Golfers know the importance of quality shoes. In addition to packing padded insoles for comfort during a long day on the course, the best golf shoes are also designed to keep you stable while you play. “Footwork is very important in the golf swing,” says Megan Johnston, a Ridgedale, Mo.-based head golf instructor at Big Cedar Lodge. “The lower body creates structure and stability, and that starts with your connection to the ground.”
When choosing a shoe, she recommends first considering your playing conditions. “If you are in a wet climate, you may want to find a leather or waterproof shoe with spikes for stability,” she says. For those in hot and humid areas, Johnston suggests going for lighter colors made from more breathable materials. “I would also pay attention to the size of the heel on the shoe,” she says. “If the heel has elevation, it can affect your posterior forces. In good golf swings, your pressure moves between your heels and toes. Too much elevation on the heel can make this hard and end up affecting ball flight.”
To find the best footwear for casual players and serious golfers alike, we enlisted the help of Johnston and more industry experts. These are their favorite options for men and women, from oxfords to sneakers you can wear on and off the course.
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