The difference between spiked and spikeless shoes has become less noticeable and many brands now offer the same models in both spiked and spikeless styles.

The primary reason golfers opt for spiked shoes is for extra stability in wetter conditions, with most modern spiked golf shoes using a softer, plastic material over metal spikes since most golf courses have outlawed them. Nevertheless, unless you regularly play in wet weather, most spikeless models offer excellent grip and stability due to brands investing heavily in their technology to produce hybrid shoes that offer the best of both worlds.

Another consideration is the durability, with spiked shoes generally being more durable due to the spikes being replaceable once they’ve worn down. On the other hand, spikeless shoes will inevitably wear down the more you wear them and you don’t have the luxury of replacing the spikes to regain traction on the course.

Where spikeless shoes shine compared to spiked models is for their versatility. You can wear them to drive to the course, walk to the green, and to the clubhouse after your game, whereas with spiked shoes you will have to change them once you get on the course.

All in all, it comes down to personal preference whether you choose spiked or spikeless golf shoes. However, you should consider the weather conditions where you play, whether you want extra versatility, the level of durability, and the styles you prefer.

Whether you’re playing 9 or 18 holes, you’re going to be on your feet and doing a considerable amount of walking, therefore comfort is an important consideration when choosing a pair of golf shoes. When choosing spikeless golf shoes, consider factors such as flexibility, comfort, and the material of the soles, uppers, and lining.

How much you’re willing to spend will ultimately determine whether your golf shoes feature the latest technologies, how long they’ll last, and how comfortable they’ll be. At American Golf we cater to all budgets, with a huge range of moderately priced golf shoes that provide everything you’re looking for without breaking the bank. You can also spread the cost using Klarna by choosing to pay in 3 installments or pay up to 30 days after shipping, with no interest or fees.

Everybody wants to look their best out on the course, therefore style is important when choosing a new pair of golf shoes. If you’re looking for elegance, then you may want to opt for a classic pair of golf shoes. On the other hand, if you’re sporting a more athletic look then you will probably want to choose a more casual style.

While you technically can wear trainers on a golf course (depending on your club’s dresscode), golf shoes are the much better choice and should feel far more comfortable to play in. Golf shoes have better grip and traction on the course, giving you steady footing for both precision putts and powerful drives. When you hit a golf ball for maximum distance, you naturally twist your hips and your feet. In wetter conditions, or simply when on grass, trainers will not have the same foundational grip that your golf shoes will. The turning force (or torque) this foundation provides can help send the ball farther and faster, therefore making a real difference to your game.

This can come down to personal preference for many golfers, but there are leading brands in the sport that provide incredibly high-quality and reputable shoes. Under Armour, FootJoy, Nike, adidas, and ECCO are all firm favourites with golfers both starting out and with the professionals, but we also offer a huge range outside of these brands.

Again, this can come down to how much a golfer would like to spend on their shoes. For beginners or recreational golfers, there are plenty of options within the £70-90 range that are reliable, high-quality, and stylish. For more advanced or regular golfers or those who prefer a particular aesthetic (like the Nike AirMax golf shoes, for example), you can expect to see high-spec golf shoes around £100-£180 depending on the brand, and sometimes £180+. For those wanting to invest in the sport and their shoes’ longevity, these are a good option, but you can still find reputable brands like Puma in both price ranges.

On average, it’s recommended you replace your golf shoes every 2 years or so. This is around the time that their grips may start to be worn down, affecting traction and grip, the fabric or leather may be marked or discoloured, or waterproof golf shoes start to lose their resistance to the weather. Naturally, they don’t need replacing as regularly as other shoes and sometimes it may come down to the player wanting a newer or cleaner looking pair over performance reasons, but there are also performance benefits.

Yes, you may need to ‘break in’ a new pair of golf shoes as the fabric will be entirely fresh and not moulded to your feet. For this, we’d recommend short rounds of golf to limit the risk of blisters or rubbing so that you can slowly soften them up. Consider bringing a back-up pair of your older ones for longer rounds, stock up on some plasters or anti-chafing balm for pressure points, and pay close attention to how tightly they’re laced. Like any new pair of shoes when they’re fresh out of the box, they haven’t been moulded to your feet or even worn properly, so it’s always best to take a little bit of time to break them in.

Yes, you should clean your golf shoes after every round even if they aren’t particularly grubby. On dry or clear days, this can be as simple as cleaning the grips or spikes on the soles. For wet days or less than ideal course conditions, you should definitely be using golf shoe cleaner and even protection spray before stepping out. In whichever case, this will help protect the longevity of your shoes.