FAQs About Today's Golf Shoes

Everything you always wanted to know about golf footwear, but were afraid to ask...

Q: Aren't golf shoes for old fuddy-duddies?

A: If you consider guys likes Jason Day, Camilo Villegas, Anthony Kim and Rickie Fowler old fuddy-duddies, then yes. True, for them golf shoes are technically work shoes, but there's a dazzling array of fashionable – yes, fashionable – styles to choose from.

You don't have to wear traditional or even semi-conventional golf shoes, either. Popular templates include the athletic shoe, skater-inspired street models, even sandals – spikes and all.

Q: Are there shoes made for women who want to look good on the course?

A: Seriously, do you think today's gals would tee it up looking like somebody's great grandmother? You want vibrant colors, there's a palette full of choices. Up-to-date styles -- check. Intricate, eye-catching designs -- everywhere you look.

Women's golf shoes don't sacrifice comfort for couture. Many are made with high-tech microfibers, form-fitting foam, waterproof outer materials and moisture-wicking fabrics.

Q: I'm getting back into golf after several years away from the game. My old shoes have metal spikes, which I know are banned by most courses. Can I replace them with plastic cleats, or do I need to buy a whole new pair of shoes?

A: Plastic cleats come in a variety of different thread sizes, so odds are there's one that will fit your outdated soles. You can remove one of your metal spikes and check the size, then find its plastic match. Or, take your shoes to a local golf course or retailer and ask them to help.

Of course, given the advanced age of your steel-studded shoes, investing in a new pair might be a better idea – especially if your old-school kicks have tassels.

Q: Do professionals still prefer metal spikes over plastic?

A: Some do, but most have switched to soft spikes. If there's one thing pros hate more than an early tee time, it's bumpy greens, and metal spikes are notorious for damaging tender surfaces.

A few years back, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson had a minor dust-up at the Masters over the issue of metal-inflicted spike marks, which by rule can't be repaired when they're in one's own putting line. Fortunately, no one was kicked.

Q: I'm a lousy golfer and usually play in sneakers – will golf shoes help my game?

A: You betcha.

For all the advice about keeping your head down and your left arm straight, balance and stability are every bit as important. Golf shoes' primary advantage over standard athletic shoes is those spikes, which anchor you to the turf. No more sneaker spinouts for you, mate.

Q: Can I get a decent pair of golf shoes for less than $100?

A: Does Tiger Woods like beautiful... trophies?

Nearly every major manufacturer offers a "value" brand in the $50-80 range. These models have most of the lightweight, foot-cradling, performance-enhancing features of their costlier siblings, without expensive extras like calfskin uppers. Even better, you can often find pairs that retail for $150-plus offered at huge discounts in clearance sales.