Buying guide for best women’s golf shoes
Avid golfers know that choosing the right golf shoe is almost as important as choosing the right set of clubs. After all, you’re going to be on your feet a lot and you don’t want uncomfortable shoes distracting you from the game.
But there are dozens of women’s golf shoes on the market, each with its own style and benefits. How to choose?
We at BestReviews have put together this short guide to walk you through the most important considerations when choosing women’s golf shoes. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re on your way to the LPGA leaderboard, you’re sure to find the right pair of golf shoes.
Women’s golf shoe factors to consider
Comfort
Comfort is the most important consideration when choosing a golf shoe because you’re going to be doing a lot of standing and walking in them. You don’t want to be distracted by pinched toes or a heel that keeps rubbing.
The ideal golf shoe should be snug while still leaving a quarter-inch to a half-inch of room in the front of the shoe for your toes. You should also pay close attention to the width. If you have flat feet, you might want to look for shoes with extra arch support or at least enough room to comfortably hold any inserts.
You should always try on your golf shoes with the socks you intend to wear. Walk around in the shoes for a while to see how they fit. Better yet, take them to the driving range to see how they feel while you’re playing. Don’t be discouraged if they feel a little stiff at first, but if you notice significant discomfort, that could be a sign that those shoes are not the right ones for you.
Style
Women’s golf shoes come in three main styles: traditional, athletic, and sandal. Here’s a brief look at each.
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Traditional: Traditional golf shoes are often made of leather and resemble dress shoes. These shoes hold up well over time. Most are waterproof, which is a nice feature if it rains frequently in your area. The downside is that traditional golf shoes aren’t usually very breathable, which can make your feet sweat. Leather shoes are also more expensive than athletic golf shoes or sandals, so this might not be your best choice if you’re on a budget.
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Athletic: Athletic golf shoes resemble everyday athletic shoes. They can be made of synthetic leather to mimic the appearance of traditional golf shoes, or they might be made of a more breathable fabric. These shoes are generally lighter and more flexible than traditional golf shoes, and many can transition to streetwear if you choose. Some of these shoes are waterproof, but it’s important to double-check this instead of just assuming that the shoes you like are waterproof.
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Sandal: Golf sandals are a good choice if you’re looking for something light, airy, and comfortable to move around in. However, you should note that these shoes usually don’t provide the support or traction of traditional or athletic golf shoes, so sandals probably aren’t a great choice if you’re a serious golfer.
Spikes
Some women’s golf shoes come with spikes on the soles. Spiked shoes give you better traction, especially if you’re playing on wet or hilly terrain, but they don’t hold any significant edge on dry, flat ground. The downside of choosing spiked shoes is that you can’t wear them off the course. The spikes will also wear out over time and require replacing, which is an additional expense.
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Metal spikes are more durable than plastic spikes. They tend to be longer and sharper, too, which can give you more traction, but they can also be harder on the green. Metal spikes can also be less comfortable on your feet when you’re standing on hard terrain. Many golf courses have banned the use of metal spikes, so we’d advise against them.
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Plastic spikes are more common than metal spikes today because they’re lighter and less damaging to the green. Many people find them to be more comfortable because the spikes flex slightly when you walk. Plastic spikes are also pretty easy to change if they break or wear out.
Laces
Most women’s golf shoes come with traditional laces like those you’d find on a pair of running shoes. These golf shoes are the most common, but if you don’t want to deal with loose shoelaces while you play, you do have other options.
Golf sandals, for example, and some athletic golf shoes employ a Velcro closure that enables you to easily slip the shoe on and off. Others have special lacing systems that are designed to offer increased stability and keep the laces from loosening as you move. However, you can expect to pay extra if you’re interested in these special types of laces.
Expert Tip
It’s a good idea to clean your golf shoes after each round to remove any mud or other debris that might be stuck to them.
STAFF
BestReviews
Women’s golf shoe prices
Golf shoes usually cost between $50 and $300, depending on the type of shoe and the quality of the materials. If you’re looking for a quality shoe that will last for many years, we recommend spending at least $100. And if you’re an avid golfer who’s out on the green every chance you get, you might want to consider spending more.
If you’re purchasing shoes with spikes, it’s also not a bad idea to investigate the cost of replacement spikes. These usually come in packages that cost less than $20. Make sure to choose the right type of spike for your shoe or else you might not be able to use them.
Tips
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Get a good fit. Measure both feet. If one is slightly larger, choose a shoe size to accommodate that foot. A good golf shoe should be stiffer around the midfoot for extra support but flexible in the forefoot to allow your foot to bend naturally. Finally, walk around in the shoes for 15 to 20 minutes to see if they’re comfortable.
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Try your golf shoes on in the evening. Feet tend to swell slightly throughout the day and are largest in the evening, so this is the best time to see if the golf shoes are too tight in any areas.
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Don’t forget the spikes. Inspect the condition of your golf spikes after every round to see if they need replacing.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning your shoes. Check to see whether it’s safe to put your golf shoes in the washing machine or they should be hand-washed.
FAQ
Q. Why do I need to purchase special golf shoes?
A. The truth is, you don’t need special golf shoes to play golf, but your game will likely improve if you wear them. This is because golf shoes give you better support and traction than you would get from regular athletic shoes.
Q. Will wearing my golf shoes off the course ruin them?
A. It shouldn’t ruin them, but just as with any shoe, the more you wear them, the faster you will wear them out. If you don’t want to risk that, you should change out of your golf shoes as soon as you’re done playing.
Q. I can’t decide between spiked or unspiked shoes. What should I do?
A. You don’t necessarily have to choose between one or the other. If you want to have the option, you can always purchase a pair of each and decide which you feel like wearing on that particular day based on the conditions. Most advanced players own more than one pair of shoes.
