A few decades ago, golf footwear used to be rigid and uncomfortable to wear. However, over the years, manufacturers have significantly improved its design, making it one of the top essentials for beginner golfers and pros. These shoes are specifically crafted to give you comfort and stabilise you during your golf swing. So, lace up, and let’s explore these accessories that can level up our game!
Are Golf Shoes Necessary?
You can learn a lot of things about this sport if you watch professional golfers do their thing. And that doesn’t only refer to the mechanics, but to the gear and accessories you should be using as well. For example, if you look at Scottie Scheffler, the number one player in the world currently, you’d think that his footwork is quite sloppy. However, a good swing takes a lot of power and clever manoeuvring, and the sloppy appearance is merely a result of his shoes trying to stabilise him.
On the downswing, you can see that Scheffler skilfully shifts his body weight from the trail foot to the lead foot. More precisely, Scheffler uses such force that his trail foot almost lifts off the ground as he deftly transfers his weight from the forefoot to the lead foot’s heel. While he does this, his other foot slides and occasionally sways a bit since it happens so quickly; this usually occurs after he’s moved his weight forward and whacked the golf ball.
I firmly believe that without the dedication of his men’s golf shoes to keep him stable and grounded, even the top player in the world, with all his natural talent and skill, could never swing as he does. What I’m trying to say is – while no one thinks that you should have Scottie’s precise footwork, you and everyone else who enjoys this sport still need support and traction. Your feet greatly influence your body’s capacity to produce torque and leverage. A golf swing that lacks stability becomes extremely challenging to pull off.
Lateral Support
There are many differences between golfing and running sneakers. One of these differences refers to the support they provide for your feet. Most running sneakers are designed to provide support from toe to heel rather than laterally. This is why you should buy men’s golf shoes with wide soles that can help you keep your balance while you swing. They also have a lower toe drop as opposed to running sneakers. In other words, the latter sits lower on the ground, and it has the heel significantly higher than the toe to encourage a faster forward step.
Traction
Most running and trail sneakers have decent traction but keep in mind that this type of traction is meant for walking on terrains like concrete, sidewalk paths, dirt, or sawdust trails. The traction patterns on this footwear aren’t meant to secure your foot into the ground to endure lateral pressure while you swing and stand. Men’s golf shoes have a specific grip, whether it comes from integrated sole patterns or detachable spikes, that’s specifically engineered to keep your foot firmly planted on the ground for the longest amount of time – it doesn’t only hold it there while you sprint or walk.
Flex
When you buy men’s golf shoes, you get footwear that’s typically firmer than other types of athletic footwear. This is beneficial, as they provide additional flexibility where it’s needed. They let you create torque and produce a more effective golf swing. For instance, some shoemakers divide the shoe’s front and rearfoot sections to use strong arch support, filling the space between them. This part occasionally doesn’t even touch the ground. This feature increases torsion and facilitates a smoother transition of your body weight during the downswing, which is how Tour players swing.
Keep Your Feet Dry
Ever found yourself trudging through damp grass or encountering a sudden downpour during a round of golf? Many golfers are familiar with this scenario, which is why regular shoes just don’t cut it. Golf courses, with their early morning dew and unpredictable weather, can turn your game into a soggy adventure. For many men golf shoes are a must, as most of them are equipped with waterproof technology. This way you can stride confidently through wet fairways, your feet blissfully dry while your buddy squishes uncomfortably in their soaked sneakers. It’s a small victory, but in the world of golf, these little advantages can be the game-changers.
Types of Golf Shoes
-Cleated or spiked: When you picture classic golf shoes for men, you probably think of shoes with traditional spikes. These have black and white wingtips, tassels, and leather construction. The traditional design provides breathability and plenty of grip, while the leather makes them water-resistant;
-Spikeless: The designs without spikes offer a contemporary take on the vintage golf footwear. They’re more versatile and have a more sneaker-like appearance. They’re comfy and lightweight, so you can wear them off the course as well;
-Boots: This type of golf footwear is ideal for colder temperatures. They have a design that’s like hiking boots, provide excellent grip, and keep you warm. To enhance their water resistance, certain boot types come with gaiters on the bottom;
-Sandals: Golf sandals are breathable and best suited for warmer areas. One drawback of these shoes is that they don’t withstand rainy weather and offer less ankle support.
Australian Flow 