Should you use a spikeless golf shoe or spiked golf shoe?

This may be something we don’t think about enough, but should you use a spikeless golf shoe or a spiked golf shoe? 

Have you ever wondered if a golf shoe actually makes a difference when playing golf? Well, what if I told you that you can save shots purely from your shoe choice? You’d probably think I’m talking rubbish, but hear me out. 

Golf shoes are a big fashion item and, with some brands, the aesthetic is always appealing so we all want to have the best looking shoe when we step out on the course. 

As well as a golf shoe being a fashion statement and looking good, comfort is the next port of call. 

Usually, when we find those two things, that’s it. As golfers that’s all you can see and try, and away you go. 

But a massively overlooked factor is traction and grip on the sole. This is essentially the most important part of a golf shoe. Yes, it looks good and it’s comfy, but if the performance isn’t right for you then you’ll lose shots off the tee and in the fairway. 

So, how can you tell if you should use a spikeless golf shoe or spiked golf shoe? 

There are a number of ways to look at this. If you stay pretty still and rotate without much lateral movement in the swing, you’ll be absolutely fine with a spikeless shoe. However, if you have a lot of movement laterally and have a lot of moving parts through your swing, then you’ll want a spiked shoe in order to get the best grip and stability possible to help maintain consistency in strike. 

You can also think about it this way. If you have a very fast swing and use a lot of ground force like a Rory McIlroy or a Bryson DeChambeau, then you might want to look at a spikeless option, as you will want your feet to have a bit of freedom through impact to follow through with ease – particularly if you’re using the ground effectively. 

But that being said, if you want the most stability possible then a spiked shoe is always going to be the best option, as it’s giving you the best stability and grip off the tee box. 

Spikeless golf shoes are great, especially in warmer climates, but if you’re from the UK you’ll know how quickly the weather can turn. 

I did a test with the Under Armour Drive Pro shoes and the accuracy and consistency difference in the spike shoes were massive. 

So, next time you’re looking at a new pair of golf shoes, try do some research on the traction control and also look at what type of shoe you need for your swing. 

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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