Golf Shoes That Won't Spoil A Good Walk

If you typically walk the golf course rather than taking a cart, you wouldn't dream of lugging a hefty leather "staff" bag around for 18 holes, right? You shouldn't saddle your feet with burdensome golf shoes, either.

Consider that an average golf course measures in the neighborhood of 6,500 yards from tee to green (for men playing from the regular tees). Those 3.7 miles form the bulk of your trek, but there's more to this march. For example, the walk from the clubhouse to the course, the distance between greens and tees (often substantial on courses built amidst housing tracts), and trips to the trees and elsewhere to hunt for stray shots.

By the time you reach the 19th hole, you've likely logged five miles and then some. Quite possibly on hilly terrain. With a bagful of clubs in tow.

Long story short: If you intend to walk the course regularly, a pair of comfortable, lightweight golf shoes is highly recommended.

Here are a few essential guidelines when shopping for walking golf shoes:

They should be as light as possible.

These days, even the heaviest golf shoes are light by historical standards. For that you can thank the chemists who developed ultralight materials that are remarkably durable. Some lightweight golf shoes are made with synthetic leather, but old-fashioned cowhide is readily available, too.

Major manufacturers have engaged in a race to the bottom when it comes to shoe weight. Many togs tip the scales at less than a pound apiece; one upstart company recently introduced an 11-ounce model it claims to be the lightest worn on the PGA Tour.

They should be waterproof.

Or at the very least, water resistant. What's the difference? Waterproof means there's no way moisture is getting through the outer membrane, come heck or high H2O. Water resistant shoes, on the other hand, will turn away the wet stuff for only so long before some seeps through.

This feature is more important than you may think. A four-plus hour round of golf presents a large weather window, and early tee times mean slogging through morning dew. If you're the type who never gives up on a lost golf ball, you could even wind up ankle deep in a pond.

You'll want moisture wicking.

Not long ago, this was considered a luxury. Now it's possible to dress head to toe in clothing made from moisture wicking materials. But if your golf shoes are waterproof, what's the need? Actually, the wicking fabric is on the inside of the shoe, so it sucks dampness - OK, sweat - right off the feet.

Flexibility is critical.

Stiff shoes are one thing on your wedding day. On the golf course? Completely unacceptable. Again, technology has all but eliminated inflexibility from golf shoes, whether they're made from real leather, faux cow or fabric.

Still, it's always a good idea to try on shoes and walk a few paces before purchasing.

Memory foam is icing on the cake.

If you've ever slept on a bed made of memory foam, you can imagine the wonders it does for the feet. It's not a necessity, but you won't regret a step if you splurge on golf shoes lined with this stuff.