Non-Golf Shoes: What works best for you?

[ColoradoFife 29]

I have been playing for 3 years with the past year being more consistent with practicing and playing. When I first go into the game, I was always self-conscious about showing up to the course with a pair of athletic shoes. I was always under the impression that I needed a pair of golf shoes with spikes to play the game, so one of the first things I did was buy a pair of Adidas Tech Response. Although I found them to be comfortable, I still found myself wanting to wear my athletics rather than golf shoes. This was especially true when I was walking a course. Now, I barely wear my golf shoes. Instead, I opt for my Hoka One shoes as my primary golf shoe. The only time I put on my Adidas is when the ground is wet from a recent snow melt or heavy rains. I find that the spikes do help with keeping me stable, but every other time I am back into my Hoka. Although my Hoka have been great shoes for a few years, I am in the market for a new athletic/golf shoe. This time I am looking at purchasing the Hoka Speedgoat Trail Runners. I have been getting more into hiking and really enjoy the traction they provided. I even think they can replace my Adidas as an all around golf shoes regardless of course condition. I was curious whether anyone else plays primarily in athletic shoes and has some good recommendations for a shoe that can serve as that hybrid all around shoe. 

[ChitownM2 769]

I'm sure that a lot of people share your same affinity for athletic shoes on the course.  You may also want to check out the numerous spikeless options available now as that segment has really grown in the last 5 years.  There are some very good options which many people probably would not be able to tell are golf shoes at all, both from a style perspective or based on the tread pattern on the bottom, yet the best ones give just as good of traction as a traditional set of golf spikes.

There is a most wanted review of the shoes every year so that would be the best place to start.

[Shankster 33,166]

I just played some of the best golf of my life in a pair of Nike skateboard shoes.  I’m a high swing speed player, and the only time I need any extra grip is if the grass is wet.

[GolfSpy_APH 8,692]

Allbirds mizzles... Waterproof to an extent. Stupid comfortable, good grip and are good for both warmer and colder conditions. I have a pair for work (i work on ice all day) and a pair for everyday. I've played a handful of rounds with them and to good success overall. They would be what i recommend hands down.

[StrokerAce 11,773]

I have to buy wide shoes and there are limitations on golf shoes in that arena. 
Also - one brands wide can be wildly different than another. 
Found a pair of Puma that work well. I know there are New Balance, FootJoy and Skechers but if I don't want to pay a damn fortune then I'll probably look into a non-golf shoe next time. Especially since I walk a lot and comfort is key.

[ColoradoFife 29]

After looking at spikeless golf shoes, is there any real difference between a spikeless golf shoe and a athletic sneaker such as trail runner? All the spikeless golf shoes I come across look like a regular athletic shoe with a little more aggressive tread similar to trail runners.  

[CarlH 8,674]

Biggest difference between golf shoes and other shoes other than spikes/traction is flex points and torsional aspects of the shoe.  They're designed specifically to provide support during the rotational motion of the foot during a swing and support while walking the course in the rough, fairway, and sand traps.  Similar as to why walking shoes differ from running shoes.  Can you play in trail shoes?  Sure.  You can play in wingtips too, if you'd like   

[Middler 3,793]

I’m very comfortable in my Adidas CodeChaos spikeless golf shoes, and I walk 18 more often than not, the traction is shockingly good IMO. But I know a couple guys who play in New Balance running shoes, and one guy who plays in low cut Merrell Moab hiking shoes. Whatever you’re comfortable with.

[maxmayer221 3]

Spikeless golf shoes. For sure. I can't even play in spike shoes since the age of 19.

[tehuti 669]

There are so many spikeless options nowadays that it is pretty easy to find a pair that are as comfortable as sneakers. My understanding is golf shoes provide more lateral support than normal walking or running shoes. So there is definitely a difference. I personally prefer sneaker type spikeless shoes. I own one pair of spikes but I rarely wear them.

[gavinski91 1,863]

On 5/21/2021 at 2:03 PM, ColoradoFife said:

After looking at spikeless golf shoes, is there any real difference between a spikeless golf shoe and a athletic sneaker such as trail runner? All the spikeless golf shoes I come across look like a regular athletic shoe with a little more aggressive tread similar to trail runners.  

I find that my spikeless shoes have a stiffer sole than my trail runners (even though some of my trail runners have more aggressive tread), so it provides a bit more of a stable platform for faster/harder swings.

[ColoradoFife 29]

Thank you everyone for the information. I have been sold on the differences between athletic and golf shoes. Also, I just saw that review on Jordan Spieth's spikeless golf shoes. I have some research to do to find my next golf shoe. 

[garyt1957 32]

I only wear golf specific shoes for the waterproofing if it's wet out or early morning dew.  Seems if you're slipping all over the place, you're swinging too hard.

[ColoradoFife 29]

@garyt1957  While you are probably right, I don't think I will ever stop swinging for the bleachers. It is too rewarding when you connect and hit that long ball. I just need to accept that my score will never improve. However, I feel like I am getting much better with recovery shots and scrambling. 

[CarlH 8,674]

1 hour ago, ColoradoFife said:

@garyt1957  While you are probably right, I don't think I will ever stop swinging for the bleachers. It is too rewarding when you connect and hit that long ball. I just need to accept that my score will never improve. However, I feel like I am getting much better with recovery shots and scrambling. 

Swinging for the bleachers and score never improving....could be a correlation here.   

[Sahil Dhawan 0]

This is a typical question that which other shoe will work instead of them, after thinking a lot in this I finally landed on a conclusion which says that the place of this is only be taken by mens sports shoes. Yes I have surfed a lot online and found a lot of sites but finally I landed on a site which I think is giving a major choice for us all, let me share that site, I have mentioned it above for the simplicity for you guys. I think this will work for sure. 

[MyWifesSwingCoach 951]

On 5/21/2021 at 5:29 PM, CarlH said:

 Can you play in trail shoes?  Sure.  You can play in wingtips too, if you'd like

Ah yes, I always prefer my wingtips during my weekly outing with my associates from the County Club.

LOL

Seriously though, I am in the market for new golf shoes as well. The only issue is I have terribly flat feet and require a very stiff sole with a lot of cushion. My podiatrist made me custom orthotics and he also sends me to a specialty shop for runners. They fit me into Brooks Beast '20s, the last pair was Brooks Addiction. Before diving head first into some new golf shoes, I will probably use my old Addicitons and try to use https://golfkicks.com/

[myherobobhope 347]

On 5/21/2021 at 2:41 PM, StrokerAce said:

I have to buy wide shoes and there are limitations on golf shoes in that arena. 
Also - one brands wide can be wildly different than another. 
Found a pair of Puma that work well. I know there are New Balance, FootJoy and Skechers but if I don't want to pay a damn fortune then I'll probably look into a non-golf shoe next time. Especially since I walk a lot and comfort is key.

If you are willing to spend $100ish for golf Shoes, the Skechers are pretty solid... I don’t love BOA but these came with them... not a ton of good wide options as you said! 

[higherplane 40]

In Colorado have found that you can where athletic shoes.  Nowadays have had to add orthotics.  Play most rounds in adidas samba soccer shoes, when course is empty like to jog between shots.   On wet course switch back to FJ golf shoes.