Spikes or spikless?

[Preeway]

I love the comfort of spikeless and I don’t really feel much difference between the two. I tend to buy shoes based on fit and comfort and sometimes a spiked version fits better. 

[Eric K]

Both. Spiked when it’s wet. No question. I had a pair of Sketcher mesh running style spikeless that had a sole that was way too slick. They were only good in absolutely dry conditions. I did recently grab a pair of Adidas CodeChaos 22 spikeless where the soles are a much harder “spike” that in damp conditions still grabs pretty well. 

[ChiefMikeOfficer]

On 4/12/2023 at 9:37 PM, Alan Scalzi said:

I own a pair of Nike spike golf shoes not bad but comfort is ok , was looking to get the Nike Air max 270 as they are comfortable ( have not tried them on) just worried about traction for the price $150!

I have both spiked and spikeless... but it depends on the round. Normally I'd go spikeless for walking, spiked for riding (and especially wet days). When going spikeless, brand and style are both important -- you need to find the right traction for you, and I went through quite a few before finding the ones I like best. My quick rundown that I just sent a buddy (note that none of these are the new 2023 releases -- I have enough golf shoes as it is): 

Favorites are G/Fore MG4+, New Balance Fresh Foam Contend, and Adidas Codechaos. All are very comfortable and have traction that works well for me. 

Works fairly well (again, for me): Asics Gel Kayano Ace (great comfort, OK traction), True Linkswear Knit (traction OK, mostly lacking support in the uppers, seems more like a casual or range shoe than on-course shoe to me). 

Did not work: Puma Ignite (specifically because of traction -- the Ignite has a very specific sole, and it slipped all over the place for me). I think other Puma spikeless soles are different, so might work better, but I'm jaded. Other G/Fore athletic styles didn't work either, but more because of fit, which was surprising because of how well the MG4+ fits me (goal was to dabble in Speedgolf, and wanted a golf shoe that I could run in, rather than a running shoe I could golf in). 

Special Shout-out: New Balance Minimus SL. Loved them. But they're a few years old now. Might be able to find them on clearance somewhere. 

Notably missing: Nike, which is what you were asking about (sorry). The last time I tried Nike, I could not get a good fit, so haven't tried them in the last handful of years.  

[Guest Genes]

Hello Ha,

I’ve been a spiked guy for 50 years. A couple years ago I switched. Went with a pair of Skechers. Cost me a couple hundred but well worth it. No slippage and lasted 2 years at 100 rounds per year. 
I decided a month ago to try out the latest Ecco brand, biom c4 cost around 250. Holy smoke, this pair was really nice. Comfortable and supportive kinda like the wife. 
Plus, without the spikes you can drive with them on and go to stores and restaurants and not worry about slipping or looking like you are wearing something weird on your feet. 

[JohnnyU]

I was wearing a high end pair if spiked golf shoes and was experiencing ankle and achilles tendinitis. I was really worried about something terrible happening. I switched to Puma spikeless golf shoes. The tendinitis has went away and my ankles feel great. I have since purchased several more pairs (different colors) and I love them. I can put on my shoes before I leave the house (because they are spikeless) and wear them all day through post round dinner. I swing pretty hard and have not had any grip issues. I will never switch back to spiked shoes or for that matter wear anything other than Puma's. When I find something that works I stick with it. Good work Puma!

[Guest Chris Yourdan]

I’ve switched from the 270 to the next % almost exclusively. I will throw in the Jordan 1 low on occasion. The next % are comfortable (for me) and grip great. I did have to go up a half size.

[NoRebound]

I'm strictly a spiked guy.  I just bought two pairs of Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 2 shoes from Carl's Golfland for less than $200 including shipping and I love them.  They are a little tighter than the Nikes they replaced but they grip WAY better than the old models did,

I tried the 270s last year and they lasted a round.  Sure, they were more comfortable than spiked shoes but even on a slightly damp course I was slipping all over the place (actually fell trying to hit a shot below my feet).  I lost 10 yards off of my drives because I couldn't dig in and pivot.  I gave the shoes to someone who works at a local course and needed something more waterproof than anything else.  

Look beyond Dick's or Golf Galaxy.  Their shoe selection is poor for spiked shoes and their prices are on the higher side.  

[Hey Arnold]

I own 2 spikeless Jordan’s and 2 spiked Jordan’s and have 0 issue with any of them. I have found them all to be extremely comfortable and provide great traction on the course. As others have mentioned, i use the spiked ones when the course is a little bit more wet or when playing early in the morning. 

[KCEE]

Our course drains really well so I rarely wear spiked shoes any more.  I have a pair of Nike Roshe that are really comfortable, but I can slip at times in them.  My favorite shoes have been the Adidas Code Chaos I've had for several seasons.  They are comfy, grip well and clean up pretty easily.  I paid too much in our pro shop for them a few years ago, but I bought the same pair this winter at DSG for only $40.  I still see them for $60-$80 which is a bargain IMO.  Also have a pair of Trues which I love, but the near zero drop is not for everyone.

[Merlin1313]

On 4/12/2023 at 9:37 PM, Alan Scalzi said:

I own a pair of Nike spike golf shoes not bad but comfort is ok , was looking to get the Nike Air max 270 as they are comfortable ( have not tried them on) just worried about traction for the price $150!

I've got both and nothin but Eccos- wouldn't have anything else. GREAT comfort/durability/traction(but I also have a really wide foot). You can go to any number of websites and find them for a comparable price.  

Edited April 14 by Merlin1313

[Guest Richochet Rick]

I have couple pairs of both but here in FL but prefer spikeless… Having said that…best rounds I ever played were barefoot. Made me swing within myself

[Mereplogle]

I bought a very expensive pair of spikeless shoes. They slip so much (especially on tee box) that l actually don't wear them on course. Too bad because they are so comfortable. 

[fcmotive]

I've gone both spiked and spikeless in the central florida morning dew. Given that I'm no tour player, the comfort, aesthetics and convenience of spikeless jordan 1 lows are my go-to, with my spikeless air max 90s and air max 97s as close backups. I can hit the morning 9 walking course (pretty flat), hose them off at the club house, and hit the grocery store on my way home without any fuss. 

As far as pricing goes, I usually opt for a colorway that's on sale as nike tends to reinvent the shoes year over year resulting in solid discounts for the previous season. I'd hit up a local big box store to get the sizing right (jordans for me have been true to size where I half size up for air maxes), then just order the best deal you can find online. For what it's worth, Nike itself has one of the best return policies i've ever encountered in my years of buying and selling sneakers.

[russtopherb]

I own both and prefer spikes. I have some hilly courses around me that tend to hold onto water so they just work out better for me.

[Guest Jeffbman]

Spikeless shoes are more comfortable in the long run run but when the nubs wear out, they are just shoes where spiked golf shoes can have their spikes replaced as time goes by.  Therefore, I believe that spiked shoes are a better value.

[BadAsp]

Since spikeless came out, I was hooked! They are generally more comfortable. They grip well but have enough give for your feet to turn (which I like) and they are much more friendlier to the putting surfaces! Currently have some Jordan ADG 3’s

[pineneedlespro]

I have both spiked and spikeless. It depends on the weather and course conditions. I believe that spikeless golf shoes puts less stress on the lower back during the golf swing because spiked shoes makes a golfer more planted on the ground. I don't need any more pain hitting a golf ball since my 2 back operations, 3 shoulder surgeries, and a hip replacement. It's strange as we get older (65+) we compare all of our operations and try to out do the next person.

[sglj3]

Living and playing in Oregon year round definitely need spikes at times, personal preference for look and comfort is spikeless

[Clay5477]

Had several pair of both styles. Here's something else to think about: Cost.

If you're buying $50 golf shoes, cost doesn't matter. They're throw-aways when they get worn. On the other hand, if you normally buy $150-$200 or up golf shoes, it matters

If the spikes wear out on a pair of $200 shoes, you buy a new set of spikes for $15 and you're good to go. If an expensive pair of spikeless shoes wear out, you're buying a new pair of shoes.

As far as comfort goes, once you find a brand of shoe where their last fits your foot great, (happens to be Adidas for me), then both spiked and spikeless should both be equally comfortable walking on the course. Sidewalks and parking lots may be different.

And as most have mentioned...hilly and/or wet course, spikeless adds a risk of slipping.

Spiked for me!

[higherplane]

Spikeless are so convenient and don't have many slipping issues, given the importance of your connection to the ground in golf swing suggest trying on shoes before buying even if then buying online.  Btw, same with ski boots