There is a saying that the shoes make the person and this adage bears a special significance when it comes to the game of golf. The right golf shoes add so much to your game and it is absolutely essential to spend some time choosing shoes that are best suited for you. Any store that sells golf footwear will be able to explain the ins and outs of golf shoes to you, but if you are well-informed before you head to the store, you will know what to look for and will be in the best position to find the perfect pair of shoes at the perfect price.
Taking Advantage of Advanced Technology in Golf Shoes
Golf shoes no longer heavy and ungainly as before. Many of the newer shoes have been designed in such away that they actually allow you to pack more power into your swing while at the same time making long walks across the green a pleasant, even relaxing experience with their innovative massaging insoles.
Much of the power in your swing comes from your stance, and having the right kind of soles on your golf shoes ensures that there is no slippage that could result in loss of power. The soles must also be designed to handle golf spikes and the kind of spikes that are best varies from person to person.
Recognition of the fact that golfers are athletes too has led to golf shoe designs that are more comfortable using breathable materials, as well as high-quality leather that is waterproofed.
It is actually quite odd when you stop to think how long it took for waterproof golf shoes to become readily available. Hardcore golfers will be on the green rain or shine and it is necessary to have a shoe that can handle a wet course. Now it is almost impossible to find a golf shoe that is not waterproof, definitely one of those great pluses that have developed over time.
A Golf Shoe Is the Sum of Its Parts
Since that is the case, it is important to identify the different parts of the golf shoe and explain what you should be looking for as you purchase a new pair based on your specific golfing needs:
Laces – Now you may be thinking, “Seriously… laces”, but if you have ever experienced the rather unsettling feeling that you are about to come out of your golf shoes right in the middle of a power swing, then you understand that the right laces are an integral part of a good golf shoe. There are some interesting options out there, from standard laces to my personal favorite, the Boa Lacing System, which uses adjustable steel micro-cables and a proven dial system to ensure that your shoot fits perfectly for every swing, for the entire round. you can learn some more details about Golfing technologies at http://golfequipmentsource.com/an-introduction-to-golf-ball-technology/
Soles – The right kind of soles on a golf shoe provide the necessary stabilization to make sure that the full power of every swing is imparted to the ball and not lost somewhere in between. A sculpted outsole provides the ultimate amount of leverage and the most comfortable fit. The sole also does much to determine how comfortable the shoe is while walking the course, and aflexible sole made of durable material, for example the ReelFit high-performance TCU outsole, will provide the best fit and the most comfort.
Golf Spikes – Golf spikes also determine the comfort of a golf shoe to a large degree. The fact that golf is played on grass and quite often wet grass, dictates that golf spikes are necessary. In this area to technology has made great advances. From the days or purely steel spikes we have moved on to adjustable plastic cleats that allow you to fine tune the cleat with adjustable comfort settings. These are the kind of golf spikes that the pros use because they know that every technological advantage that has come to the game can be used to their benefit, so if you want to hit like a pro you need to check out the golf spikes that the pros use.
Material – Gone are the days where saddle shoes were the only option for the avid golfer. Now, I am personally a big fan of the saddle shoe, but I reserve my pair solely for casual wear these days. On the course there are much nicer options and the basic rundown of material possibilities looks like this: calfskin, nubuck, full-grain leather, oil-tanned nubuck and synthetic. Full-grain leather provides the most traditional look in my humble opinion, and nothing compares to the way full-grain leather wears over time to fit your foot perfectly. Having said that; many of the newest golf shoes merge hybrid versions of materials from all these families. Make sure that you know the material that your shoe is made from so that you can maintain it properly.
Insoles – I am a foot person, so I think that feet should be well-cared for and an important part to accomplishing that goal is to where shoes that are fitted to your feet. In most cases this means buying insoles. If you decide to purchase a higher-end golf shoe you can often get it custom fitted to your feet. On the less expensive end of things you may need to purchase an insole designed for golf shoes and fitted to the particulars of your feet. Golf shoe inserts can help keep your feet steady during your swing, and ensure that you have enough stamina to last all 18 holes. Another great plus is that some retailers offer discount prices on inserts when you buy a pair of golf shoes.
For Those Who Love Sand Traps – Golf Sandals
There is a school of thought that it is alright to golf in sandals and while I do not prescribe to that school of thought I do believe in being completely informative, so I fell compelled to point out that there are golf sandals and they can be worn on most courses, and I suppose if it is really hot outside it is nice to have air on your feet. I always think of how unfortunate it would be to have something drop on your poor toes if you were wearing golf sandals, but if you do choose to go that route remember the same things you should look for in a good pair of golf shoes, except laces, you should look for in golf sandals.
If you have added a new club to your collection every year but still wear the same shoes from decades ago, it is definitely time to upgrade. You may be surprised just how much your golf game benefits from the advances in golf shoe technology.
