Choosing the right golf shoes
How do you choose the right golf shoes for you?
As golf experts, we're often asked for advice on how to choose the best golf shoes and how to buy them to ensure a good fit, maximum comfort and optimum control on the fairways. Here are the answers to some of your questions.
Choosing golf shoes
The key elements you need are grip, stability, comfort, maximum range of movement and a good fit so you don't slip.
Many people prefer natural leather golf shoes to synthetic options, as they are more durable, tend to fit better, are water resistant and also look great.
There are a few strict rules about the type of footwear you can wear on the golf course.
Boots, street shoes or sandals are not permitted, nor are shoes with metal spikes, as they can damage the course. However, golf shoes are not essential, and many people don't use them when they're just starting out.
Running shoes or trainers with good grip are permitted if you don't have golf shoes.
Why are golf shoes beneficial?
As they have been specially designed for golf, they are seen as a tool to help you play better and keep your feet as comfortable as possible as you walk around the course.
They tend to be designed with a wider base to aid balance during your swing, a low cut at the ankle to give you a better range of movement and studs to keep you stable even in wet conditions.
What is the most comfortable golf shoe?
The key elements you need are grip, stability, comfort, maximum range of movement and a good fit so you don't slip.
Many people prefer natural leather golf shoes to synthetic options, as they are more durable, tend to fit better, are water-resistant and also look great.
However, synthetic options are also available.
Do I need spiked or non-spiked golf shoes?
Most, if not all, courses have now banned metal spikes. However, you can still wear soft spikes, which are made of rubber.
They have to be replaced more often, but they don't damage the course. You should bear in mind that the boot must be stable, whatever the type of spike.
Il existe des options sans crampons ou des chaussures de golf spikeless mais la plupart des golfeurs ne les trouvent pas très confortables à marcher et offrent moins de stabilité pour votre jeu.
Est ce qu'un sac pour mes chaussures de golf est nécéssaire ?
A golf shoe bag contains your golf shoes, and can even hold more.
It's a stand that's separate from the pockets of your golf bag, so it saves space, and you can leave it in the boot of your car while you play.
Golf shoes with soft spikes give you
- the best grip,
- the best stability
- the best control
during your swing and allow you to move safely and comfortably around the course, even in wet weather, so they're a good choice.
However, spikeless golf shoes can be more comfortable and flexible, so if you tend to play in dry conditions, this may be an option.
Try both and explain to the person in the shop how and where you play before making a final decision.
The most important thing about a men's golf shoe is that it should be comfortable.
They must fit snugly so they don't slip, rub or cramp your feet or toes.
They need to offer support in the right places and be comfortable to wear, whether you're walking or swinging.
When you're playing in a place that's usually hot and dry, air permeability is also an important factor, because you don't want hot, sweaty feet!
The new ranges of golf shoes offer a wide range of breathability options, using mesh or perforations on the uppers, while guaranteeing waterproofing in the event of rain.
Golf shoes for children and juniors
Finding the right pair of golf shoes for your child can be a difficult task.
Not only are stocks hard to find, but finding a style they like can be difficult.
What's more, the best children's golf shoes should keep feet dry, offer good grip and be easy to maintain.
Although it may seem like a lot to ask for a golf shoe, there are in fact many styles and types of shoe available for children and, in this guide, we're going to look at a wide range of shoes that will perform well on the golf course.
From spiked shoes for the winter months to spikeless shoes for the summer, this guide should have a golf shoe to suit every taste and budget.
With brands such as FootJoy, Adidas, Puma and many others, they all perform well and will allow your child to show off their new shoes to their friends while keeping their feet comfortable and dry.
Women's golf shoes
In years gone by, golf shoes had a standard design and standardised technology with the sole aim of preventing players from slipping during their swing.
These days, a multitude of factors go into the design of a shoe, creating almost infinite possibilities for what you can wear on your feet during a round of golf.
While it sounds nice, it's all about finding the right balance between comfort and performance to find the perfect shoe. But if you work out what your priorities are and decide what you're prepared to sacrifice, you can find THE shoe that might even improve your game. Having a stable, comfortable base can only help you, not harm you!
With more and more women getting involved in the game and more and more women professionals, the industry is following suit and there are in fact a wide variety of shoe types, depending on the type of golfer you are.
So let's look at what you should look for in a shoe. But to do that, we need to analyse what kind of player you are, and what your game demands from your shoes. Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking for the perfect women's golf shoe:
What type of golf course do you play?
If comfort is an absolute priority, spikeless shoes (even with that unique Velcro feature) would be the best option, but only if wet terrain isn't in your future. Studless shoes have a reputation for slipping and sliding - something we don't want!
However, they're perfect for the type of player who doesn't want to rip them off as soon as they step out of the 18, as spikes can sometimes cause discomfort over a long period of time, no matter how high-end they are.
How often are they used?
There seems to be a common theme when buying golf shoes: comfort versus durability. But it's a fair question! You can't wear a knitted, spikeless shoe that looks like a walking boot and expect it to withstand heavy use, walking through bunkers, mud, etc., without any problems.
When it comes to durability, the ideal material to consider is leather. It's easy to clean, so you won't find sand or dirt seeping into the shoe as it would with fabric. However, you can always find a durable and comfortable leather shoe.
If you're simply a weekend warrior who prefers to drive a buggy rather than walk, don't make any unnecessary sacrifices and opt for the greatest possible comfort! Trainers are an excellent option for pure comfort. But be warned: rain is not your friend!
How good are your shoes?
As you probably know, it's easy to spend money on golf. But there are also great options for players on a budget.
This is the most important decision you'll have to make when considering a women's golf shoe, as it will help you understand which brands to consider, as these days most brands offer different shoes for every need.
So when you're looking for the perfect golf shoe, set your budget and find the brands that match your criteria. We live in a world where there is literally a shoe for every player imaginable, so don't feel like you're missing out because of your bank account.
Which shoe models match your style?
For some, this is perhaps the most important part, and it's worth mentioning!
You want to stand out on the golf course and, more importantly, on the 19th hole when you get together after a round. There are several things you need to consider when defining your golfing style:
There are all kinds of styles on the golf course. From bright colours and wacky patterns to a more minimal style with neutral tones and simple lines, there's a shoe to suit every type of outfit.
For the sake of fashion, it's a good idea to consider fluidity from head to toe.
How do I clean my golf shoes?
Wondering how to clean golf shoes like a professional?
Whether you're a pro or a beginner, you need to know how to care for and clean your best golf shoes to keep them in tip-top condition for years to come.
The key to golfing success is regular maintenance. If you take a few minutes to clean your shoes after each use, they'll stay whiter and look newer, because you'll be helping to keep them free of mud, sand and dirt.
Golf shoes, whether all-rounders or not, like clubs and bags, are an essential piece of equipment and can represent a significant investment, so give them the care they deserve.
Wondering how to clean golf shoes like a pro? Whether you're a pro or new to the sport, you need to know how to care for and clean your pairs of golf shoes to keep them in tip-top condition to last for years.
The key to success is regular maintenance. If you take a few minutes to clean your pair of shoes after each use, they'll stay whiter and look newer, as you'll be helping to keep them free of mud, sand and dirt. Golf shoes, like clubs and bags, are an essential piece of equipment and can represent a significant investment, so give them the care they deserve.
Clean shoes won't get you a hole-in-one, but the best golf shoes will give you comfort, support and style - as long as they're clean. Here's a step-by-step guide to properly cleaning your golf shoes.
- Remove dirt and grime after each use
- Regular maintenance is the key to the longevity of golf shoes.
- Gently clean the upper part of your shoes with water and mild soap.
- You should regularly clean your shoes thoroughly, using a mild soap and a cloth, starting by removing the laces. This will keep them looking fresh and new, especially white shoes.
- Leave to dry, out of direct sunlight.
- Once you've washed your shoes, you need to give them time to dry. Even if the quickest solution seems to be to put them outside, on the terrace, in the sun, it's best to avoid doing this.
- Apply leather oil or shoe polish.
- A little leather oil or shoe polish can make all the difference, giving your shoes a shiny, clean look.
Quels modèles de chaussures de golf pour l'hiver doit on choisir ?
Golf is a game that can be played all year round, so it makes sense to have golf clubs, clothing and footwear that can cope with winter conditions, which usually means rain, wind and cold.
Most of the best golf shoes can do just that, but there are some that excel when conditions become wetter and more slippery.
Quels sont les facteurs importants à prendre en compte lors du choix d'une paire de chaussures de golf d'hiver ?
Choosing waterproof or fashionable golf shoes
First of all, footwear needs to have excellent waterproofing to keep out any standing water or rain. Wetter winter weather means that stability and grip are also important, as the ground can be very soft and slippery.
Par conséquent, pour la pratique du golf les chaussures de golf d’hiver doivent avoir une bonne résistance à l’eau et à l’humidité et adhérer au parcours.
Choosing spiked or non-spiked golf shoes
Although studs ultimately offer a better overall grip than spikeless shoes, you'd be surprised how well modern spikeless shoes can cope with wet ground.
As we all know, a lack of grip and stability means a lack of confidence during the swing, so the best winter golf shoe should give you plenty of confidence to swing hard during the winter.
Quels sont les facteurs importants à prendre en compte lors du choix d'une paire de chaussures de golf d'été ?
Some golfers may think that the most essential element on the course is in their bagBut in reality, it's what's on their feet that's really number one.
It's imperative that your feet are comfortable when you're playing golf, given that on average you can walk 4 to 5 kilometres during an 18-hole round.
How do I choose my golf shoes and where can I buy them?
Fit is crucial, so you need to try on options that suit your feet. Our feet are so different in terms of arch width and height that it's difficult to buy online.
It's best to visit a specialist golf shop or the pro shop at your golf club, as the experts can advise you on the options that are right for you.
Modern golf shoes generally have the same strong points:
- Lightweight shoes
- They are waterproof
- They have a reinforcement for the back of the foot
- They can be adapted to all types of soil, dry or damp
Should I choose expensive golf shoes or cheap golf shoes?
Above all, think about your budget. An average top-of-the-range shoe can cost between €200 and €400, while more affordable shoes start at €90.
It's essential that you choose a shoe that feels good to the touch, offers great stability, with or without studs, and is close to the normal style you would wear.
If you choose top-of-the-range shoes that are neither comfortable nor stable, you've effectively wasted your money.
Higher prices are generally synonymous with brand name and durability, with a few comfort options. Lower-end shoes lack durability but make up for it in comfort.
Can I play in golf trainers?
You may have started your golfing career by taking to the driving range in your trainers. But anyone who has played a round of golf in wet weather knows how important it is to wear golf shoes.
Without them, you risk slipping during a backswing or even fighting your way up and out of a deeper bunker.
Are expensive shoes always better?
The simple answer is no. The high price simply indicates the brand and durability. It may also depend on which retailer you buy from and when you buy.
Which brands of golf shoes do we recommend?
In our pro shop, we always stock the Adidas, Ecco and FootJoy brands, as they offer a wide range of comfortable options.
Drop into our pro shop at the Clubhouse and we'll show you the different options and explain what's best for you.
Where should I buy my golf shoes?
Fit is crucial, so try on options that suit your feet.
Our feet are so different in terms of arch width and height that it's difficult to buy online. It's best to go to a specialist golf shop or to the nearest the pro shop of your golf club, because our experts can advise you on the options that are right for you.
Here at Golf du Belvédère Annecy, we have experts in our Proshop to advise you on footwear, equipment and clothing. Drop in from 8.30am to 6pm Wednesday to Monday and let us help you find the best golf shoe for you.
Because golf for us is synonymous with meeting and sharing, at The Belvédère Annecy Golf Club, you won't just find a beautiful training facility,you'll also find a soul, an atmosphere...
In other words, an ever-smiling welcome that will make you want to extend your sporting experience with a moment of relaxation.
At The Belvédère Golf Course, just outside d'Annecy, you can enjoy a meal with a breathtaking view of the Aravis massif.
You will also find at your disposal some very nice infrastructures such as :
- A 230-metre multi-storey driving range
- A putting green
- An approach area
- The Annecy Golf Academy with two instructors
- A proshop
- Adapted golf clinics In summer and weekend
- Adapted golf courses for children during school holidays
- A 9-hole golf course to put your training into practice
