Understanding Golf Shoes (500)
Golf shoes are an important golf item as they preclude the golfer’s feet from slipping on the course. In the absence of good footing, a player would struggle during the swing.
Traditional spike golf shoes were brought in the market during the year 1994. They had strong ceramic tips which led to imperfect swing. By 2001, alternative spike golf shoes gained fame. They provided ranking traction and absorbed moisture. Enhanced sponginess due to incorporation of coated nylex mesh provided added comfort. Spikeless golf shoes with metal or rubber studs were the latest invention in golf shoes. They are used by pros because of their excellent features like multi-zone traction mechanism, superior foot bed and studs generating extra clench.
Customarily, golf shoes have spikes structured on the sole of the shoes. These make the grip firm as the narrow edges of the spikes dig into the surface. These spikes were initially made in metal. However, keeping in view the maintenance of the golf course and the amount of damage caused to them by the spiny edges of the spikes, rubber spikes were introduced.
Metal spikes golf shoes Rubber spikes golf shoes
They provide an appreciable grip as well. However, it is not wise to compare the rubber spikes shoes with canvas shoes. The structuring of golf shoes is certainly customised for the sport and can’t be compared with regular canvases.
There are certain shoes which have soft spikes. They don’t ruin the greens and have a wider base which evenly divides the golfer’s weight. These are especially comfortable on hard surfaces.
Sneaker style golf shoes are also available in the market. They traditionally don’t have spikes. Their sole has ridges to provide firmness and grip.
The intricate nature of this sport demands rigidity of the shoes. Golf shoes are aptly rigid as they provide less room to the ankle for considerable movements. Hence, transfer of energy from the golfer’s body to the ball becomes smooth making the swing of the ball easy and comfortable. Moreover, the cushioning at the base of these shoes lets the golfer be in complete ease. It also checks perspiration with a design that lets the foot breathe. This is quite necessary in a sport where one walks about 7000 yards. In the absence of correct footwear, chances of leg or foot injury become higher.
There is a probability of sliding on the surface, especially whilst arriving at an impeccable golf stroke. This probability is reduced to considerable degrees with golf shoes. Though, some critics have argued that there isn’t much need of special shoes, but sports analysts suggest that if one wants to work on his level of playing, then purchasing golf shoes is a must. They are not just an accessory as one can certainly feel the difference if regular sports shoes and golf shoes are compared.
These shoes demand a bit of maintenance. They shouldn’t be worn on surfaces other than golf courses. Walking across hard and dry pavements would certainly reduce the life of the shoes.
Reputed brands selling golf shoes are Nike, Adidas, Golfstream, Oakley, Sandbaggers, Footjoy etc.
