It’s the age-old debate in golf. Spiked or spikeless golf shoes.
Some golfers stand by the grip and stability of traditional spiked golf shoes, whilst others go for the comfort and versatility of the more casual spikeless options.
But what if the answer isn’t simply a matter of preference?
According to Under Armour’s Head of Footwear Optimisation, Chris Murtagh, the right choice depends entirely on the golfers wearing it. But, nothing to do with the quality of player.
Instead, he explains, how the generated force during your swing is a major factor in determining which suits a golfer most.
If a golfer’s foot doesn’t push down strongly on the ground this in turn could lead to issues making the golf club turn and may result in a struggle to make a smooth powerful swing. Or as Chris Murtagh explains,
“From experience, if people have low peak force, they tend to generate low torques, they tend to find it difficult to rotate and coil well,” Murtagh noted.
“So, in that instance, we’d be looking at somebody using more of a spike shoe. The spike shoe can help centre rotation, it can help to increase vertical force, and from that point, hopefully, performance will improve.”
Equally, it is important to acknowledge that generating too much force during a swing can have the opposite effects when wearing spikes. It can even go as far as working against them.
“As people get very high peak forces, and that can be unique to individuals, not necessarily handicap related. Some people just create a lot of force, even if they could be high handicaps.
“If they’re the case, often in a spike shoe, particularly on dry ground, they can start to shear and can start to slip. So, in that case, we would probably be looking more at spikeless.”
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Modern spikeless shoes have evolved significantly over the last decade, with advanced outsole designs capable of delivering impressive levels of grip. For players who create substantial ground forces, that slightly different interaction with the turf may actually provide a more stable platform.
But, of course, golf isn’t played in a controlled environment. Far from it.
When it’s blowing a gale, a golfer might change his approach to which club he uses. Instead of reaching for a fairway wood, a long iron may be the sweeter choice. It’s the same when it comes to shoes.
A golfer who prefers spikeless shoes during the summer may opt for spikes when the course is softer and wetter.
Murtagh added: “That being said, the decision made at that point would be a little bit more on where they traditionally play, and also often we end up making two shoes for that player.
“We start to let them decide on the conditions of the day and the course they’re playing as to which ones they put on their feet.”
Under Armour’s Spiked and Spikeless options
If you’re struggling for some inspiration as to which shoe to go for, Under Armour has some solid options. Earlier this year I was lucky enough to test out a pair of their new Halo Tour spikeless model.
For someone who prefers to wear something that is a bit more casual than traditional, it was pleasing to find that they look more like a pair of trainers or shoes you would wear in a social setting rather than on the golf course.
He notes these are actually one of their most ambitious golf shoes to date. They aim to solve one of the game’s most persistent footwear problems, and that is an inconsistent fit.
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