Consumer guide listing a few key considerations before buying a pair of golf shoes.
The average American views the sport of golf as something of an elitist undertaking. Rooted in rigid expectations, clubhouse standards, and a variety of esoteric rules, there is a definite image of style, class, and affluence associated with both the hobbyist and the professional. While the sport certainly encourages new players, many average country clubbers come off snide and judgmental. In this respect, one of the most important aspects of a golf shoe is its appearance. The Nikes, Adidas, and Reeboks of the world each offer a line of golf shoes, though one should take comfort in the fact that only the type of sole factors into performance. For this reason, one need not break the bank on a snazzy pair of Tiger Woods loafers. It is important for you, the golfer, to be physically and mentally comfortable with your shoes. From an aesthetic viewpoint, they should not draw excessive attention, though they need not be overly dull.
As for as comfort in a golf shoe is concerned, one should consider how many holes will be played, as well as the specific course's nuances. Are the links particularly hilly? What kind of weather is expected? Have I a sponsorship with or an affinity for a particular brand? These are all relevant questions in choosing a pair of golf shoes. Comfort is obviously a subjective measure, and so it is ultimately important to achieve a good balance of ventilation and arch/ankle support. A good pair of golf shoes should fit relatively snugly while allowing one's feet to breathe.
Now that we have addressed the fashion and personal preference aspects of golf shoes, we are free to delve into more subtle, effective factors. While it is impractical to expect a golfer to own multiple pairs of quality shoes for varying weather conditions, it may be of worth to invest in a pair of golf shoes with interchangeable spikes. These are relatively common and can be found in any pro shop or athletic equipment dealership. Ground moisture is a particularly important consideration in notably humid or rainy climates (i.e. Florida, Seattle, coastal courses). Any golfer realizes the effects of weather and green moisture on ball speed, but few note the effects on their legs and feet, and on subtler statistical categories like greens in regulation or fairway drives.
The spiked sole is the most common type of shoe bottom within the golf community. These spikes are essentially thin cleats, not unlike those used for soccer or football shoes, which effortlessly sink into grounds of variable firmness. The spiked sole can be crucial for anchoring oneself in slick grasses, particularly on drives and long iron shots, all of which involve a degree of body torque; this leads to a natural displacement of the body, and spikes inhibit some unwanted shift. At the same time, considering each step literally plants the golfer, a pair of spiked shoes can add unwanted strain to the lower body, which can be potentially devastating down the stretch. This is particularly important in a competitive setting.
A second common, though newer approach to golf spikes is the dimpled sole. Often called plastic spikes, these soles feature an array of little nubs along the bottom, which anchor the golfer (to a lesser extent) without noticeably affecting his/her stride. The dimpled sole allows for better sustained endurance, easier set, and a generally more comfortable gait.
Like every other aspect of golf, proper shoe selection can be intimidating and time-consuming. While it is not unwise to eventually invest in an expensive, self-assuring pair of spikes, the beginner would be wise to become oriented with a comfortable pair of interchangeable spikes on a number of courses during different conditions. He or she will then easily grasp the relative benefits of metal and plastic spikes, and thus be able to make an educated decision on a more extravagant purchase.
