How often should you change your golf spikes?

We tinker a lot of things regularly in our equipment set-up, but there is one thing we perhaps don’t consider. So how often do you change your golf spikes? 

We are all guilty of chucking our golf shoes on and not paying too much attention to what’s going on underneath, it’s just something we don’t think about and we’ve all been there. However, you could be missing a spike, spikes could be worn down to almost nothing, or maybe missing grip.

But did you know this is massively affecting your performance? 

How often should you change your golf spikes?

Now when it comes down to traction control and grip on the sole of the shoe, especially a spiked model, it makes a bigger difference than you may think. 

So we went to the experts at SoftSpikes who gave us the low down on how often you should change your spikes… 

Firstly, how much of difference does a spike make? 

To give you an example, we tested the new Tour Pro spikes with a spikeless shoe and a spiked shoe that were identical in upper, outsole, and midsole. The only difference was in the spike.

At higher swing speeds anything over 110+ was five yards of extra carry, 60% tighter dispersion, and a 40% increase in consistency. Even at slower swing speeds it was 42%, which is really impressive.

What we expected is a little bit confidence, feels more stable, swing a bit faster and you’ll get longer data. Swing speed with the Tour Flex Pro was identical but you’ll find the centre of the club face.

What the process for creating a spike?  

The Tour Pro went through probably the most iterations of any spike that we’ve launched. A big part of our process is product-like tooling and to get it on tour. Before we even launched it at the WM Phoenix Open, there were months and months of guys trying it at home and players who were testing it. On tour, we actually have reps out there each week, just like the big brands, who are servicing pros as it’s such an important piece of tech for these guys. 

Right, the million dollar question. How often should your change your spikes? 

We say with Tour Pro Flex spike is around 15 to 20 rounds.

There is some flexibility in that number as well, obviously, with how often you play, or if you’re in a buggy you’re not going to put as much wear on them in comparison to walking, and conditions play a big part in it.

It’s a line-in-a-sand number that we have with this Tour Pro Flex spike being a bit harder, and in less dynamic elements it will last longer than a spike that is designed for comfort. But 15 is a good guideline to check them. 

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Conclusion 

So there you have it, check your spikes every 15 rounds or so.

And don’t dismiss this as not being important. It can affect the distance you hit each shot, as well as consistency and dispersion.

What is on the bottom of your feet is just as important as what your irons and driver as it will add to your control and help you play better golf. This is all just from making sure you have the right spike in your golf shoes and if you are looking for a new spike try the SoftSpikes Tour Flex Pro. It’s a small details in your equipment but will help with those marginal gains. If you don’t believe me try it for yourself. 

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James Tait is bunkered’s Gear Editor. Want to know how the latest Callaway driver, Vokey wedge or Scotty Cameron putter performs? He’s the guy to ask. Better yet, just watch his videos on the bunkered YouTube channel. One of the biggest hitters in the UK, James also competes on the World Long Drive circuit and is a descendent of former Amateur champion Freddie Tait.

Gear Editor