Spiked VS Spikeless golf shoes, what’s the difference?

Confused about which golf shoes to go for between spiked golf shoes and spikeless golf shoes?

Sadly, a lot of people are often confused as to what the difference between spiked golf shoes and spikeless golf shoes is.

I remember a few years ago when I wanted to get my first pair of golf shoes, I was in a state of dilemma as to what the difference between the two is and which of the two types of shoes to go for.

perhaps you are in a similar situation, or you just want to be clear on what difference lies between the two types of golf shoes, this post will help you understand what the difference is between the two.

What is a spiked golf shoe?

A golf shoe is said to be spiked when it has some Spikes or cleats embedded in the outsole. These Spikes or Cleats are typically made of soft plastic and they look similar to what you found on most football boots.

The cleats or spikes help keep the shoes firmly gripped to the turf during a swing and are particularly important when the golf course is wet.

Most pro golfers prefer going for spiked shoes because it helps with extra grip and traction during a swing. You understand the intensity at which pro golfers swing, they definitely need extra support to keep their feet firmly on the ground and spiked shoes offer the needed support.

 

What is a Spikeless golf shoe?

Spikeless golf shoes on the other hand are designed without spikes or cleats and only feature a flat outsole with rubber studs or dimples instead of cleats or spikes.

They are plain, and more like trainers, and because of how simple they appear, they can be worn pretty much anywhere.

The major difference between spiked and spikeless golf shoes.

What seems to be the major difference between spiked and spikeless golf shoes is how the outsole is designed.

In spiked shoes, the outsole has a cleat embed on the outsole which helps to create a kind of balance, especially during a swing, while spikeless golf shoes have no cleat on their outsoles.

Which golf shoes should you go for, spiked or Spikeless?

To better answer this question, let me first draw the benefits and possibly the disadvantages of both, from there you can decide which of the two would be beneficial to your game.

Benefits of Spiked Golf Shoes.

Here are some of the befits or rather advantages spiked shoes have over spikeless golf shoes.

1. Durability.

Spiked golf shoes are exclusively designed for golf and nothing else.

It is difficult or rare seeing someone wear spiked golf shoes for an evening outing, unlike spikeless shoes that you can easily wear in almost every place.

The fact is, the more you wear your shoes, the faster it wears down.

Although the Cleats on Spkied shoes may wear down, they can easily be replaced with the right cleats.

Because Spiked shoes are not worn often like spikeless shoes, they tend to have a much longer shelf life than their spikeless counterpart.

2. Traction.

Another big thing that spiked golf shoes have going for them is traction.

One of the most important factors most golfers consider when choosing any golf shoes is traction.

Spiked golf shoes are known to have more traction because of the cleat on the outsole which can easily anchor to the ground, helping you to have more grips on the green, while spikeless shoes don’t offer as much traction because of their lack of cleats.

3. Stability on a wet course.

Another factor that seems to be an advantage the spiked shoes have over their spikeless counterpart is the area of stability when playing on a wet course.

Spiked shoes are designed with Cleats on the base that tends to offer more stability on the ground and that help keep the golfers firm during swinging.

4. Hilly Course.

Although both types of Shoes can do well on a hilly course the spiked shoes offer more balance and the spikes keep you from slipping when playing on a hilly wet golf course.

 

Benefits Of Spikeless Golf Shoes.

Okay, so here are a few of the many benefits I feel the spikeless golf shoes have over Spiked shoes.

1. Comfort.

Although the spikes golf shoes offer some level of comfort especially as technology brings about the revolution in how golf shoes are manufactured, however, the spikeless golf shoes offer more comfort both on and off the course.

Playing in golf shoes that are more comfortable has a way of providing more confidence, ultimately leading to a better outlook on the game and more fun.

 

2. Breathability.

When you are playing on warmer courses, the spikeless golf shoes offer more breathability as most are made of lighter, thinner and more breathable fabrics. This helps in wicking away sweat from your feet and provides the comfort you need.

3. Waterproof.

Most spikeless golf shoes are designed with waterproof materials. This way, your feet are kept safe even when the turf condition is wet.

4. Versatility.

When it comes to versatility in terms of use, the spikeless golf shoes are a mile ahead.

While spiked golf shoes are designed to deliver one job, playing golf. The spikeless shoes on the other hand can be used for an evening outing. You can even wear them on a casual office outing.

5. Cost.

Spiked golf shoes tend to be more costly than spikeless shoes.

If you are running on a budget, you will get great low and budget-friendly options out there.

 

Conclusion.

Conclusively, both golf shoes offer many benefits, and whatever you decide to go for, there are great options available.