Are Golf Shoes Really Necessary?

Carl Graeber

While some kind of footwear is required on most golf courses,
are golf shoes really necessary? This is a question to be
answered by each individual golfer as it is his or her feet we
are talking about.

Some courses require soft spikes only so the course doesn't get
chewed up with the walking around people have to do when
playing, especially if the people are walking the entire course.
And, most club houses will only allow soft spikes to be worn
inside, to protect the carpet.

Let us be honest with one another, the vast majority of golf
shoes are not attractive footwear. But, golf shoes are far from
being the ugliest footwear in sports. That honor, dubious though
it may be, belongs entirely to bowling shoes. Who, in their
right mind, would want to wear red and green shoes, especially
that type of shoes? At least golf shoes are designed in a more
practical, and somewhat more attractive, manner. But, are they
really needed in order for a person to play golf?

No, they are not. The footwear a golfer chooses to wear can be
practically anything from moccasins to a good athletic shoe. A
golfer's footwork is more important than his or her choice in
footwear.

But, the shoe a golfer wears should be comfortable on his or her
feet. There is nothing worse for a golfer than an uncomfortable
shoe. If the toes are pinched, or the back rides up on the heel,
the golfer will be miserable and will not be able to concentrate
on playing golf, which is why he or she is on the golf course in
the first place.

So, comfort comes first. After comfort, traction is important.
This is because the golfer can't have their feet turning after
they have struck the ball. If this happens, the ball will careen
wildly, most likely winding up as a major league slice or hook.
The ball, though, will not go where the golfer had planned to
hit it.

Should a golfer choose to forego golf shoes for another type of
footwear, he or she should think about the type of shoe he or
she wants to wear on the links. They should then examine the
tread pattern on the bottom of the shoe. If the bottom of the
shoe is slick, with no pattern at all, it would be a good idea
to leave these shoes behind as there will be little, if any
traction, and none at all if the course is wet, either from rain
or dew.

What is the best type of tread pattern? Again, this will be up
to the individual golfer and his or her preferences. For some,
the old tire tread pattern (used on the sole of a lot of boots
and sandals) works well. This type of shoe sole will provide
traction for the golfer. Some may prefer a circular pattern of
sole, while others may like something entirely different.

The most important thing, though, is for the golfer to be
comfortable and confident with the shoes being worn when
playing. In fact, the less a golfer thinks about shoes when
playing is a good thing.

About the author:
Golfers are known for seeking out the "magic bullet" that will
improve their game overnight. I hope we agree there's no such
thing, right? But, even the tiniest of changes in our game can
make a huge difference. To find out more just visit the authors
website at: http://www.golf-tips-and-equipment