How To Pick Your Perfect Golf Shoe!
Choosing flip-flops can be hard enough, let alone choosing golf shoes. What you think that golf shoes aren’t important? Consider this – the average golfer walks 4-5 miles per hour and is on his feet for 3-5 hours. That’s a lot to ask of your feet. Plus, you’ll be swinging a golf club upwards of 70 mph, and stable footing is crucial for an effective swing. So, here’s the Caveman-approved guide to choosing golf shoes!
Fit
It doesn’t matter how they look if they don’t fit correctly!
1. Always wear the same socks you golf in when trying on new golf shoes
2. Don’t wear socks that are too tight or tend to scrunch up.
3. Before selecting a size, measure both feet. If you get different measurements, then choose the size that fits the larger foot. Don’t forget you can always use an insole to balance up your smaller foot.
4. Check the fit of the shoes by standing on one foot. You should be able to wiggle your toes, and when you stand on tiptoe the shoes should bend where your foot bends.
5. The fit around the middle of the shoe should feel tighter than with ordinary shoes. This is where you get the most support when swinging the club. Don’t over worry about the tightness because all shoes will stretch a little after you have worn them a few times.
6. There should be no more or less than about a half inch of space from your big toe to the end of the golf shoe.
7. It is important to ensure that the shoe and the widest part of your foot are comfortable, without being too loose. Loose-fitting shoes cause your feet to slide when you swing the club, and you lose stability, essential for good golf.
8. If the shoe fits all the above criteria, but is a little loose, then use an insole to make the fit a little tighter.
9. It is no bad thing to get your feet measured professionally for width and length, once a year. This should be done at the end of the day, because your feet will be a little swollen at this time.
Waterproofing
Waterproof shoes are more expensive, but essential if you play in wet and muddy conditions. Leather uppers are the best for providing support and waterproofing. Synthetic leather golf shoes should be avoided if possible because they are not waterproof, and as they won’t allow your feet to breathe, they quickly become smelly!
Spikes Or No Spikes?
Spikes will give you more grip and are a must on hilly courses and for hard swingers. Some say spikeless shoes are more comfortable especially for a short game, but choose based on your swing and environment.
Style
Nowadays, there are three general styles of golf shoes: traditional, athletic, and trendy. Traditional golf shoes are usually made of leather and will have less flexibility overall but will last for a long time with proper care. Athletic golf shoes are made with soles that resemble sneakers and this allows for extended flexibility and range of movement. Trendy golf shoes can have either type of fit and are often inspired by Tour players like Ricky Fowler.
Check out Rock Bottom Golf for the best selection of golf shoes at prices that won’t break your budget!
And don’t forget to take care of those shoes or they won’t last. Steve Ryrie, the Commercial Director in ECCO’s Accessories Division, explains how with FAQ: How to take care of your golf shoes.
Need more help? Watch this video below from Golflink.