Clothing & Footwear
Trainers or golf shoes?
We all have a favourite pair of trainers we stick on our feet whether we’re heading out to do a bit of shopping or meeting a friend for a coffee.
The familiar feel of our favourite shoes is so comforting to us, half the time we even forget we’re wearing shoes in the first place.
When you head down the range to practice some golf, you tend to keep your trainers on your feet. After all, you’re not walking up and down the golf course. Which begs the question, do you need golf shoes to play golf in when you can get about in boots and trainers?
What is it that makes golf shoes so special exactly? Today we want to reiterate to you that, just as a skater needs ice skates to navigate an ice rink and a runner needs appropriate running shoes that will last a marathon, golfers need specifically designed golf shoes to play their best.
Trainers or golf shoes?
Broadly speaking, we’ve seen a huge trend in recent years where brands are releasing very popular spikeless golf shoes alongside their traditional spiked shoes. These spikeless shoes are comfy, trainer-like, and have rubber outsoles that can be worn out and about on any surface.
They get the job done and give you plenty of grip on the golf course, which therefore begs a few questions, are they as good as spiked shoes? Is there any point in opting for traditional golf shoes when the ones that feel like comfy trainers so spectacular? And if that’s the case, why scratch the dress code and just wear trainers?
Here’s some data we found from equipment experts that justifies the necessity of golf shoes and proves they’re much better for your game than typical trainers.
“At this point, I’m willing to conclude that if you value stability, traction, and a shoe that handles the elements…stick with the spikeless golf shoe.”
mygolfspy.com
Mygolfspy.com tested between a top of the range trail running shoe and a spikeless golf shoe to determine which one performed the best for golf, considering categories such as comfort, stability, and traction, the spikeless golf shoe was the far superior choice of footwear.
Similarly, golfmonthly.com found that spiked golf shoes simply were the best option of footwear when it comes to playing golf. Testing between spikeless and spiked golf shoes, they found that spiked golf shoes not only gave you more traction, but helps you gain more yards on your strikes too.
“We saw variances in carry distance of 7.5 yards on average…In summary, it’s time golfers really started to consider footwear as an importance piece of kit that can have tangible performance benefits, rather than simply things that cover their feet when they play golf”
golfmonthly.com
The overall verdict is that spikeless golf shoes give you more traction than trainers, but spiked golf shoes give you exceptional performance benefits. Under Armour are the best in the business when it comes to designing quality golf shoes. Their S3 Swing Support System ensures every component of the shoe benefits your performance inside and out.
Under Armour's S3 Swing Support System
Under Armour’s Unique S3 Swing Support System is comprised of three individual components on top, underneath, and within the shoe itself. These 3 components being the spiked outsole on the bottom of the shoe, the Dual-Foam Midsole interior, and the swing support strap covering the laces.
The S3 Spiked Outsole
The outsole consists of thermoplastic rubber inserts that provide excellent penetration and traction as well as underfoot comfort. This outsole has a specific spike layout that’s designed to provide more lateral horizontal traction, helping you efficiently transfer more energy sideways through your golf swing, resulting in greater distances on your strikes.
Dual-Foam Midsole
The Dual-Foam Midsole offers oodles of relief and contributes to the shoe feeling light and spongey with every step you take. Both Under Armour’s HOVR foam and Charged Cushioning guides the natural motion of the foot as you turn through your golf swing, helping you channel power directly into your strikes.
Swing Support System
Not to be overlooked, the Swing Support Strap reinforces the laces in the upper, ensuring your feet are locked-in place throughout wear. This goes beyond ensuring your laces won’t untie mid-round. This component provides a biomechanically correct 360-degree fit for your feet, so from your heel to your toes, you’ll feel confident as you approach each shot.
This exemplary golf shoe design is best seen on the very latest Drive Pro Clone golf shoes. We’ve covered all the great tech that these shoes are comprised of, and the internal cushioning makes them a dream to wear all round long.
With 9 cleats on the sole, the Drive Pro Clone feels sturdy and upright with every step you take. Available in a stunning white colourway, this sleek, lightweight yet durable golf shoe will keep you focused on your game whatever the weather for the year ahead.
Another fantastic golf shoe that will be great for the upcoming spring and summer is the Drive Glide SL. This spikeless golf shoe is very lightweight and has a moulded sockliner interior to keep your feet comfortable all round long. This durable shoe offers plenty of grip and can be worn both on and off the golf course.
If you’re thinking of getting yourself some new golf shoes for the season ahead, we’d urge you to come and visit us in the pro shop. We’ve open and happy to help you find your ideal pair.
