Those of us who began playing golf decades ago are likely used to playing in more traditionally styled spiked golf shoes. After all, this was the preferred and most popular style on most golf courses for decades, right?
However, in recent years, spikeless golf shoes (specifically golf trainers) have become a widely adopted option on the golf course for both newbie players and more experienced veterans seeking to try something a little different.
According to data featured in RunRepeat, in 2022 only a third of all golf shoes sold were spiked golf shoes, suggesting spikeless golf trainers featuring the latest technologies could be running away with the golf shoe market majority well into the future. And with many top brands now leaning towards golf trainers, it's not unreasonable to think traditional golf shoes could become a thing of the past pretty quickly.
This is in stark contrast to the days of old when spiked golf shoes weren’t just useful, they were mandatory on courses all over the world.
So, given their immense popularity in today’s game, what advantages could golf trainers offer your game? And are they worth swapping your old, time-tested spiked golf shoes for? Let’s discuss.
How golf trainers could be the difference-maker you’ve been looking for
More underfoot freedom
While spiked golf shoes are known for adding exceptional traction and control to our feet mid-swing, which can help us build power and maintain our stance, they can feel awfully restrictive compared to the competition.
It’s no secret that the addition of cleats makes it more difficult to walk in, that’s the sacrifice we make for the benefits they provide.
But these extra additions beneath our feet can also contribute to some unwanted side effects in some cases. They can cause our feet to follow unnatural motions to adjust to their shape, opening the doors to increased foot fatigue, aches and pains.
This is magnified several times over when the cleats become clogged with grass and muck, as always happens on wetter days on the course, not to mention making it far more difficult to walk.
But with spikeless golf trainers, you can avoid all of the above, as long as you don’t mind reducing the amount of underfoot stability you enjoy. Having said that, most modern golf trainers are built with impressive and intricate underfoot designs that are crafted to offer players plenty of stability and traction without the need for cleats. Meaning you’ll still be able to get through an excellent game of golf and lower your score, cleats or no cleats, while benefitting from maximum comfort.
Greater flexibility vs traditional leather shoes
If you’re a true golf traditionalist, chances are your go-to pair of golf shoes is a traditional full-grain leather pair with spikes beneath, right?
These shoes are excellent in a variety of ways: They’re robust and durable, lasting for years when cared for properly, and offer fantastic waterproofing if you get caught in a downpour mid-round. And this is barely scratching the surface.
But for all their benefits, traditional leather golf shoes aren’t known for being the most flexible, and can feel downright restrictive in some cases.
This isn’t the case with most golf trainers, though. Mesh or soft fabric uppers combined with a rugged sole mean the shoes still offer plenty of durability and longevity as well as the feeling of flexibility some players need to fully turn through their swing and walk from hole to hole without discomfort.
Not only that but, when compared to more traditional leather golf shoes, golf trainers can offer greater airflow in and out of the shoe, which can help keep your feet cool during those sweltering summer months.
So if you’ve always worn traditional leather golf shoes and have simply adapted to your feet feeling a little “closed-off”, try a pair of golf trainers and see how the difference strikes you!
You never know, the added flexibility may help keep your feet feeling fresh all through the round and shave a few extra strokes off of your score.
Explore plenty of golf trainers at Clarkes Golf
If golf trainers sound like a good move for your golf game, you should take a look at the selection we have on offer at Clarkes Golf.
With options from leading brands, including Nike, adidas, Puma, Under Armour and FootJoy to name but a few, we’ll always have the best golf trainers to take your game to the next level.
As an approved stockist of golf trainers, UK customers can put their faith in us to deliver every time, and our amazing reviews are a testament to this fact! Whether you're looking for men's golf shoes or women's golf shoes, our extensive range means you'll be able to find the best golf shoes for you.
So choose Clarkes for your new pair of golf trainers, and don’t forget to get in touch if you need a hand making a decision. We’re only a message away.