Spiked vs spikeless golf shoes – which is best for your game?

Golf shoes have been a part of the game for almost as long as people have been hitting balls with modified sticks.

Thankfully, since they first started appearing in the mid eighteen hundreds, they’ve evolved dramatically into the innovative and versatile sports footwear we know today.

But in all that time, there’s arguably only one major difference-maker in the way these shoes are produced: the emergence of spikeless golf shoes.

Spiked golf shoes were the gold standard for well over a century. But today, spikeless golf shoes have taken over as the biggest seller worldwide. So why were spikes always the ideal choice, and why did it take so long for spikeless options to arrive?

Why do golf shoes have spikes?

• Spiked golf shoes feature spikes – nowadays known as ‘cleats’ – on the underside of the shoe.

This offers players better control and ground grip in their stance, maintaining good balance during the swing.

• Spikeless golf shoes have no spikes but are built to offer similar results regardless.

In the beginning, golfers simply hammered nails or pins into their existing shoes. Eventually, this led to the production of golf shoes with pre-built metal spikes, which remained the go-to choice of golfers everywhere for years to come.

However, as time and technology moved on, cleats made of plastic, rubber, or synthetic materials became the norm, to the delight of greenkeepers everywhere; as you can imagine, metal spiked shoes weren’t the best for keeping golf course grass healthy.

But it was only in the mid-2000s that many golfers did away with spikes entirely, instead opting for more modern, spikeless alternatives. This came after golfer Fred Couples wore them in the 2010 Masters.

These alternatives usually featured rubber nubs to create traction. But today, the outsoles of these shoes are made with carefully crafted indentations and patterns that are designed to create stability.

Are spikeless golf shoes better than spiked golf shoes?

Spikeless golf shoes are very different from their spiked cousins, but that doesn’t necessarily make them ‘better.’

Every golfer is looking for different advantages at the tee, on the fairway, and on the green, and their personal preference for golf shoes is a key component in reinforcing these advantages.

It’s up to each individual to examine the areas of their game that will be changed depending on whether they wear spikeless or spiked shoes, so they can make an educated decision for the betterment of their game.

If you’re unsure, here are a few notes to help you out:

Spiked golf shoes advantages

Unmatched control

Because the spikes stick into the ground, they essentially lock you into position, helping you keep your feet planted during the backswing and follow-through.

Power generation

By limiting the movement of your feet, you’re actually able to generate fantastic power and push off the ground more easily.

Balance on awkward turf

Ever find yourself on a slippery slope on a wet day? Spikes can help hold you in place and prevent an embarrassing fall!

Spiked golf shoes disadvantages

Can feel uncomfortable compared to the alternative

While those who frequently play in spiked shoes enjoy them, others have found them less comfortable than their counterparts, and they may need more breaking in to fit properly.

Creates a ‘disconnect’ between the golfer and the ground

In the case of modern cleats, some players don’t enjoy the feeling of being lifted away from the ground and prefer to have their soles as close to the grass as possible.

Walking is more difficult

The spikes mean you’ll need to exert more energy per step, especially compared to trainers.

Spikeless golf shoes advantages

Easy to walk in

Because you won’t need to alter your natural step motion to accommodate cleats, you can enjoy a freer-feeling walking movement on the course.

Generally more comfortable

As many spikeless golf shoes use similar materials as your favourite trainers, they’re often considered more comfortable than spiked shoes, which may be made of harder materials.

More style options are available

As they lean towards the golf trainer style – a far more trendy approach - you’ll often see a variety of stylistic choices on the market.

Easy to clean

Cleats have always been difficult to keep free of sticky muck and grass. You won’t have this issue with spikeless shoes.

Spikeless golf shoes disadvantages

Not as much control or balance

While the soles are designed to offer excellent ground grip, they still fall short of traditional spikes in this department.

Power can suffer

Without the added underfoot grip and support, you may not be able to inject shots with as much power as you’d like.

Explore spiked and spikeless golf shoes at GolfShoes.co.uk

Whether you’re a spiked golf shoe die-hard or a spikeless convert, you’ll find everything you need and more at GolfShoes.co.uk.

With spiked and spikeless golf shoe options from the sport’s biggest brands – including Nike, FootJoy, adidas, and ECCO, to name but a few – we’ll always have the perfect golf shoe to complement your personal playing style.

Take a look at our full selection of women’s golf shoes and men’s golf shoes at the links above, or get in touch with the team if you need more product-specific info on one pair.