How important are golf shoes? I know it is not really a necessity like spikes are for baseball or high-tops for basketball. But for a beginner, when do you need them? I ask because the few times I went to work sponsored golf events almost everyone had them even people who said they never play. At the driving range most people seemed to have them there also. I found a deal on some Nike ones that are half off but was hesitant to buy them because I wondered how much I really needed them. Golf gurus, what do you all think?
They're a must-have. The thing is... In your golf swing, balance and weight distribution are crucial. Normal shoes will slip on the short, soft grass of a golf course or driving range (especially if the grass is wet, such as when it has been watered, has been rained on, or has morning dew). Without golf shoes, you'll find that when you swing back and then swing forward your feet will slip around underneath you a little bit, and when this happens your golf swing will feel terrible. And since, in one round of golf, you'll be giving a full club swing at least 50 times (probably more like 80-90 for most golfers), any slipping that may occur will be costly to your golf game.
Golf shoes are a must if you are going to go out and play. Stay away from the metal spikes and use shoes that have plastic ones. Lots of golf courses have taken to banning metal spikes.
I've owned several pairs of golf shoes over the years. I didn't really like the way the Nikes held up. I'd go for Foot-joy. You can usually get heavily discounted but decent golf shoes at DSW.
You HAVE to have golf shoes. FJ is a good choice on the cheap, but I prefer Nike or Calloway myself - more comfortable and last longer.
I have owned a pair of Footjoys for 10 years. I've been very pleased with 'em. (But, after 10 years, it's time for me to buy a new pair).
I liek the Nike's becuase they look like a running shoe with a golf twist rather than a traditional golf shoe.
BigSherv, i have those nike's in black. i like them a lot. they run very narrow, which is good for me, you have to try them on. i walk and carry all 18 holes, it is essential that i have good shoes. this is as important as the rest of your equipment.
I play in tenny's sometimes when it dry but for damp grass, and most courses water every night, you will slip out. Shifting your weight, loading up on the inside of your left knee and then rotating the weight over to your right leg with your hips (like Elvis) is a very critical move. It gives you power and keeps you from coming over the top (outside to inside swing plane) You are pulling your back muscles with your leg muscles (then to the two middle fingers on your left hand). So yes you probably need golf shoes. I remember as sign in the pro shop at the country club where I used to work that said SCCC will be a spikless facility starting in 1999....so i don't think anyone actually sells metal spikes anymore. My favorite story about that era was that we were haveing the Dave Williams Memorial tournament to raise money for the U of H golf team and several former U of H players were playing with teams that bought them in an acution. Steve Elkington was playing and he comes grrrp grrp grrp (metal spkies on concrete) walking up to the shop. I said (kidding) "sorry Steve, this is a spikeless course" He said, I always play in spkies, I get the biggest one's they make, in fact I have to get them at the Army Navy Store. Some people have a lot of golf shoes and rotate them for long wear. I just buy one pair and wear the crap out of them for 6 months and throw them away. If you hit a lot of range balls they get really beat up. I have been buying $99 Footjoy Contours but lately I have had the entire spike socket come out on them so I think I am going to go up a notch and get reinforced soles this week. The Contours with the soft soles are more comfortable to walk in but I can't find anybody that will walk 18 holes with me anymore. Oh yeah, I get the athletic shoe type because they look better with shorts. Big ol clodhopper shoes with shorts is funny. (peds only too, No tube socks!)
Anyone try Austin brand at Academy? My friend wanted to buy the cheapest golf shoes there. I don't need golf shoes, but there were some sweet black Nike's that looked like dress shoes with spikes. Metal spikes IIRC.
Hey man do you wear these with shorts ever? I am leaning towards these in white becuase you can wear them with shorts. I found them at golfsmith in all balck a little cheaper than 89.
Black golf shoes are for long pants wearing professionals, only! They are like business dress shoes for those guys. You are playing recreationally, so look like it. Get the ones that look like tennis shoes. Really if your gonna play in Houston, you're gonna play in shorts. Black and white, brown and white are OK. I get the kind of kahki and white ones since I where a lot of kahki.
actually, tennis shoes are pretty dorky in general if you are just tooling around. i wear my new balance 991's as a casual shoe sometimes but not often. Sherv, the nike's you posted don't look too good in white if you ask me. the brown and the black have the look of a casual shoe made for golf, they look like what they are. i wear the black shoes with shorts all the time. guess i'm a nerd.
i've kinda wondered the same thing. i shoot around 85-88 on courses that i play often (par 72's) and for new courses usually around 90-95 depending on the "unknown" parts of the course...but yeh, i heard golf shoes can take 5 strokes of the game...so i'm considering buying them for next season.
