Spiked vs. Spikeless Golf Shoes — Golf Coach Advice

Spiked vs Spikeless Golf Shoes from Tell Me More Golf Instructors and Coaches Explaining the Difference

As the lead golf instructor here at Tell Me More Golf, golfers want me to answer the age-old question: which type of golf shoes should I wear?

Spiked and spikeless golf shoes offer unique advantages. Still, it can be challenging to determine which type best fits your level of play and the course conditions.

In this article, we’ll compare spiked and spikeless golf shoes, discussing their benefits and limitations to help you make the best decision for your golfing needs.

Spike Vs. Spikeless Golf Shoes Explained

Let’s look at the differences between spike and spikeless golf shoes.

Spike Golf Shoes

FootJoy Men's Hyperflex Previous Season Style Golf Shoe, Charcoal/Grey, 10.5

Spike golf shoes are a timeless option for golfers looking for maximum stability and grip on the course. These golf shoes are made with soft spikes on the outsole and provide a secure connection to the turf and help golfers stay balanced and in control during swinging, particularly in wet or slippery conditions.

However, spike golf shoes may not be as comfortable as spikeless shoes due to being able to feel them when walking.

Spikeless Golf Shoes

adidas Men's FLOPSHOT Spikeless Golf Shoes, Core Black/Grey Six/Legacy Burgundy, 11

Spikeless golf shoes are a popular and versatile choice for golfers looking for comfort, flexibility, and a better feel on the greens. These shoes feature a rubberized sole with rubber nubs and cleats, giving you a more comfortable walking experience than traditional spike golf shoes.

Although spikeless golf shoes don’t offer the same traction and stability as traditional spike golf shoes, they still provide good grip and support when playing on most surfaces.

Spikeless shoes might be the perfect option if you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable, and easy-on-the-greens golf shoe.

And they look great on the course and the 19th hole!

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Choosing Golf Spikes: Spikes Or Spikeless?

Selecting between golf spikes or spikeless golf shoes can be daunting since both styles have their benefits and drawbacks.

As you make your decision, here are some points to consider:

  • Comfort – Spikeless shoes are generally more comfortable because they don’t have spikes, which can cause discomfort when walking on hard surfaces. Additionally, spikeless shoes usually have a lower heel and a wider sole, making them more comfortable for long-distance play.
  • Durability – Regarding durability, golf spikes are the clear winners. Soft spikes are designed to be durable and can withstand the wear and tear of playing on a variety of terrains. Spikeless shoes, however, can wear down more quickly and may only last for a short time if they are constantly exposed to dirt and moisture.
  • Traction – The added traction and stability that golf spikes provide can help to prevent slipping on wet or muddy surfaces, ensuring that golfers have the best footing possible during the golf swing. Additionally, the added traction and stability can help provide a better power transfer to the ball, resulting in greater distances and accuracy with each shot.

When considering the best pair of golf shoes for your game, think about what type of shoe fits you best and provides the support, breathability, cushioning, and stability to help you improve your performance on the course.

Luckily, you can find spiked and spikeless from every prominent golf apparel manufacturer, including the following:

  • adidas CodeChaos
  • ECCO Biom
  • Puma Ignite
  • Footjoy Pro
  • Nike
  • Under Armour
  • Callaway

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Benefits Of Spiked Shoes

Spiked golf shoes have the following benefits:

  • Traction – The hard rubber or plastic spikes on the shoe’s sole provide a solid grip on the turf, especially in wet or slippery conditions. This improved traction allows for better balance and control during the swing.
  • Stability – Spike golf shoes offer excellent stability, as the spikes provide a firm connection to the ground.

The added stability makes them perfect for golfers who swing with power.

  • Durability – Spikes are often made of hard rubber or plastic, making them more durable than spikeless shoes. They also offer better grip and stability on the course, making them a popular choice among golfers.
  • Classic Look – Spiked golf shoes have a classic look that many golfers prefer. They are also often more formal than spikeless shoes, making them a good choice for more formal golf tournaments.

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Benefits Of Spikeless Shoes

The best spikeless golf shoes have the following benefits:

  • Comfort – Spikeless shoes have a rubberized sole that provides a more flexible and comfortable walking experience.

These features make them a popular choice for casual golfers who want to stay comfortable on the course.

  • Versatility – Spikeless shoes offer good traction and stability, although not as much as traditional spike golf shoes. This versatility makes them a good choice for golfers who play in dry conditions and surfaces or want to wear them away from the golf course.
  • Style – Spikeless golf shoes offer a great range of styles and colors, allowing golfers to express their style while on the course. These shoes are becoming increasingly popular due to their wide variety of designs, allowing golfers to find the perfect pair that fits their personality.
  • Convenience – Spikeless shoes are often easier to maintain, as cleaning dirt and mud off them requires less effort than spiked shoes.
  • Reading Greens  – Spikeless shoes can provide a better feel for the green, allowing golfers to get a better sense of the contours and undulations of the surface. The lack of spikes can help golfers get a better sense of the green through the sole of their shoes, which can be particularly helpful when trying to read tricky putts

A spikeless option might be the right choice if you’re looking for a comfortable and flexible golf shoe that can help you read the greens and is excellent in most conditions on and off the course.

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Bottom Of Golf Shoes

adidas Men’s Flopshot Spikeless Golf Shoes

adidas Men's FLOPSHOT Spikeless Golf Shoes, Core Black/Grey Six/Legacy Burgundy, 11

Spiked FootJoy Men’s Hyperflex Previous Season Style Golf Shoe

FootJoy Men's Hyperflex Previous Season Style Golf Shoe, Charcoal/Grey, 10.5

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TellMeMoreGolf.com – Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear spiked golf shoes on the green?

Golf greens are carefully maintained and managed to provide a smooth and consistent putting surface. However, spiked golf shoes can cause damage to the green, creating divots and indentations that can affect the roll of the ball and make it difficult for other players to putt. 

This damage is why it is common for golf courses to have strict policies against wearing spiked golf shoes on the green. 

Instead, golfers are encouraged to switch to soft-spiked or spikeless shoes, which have a less aggressive sole design and are less likely to damage the green.

Do pros wear spikeless golf shoes?

Yes, some professional golfers do wear spikeless golf shoes. While spiked golf shoes are still the most popular choice among professionals, the trend toward spikeless shoes has been growing in recent years.

Many professionals have switched to spikeless shoes for the added comfort and feel they provide.

Is it better to wear spiked or spikeless golf shoes?

The choice between spiked and spikeless golf shoes is a matter of personal preference. It depends on various factors such as course conditions, playing style, and reading putts on the greens.

Spiked golf shoes offer excellent traction and stability, especially in wet or slippery conditions. They are also suitable for golfers who swing with power and need added support.

Spikeless golf shoes are more flexible and comfortable to walk in and are generally easier on the greens. They are also a good choice for golfers who want a more versatile option for wearing them on and away from the golf course.

Do golfers wear spikes anymore?

Yes, golfers still wear spiked golf shoes. While the trend towards spikeless golf shoes has been growing recently, spiked golf shoes remain a popular choice among many golfers.

Spiked golf shoes offer excellent traction and stability, especially in wet or slippery conditions, and are a good choice for golfers who swing with power and need added support. They also have a classic look that many golfers prefer.

When should you wear spiked golf shoes?

You should wear spiked golf shoes in the following conditions:

  • Wet or Slippery Courses – Spikes provide extra traction on wet or slippery surfaces, making them a good choice for golfers playing in these conditions.
  • Hard or Firm Courses – Spikes provide a stable connection to the ground, making them a good choice for golfers playing hard or firm courses.
  • Power Swingers – Spikes provide added stability, making them a good choice for golfers who swing with power.
  • Formal Golf Events – Spiked golf shoes have a classic look that many golfers prefer, making them a good choice for more formal golfing events like tournaments.

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Conclusion:

Choosing between spiked and spikeless golf shoes is a matter of personal preference and depends on factors such as course conditions, playing style, and needing help reading greens.

Spiked golf shoes offer traction and stability in wet conditions and are suitable for power swingers. 

In contrast, spikeless shoes provide flexibility and comfort, making them ideal for casual golfers and courses with strict shoe rules.

Whether spiked or spikeless, golf shoes play a crucial role in enhancing performance and comfort on the course. 
When selecting a new pair of golf shoes, choosing a high-quality shoe that fits you well and provides the required support for your game is essential.

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Patrick Corley Tell Me More Golf Instructor and Coach
Patrick Corley
From a golf scholarship to a Southern California University, to a private golf coaching career and an instructor position at a nonprofit organization, I’m here to help you get better at golf! With my 50+ years of golf experience; I bring you Tell Me More Golf. A golf coaching website that helps your game with instructional golfing content that’s ultimately geared toward making you a better golfer and having more fun!
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