Golf shoes – spikes or no spikes?

Over the decades, the trend in golf shoes has changed from spiked to cleated to spikeless as players’ and designers’ understanding of the game advances. But recently we’ve seen an increase in the number of people returning to spikes, which begs the question – spikes or no spikes?

What’s the difference?
Spiked shoes have spikes or cleats on the sole that grip the ground. They’re designed that way to prevent your feet from slipping as you swing. Spikeless shoes, on the other hand, have engrained patterns in the place of spikes, often with small studs to help create grip.

Which are more comfortable?
Because spikeless shoes are designed more like normal shoes, they are generally lighter and more comfortable. They also have the added bonus of working off the green just as much as on the green – meaning you can switch from the course to the bar with ease.

Spiked shoes have become increasingly comfortable thanks to advances in spike design, and boost technology in many shoes helps to alleviate the discomfort that can be caused by spikes. Changes to the material of the shoe have resulted in lighter-weight shoes, too.
  

Can you wear them on any course?
Spiked shoes are designed to perform in a wide range of conditions, including soft and wet conditions. Likewise, they’re best for hilly courses that involve a lot of climbing, as well as anything that requires a more vigorous playing style.

However, spikeless and cleated shoes have come a long way, and technology has created a more stable shoe design that has better grip. Cleated and spikeless shoes are generally suited to dryer, flatter conditions.

I’m just starting out in golf. What should I buy?
Ultimately, what you choose to wear depends on personal preference and budget. Unless you’re planning to traverse the most difficult courses and the hardest terrain, you probably don’t need to invest in spiked golf shoes – most cleated or spikeless models now are high-tech enough to cope with normal weather conditions.

However, if you’re in it for the long run and likely to be playing in poor weather – think muddy greens and slippery hills – then at least consider investing in a spiked model.