Out of all the equipment you need for golfing, shoes should be on top of your priority list. In the past, it was easy to choose your favorite pair of shoes since there weren’t many options.
Nowadays, the case is different. You have to pick from many brands and settle on whether you’ll go with spikeless or spiked shoes.
Are spikeless golf shoes good, though? Spikeless golf shoes haven’t been in the game for so long. However, you can see them on many pro golfers on big tours. This is the biggest proof that they’re worth it.
In this article, we’ll talk more about the advantages and disadvantages of spikeless shoes. Let’s jump right into it!
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Does the History of Spikeless Golf Shoes Prove They’re Good?
The idea of golf shoes sparked in the mid-80s when Scottish golfers started hammering nails and sprigs into their shoes. This was supposed to provide them with more traction on the golf course, especially in wet conditions.
As you’ve probably guessed, this idea wasn’t the most practical. The nails would get loose and sink into the golfers’ feet. Imagine how painful that was.
Luckily, in 1891, the famous metal-spiked golf shoes were introduced to the world. While this type of golf shoes provided better traction and more comfort, they caused serious damage to the golf courses.
In 1906, the famous Saddle Oxford golf shoes were born to pave the way for a distinctive golf shoe style. Finally, in the 90s, manufacturers came out with plastic cleats instead of the metal spikes that damaged the greens.
Since then, plastic-spiked golf shoes have been the standard for almost all pros. However, in the 2010 Master’s, Fred Couples wore spikeless golf shoes, which grabbed many golfers’ attention.
Presently, golf shoe manufacturers are competing to create the best spikeless golf shoes on the market.
What Are the Advantages of Spikeless Golf Shoes?
Now that you know a little about the history of golf shoes, let’s talk more about spikeless shoes.
Usually, when a product is getting recognition from lots of users, it means that it works and provides benefits. Since many golfers are transitioning into spikeless shoes, it’s proof that they have their advantages.
Here are the common benefits of spikeless golf shoes:
Versatility
The biggest advantage that spikeless golf shoes have over spiked ones is their versatility. You can put on your spikeless shoes when you’re at home before driving to the course and playing a round.
You can then run your errands or meet your friends all without having to change into another pair of shoes.
Can you do that with spiked golf shoes? No, you can’t.
You have to carry a shoe bag to put them in it and change the shoes before entering the course. Then, you need to change into another pair of shoes to go on with the rest of your day.
Some golfers like the idea of having specific spiked shoes for their golf games. However, if you prefer the versatility of the spikeless ones, then we highly recommend going with them.
Comfort
Spikeless shoes have an advantage when it comes to comfort. Even though manufacturers are doing their best to make spiked golf shoes as comfortable as they can, spikeless shoes are still the best.
This goes back to the fact that spikeless shoes are lighter than spiked ones. That’s mainly because they don’t have those spikes or plastic cleats at the bottom.
Unlike spiked golf shoes, spikeless ones don’t interfere with your balance. Besides all that, spikeless shoes tend to be more comfortable as they put less pressure on your feet.
Style
Some golfers have fashion and style on the list of their priorities for golf shoes. Lucky them, spikeless golf shoes provide them with plenty of stylish options.
You can’t find the diversity of style options in spiked golf shoes as with spikeless ones.
What Are the Disadvantages of Spikeless Golf Shoes?
The only disadvantage of spikeless golf shoes is that they tend to wear out faster than spiked ones. This is not because they’re less in quality.
With spiked golf shoes, you have the luxury to replace the cleats when you feel that they’ve worn off. On the other hand, you don’t have that choice with spikeless shoes.
Manufacturers of spikeless shoes use only high-quality, durable materials for their outsoles. As with all their shoes though, there’s always a point where they’ll wear out.
Once they start losing their traction on the course, you don’t have any other option than to buy a new pair. In addition, if you use your spikeless golf shoes anywhere other than on golf courses, it’ll make them wear off faster.
It’s just how shoes work. The more you walk, the faster your shoe outsoles will wear out.
What About Traction in Spikeless Golf Shoes?
This is the number one thing golfers look for when it comes to golf shoes. This is the reason why Scottish golfers thought of hammering nails into their shoes in the first place.
So, do spikeless shoes offer the same traction as spiked golf shoes?
Spiked golf shoes have the upper hand here. The spikes at the bottom offer extra traction on all types of courses.
This doesn’t mean that spikeless golf shoes don’t offer traction. They do, but not on the same level.
Spikeless shoes have outsoles that are studded or dimpled, which offer great traction on dry and flat golf courses. However, if you’re playing on a hilly or wet course, spikeless shoes aren’t the best option.
This is where you’re better off with spiked golf shoes. They’ll provide you with maximum grip and lock your feet in place.
Wrapping Up
From our guide above, we get that spikeless golf shoes are actually great and might even be better for some golfers. They’re versatile, comfortable, stylish, and offer the right amount of traction.
The biggest proof of this is that many pro golfers are choosing to go with spikeless golf shoes. This includes PGA Tour players, such as Adam Scott, Justin Rose, Louis Oosthuizen, Tyrrell Hatton, and many others.
