Why more players should switch golf shoes between seasons
By NCG
Most experienced golfers have a pair of golf shoes they’d trust with their life – the pair that they feel will serve them well from the first hole to the last and all over again, under any conditions. But sticking with the same pair of golf shoes, however good they may be, isn’t always a wise move.
Certain golf shoes are designed for or thrive under certain conditions. Sometimes, wearing these shoes in conditions they’re not made for can cause more harm than good. Even if they’re our all-time favourites.
As the seasons change and the weather and temperature shifts, it’s important to make changes to our golfing wardrobe, so we’re as comfortable and well-prepared as possible. This includes our golf shoes. With this in mind, here are just a few reasons why switching golf shoes between seasons is essential.
The benefits of switching golf shoes as the seasons change
Foot comfort
Traditional leather golf shoes are still all-the-rage and are beloved by players the world over for their quality and timeless style. But they’re not always the best option, depending on the season.
As the summer months hit and temperatures reach sweltering heights, sturdy leather shoes can become heat traps for our feet, especially if they’re of the thicker variety. This can quickly become very uncomfortable and result in 18 holes of hell for our feet.
That’s why, before summer hits, some players may benefit from switching to more lightweight, trainer-like golf shoes, like many of the ones produced by Nike and similar brands. Because they’re built to be breathable, these golf shoes help keep our feet cool and sweat-free, even on the hottest days, without compromising their benefits to our game.
Hygiene and health
Speaking of hot feet, it can become very easy to develop some nasty conditions if we don’t give our feet the relief they need when they’ve been boiling for an extended period.
Issues such as athlete’s foot or blisters can develop surprisingly quickly, which is why it is important to give our feet the cooling time they need to avoid such problems – switching to breathable golf shoes in the hotter months is one way to do this.
But it works the other way, too – wearing breathable golf shoes in freezing, damp conditions won’t give our feet the protection they need from the elements, which could present a host of different problems. It’s times like these when a pair of golf boots comes in handy.
Game quality
Beyond the obvious, all of the above problems can begin to cause significant issues with our game if ignored. Without a suitable, comfortable pair of golf shoes, there’s no chance we can focus enough on our shots to hit them as effectively as possible.
Foot issues like these can cause us to make minor, unnoticeable changes in our stance or could affect our technique in other areas, leading to higher scores and frustrating rounds.
But by switching our golf shoes when the seasons change to match the weather and temperature conditions, we can reduce the chances of foot issues getting in the way – this means we can get on with the task at hand and lower our scores pain-free and in comfort.
Invest in golf shoes for all seasons
Whether you prefer leather shoes that would have looked right at home on the golf course 50 years ago, or more modern running-shoe-style alternatives, investing in different types of golf shoes will give you the best chance at enjoying the game you love at all times of year.
