Spiked or spikeless? Laces or Boa? When it comes to buying a new pair of golf shoes this spring, there are a number of decisions, some of which are based on personal taste, and some determined by the type of swing you have and style of game you play. Of course, aesthetics plays into the decision—but here’s Golf Town’s guide to the three key shoe styles you’ll find in stores.
Shoes with spikes
They’ve been the go-to shoe since you could hear the clack of metal on concrete, with players like Ben Hogan and Arnold Palmer using shoes with spikes to offer them the reliability of a strong connection to the ground. Today they are still the most popular shoe, and advances in styling and the technology used in the outsole allow you to lock into the ground during your swing, offering increased stability and connectivity. You’ll find most players on the PGA Tour wearing shoes with spikes, and some—like UA’s Spieth signature shoe—being designed around the way the game’s best connect with the ground.
Who are they for: The player with a more aggressive swing who wants to feel connected and stable.
Popular Picks: FJ Fury, Nike React Vapor, UA Spieth 3, adidas TOUR360 XT
Spikeless Shoes
For a decade—or at least since Fred Couples showed up at Augusta wearing a pair of ECCOs that didn’t follow tradition—spikeless shoes have been a resounding success, from the casual player tipping it up without socks, to PGA Tour pros like Justin Rose. Why would a tour pro go spikeless? A number of players find wearing shoes with spikes—even the current plastic ones—are hard on their bodies when walking large distances, while others who have remarkable balance and agility, simply don’t need the extra connection to the ground. Finally, spikeless shoes are great for the player who wants to put on a pair of golf shoes, head to the car and the course, and never have to worry about switching footwear.
Who are they for: The golfer who is very balanced and likes the comfort of wearing shoes without traditional spikes. Oh, and they are great for the golfer who simply hates changing their shoes by the trunk of their car before and after rounds.
Popular Picks: Nike Air Max, ECCO Gortex Biom Hybrid 3, Nike Roshe G, FJ Pro SL, FJ Leisure Spikeless, adidas TOUR360 XT, and Puma’s NXT
BOA Lacing System
If you haven’t tried the BOA system, you’re probably not sure what you’re missing. But the system, which functions as a means of tightening the shoes without needing laces, has made inroads for a decade, and has long been successful in other industries. The key is BOA provides uniform tightening across the shoe, allowing your foot to feel secure without feeling over or under-tightened in one spot.
Different manufacturers offer BOA on different points on the shoe—on the tongue, the back or even some variation. Regardless, BOA, with its simple click system to tighten and loosen shoes, has a growing number of fans.
Who are they for: Golfers who want stability and the ultimate in fit. Find yourself tying your shoes multiple times during a round? Boa will solve that issue.
Popular Picks: adidas TOUR360 XT Boa, Footjoy Fury, FootJoy Tour S, FootJoy Sport, and FootJoy DNA, ECCO Biom Hybrid 3
Can spikeless golf shoes be worn as a regular walking shoe ? or would the sole wear down and not give enough support on the course
They can easily transition between the two, but we wouldn’t recommend doing a lot of walking on pavement, as it will wear down the traction over time. Small distances would be fine.
Is there a 6 e width golf shoe at all