Guide to Buying the Best Women’s Golf Shoes

When it comes to golf, shoes matter. The right pair can help provide support and stability for your swing and keep you from feeling fatigued as you walk the length of the course. The wrong pair could leave you slipping on wet grass or struggling with blisters and cuts. 

Women’s golf shoes have come a long way since the days of screwing metal spikes into a man’s shoe and hoping for the best. Women’s feet aren’t just smaller versions of men’s feet. They have a narrower ball and heel, a higher instep, and higher ankle bones. Women’s feet strike the ground differently, so they need shoes specifically designed to support their unique bone structure.   

Fortunately, today’s golfers have more options than ever before. Whether you’re new to the sport or actively trying to improve your handicap, this golf shoes guide will help you pick the best shoes for your game.

What to Look for in a Women’s Golf Shoe

Golf shoes for women come in a wide range of styles. The shoe that works best for you will depend on several factors, including how you like to play. When shopping for a new pair of golf shoes, consider this checklist to make sure any shoe you’re considering ticks all the boxes:

• Fit: The greatest shoe in the world won’t work for you unless it fits well. Make sure to try on any shoe you’re considering and, if possible, walk around and try your swing to see how they feel.
• Sole Design: Do you need golf shoes with a sneaker-like sole, or do you prefer spikes? The conditions you play in may dictate this choice. If you’re an avid golfer, you may want a pair of each.
• Material: The material of the shoe will affect how it feels on your foot as well as how it performs in different weather conditions. 
• Durability: A well-made shoe will last longer and ultimately be a better investment. Choosing the right shoes for the conditions of your favorite course will help them last longer, too.
• Style: With so many colors and styles available, you should also like the way your shoes look when you hit the links.

Golf Shoe Types

There are two main types of golf shoes available: shoes and sneakers.

Classic golf shoes look like dress shoes, with a closed toe and laces. Also known as golf cleats, these shoes are often made of leather (or a leather substitute) and have spiked soles. In the early days of the sport, golf shoes were simply dress shoes with metal spikes screwed into the soles, but these days they are purpose-built for comfort and enhanced traction on the course.

Modern, sneaker-style golf shoes are spikeless, so their soles won’t damage other surfaces if you wear them off the course. These golf shoes tend to look like sneakers and may be made with lightweight synthetics.

Spiked vs. Spikeless Golf Shoes

For most golfers, the biggest question is whether to choose shoes with spikes or without. The best golf shoes for your game will depend largely on how you prefer to play.

Golf spikes dig into the ground to anchor your feet during your swing, which helps you direct all your power to the ball. Women’s spiked golf shoes may have metal spikes or softer plastic spikes. Plastic spikes have become more common and are gentler on the turf, so they’re welcome on all courses. If you’re considering metal, check with your club to see if they’re still allowed before you invest.

Because their purpose is traction, spiked golf shoes are especially helpful when the course is wet or muddy. If you like to play early in the morning before the dew has dried, or you keep your tee times even in the rain, spiked golf shoes can help you play your best.   

On the other hand, if you are new to the sport, live in an arid climate, or would rather reschedule than play in the rain, you may not benefit as much from spiked shoes. A street shoe design may be more comfortable, and spikeless shoes offer more flexibility to get on and off the course quickly, without changing shoes.

Materials 

When buying golf shoes, it’s also important to choose the right material. Again, consider the conditions you play in: Do you want a waterproof material, or will breathability be more important?

Leather has always been a popular choice for women’s golf shoes. Leather is highly durable and provides natural water resistance. Leather is also quite supportive, particularly if you choose a “saddle-style” shoe. 

If you prefer a lightweight golf shoe, synthetic uppers are available in many of the same materials you’ll find in running shoes. Mesh uppers provide plenty of breathability in hot climates, while waterproof materials keep your feet protected from the elements.

Other Important Features in Women’s Golf Shoes

While most golf shoes have standard shoelaces, some designs have different lacing mechanisms. You may find shoes with hook and loop straps or elastic laces. Some manufacturers offer lacing systems like ski boots and may have a bit of a learning curve to get the right tension and fit. 

If you choose spiked golf shoes, be sure to check the spike system so that you get replacements that will work with your shoes.

Finally, don’t forget the insole when buying golf shoes. You’ll want the right amount of cushioning to serve as a shock absorber and provide support as you play.

How Golf Shoes Should Fit

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the right athletic shoe can help reduce injury and improve performance—but fit is key. The AAOS recommends choosing a shoe with a toe box that’s wide enough to accommodate all your toes without pushing them together or causing them to overlap. You should have enough room to wiggle your toes when the shoe is laced, and there should be a half inch of space between your longest toe and the top of the shoe. 

The heel counter, or the back of the shoe, should grip your heel to ensure stability. When you walk around in the shoes, your heel should not slide up and down. 

To test new golf shoes, be sure to wear the same socks you’ll wear on the course, so you get an accurate fit. It’s also a good idea to try shoes on at the end of the day to account for any swelling.

Care & Maintenance Tips

It’s best to clean your golf shoes after every round. Use a stick to remove dried mud from the spikes. Then, use a stiff, dry brush to remove any remaining debris from the soles and uppers. To remove stains, lightly clean with soap and water before allowing shoes to air dry. If your shoes have been soaked through, stuff them with newspaper to help absorb water from the interior. 

To help your shoes keep their shape, consider using a cedar shoe tree when your shoes are in storage. Keep them out of direct sunlight and heat to help them last longer.

When you’re ready to shop for new golf shoes, remember that the best shoes are the ones that fit you best. Look for shoes that fit your feet as well as your golf game. When you consider your playing conditions and the features you need most for comfort and performance, you’ll be able to narrow the field and find the right pair for you.