As the head golf instructor at Tell Me More Golf, I often field questions at the club regarding golf shoes.

Can they be worn beyond the golf course or strictly for casual wear? What sets them apart from walking or running shoes? Do they offer any performance advantages?

In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating realm of golf shoes, examining their design, special features, and ideal use cases.

For veteran golfers and casual fans alike, gaining insight into golf shoes’ distinctive strengths and limitations will empower you to make educated choices about your footwear, both on the green and in the clubhouse.

Are Golf Shoes Good for Walking or Running?

Golf shoes, primarily crafted for the greens, can also be suitable walking companions. Modern golf shoes like the Adidas Boa and Ecco Biom hybrids often feature spikeless rubber soles that ensure a comfortable stroll across your favorite course. 

However, remember that not all golf shoes are made equal!

For example, leather shoes might be uncomfortable on lengthy walks, so choose synthetic or cotton materials for optimal comfort.

If you’re considering running in your golf shoes, it’s time to pump the brakes. While they excel for walking, golf shoes don’t offer the lightweight cushioning required for a smooth run. 

Running shoes are intentionally designed to support forward motion. In contrast, golf shoes are engineered to resist torsional forces during your swing.

Although spikeless golf shoes can function as casual walking footwear, it’s best to use shoes explicitly designed for the task. After all, you wouldn’t want to wear out your trusty Footjoy Flex before your next golf game, right?

Golf Shoes For Walking

As a golfer, you might have wondered if your trusty golf shoes could double as walking shoes. 

The good news is that they can, especially if you opt for spikeless models with rubber soles.

As a result, these shoes offer the comfort and support you need for extended walks while maintaining traction on uneven surfaces. 

It’s best to choose synthetic, performance mesh, or cotton materials over leather to ensure maximum comfort,  which can cause discomfort during long walks.

Brands like TRUE Linkswear and Under Armour offer hybrid options that provide comfort and support on and off the course, making them excellent choices for those looking for versatile footwear.

Although golf shoes are designed primarily for traction during swings, their cushioning and support make them suitable for strolling around the greens. 

However, specialized walking shoes might be a better choice for walks outside the golf course. These shoes offer additional features that cater to the specific needs of walking, such as a stiffer sole for stability and preventing foot fatigue.

Golf Shoes For Running

You might have considered using your trusty golf shoes for a quick jog. However, as tempting as it may be, it’s best to resist the urge. 

While golf shoes are great for the greens, they lack the lightweight design and cushioning needed to support a comfortable jog. 

In addition, they’re explicitly engineered to counteract torsional forces during swings, which doesn’t translate well to the forward motion of running.

Sticking with running shoes for jogging is wise to ensure a smooth and injury-free stride.

These shoes are designed specifically to support forward motion and a faster running pace, with features such as lightweight construction, shock absorption, and energy return.

Golf Shoes vs. Walking Shoes

Golf and walking shoes are designed for comfortable and supportive use on your feet. However, the two differ significantly in their construction, features, and intended use cases.

Here are some of the key differences:

Function:

• Golf Shoes: Designed primarily for golfing, providing traction and stability underfoot during swings. They also have cushioning and support for comfortable walking on the golf course.

• Walking Shoes: Designed for walking, featuring comfortable cushioning and support for the heel-to-toe walking motion.

Construction:

• Golf Shoes: Typically have a synthetic or leather upper with a spikeless rubber sole or soft spikes for better grip on the greens. Some top picks, like the FootJoy Flex, have a mesh upper for breathability and flexibility.

• Walking Shoes: Often have a mesh upper for breathability, a flexible sole, and a sturdy structure for better support and stability.

Features:

• Golf Shoes: To protect feet during wet conditions, offer waterproof and water-resistant options like the Under Armour HOVR Drive GTX and the Skechers Elite 4. They also have excellent traction systems, like cleats or nubs, for better grip on various terrains.

• Walking Shoes: Also offer waterproof and water-resistant options, like the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi Trail, for walking in wet conditions. They typically have a comfortable and supportive insole and midsole for better cushioning and support, like the Skechers Gowalk 5 or the New Balance 847v4.

While both shoes have similar features, such as waterproofing and cushioning, the difference in their intended use case can significantly affect their construction and design.

Golf Shoes vs. Running Shoes

Golf shoes and running shoes are designed with different purposes in mind. Here are some of the key differences between the two:

Function:

• Golf shoes: Designed to provide traction and stability during swings while offering comfort and support for walking on the golf course.

• Running shoes: Designed for running with lightweight construction, shock absorption, and energy return for optimal performance.

Construction:

• Golf shoes: Typically have a synthetic or leather upper with a spikeless rubber sole or soft spikes for better grip on the greens. They also have cushioning and support for comfortable walking.

• Running shoes: Often have a mesh upper for breathability, a cushioned and responsive midsole for shock absorption and energy return, and a durable outsole for better traction and durability.

Features:

• Golf shoes: Offer waterproof and water-resistant options, like the FootJoy Tour X, for golfing in wet conditions. They also have a traction system, like cleats or nubs, for better grip on various terrains.

• Running shoes: Often feature a breathable upper for improved ventilation, a supportive and responsive midsole, and a cushioned insole for added comfort.

Golf shoes prioritize stability and traction while running shoes prioritize lightweight construction, shock absorption, and energy return. 

While both types of shoes may have similar features, their intended use and design vary significantly.

Can You Wear Golf Shoes Casually?

Yes, you can wear golf shoes casually, particularly spikeless models. However, remember that golf shoes are primarily designed for the golf course, so they may not be the most comfortable or stylish option for everyday wear.

Specialized walking or running shoes provide better support and comfort for extended walking or other activities.

Advice for Wearing Golf Shoes Casually

If you’re planning to wear golf shoes casually, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Opt for spikeless models: Spikeless golf shoes, like Nike Roshe G and the Puma Ignite, offer a stylish and versatile option for casual wear.

• Choose comfort: Look for golf shoes with cushioned insoles and supportive midsoles. These features offer better comfort for extended walking.

• Match your outfit: When wearing golf shoes casually, ensure they complement your outfit. For example, pair them with shorts, khakis, or jeans for a more relaxed look.

• Keep them clean: Regularly clean your golf shoes to maintain their appearance and durability.

• Consider alternative options: If you plan to walk or run for an extended period, specialized walking or running shoes may provide better support and comfort.

Can You Wear Golf Shoes on Turf?

Yes, you can wear golf shoes on turf. Golf shoes, particularly those with spikeless rubber soles or soft spikes, offer good traction and stability on various surfaces, including turf.

However, golf shoes may have less traction on wet or slippery surfaces than specialized turf shoes.

If you’re playing on a wet or muddy course, consider opting for waterproof or water-resistant golf shoes, like the Under Armour HOVR Drive GTX, that keep your feet dry and stable on the turf.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between walking shoes and running shoes?

Walking shoes and running shoes differ in design and purpose. Walking shoes prioritize cushioning, arch support, and flexibility, catering to the slower pace and heel-to-toe motion of walking.

Running shoes, however, focus on lightweight construction, shock absorption, and energy return, ensuring optimal performance during the forward motion and faster running pace.

Are golf shoes good for walking on concrete?

Golf shoes, particularly spikeless shoes, can be worn for walking on concrete.

However, their design caters to golf courses, not hard surfaces like concrete. 

Walking shoes, specifically designed for comfort and support on various terrains, would provide better cushioning and protection for your feet during long walks on concrete surfaces.

Can you wear golf shoes for everyday wear?

While you can wear spikeless golf shoes for everyday wear, they’re primarily designed for the golf course. 

For daily use, it’s advisable to choose shoes specifically designed for walking or casual wear, as they provide better support, cushioning, and versatility for various activities and surfaces. 

A pair of golf shoes may not offer the same level of comfort and durability for everyday wear.

What are golf shoes good for?

Golf shoes are designed for the golf course, providing traction, stability, and support during swings.

Key features include spikeless rubber soles or soft spikes for grip on greens, cushioning for comfortable walks between holes, and materials like synthetic or cotton for optimal comfort.

Traditional or spiked golf shoes have plastic spikes in the sole and offer maximum traction and stability on the course.

Golf shoes enhance your performance on the course and can be worn casually. Still, they’re best suited for golf-related activities.

How much distance do golf shoes add?

Golf shoes may not directly add distance to your shots. Still, they significantly contribute to stability, balance, and traction during your golf swing.

A solid foundation helps you generate more power, translating to added distance. In addition, the right golf shoes enable a smoother, more efficient swing, indirectly leading to potential distance gains.

However, the actual increase in distance varies from player to player and depends on factors like technique and skill level.

Can we wear golf shoes casually?

Yes, you can wear golf shoes casually, particularly spikeless models. These shoes offer comfort and style, making them suitable for casual strolls around the golf course or relaxed outings off the greens. 

However, specialized walking or running shoes may provide better support and comfort for extended walking or other activities. 

So, feel free to sport your golf shoes casually, but be mindful of their limitations.

Conclusion

Golf shoes, primarily designed for the greens, can be versatile enough for casual outings and strolls on turf or concrete. Choose spikeless models that deliver comfort and adaptability for a chic and adaptable option.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to understand the limitations of golf shoes when used for activities beyond the golf course. 

For example, specialized walking or running shoes offer superior support, cushioning, and protection for longer walks, jogs, or daily wear.
So, enjoy the versatility of golf shoes for laid-back gatherings, but always ensure you have the appropriate footwear for each activity. This way, you’ll keep your feet cozy, fashionable, and prepared for any escapade.