Pro Tip: Spiked or Spikeless Golf Shoes -- Which are Right for You?

Golf is ever evolving, just like golf shoes -- would you rather have spiked or spikeless golf shoes? With all the different styles now available, the spiked vs. spikeless golf shoe debate has taken on a new level of importance. Which golf shoes are right for you?

And just like the shoes, the debate is also evolving. Before, you wanted to know if you should be wearing spikeless vs. spiked golf shoes, yet now you most likely own at least one pair of each. The question has now become when is the right time to wear spiked or spikeless shoes on the golf course?

The benefits to each type of shoe are too great to assume you only have one pair, which is why we are diving deeper into the discussion to provide you direction on the best times to wear spiked shoes and the right times to go spikeless.

First, we’ll answer some of your most commonly asked questions about spiked and spikeless golf shoes. Then, we’ll dive into those “when to wear” scenarios we mentioned. Finally, we’ll finish up with our top golf shoe brand recommendations.

Spiked or Spikeless Golf Shoes: Top 5 FAQs

The most popular questions surrounding golf shoes tend to focus on spikeless golf shoes, which makes sense since they are newer to the market. Let’s cover a couple brief definitions before getting started:

Spiked golf shoes: more rigidly structured golf shoes with plastic or metal spikes on the outsole of the shoe.

Spikeless golf shoes: golf shoes with a smoother, lighter outsole that still have rubber or TPU nodules for traction during your golf swing.

1. Are spikeless golf shoes good? In wet conditions? In the winter?

Spikeless golf shoes are good, especially when worn in the right conditions. They are notably comfortable and typically resemble the feel of running shoes, though they still retain quality traction features that keep you stable during wet conditions. You can use waterproof spikeless golf shoes without any issues during lightly wet conditions, like dewy mornings; additionally, some shoes are highly breathable and dry quickly.

If you’re lucky enough to play in the winter, you’ll most likely encounter wet course conditions thanks to the melted snow; in this case, spikeless shoes are still a viable option for the winter.

2. What is the advantage of spiked golf shoes?

In addition to sporting the traditional golf shoe style, spiked golf shoes have technical advantages. The cleats provide more traction during your golf swing, which allows you to maintain a stable stance in a variety of course conditions, especially wet and muddy ones.

3. Do spikeless golf shoes wear out?

Like all shoes, spikeless golf shoes do wear out, though not after a couple years of solid use. Between lacking the distinct cleats of spiked shoes and wearing them off the golf course, spikeless shoes will wear out faster than spiked shoes.

4. Do pros use spikeless golf shoes?

Yes, professional golfers on Tour play with spikeless golf shoes, though they are still in the minority. Many Tour players still play with metal cleats, so you’ll find pro golfers on both ends of the spectrum depending on their preference and their Tour stop that week.

5. Which golfers use spikeless golf shoes?

Popular PGA Tour players with spikeless golf shoes include Adam Scott, Daniel Berger, Justin Rose, Lee Westwood, Louis Oosthuizen, Tyrell Hatton, among others.

When to Wear Your Spiked or Spikeless Golf Shoes

Now that we have the basics down, let’s see when you should wear your spiked vs. spikeless golf shoes. Here are the pros and cons for each:

When it comes to knowing when to wear which shoes, ask yourself the following questions:

Where are you playing golf?

Assuming a mild, sunny forecast, where you’re playing golf can easily determine which golf shoe is right for you. If you are playing a hilly golf course or one filled with tons of bunkers, spiked shoes are the way to go. If you are playing a flat course, like one in Florida for instance, you can go with a spiked or spikeless shoe.

Spiked shoes are designed for higher traction, which is why uneven surfaces require more stability. If your golf itinerary includes golf courses with several different layouts and you can only pack one pair of shoes, spiked shoes are a safe bet every time.

What’s the weather forecast?

Weather is another good indicator on which golf shoes you should wear. If the weather is wet, spiked shoes will give you the traction you need to follow through on your shots. If the weather is dry, spikeless shoes can be a more comfortable route to go, though either option will work.

Are you walking or riding?

Speaking of comfort, knowing if you’re walking the course or riding in a golf cart can also play a role in choosing your golf shoes. If you are walking the golf course, spikeless shoes may be preferable because they are more sneaker-like and put less pressure on your feet. If you’re riding a golf cart, you may find spiked shoes help you navigate the ups and downs of your round better.

How’s your body feeling?

It is always important to check in with your body, especially your feet. Whether this is your first round in a while or you’re on a 5-day golf trip, knowing what your feet need will go a long way in helping your score. If the course requires more traction and your feet feel in great shape, there’s no reason to not wear spiked shoes.

If your feet are sore and need a break from rigid shoes, you’ll find spikeless shoes bring much needed relief to your round. Though not as necessarily structured as spiked shoes, spikeless shoes will still have the support and cushion you need to go low.

What golf clothes will you be wearing?

An aesthetic question, what you’re wearing does have a say in which golf shoes you might choose. Whether you stick to neutral or go all out with bright colors, you still want your overall appearance to add to your confidence as you step onto the first tee. Look good, feel good, play good.

What are your plans before/after your tee time?

Lastly, what your day looks like before or after your round can also play a factor in your shoe choice. If you’re only going to and from the golf course, spiked shoes are easy to change in and out of in your car or locker room. If you have a full day planned (and a full night on the 19th hole), spikeless shoes will be a comfortable and flexible option you can wear all day (night) long.

Best Spikeless Golf Shoe and Spiked Shoe Recommendations

GlobalGolf offers several brands of men’s golf shoes and women’s golf shoes, and finding the right shoes for you can be overwhelming. Browse our golf shoe guide and our recommendations below to help you figure out which spiked or spikeless shoes will fit seamlessly into your wardrobe.

Whether you’re looking for men’s spikeless golf shoes or women’s spikeless golf shoes, traditional spikes or something more unconventional (golf sandals, anyone?), you will find the most stylish and functional shoes on GlobalGolf, not to mention the newest styles.

Best Nike Golf Shoes

Nike, known for their basketball shoes, bring an unconventional but popular style to their spiked and spikeless shoes.

Best Adidas Golf Shoes

Adidas shoes, known for their sporty, sneaker-like looks, are some of the most sustainably produced shoes on the market.

Best FootJoy Golf Shoes

FootJoy shoes, touted as the #1 shoe in golf, have a healthy mix of their renowned traditional leather shoes and modern designs.

Best PUMA Golf Shoes

Nothing beats PUMA shoes in support technology; their Caged design equates to happy feet.

Best ECCO Golf Shoes

ECCO shoes, put on the map by Fred Couples’s 2010 Masters appearance, are designed with high quality materials and a European flair.

The spiked vs. spikeless golf shoe debate has transformed from which shoes to buy to when to wear each type. Now that you know all about these shoes, you can build your confidence from the ground up - literally - and play well in whichever shoes best fit your itinerary (and outfit).