Spiked vs. Spikeless golf shoes: What are the differences in performance?
By Tom Irwin
Do spiked offer better grip? Are spikeless more comfortable? We take a look.
Some golfers will undoubtedly have a preference either way in the spiked vs. spikeless golf shoes debate – but are there any tangible performance benefits from either?
I get to try out a lot of golf shoes. I practically live in a pair of spikeless golf shoes as like to nip out to the driving range most lunchtimes or even get a cheeky few holes in.
When it comes to convenience, there’s no debate. It’s fantastic to be able to wear a pair of golf shoes comfortable enough to wear as trainers that you can drive in too. And wear in the clubhouse etc…
But when I’m playing ‘properly’ I do prefer to wear a pair of spiked golf shoes.
I feel like a good pair of spiked shoes keeps me nicely rooted to the ground.
To me – this may sound bonkers – changing your shoes before playing golf helps put you in a better frame of mind.
You’re putting on some golf-specific shoes, preparing yourself for the round ahead and getting tuned-in mentally as you tie up your laces.
It also allows you to make use of the locker rooms rather than going from the car to the first tee.
Anyway, regardless of what your bizarre personal preferences are, let’s take a look at the technology to see how they differ from each other and why one may suit you more than the other.
How did the testing go? Find out on the next page…
Spiked vs. Spikeless golf shoes: Comfort
Many people will say that spikeless shoes are more comfortable but that could just be due to the fact they are often lighter.
Some spikeless shoes out there are so light you can barely feel them.
Many brands will argue that once a shoe becomes too light, it ceases to have the ability to perform properly as a golf shoe.
But there’s no real technological grounds on why a spiked model can’t be as comfortable.
Take the FootJoy Pro SL (one of the most popular spikeless models on the market and on tour) and FJ’s latest spiked model, Tour-S.
From my testing, the Tour-S are more comfortable. They have a Polyurethane fit-bed which keeps the foot nicely cushioned and have soft premium leather.
Similarly with the Adidas Tour 360 Boost spiked shoes – they use the same foam cushioning as in their spikeless counterpart which makes them just as comfortable.
Sometimes a spiked shoe has a more rigid structure because they are trying to keep the foot more stable through the swing.
But there’s no reason why a spiked shoe can’t be just as comfortable as a spikeless golf shoe.
Spiked vs. spikeless golf shoes: Traction
Spikeless golf shoes were pretty much unheard of until Fred Couples rocked up at the 2010 Masters in a pair of Ecco Street.
Now I’d say there’s at least 50 percent of tour players wearing spikeless.
One of the reasons for this is that they no longer believe their is a trade-off when it comes to traction.
To be fair it’s quite rare for golfers, especially on the PGA Tour to be playing in slippery conditions.
But even in the wet conditions we’ve seen at recent Open Championships or Irish and Scottish Opens – a large percentage of the field have still opted for spikeless models.
I had thought nothing other than spiked shoes could get the job done during the winter but I actually found in one winter round this year that a spiked model ended up with a load of grass and mud stuck on the outsole.
This then hampered the traction.
A spikeless model doesn’t seem to pick up as much of the golf course. And I know which type of shoe greenkeepers prefer…
However, from my experience with models like the FootJoy Tour-S, Under Armour Spieth 2, Ecco Cool, Adidas Tour 360 Boost, and Puma Ignite Pwradapt I believe these have all given me better traction than any spikeless model I have worn this year.
The FJ Tour-S have ‘traction pods’ on the outsole to keep you rooted to the ground, allowing you to swing more powerfully.
Under Armour use something called rotational resistance technology which adds more traction to the areas of your feet which need it most during the swing.
Puma’s three dimensional traction pods add versatility and traction from any kind of lie when out on the golf course.
So do spiked shoes offer more traction? In my opinion, they do.
Testing continues on the next page, where James comes to a final conclusion in one of golf’s hottest debates…
Spiked vs. Spikeless golf shoes: Style
There aren’t many spiked golf shoes which look overly stylish.
FootJoy Icon’s still set the benchmark for classic spiked shoes but most other brands opt for a more trainer-like (or even football boot) style with their spiked models.
There are some really smart spikeless shoes out their for 2018 which look great with a pair of jeans and can be worn down the pub.
G/Fore have some excellent crossover options this year.
Under Armour’s Performance SL Sunbrella look fantastic.
And Italian brand Duca del Cosma have added some premium looks to the market for 2018.
Spiked vs. Spikeless golf shoes: NCG verdict
I’ve asked the golfers in our office what they’d opt for if they could only wear one pair of golf shoes for the rest of their lives.
The results were spiked 8, spikeless 1. One person, who shall remain nameless has NEVER worn a pair of spikeless.
Most felt that in anything other than than bone-dry conditions they’d want to be wearing a spiked golf shoe.
And we live in Yorkshire. Case closed.
Which type go golf shoes do you wear? let us know on X!
Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
