What Kind Of Golf Shoes Are Best?

When you play 18 holes of golf, you are on your feet for three to five hours or more. On a typical 6,500-yard course you may walk 4-6 miles uphill, downhill and sidehill. Your feet must provide stability during your golf swing. If your feet slip during your swing, your balance is thrown off resulting in a muffed golf shot. This is particularly true when the course is wet. So what is the best golf shoe?

Your shoes affect not only your feet, but the rest of your body

Your golf shoe is a key part of your golf equipment. You want your shoes comfortable, functional, light, flexible and stylish. Choose carefully. Good shoes should help prevent injury by providing proper stability.

Trends in golf shoe design

Golf shoes with replaceable metal golf spikes came on the market in the 1890s. While they gave the golfer greater stability during the golf swing, they were not without their problems:

• they could tear up a carefully manicured green
• when worn inside they mar floors
• they place hard pressure points where the spikes are attached -- shoe designers had to make sure the soles of the shoe were stiff enough to distribute the pressure throughout the sole.
• they were not always the most comfortable shoes

Nevertheless, metal spikes persisted until the 1990s when they were replaced by plastic or rubber spikes. These newer spikes are lighter and not as destructive of greens and floors. Many golf courses today prohibit metal spikes.

Designers are now paying more attention to comfort and performance. Shoes are becoming more flexible while at the same time providing more foot support. They are also designed for comfort.

A new trend is toward golf shoes that have multiple smaller and softer cleats covering the sole of the shoe. They are designed for maximum comfort in a new softer shoe style that doesn't look like a golf shoe. They are in fact called spikeless golf shoes.

Which is the best golf shoe for you?

If you play much golf, it's a good idea to focus on your feet and be sure your golf shoes are comfortable. Take a look at all the new styles available today. You have many choices.

During The Masters Golf 2011 Fred Couples wore the comfortable new stylish spikeless golf shoe. You'll have to decide which shoe is best for you.

Whichever one you choose, make sure it is comfortable and provides good support for your feet and body.

Are you satisfied with your golf game? Does your golf swing produce consistent golf shots that go exactly where you want them? All golfers need help with their swing -- even pros. You can get help from your local pro or get onboard with an excellent team of golf instructions online. They can help you fix your golf swing.