Why Are Golf Shoes So Expensive?

I’m going to get straight down to brass tacks. My personal opinion on why golf shoes are so expensive is because that is what the market will bear! If people keep paying $150-$200 for the latest pair of shoes then the manufacturers will quite happily keep pricing them like that!

Okay, that’s a little simplistic but in reality, how much R&D do you think goes into most new golf shoes?

I don’t doubt that premium golf shoes come with a number of advantages over their cheaper alternatives. They will be made from higher-quality materials, have better quality control and potentially have features that budget shoes just won’t include. For example, many will use the Gore-Tex lining which no doubt adds to the production costs. Although I’m sure it also means the price gets marked up significantly more!

At the end of the day though your golf shoes are the one piece of golf gear you don’t want to skimp on. You’re going to be wearing them for up to 4 hours and walking over uneven terrain potentially in the rain. So you want to try to get the best that you can. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to fork out $200 per pair!

These days of course with rise of the spikeless shoe you can get much more wear out of them meaning that even if you do decide to slash out there can still be worth the investment.

Golf Monthly compare shoes at different prices

What Is The Purpose Of Golf Shoes?

The purpose of golf shoes is to help the golfer keep their footing while swinging the club and walking the course. The shoes will have spikes or ridges on the bottom that grip the ground and provide traction. Many golf shoes also have a waterproof layer to keep your feet dry in wet conditions.

Do I Have To Wear Golf Shoes?

No, you don’t have to wear them to play golf. You can play in any type of shoe as long as it is comfortable and gives you good traction. Some people prefer to wear golf shoes because they provide support and stability when swinging a golf club. If you decide to wear some golf shoes, make sure you get a good pair that fits well.

That being said many golf courses will stipulate that you do need recognized golf shoes so if you’ve not played there before it might be worth checking out the website or ringing the pro shop to check whether you do need some proper shoes.

How Long Will A Pair Of Golf Shoes Last?

Assuming you take care of your golf shoes and don’t play in excessively wet conditions, a pair of golf shoes should last you around 2 years. This can vary slightly depending on how often you play and the type of golf shoe you purchase. More expensive shoes with premium materials will generally last longer than budget options.

Improper care, such as not regularly cleaning and polishing your shoes, can also shorten their lifespan. Ultimately, taking good care of your golf shoes will help them last longer so you can enjoy your game without having to constantly replace your golf equipment.

If you tend to play several times per week then you may find buying multiple pairs of shoes and rotating them is the best option. Especially if you tend to play in wet conditions as this will give each pair chance to try out and prolong the life of all the shoes.

Golf Shoes Don’t Need To Be Expensive

Golf shoes don’t need to cost a fortune. You can get a good pair of golf shoes for under $100, under $50 even! Whether golf shoes are worth the money is up to the individual golfer. Some golfers feel that they need to have the latest and greatest golf shoes in order to play their best.

Others feel that as long as the shoes are comfortable and fit well, they’ll do the job. Spiked golf shoes used to be the only option, but now there are many spikeless golf shoes on the market. Some golfers prefer spikes, while others find them unnecessary. It really comes down to personal preference. Golf shoes have become more technologically advanced in recent years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re better. Sometimes the simplest design is all you need.

Most manufacturers release a new product every year so you’ll find last year’s models on sale with as much as 50% off. No matter what the shoe companies say there isn’t that much technological progress! Yes, things have moved on greatly since the days of having to bang nails into the bottom of a pair of dress shoes but issue a shoe from a year or two ago is going to perform just as well as one that has just been put on the market.

Best Budget Golf Shoes

There is a wide variety of golf shoes on the market, from the very expensive to the more budget-friendly options. At the top end, you have companies like Ecco Golf that charge a premium price for what many consider to be a premium product. At the cheaper end, you have companies like Stuburt that offer much better value for money. You may also find your local chain sports store has their own in-house brand that offers budget golf shoes. These can be a great choice for the occasional golfer that doesn’t want to hand over loads of cash.

In addition, you can often pick up end-of-line or closeout models from top brands for not much more than many budget offerings.

How Much Difference Do Golf Shoes Make

Golf shoes are an important part of the game of golf. They can help improve your golf swing and can make a difference on the golf course. Wearing golf shoes can also help protect your feet from the elements and from the hazards of the golf course. Spikeless shoes are becoming more popular in recent years, as they offer many of the same benefits as spiked shoes without the risk of damaging the greens. When choosing golf shoes, it is important to choose a quality pair that will provide support and comfort while you are playing. Golf shoes are a worthwhile investment and can make a significant difference in your game.

How Much Should I Spend On Golf Shoes?

There is no definitive answer as to how much money one should spend on golf shoes. It depends on the quality of the shoes, the frequency of use, personal preferences and your level of income. Golf shoes can range in price from around $30 to $200. Generally, it is advised to buy the best quality shoes that you can afford in order to get the most use out of them.

What To Look For When Buying Shoes?

The most important thing is finding a pair of shoes that fit correctly and won’t cause blisters or other problems such as Morton’s neuroma. Modern golf shoes often tend to have quite pointed toe-boxes which isn’t very good for the health of your feet. Most people would benefit from looking for shoes with a wider toe-box. The width of your shoes is often overlooked make sure to get shoes that are wide enough for your feet. Adidas shoes tend to be particularly narrow, I find.

Unless you’re fortunate to live somewhere that experiences little weather then you’re going to need shoes that are waterproof. Try to find one with a waterproof warranty if you can. Playing golf with wet feet is never a pleasant experience.