Spiked vs spikeless

[Thad Buchanan]

The last few years it seems that more and more major brands are going down the spikeless route when it comes to their golf shoes. Some of these brands make golf shoes that to me look like they just had the slightest inch of traction and slap on the golf name. What’s your take? Are spiked golf shoes out the door?

[dbdors]

I don't know if they are out the door, but spike less work for me!  And I have no desire to buy a spiked shoe.  Spike Less work and no need to change worn out spikes, etc.

Edited February 20 by dbdors

[Thad Buchanan]

10 minutes ago, dbdors said:

I don't know if they are out the door, but spike less work for me!  And I have not desire to buy a spiked shoe.  Spike Less work and no need to change worn out spikes, etc.

I mean they for sure make it a lot easier and almost add value because you feel like you can wear them in more situations than just the golf course 

[dbdors]

1 minute ago, Thad Buchanan said:

I mean they for sure make it a lot easier and almost add value because you feel like you can wear them in more situations than just the golf course 

Yes, I don't wear them much for fear of wearing out the spikes, but just yesterday I wore some Adidas Code Chaos shoes.  I needed to go to the grocery store on the way home.  I did change shoes, just went to the store and then home.  BTW, the Adidas Code Chaos spikes wear very sell.  I have two pair, black and a white with blue pair.  the cleats look good as new and the traction is great.  

Also the spike less may be more comfortable.  I try to walk as much as I can, and foot comfort is important.  And honestly it has been so long (maybe 10-12 years) since I've had a spiked shoe that I cant remember what is was like.

I might add that the quality of traction "in my opinion" varies by shoe/brand.  Right now I am happy with the 2 Code Chaos, a pair of Asics and a Pumas that are nice.  The traction is great and the shoes are comfortable.  But I had some Ecco's and I never liked the traction and really didn't find them to be very comfortable.  They were a disappointment.  I got them because they had GoreTex and a big discount, but didn't like them in the end.

[russtopherb]

I've had zero issues with spikeless for the most part, and I play a few hilly courses that don't have the best drainage at times. If it's been really wet out, I'll wear my spikes (which are incredibly comfy, another reason I like them) but more often than not it's spikeless. 

[Thad Buchanan]

43 minutes ago, russtopherb said:

I've had zero issues with spikeless for the most part, and I play a few hilly courses that don't have the best drainage at times. If it's been really wet out, I'll wear my spikes (which are incredibly comfy, another reason I like them) but more often than not it's spikeless. 

I actually just snagged a pair of used Jordan lows that I’m thinking about spiking just to have a spiked pair 

[berkeleybob]

I tried spikeless a while back. I think for the most part it worked out okay.

One thing I noticed, it’s easy to keep them on and run errands after playing a round. I’ve also noticed that a few times my foot slipped during my swing. Either the course was too slippery or it was too slippery on a hill. It could have been the brand I chose, and it could be that spikeless has evolved to be better now.

Currently, I’ve gone back to spikes because they don’t lose traction and I don’t carry a worry in the back of my head while out on the course. And I’m more motivated to take them off when the round is over.

I hope they’re not out the door. They work. I don’t think they never not work.

Edited February 20 by berkeleybob

[cnosil]

I don't think spikeless are out the door.  Spiked and Spikeless are designed for different needs.  typically a spiked shoe will have a stiffer profile due to the infrastructure needed for the spikes so it will tend to twist less.    Spikeless don't have spikes that can be replaced so when the nubs wear out you need to replace the shoe.   Pros and cons to each,  as a player you just need to find what works for you.   

[Michael.Sandoval33]

I currently have the Puma "Original G" spikeless shoes and I love them for the course. The Hex design on the bottom grips the ground exceptionally well. Very bottom heavy without a doubt which makes them great, just not off the course. I immediately disengage from them as soon as I am off the final greens. I want to try spiked but the courses in Long Beach 'prefer' spikeless to save the grass I suppose. 

[Tom the Golf Nut]

I have a few pairs of both spiked and spikeless. Based on the course and what time of day dictates which shoe I'll wear for that round. Wet conditions (early morning rounds with dew on the grass) always spiked. Afternoon dry conditions I can go spikeless. Before purchasing a pair of spikeless, I always see them in person to look at the tread design for grip. If I go to a PGA tournament, I'll always wear golf shoes that are spikeless. Good for walking around the course and not slip. 

When spikeless shoes started being a thing the treads were horrible, but they have come a long way. 

I actually just ordered another pair of spiked shoes this morning.   

[GolfSpy_KFT]

I have gone back and forth between spiked and spikeless, and ultimately have gone back to spiked. It gives me a much more stable and connected feeling. When I made my initial switch to spikeless, I did it thinking that it would be more comfortable as my first pair of shoes ended up becoming pressure point feels where the spikes were located. After a few ill timed slips and not able to get comfortable on awkward lies with traction, I went to the FootJoy Hyperflex and will not be going back.

[tdroma98]

I like the spikeless. Had switched to Ecco spikeless shoes years ago, after Freddy Couples was using them.  Two years ago I switched to Sqairz Shoes which has 3 soft spikes on each shoe and I really like the Sqairz. 

The Ecco's are worn out & bought a pair of FootJoy Flex spikeless shoes and like them.  The Flex is not really waterproof & not made for walking the course in the Florida mornings, with how wet it is from morning dew.  

[Preeway]

I personally prefer spokeless shoes just for comfort alone. I have a pair of spiked shoes but they don't get work very often. As a PE teacher I am very picky when it comes to shoes and I am more focused on comfort than I am about traction. That isn't to say that I don't care at all about traction, but as long as the shoe has enough traction, then give me comfortable every time. I think there is enough of a spiked market out there to support both options for a long time to come.

[Dan P]

I'm solidly in the spikeless camp after making the switch 5 or 6 years ago. The Code Chaos spikes have been amazing so far and I honestly can't remember the last time I slipped on a shot. 

This may be super specific to me and my swing, but I remember losing spikes a few times every year with my old spiked shoes. Happened with both my Pumas and Adidas spikes, so it was nice to not worry about that anymore.

Edited February 21 by Dan P

[GolfSpy_APH]

Spiked shoes will always be around and provide superior stability. It's just what they are and how they are designed. 

Often that can lead to less comfort when compared to spikeless. 

At least this has been my experience and situation.

[CB Lobo 4 Life]

I will throw my hat in the ring on this subject. I have always hated spiked shoes, and honestly, it is not entirely about the comfort. I have used some that I wouldn't mind walking 18 holes with. 

The real reason I hate spiked shoes so much? I have wrenched my knee more times than I can count with spiked shoes...with an aggressive swing like I tend to have is NOT a good fit for spiked shoes. 

Spikeless for me is the perfect combination of comfort and traction. I will never go back. 

[Rob Person]

I have 3 pair of golf specific shoes. 2 are "spikeless" sneakers, but have raised bottoms for traction. The other is a pair of FJ all leather winter/wet weather golf shoes,  with screw in soft spikes. The bottoms are also very rugged as well. The only issue with the winter ones is the thickness around the inner ankle rubs me the wrong way after about 3 holes. And walking on cart path and hard surfaces is very unusual.   I may move to a soft spikes sneaker down the road though.

 

[Nick_D]

I will always have at least one pair of both. If I'm walking and its dry out I will wear spikeless. But if I'm riding in a cart I'll pretty much always wear spikes. And if its wet I'll always wear spikes as well regardless of walking/riding!

[funkyjudge]

On 2/20/2024 at 8:26 AM, Thad Buchanan said:

The last few years it seems that more and more major brands are going down the spikeless route when it comes to their golf shoes. Some of these brands make golf shoes that to me look like they just had the slightest inch of traction and slap on the golf name. What’s your take? Are spiked golf shoes out the door?

It's soft spikes for me (the more, the better), even when I am walking and carrying my bag.  I wear spikeless golf shoes when hitting indoors on the SIM (Adidas Code Chaos or UA HOVR models), but even then they must provide good traction.  No worn-down "nubs", etc.!

[Another Steve]

Spiked shoes for me…. I Would go back to metal spikes immediately if courses allowed them! Was a huge difference in feel and stability to me going from metal spikes to black widow soft spikes when the courses banned them back in the day and it has been a constant search ever since to find a model of soft spikes that anchor my feet as well as metal.
I want to feel my feet anchored to the ground, that is where the power and stability originates. i want stiffer supportive soles cuz the soft spongy ones make my feet, ankles, knees, and hips ache. Got no use for spikeless shoes …. If i wanted to go there I would wear my Merrill trail shoes or maybe my Asolo hiking boots with Vibram lug soles…… or maybe just wear my crocs! How about bare foot golf?

Edited February 21 by Another Steve

[funkyjudge]

2 hours ago, Another Steve said:

Spiked shoes for me…. I Would go back to metal spikes immediately if courses allowed them! Was a huge difference in feel and stability to me going from metal spikes to black widow soft spikes when the courses banned them back in the day and it has been a constant search ever since to find a model of soft spikes that anchor my feet as well as metal.
I want to feel my feet anchored to the ground, that is where the power and stability originates. i want stiffer supportive soles cuz the soft spongy ones make my feet, ankles, knees, and hips ache. Got no use for spikeless shoes …. If i wanted to go there I would wear my Merrill trail shoes or maybe my Asolo hiking boots with Vibram lug soles…… or maybe just wear my crocs! How about bare foot golf?

I’m with you,Steve!  Have you tried Squairz shoes? I own (3) pairs, and the only pair that I don’t like is the first generation. The last two generations of Squairz are stable, supportive, comfortable, and they provide excellent traction in virtually all conditions.

[BallsLeon]

So far have only tried spikeless golf shoes and only one brand, adidas. My thinking was that spikeless would be more comfortable to walk in, and adidas typically fit me well.

Have two pairs that I rotate through so far, Code Chaos and MC80. Like both a lot, seem to have plenty of grip, and mostly comfortable... minus a break-in period for my heels .

Would like to try another brand down the road, eyes currently on TRUE for my next pair.

[Preeway]

22 minutes ago, funkyjudge said:

I’m with you,Steve!  Have you tried Squairz shoes? I own (3) pairs, and the only pair that I don’t like is the first generation. The last two generations of Squairz are stable, supportive, comfortable, and they provide excellent traction in virtually all conditions.

I bought a pair for 40% off over Christmas and they feel kinda blocky. I’m very picky when it comes to shoes and these don’t feel comfortable at all. Did you experience a break in period or use an insert?

[funkyjudge]

12 minutes ago, Preeway said:

I bought a pair for 40% off over Christmas and they feel kinda blocky. I’m very picky when it comes to shoes and these don’t feel comfortable at all. Did you experience a break in period or use an insert?

BOTH. Break-in is not nearly as big an issue with the latest two generations of Squairz shoes, and I wear Protalus insoles in ALL of my athletic and casual shoes (their T-100 insert in my golf shoes).

I am about as particular regarding shoes and shoe comfort as anyone, BTW!

[taylorjonasher]

I've worn FJ spikeless for the last three seasons, and wore Oakley spikeless for about 6 years before. I rarely come across conditions that I lost traction. I've never worn spiked, but having worn spikeless and never seen a disadvantage, I don't think I'd purchase them.

[Another Steve]

Have looked at Squairz online but not in person. I was originally really interested in them but something turned me off about them….. might have been the spike pattern. I prefer 5 spikes on the front of the shoe … 3 on the outside and one each on the ball and big toe. 
 

have a pair of dieing/dead square toe Calloway shoes that i picked up 20 or so years ago when i played regularly. Comfortable to walk 18 and were waterproof for a lot longer that any footjoy I ever owned. Have a pair of new balance and a pair of adidas athletic shoe style that need replaced. I really cannot find much that floats my boat these days. May just be time to admit that I am getting old. 

Edited February 22 by Another Steve
Because siri constantly inserts words i didn't type

[Rob Person]

11 hours ago, Another Steve said:

Have looked at Squairz online but not in person. I was originally really interested in them but something turned me off about them….. might have been the spike pattern. I prefer 5 spikes on the front of the shoe … 3 on the outside and one each on the ball and big toe. 
 

have a pair of dieing/dead square toe Calloway shoes that i picked up 20 or so years ago when i played regularly. Comfortable to walk 18 and were waterproof for a lot longer that any footjoy I ever owned. Have a pair of new balance and a pair of adidas athletic shore style that di of but need replaced. I really cannot find much that floats my boat these days. May just be time to admit that I am getting old. 

I love going into golf stores and trying new shoes for 5 minutes.  I've even walked over to the putting greens and played in them. 

[Owengeorge13]

I have had really good luck with all of footjoys offerings.  Spiked and spikeless they always seem to work out well and for an extended time.  I was thinking about trying a pair of Jordan Low g.  I don’t think I can stray away from the brand new Pro SLX…

Ive had really good luck on Amazon finding previous years footjoy on clearance.  But the new pro SLX may have to be bought at full price.

[Another Steve]

HOW ABOUT GIVING US HALF SIZES ABOVE SIZE 12! A lot of us sasquatches need a 13.5 or a 14.5 or even a 15.5!

[Golf2Much]

I have three pair of golf shoes that I rotate depending on the conditions.  I agree with @Tom the Golf Nut that it's situational.   I have a pair of Adidas BOA and a pair of Sqairz spiked shoes and a pair of Puma spikeless.  For wet-ish conditions, it's spiked shoes.  For dry conditions, I like the spikeless Puma's.  

I become a real fan of the BOA system.  That's my "go to" pair when it's damp (which is often as we play first tee time three days a week).    My Adidas ZG23 wide BOA fit perfectly and the BOA adjustment makes sure it's a sung fit throughout the round.  My Sqairz were a little tight as I have a wider right foot made it a very tight fit.  I ended up with shoe stretchers to make it work for my feet.  Overall, I like the Sqairz.   I just wish they were slightly wider.   I never have a slippage issue with the Puma spikeless shoes.  They are very comfortable.