Comfortable Golf Shoe Features For Walking
Comfortable Golf Shoe Features For Walking
Some are purists, others into exercise. Maybe they prefer the solitude of their own company, or simply like the feel of the turf under their feet. Or perhaps they're fortunate enough to live where walking remains the accepted means of transportation - somewhere like Scotland or Ireland.
There are many reasons a certain segment of the golfing population, however small, choose to walk the course rather than ride in a cart. These healthy, hearty folks have slightly different golf shoe needs than those who strap the bag to a buggy and let the four-wheeled caddie do most of the work.
Golf shoes for walkers should be light, flexible and sturdy, among other qualities. Consider: The average course measures about 6,500 yards from tee to green. That's 3.7 miles. Now factor in the distance between the clubhouse and tee boxes, from one green to the next tee, zig-zags across fairways, back-and-forth treks to hunt down wayward shots, trips from ball to hole when reading the green...
You get the idea - a round of golf walked is somewhere in the 5-7-mile range. Plus, there's a bag full of clubs, balls and other trinkets to carry or push on a hand cart. Whew!
For those about to walk, we salute you with this guide to features to look for in your next pair of spikes.
Lightweight construction
Major manufacturers have broken the code when it comes to feather-light materials, making golf shoes that weigh as little as 13.8 ounces apiece. Some are made of fabric or synthetic leather, but you needn't eschew genuine cowhide if that's your thing; many lightweight golf shoes are available in real leather.
Waterproofing
We can think of few sensations less pleasant than walking in soaked shoes. Golfing in rainy or muddy conditions, or even in a thick morning dew, can leave the feet wet and clammy. Unless, of course, your golf shoes are waterproof.
Fortunately, most are. In fact, you should settle for nothing less than a one-year waterproof warranty when deciding on a purchase, and aim for two.
Moisture wicking
Waterproof shoes only prevent water from getting in from the outside. What about the moisture your feet create all by themselves?
Sweat makes moisture wicking shoes a necessity for walking golfers. Special material lining the inside draws dampness away from the feet and sends it, well, who knows where? Just trust us - the concept works like a charm.
Sockliners are fairly standard in today's golf shoes and most are equipped with moisture-wicking mesh. You can't go wrong with sockliners.
Flexibility
No matter how light or water-repellent your shoes may be, it's all for naught if they're stiff as an overstarched polo. Good news, though: This blister-causing property has been largely eliminated by newfangled building blocks like TPU (thermoplastic urethane) and EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate), ultralight polymers used to form soles and other shoe parts.
We suggest trying on any pair of shoes that interest you and taking a quick stroll around the shop. You'll know pretty quickly if the togs are supple.
Memory foam
More luxury than necessity, memory foam conforms to the shape of your foot or ankle and makes for an extremely comfortable experience. Anyone with a bed or pillow made from the stuff will understand.
There are many reasons a certain segment of the golfing population, however small, choose to walk the course rather than ride in a cart. These healthy, hearty folks have slightly different golf shoe needs than those who strap the bag to a buggy and let the four-wheeled caddie do most of the work.
Golf shoes for walkers should be light, flexible and sturdy, among other qualities. Consider: The average course measures about 6,500 yards from tee to green. That's 3.7 miles. Now factor in the distance between the clubhouse and tee boxes, from one green to the next tee, zig-zags across fairways, back-and-forth treks to hunt down wayward shots, trips from ball to hole when reading the green...
You get the idea - a round of golf walked is somewhere in the 5-7-mile range. Plus, there's a bag full of clubs, balls and other trinkets to carry or push on a hand cart. Whew!
For those about to walk, we salute you with this guide to features to look for in your next pair of spikes.
Lightweight construction
Major manufacturers have broken the code when it comes to feather-light materials, making golf shoes that weigh as little as 13.8 ounces apiece. Some are made of fabric or synthetic leather, but you needn't eschew genuine cowhide if that's your thing; many lightweight golf shoes are available in real leather.
Waterproofing
We can think of few sensations less pleasant than walking in soaked shoes. Golfing in rainy or muddy conditions, or even in a thick morning dew, can leave the feet wet and clammy. Unless, of course, your golf shoes are waterproof.
Fortunately, most are. In fact, you should settle for nothing less than a one-year waterproof warranty when deciding on a purchase, and aim for two.
Moisture wicking
Waterproof shoes only prevent water from getting in from the outside. What about the moisture your feet create all by themselves?
Sweat makes moisture wicking shoes a necessity for walking golfers. Special material lining the inside draws dampness away from the feet and sends it, well, who knows where? Just trust us - the concept works like a charm.
Sockliners are fairly standard in today's golf shoes and most are equipped with moisture-wicking mesh. You can't go wrong with sockliners.
Flexibility
No matter how light or water-repellent your shoes may be, it's all for naught if they're stiff as an overstarched polo. Good news, though: This blister-causing property has been largely eliminated by newfangled building blocks like TPU (thermoplastic urethane) and EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate), ultralight polymers used to form soles and other shoe parts.
We suggest trying on any pair of shoes that interest you and taking a quick stroll around the shop. You'll know pretty quickly if the togs are supple.
Memory foam
More luxury than necessity, memory foam conforms to the shape of your foot or ankle and makes for an extremely comfortable experience. Anyone with a bed or pillow made from the stuff will understand.
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