Spiked Vs Spikeless Golf Shoes – What’s The Better Option for The Course?
The spikeless golf shoes are continuing to gain traction in the world of golf. Players are realizing that these shoes can offer tremendous benefits both on and off the golf course.
However, spikeless golf shoes are not going to be the best option for every golfer. If you have been debating whether or not spikeless or spiked golf shoes are best for your game, we have all the answers you need.
Spiked Vs Spikeless Overview
The spikeless golf shoes have a rubber base and pattern that is going to help golfers maintain their stability as they play their round of golf. The spikeless shoes have the added benefit of being able to be worn both on and off the golf course.
With the spiked shoes, you are going to have rubber spikes on the bottom that help to give even more connection to the ground. Spiked golf shoes tend to have more grip and will help players maintain their stability when they are swinging. There are positives and negatives to both the spiked and the spikeless golf shoes.
What’s Been Used Historically And How Has That Changed?
Historically golfers have used true metal spikes when playing a round of golf exclusively.
The problem with these spikes is that they were causing a bit too much damage to the course. Players that were not careful of how they were walking on and around greens were creating a real mess for golf course superintendents.
The addition of the soft spike was a welcome change for golf, and it virtually outlawed all of the metal spikes; however, professional golfers are still able to use them.
A few years back, the spikeless designs started to gain popularity because of the convenience. Players don’t have to worry about shoe bags or changing shoes in the parking lot. They can move from the office to the course to the store to pick up dinner without changing their shoes.
Benefits Of Spiked Golf Shoes Over Spikeless
As we have mentioned, there can be a case made for both spikeless and spiked golf shoes. The more time you spend wearing the spikeless golf shoes, the more you get used to them, but there are a few things that you won’t be able to get that you can get with the spiked.
More Stability
The traditional spike on the bottom of your golf shoe is going to give you more stability. If you are a player with a fast swing speed, the spiked shoe will be the better choice. Having stability and balance in your golf swing is so important.
Durability
Since spiked golf shoes can only be used on the golf course, they tend to have better long-term durability. The durability of the spiked golf shoe can be longer because you can replace the spikes in the shoe as well.
Better In Bad Conditions
The spiked golf shoe is going to be a better choice when the weather gets rough. When grass is slippery, it makes sense to have much more grip, and you get that with the spiked golf shoe.
Essential on a hilly course
Another benefit of the spiked golf shoe is that you won’t slip when the course conditions get a little hilly. The hilly golf course can get very slippery, and the extra traction from the spikes will help make sure that you don’t injure yourself in the process of playing.
Benefits Of Spikeless Golf Shoes Over Spiked
Now that you understand the spiked shoe’s benefits let’s look at what the spikeless shoe can do for your golf game.
More Comfortable
You won’t realize how uncomfortable your spiked golf shoes were until you put on a pair of these spikeless shoes.
The instant comfort helps to make the game more enjoyable, and they are perfect for walking.
Better For Dry And Sunny Conditions
If you get a great weather day for golf, take a walk instead of a ride. You can wear your comfortable spikeless golf shoes, and they will be lightweight and breathable.
While you still get more support than a sneaker, you will feel comfortable wearing these types of golf shoes.
Perfect For Flat Courses
Although spiked shoes are better on a hilly course, the spikeless shoes will be a great choice on flat course. There is no reason to be stepping on your soft spikes all day when you can simply walk with a flat shoe that has plenty of traction.
More Convenient – No Need To Change Shoes
Perhaps the most convenient part of the spikeless golf shoes is that you do not need to change your shoes when you head out to the golf course. You can go to work with your spikeless shoes on and then head right for the first tee. Some people start wearing these shoes as their basic everyday footwear.
Still Offer Performance For Golfers
Just because a shoe does not have spikes, don’t assume that it lacks in performance. Spikeless golf shoes give players lots of additional performance and stability because of the unique design and pattern on the bottom of the shoe.
Usually More Cost Effective
The spikeless golf shoes tend to be offered at a lower price than the spiked shoes. You will have to shop around a bit to find great deals, but there are some excellent options out there.
Cons Of Spike Shoes
- Not as comfortable
- More expensive
- Need spikes replaced from time to time
- Must change shoes before and after around
Cons Of Spikeless Over Spiked
- Tend to wear out quicker
- Not quite as much traction
- It Will be difficult on hilly golf courses
For A Beginner – Do I Need To Buy Golf Shoes – What Type
Beginner golfers can get away with wearing sneakers for the first few times they head out to the course. If it turns out you enjoy the sport, it makes sense to switch to a pair of golf shoes. Playing with spikes as a beginner can help to ensure that you have stability and balance in those early golf swings.
I Play Golf 2 Or 3 Times A Year – What Type Should I Buy?
- Low-cost golf shoes spiked or spikeless
I Play Golf 10 Times A Year – What Type Should I Buy?
- Spikeless golf shoes for the comfort
I Play 2 Or 3 Times Or More Per Month – Should I Buy Both
- Two pairs, one spikeless one spiked, rotating shoes is an excellent way to maximize performance
Best 3 Spiked Golf Shoes – Mini Reviews With Pros And Cons
FootJoy Men’s Fury Golf Shoes
The FootJoy Men’s Fury Golf Shoes are an excellent choice for a reasonably priced spike golf shoe. These are tour-proven shoes that have plenty of comfort and useability. You will have no problem walking or riding the course with the FootJoy Fury on. For golfers that need that additional support in the foot, this is a great shoe to consider.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Made with dual-density foam
- Proven to be high quality by tour professionals
Cons
- Depending on color combination and size can be expensive.
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
PUMA Men’s Ignite Pwradapt Caged Golf Shoe
The PUMA Ignite Pwradapt Caged Golf Shoe is an excellent choice for the golfer that is looking for stability and comfort. The Puma has a lot of foam cushioning, and it provides more comfort than other similar golf shoes on the market. We like how comfortable your heel stays while wearing this golf shoe.
Pros
- Very comfortable, tailored fit
- The foot will feel very secure
- Spiked design for more stability
Cons
- Not a waterproof golf shoe
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Adidas Men’s ZG21 Golf Shoe
The Adidas Men’s ZG21 Golf Shoe is a regular fitting golf shoe with plenty of room for the player that has a narrow foot.
Regardless of your golfing ability, the traction lugs on the bottom of the shoe are going to provide a tremendous amount of support and comfort.
Pros
- Synthetic sole
- Lace closure
- Stable golf cleats with excellent traction
Cons
- It looks a bit like a sneaker
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Best 3 Spikeless Golf Shoes – Mini Reviews With Pros And Cons
New Balance Men’s 574 Greens Golf Shoe
If you are a golfer that enjoys a more modern look to your shoe, then the New Balance Men’s 574 is one of the best choices out there. This is made with waterproof microfiber leather, and it comes with a two year waterproof warranty. This is a comfortable and stylish addition to your golf game.
Pros
- Waterproof and mesh
- Lightweight and breathable
- It comes with a waterproof warranty
Cons
- Not a classic looking golf shoe
- It Will be too sporty for some golfers
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
FootJoy Flex Golf Shoes
Even Footjoy has now started offering almost all of their golf shoes in a spineless version. These Footjoy flex shoes have comfort, a sporty look, and are available in a wide range of colors and sizes. This is a tremendous first spikeless shoe for a golfer that is new to spikeless technology.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Lots of long term durability from FootJoy
- Sporty look
Cons
- Very breathable but not waterproof
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Adidas Men’s Tour360 Xt Spikeless Golf Shoe
The Adidas Tour 360 XT has been known as one of the best golf shoes on the market for quite some time. Now that this shoe is offered in a spineless version as well, it is one that can appeal to a wide range of players. Even though there are no spikes on the Tour 360, you will have no issues helping your foot feel stable.
Pros
- Very well known spikeless golf shoe
- Has great feel and comfort
- Enough traction for walking or wiring the course
- Spikeless version is less expensive than spike version
Cons
- Don’t tend to last as long as the spiked Tour 360
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
FAQ
Are Metal Spikes Allowed On Tour – Who Uses Them – Advantages?
Metal spikes are still considered legal to wear on the PGA Tour. Most golfers use them.
Can I Wear Spikeless Golf Shoes In Day To Day Life?
One of the main benefits of this shoe is that it can be worn anywhere, anytime.
How Many Rounds Should Golf Shoes Last?
Golf shoes will vary in how long they last based on course conditions, wear and tear, and weather conditions.
You can expect to get forty to ninety rounds out of a pair of shoes before you need to think about replacement.
Should I Wear Golf Shoes To The Driving Range?
It is crucial to wear golf shoes to the driving range to help simulate golf course conditions. Always practice the way that you will be participating once you hit the links.
Conclusion
The debate as to whether or not the spikeless shoes are as good as the spiked has been going on for many years now.
We like to think about spikeless shoes as being a different option. If you have always felt that golf shoes were not comfortable or lack some of the style you like to bring to the course, the spikeless is a perfect choice.
Overall we feel it is essential to have a pair of each and choose your shoe for the day depending on course conditions and the weather.
Hi, I am Matthew, a mid handicap golfer who likes to play as much as possible. I love trying out new gear and this blog is where you can find all the gear I have tested over the years!
