Golf footwear has come a long way since the nineteenth century when golfers were hammering nails into the leather soles of their boots.
Since then, the golf footwear market has significantly improved. Today, we have two types of golf footwear: spiked golf shoes and spikeless golf shoes.
Still, given the fact that spiked golf shoes have more benefits, many golfers find themselves asking: can you wear spiked golf shoes without the spikes?
The short answer is that you can wear spiked golf shoes without the spikes. In some cases, removing the spikes from your spiked golf shoes or wearing spikeless golf shoes won’t affect your game. You’ll also be able to wear your golf shoes on any terrain.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the differences between spiked and spikeless golf shoes. We’ll also show you how to remove spikes from your golf shoes, so stick around!
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Can You Wear Spiked Golf Shoes Without the Spikes?
In most cases, you can wear spiked golf shoes without the spikes. You can either remove the spikes or buy spikeless golf shoes.
Just remember that golf shoes with spikes are the best option for a golf course. However, if you intend to wear your golf shoes off the course, a spikeless model is a better choice.
Still, it’s worth noting that the differences between spiked and spikeless shoes are much less than they used to be years ago.
Thanks to the constant updates to golf gear markets and golf brands aspiring to promote new products, we always get better quality and a wide range of different features added to golf shoes.
What Sets Spiked Golf Shoes Apart from Spikeless Golf Shoes?
The outsole of spiked golf shoes is manufactured from soft plastic cleats. Its design and rubber base contribute to golfers’ stability and traction on the course.
That’s why spiked shoes are known to have better grip, which wouldn’t work on concrete.
On the other hand, golf shoes without spikes have flat outsoles with rubber studs attached to them instead of spikes. This design is what allows you to wear spikeless shoes outside of golf courses.
Do Spikeless Shoes Offer Better Comfort and Versatility?
The primary benefit of spikeless golf shoes is that they’re more comfortable, particularly with major brands such as Adidas and Under Armour.
The lack of metal spikes makes the shoes lighter and easier to walk in, unlike spiked shoes, which aren’t as flexible.
Spikeless shoes also provide more comfort for your foot because they don’t add pressure from the spikes.
Do Spikes Offer Better Traction and Durability?
When it comes to golf footwear, traction is always at the top of any golfer’s list.
Golf shoes with spikes provide better traction and stability than spikeless shoes. This is because the spikes provide stability and steadiness, allowing you to stay firmly rooted to the ground throughout the game.
That said, even though spikes provide traction and stability, spikeless shoes still offer decent traction and stability as well. So you can definitely go without spikes and not worry about losing your balance.
Can You Remove or Replace the Spikes From Your Golf Shoes?
You can remove the spikes from your golf shoes. You can’t, however, remove spikes from your golf shoes if they’re permanently fixed.
That’s why buying golf shoes with removable spikes is always a good idea because it saves you the trouble and money of having to buy another pair of spikeless golf shoes.
What’s more, if you’re a frequent player, you’ll need to change the spikes regularly because they wear down. So buying a pair with removable spikes saves you the hassle of buying a new pair every time the spikes wear out.
How Can You Remove Spikes From Your Golf Shoes?
It’s preferable to use a golf spike wrench, but if you don’t have one, you can use a pair of pliers. Just keep in mind that pliers aren’t the best option and can damage your shoes.
First of all, clean up the spikes using a brush to remove any residue or mud. Then:
If you have a golf spike wrench:
- Hold the spike firmly with the wrench.
- Apply pressure and rotate the wrench to loosen the spike.
- When the spike is loose enough, unscrew it with your hands.
- Repeat until you remove all the spikes.
- Firmly screw in the new spikes. And you’re all set!
If you don’t have a golf spike wrench:
- In this case, since you don’t have a golf spike wrench, you can use pliers.
- Insert the pliers’ tips into both sides of the spike.
- Apply pressure while firmly holding the spike and rotate the pliers.
- Keep rotating the spike until it’s loosened up.
- Gently remove the spike to avoid ruining your shoes with the pliers.
Removing spikes without a golf spike wrench is time-consuming, and you risk causing damage to your shoes. Therefore, we don’t advise it.
Are Golf Shoes Suitable for Everyday Wear?
You can wear your golf shoes every day if you like, although spiked shoes aren’t recommended.
Spiked golf shoes aren’t designed to be worn on concrete and pavement. You can wear them on hard surfaces, but they’ll become uncomfortable after a while. As a result, they should only be worn on a golf course.
If you want a pair of shoes that would also be fit for casual wear, then spikeless shoes are your best option.
Spikeless golf shoes also have the advantage of being stylish while also providing functionality and comfort.
Wrapping Up
Now, you know enough to decide which shoes you prefer, and you know the answer to the question: can you wear spiked golf shoes without the spikes?
You can definitely wear spiked golf shoes without the spikes. Still, if you’re looking for a pair to only use on the course, spiked golf shoes would be a better fit.
However, if you’re looking for a pair to wear on and off the course, spikeless golf shoes are your pick.
Ultimately, our recommendation is to buy spikeless golf shoes or golf shoes with removable spikes.
