf Shoes FAQs

Footjoy Hyperflex golf shoe

Q. Why do I need golf shoes? Can I just wear regular sneakers?

A. Regular sneakers won’t provide the support and traction of a golf shoe. They may also damage the course. Golf shoes are designed to be worn for long periods while adapting to conditions and providing premium comfort.

Q. Do I need waterproof golf shoes?

A. Waterproof shoes are useful but not essential. They can sometimes feel heavier and less breathable than non-waterproof shoes. In the long term, you may want a selection of waterproof and non-waterproof to have a pair for all conditions.

Q. Any tips for keeping golf shoes in good condition?

A. We recommend cleaning your golf shoes with a damp cloth after each use to remove dirt and grass. Replace spikes when they lose their grip.

Store your shoes in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving them in direct sunlight as it may cause cracking. Don’t put your shoes in the hot water cupboard!

Q. Can I wear spikeless golf shoes on all types of courses?

A. You can wear spikeless golf shoes on most types of courses. We recommend checking the course conditions first, as spikeless shoes may not offer enough traction on wet or uneven terrain.

Q. How do I break in new golf shoes?

A. Like all new shoes, new golf shoes can feel a little tight at first. Wear them around the house or on short walks to loosen them up. Leather conditioner may also help to soften the outer layer. Take them for a spin with a thick sock on nine holes before tackling 18-holes.

Q. How often should I replace my golf shoes?

A. It all depends on how often you use them. Most golfers replace their shoes every one to two years when they start to lose their grip and comfort.

A good golf shoe can make all the difference to your comfort on the course.

Still not sure? Pop into Golf 360. One of our team members will make sure you walk out with the perfect pair.

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