Golf shoes have come a long way in the last few decades.
Serious enthusiasts spend as much time researching and finding the right pair as they do on other important gear such as clubs, gloves, and balls.
Men and women have seemingly countless options available from reputable big name brands, and from specialized golf-specific brands.
So how do you choose the right pair? Here's a summary of some of the features every golfer will want to research and review before choosing their next pair of golf shoes.
Spikes vs.
Spikeless - Up until a few years ago, spikes were considered a requirement for nearly any reputable golf shoe.
But when a highly visible player wore a spikeless shoe on the 2010 PGA tour, that perception changed immediately.
Now all the major brands offer various spikeless options that claim to offer lightweight, comfortable wear with gripping performance that is comparable to the traditional spike options.
Spikes themselves were metal and leather before the 1990s, when new plastic spikes began their reign as the preferred style, offering high performance from a lighter weight shoe.
Hard spikes and soft spikes are both replaceable, but most owners dread the task and even prefer to replace the shoe rather than replace the spikes.
Another advantage to spikeless options, according to fans, is the convenience of being able to wear them on and off the course.
Now many in the industry question if spikeless is truly the wave of the future and will completely conquer market sales and professional trends.
Adjustability - Many golf shoes today offer options for customization, even for styles bought directly off the shelf.
Some brands feature extra width technology, enabling players to size each shoe to fit the foot perfectly.
Customization options, such as a waterproof upper vs.
a breathable mesh upper mean buyers are able to get some of the same features they'd choose in a custom-created pair of shoes.
Cushioning - The level of cushioning in today's golf shoes range from nearly non-existent to full-blown padded comfort.
Although many options provide moderate comfort and solid performance, more sophisticated players will want to consider their golfing needs in order to strike the right balance.
The occasional player may value comfort above all else, while the golfing devotee may be more than willing to sacrifice a little foot and back pain if it means a better shoe - and hopefully a better score.
Style - Golf may be the world's most fashionable sport, and everyone from amateurs to pros like to look good out on the course.
Shoe options run the gamut from outrageously bold and bright to vintage-inspired to simple and straightforward.
Choosing a style that matches your personal style is a fun way to carry on the age-old tradition of unique golf fashion.
Serious enthusiasts spend as much time researching and finding the right pair as they do on other important gear such as clubs, gloves, and balls.
Men and women have seemingly countless options available from reputable big name brands, and from specialized golf-specific brands.
So how do you choose the right pair? Here's a summary of some of the features every golfer will want to research and review before choosing their next pair of golf shoes.
Spikes vs.
Spikeless - Up until a few years ago, spikes were considered a requirement for nearly any reputable golf shoe.
But when a highly visible player wore a spikeless shoe on the 2010 PGA tour, that perception changed immediately.
Now all the major brands offer various spikeless options that claim to offer lightweight, comfortable wear with gripping performance that is comparable to the traditional spike options.
Spikes themselves were metal and leather before the 1990s, when new plastic spikes began their reign as the preferred style, offering high performance from a lighter weight shoe.
Hard spikes and soft spikes are both replaceable, but most owners dread the task and even prefer to replace the shoe rather than replace the spikes.
Another advantage to spikeless options, according to fans, is the convenience of being able to wear them on and off the course.
Now many in the industry question if spikeless is truly the wave of the future and will completely conquer market sales and professional trends.
Adjustability - Many golf shoes today offer options for customization, even for styles bought directly off the shelf.
Some brands feature extra width technology, enabling players to size each shoe to fit the foot perfectly.
Customization options, such as a waterproof upper vs.
a breathable mesh upper mean buyers are able to get some of the same features they'd choose in a custom-created pair of shoes.
Cushioning - The level of cushioning in today's golf shoes range from nearly non-existent to full-blown padded comfort.
Although many options provide moderate comfort and solid performance, more sophisticated players will want to consider their golfing needs in order to strike the right balance.
The occasional player may value comfort above all else, while the golfing devotee may be more than willing to sacrifice a little foot and back pain if it means a better shoe - and hopefully a better score.
Style - Golf may be the world's most fashionable sport, and everyone from amateurs to pros like to look good out on the course.
Shoe options run the gamut from outrageously bold and bright to vintage-inspired to simple and straightforward.
Choosing a style that matches your personal style is a fun way to carry on the age-old tradition of unique golf fashion.
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