Spiked vs spikeless. It’s a decision many golfers wrestle with when it comes to picking a new pair of shoes. So we asked an expert to wade in.
Richard Fryer is the director of product management for footwear at FootJoy. This is what he had to say…
How has the balance of demand for spiked vs spikeless shoes varied over the years?
“There has been a steady move towards spikeless shoes over the past decade. At first I think there was an element of novelty, but with products like Pro SL and Flex XP we’ve been able to demonstrate that with golf-specific innovation we’re able to produce spikeless products that deliver fantastic on-course performance.”
Is it a different picture on tour compared to recreational golfers?
“It’s not hugely dissimilar, but the decision driver remains performance. For example, our policy with our Tour players is not to tell them wear a particular model of FJ shoe, but to discuss the catalogue with them and invite them to wear what best suits their game. Pro SL has long been the most-worn shoe on many of the world’s major tours, which is testament to the product and that it must deliver the performance demanded by the world’s best players.”
Can you see a day when spiked shoes don’t exist anymore?
“Perhaps. But we’re decades away from that moment. Many golfers still prefer the feel and traction that a spiked shoe delivers plus the ability to replace worn-out spikes with a new set, prolonging the life of a pair of shoes. And as much as we can confidently talk about the performance of the likes of Pro SL, for many golfers there is the placebo type effect of knowing there are conventional, replaceable spikes on the outsole.”
Advertisement
When do we get to the stage where you can offer the best of both worlds – the performance benefits of spiked versus the versatility of spikeless?
“We’ve got some exciting launches at the end of this year and heading into 2021 that are not far away from what you describe. On-course performance to cater for the world’s best players, but with a unique, multi-material, patented outsole configuration to allow increased off course wear. It’s already being tested on the PGA Tour, so watch this space.”
