Things to consider - golf shoes
With the multitude of options in golf shoes these days, figuring out which ones are best for you can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to the game. Here are some factors to consider when buying golf shoes.
We carry full lines of golf shoes from the top names in golf shoes like Nike, FootJoy, G/FORE, Adidas and more.
Price – Golf shoes can range from around $65 to $300 and more. Just like in most things, you get what you pay for in golf shoes. They range from synthetic leather on the inexpensive end to the finest calfskin leather on the more expensive end, with a multitude of features in between. The more expensive golf shoes will last you longer, feel better on your feet, and, yes, actually help your golf game believe it or not.
How often you play – This is probably the deciding factor on how much you want to spend on golf shoes. If you only play golf twice a year, you might not be willing to shell out $300 on a pair of golf shoes. You may be just fine with that $65 pair of golf shoes. Of course, how good you look plays a part in this as well. If you want to look like you play golf twice a year, then go for the $65 pair. If you want to look great even if your game isn’t, then step up to the plate and get those beautiful expensive golf shoes!
Fit – Obviously you need to get the correct size. The last that the golf shoe is built on has much to do with getting the correct fit of shoe for you. FootJoy alone uses over 20 lasts for the shoes that they build. We understand that buying shoes off the internet without first trying them on can be a little perplexing. That is why we have posted the sizing guides for each manufacturer on the product pages. Please review these guides if you aren’t sure what size golf shoe you may need. You can always exchange shoes if they don’t fit correctly.
Waterproof Warranty – Golf shoes range from “water-resistant”, which means there is no waterproof warranty, to shoes having a two-year waterproof guarantee. Again, the more waterproof warranty you opt for, the more expensive the golf shoes will be. Obviously, if you’re a dew sweeper and play a lot of golf in the morning, it is most wise to go for the golf shoes that carry a two-year waterproof warranty. Most of these shoes will stay waterproof for longer if you take good care of them. We’ll touch on that later.
Leather or Synthetic – As you might imagine, this aspect of golf shoes is a major deciding factor in the price of the golf shoes that you are interested in purchasing. Fine calfskin leather shoes will be much more expensive than synthetic leather shoes. The calfskin leather golf shoes will also be much more comfortable on your feet and will mold and stretch into the most comfortable shoes you’ll probably have in your closet! Leather shoes will also have waterproof capability that the synthetic leather golf shoes won’t. There are different grades of leather used in golf shoes, and as the grade gets better, the price will increase.
Caring for your golf shoes – The single most important thing you can do to keep your golf shoes lasting their longest is to use shoe trees in them. Before you rip them off and throw them in the trunk of your car, put shoe trees in them first! These provide two things; shoe trees draw the moisture (sweat) out of your golf shoes, and also maintain the shape of the shoes, especially if they are leather. That way the next time you pull them out to play golf, your golf shoes won’t have curled up and shrunk a size or two. You can also keep them relatively clean by simply wiping them down with your golf towel after your round. Of course the best way to care for them is to have the locker room attendant clean and polish them for you! But we also have the same products they use for sale on our website, such as leather condition, shoe polish and more.
If you ever have any questions about these factors or any other aspect of making your golf shoe purchase decision, please don’t hesitate to email us. We’re here to help you!
Bart Patterson
PGA Professional
Founder & President
