Are spiked golf shoes becoming a thing of the past?

Spiked golf shoes were once the holy grail for any player stepping out onto the tee. 

Part of the game since its inception, there was a period of decades where every player – whether amateur or pro – wandered the course wearing spiked golf shoes. This was both a tactical choice and a governed necessity, with the official rules mandating the use of metal spikes (and rubber-style cleats later on).

However, recent shifts in both the rules and trends of the sport have seemingly left spiked golf shoes in the dust, with more and more players opting for more comfortable, less restrictive spikeless golf shoes on golf courses everywhere.

And if recent statistics are anything to go by (more on those in a moment) we could be seeing the end of spiked golf shoes as we know it. But is this a good thing? Let’s break it down…

Spiked golf shoes: UK & global sales 

It used to be the case that spiked golf shoes dominated 100% of the golf shoe market. After all, that’s all we were allowed to wear on the golf course.

But times change. According to recent data featured by RunRepeat, men's spiked golf shoes only accounted for 33% of all golf shoe sales in 2022. Which means spikeless golf shoes made up two-thirds of the entire market. Given that spikeless golf shoes were completely absent from courses just a few years ago, this is a staggering figure.

If the trend continues to move in this way over the next decade, spiked golf shoes could make up a mere minority of golf shoes you see on your average round. If they’re still present at all.

The reasons why golfers are moving away from spiked golf shoes

When we take a step back and examine the situation, realistically it’s no surprise why so many golfers are making the switch from spiked to spikeless shoes in massive numbers.

Spikeless shoes aren’t nearly as demanding as spiked ones, with players benefitting from a more freeing underfoot feeling, thanks to not being held back by spikes.

Having said that, even though the spikes aren’t present, that’s not to say that players still aren’t able to enjoy excellent grip and stability with spikeless shoes. Golf shoe manufacturers like Nike and Skechers have taken inspiration from the designs and technology that made their trainers such a global hit and have imbued the same advantages into their golf shoes.

With specifically crafted soles built to offer great traction throughout the swing, golfers can still enjoy all the benefits of spiked shoes (albeit not quite to the same degree) without the need for more underfoot additions.

On top of this, considering spiked shoes have been in decline for some years now, it’s safe to say that many young golfers just entering the game may even be starting their golf journey wearing spikeless shoes; something that would have been unthinkable a few short years ago.

Plus, most spikeless golf shoes are designed to look far more trendy and modern than their spiked counterparts. Yet another factor influencing spikeless shoe dominance as tastes change over the years.

Greater comfort, easier walking from hole to hole and a sporty, eye-catching aesthetic; it’s no wonder golfers are making their way to the spikeless family in droves. That isn’t to say golfers should abandon spiked shoes entirely, though…

Why golfers should still consider spiked golf shoes

While spikeless shoes do offer a great level of stability and power generation thanks to their innovative underfoot designs, there’s nothing that can match the traditional firmness and control offered by genuine spikes in the ground.

This level of grip can come in handy during times when players are struggling to maintain their swing, or are struggling to keep their swing consistent enough to hit the ball straight every time.

Also, spiked golf shoes can be a godsend in winter when the ground is either endlessly slippery due to dampness, or rock-solid because of freezing cold temperatures; spiked golf shoes will give you the balance you need in both scenarios.

But perhaps the key factor as to why all golfers should, at least, consider owning a pair of spiked golf shoes in the face of the spikeless revolution is the famous players they idolise.

The vast majority of tour professionals (upwards of 80% depending on which tours you look into) still opt to wear spiked golf shoes during important games, emphasising the tactical advantages they offer over the alternative.

Grab the best spiked golf shoes at GolfShoes.co.uk

Whether you’re a spikeless convert or a hardcore spiked traditionalist, you’ll find all the golf footwear that matches your personal preference at GolfShoes.co.uk, whatever shoe size you need.

With plenty of golf shoe options from the world’s leading brands, you’ll be able to find the perfect pair that fits your playing style down to a tee (pun intended). With shoes from top brands featuring waterproof technology to keep your feet dry, as well as an extensive collection of breathable, lightweight shoes that'll serve you well in warmer weather conditions, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

So take a look at our huge selection of golf shoes at the link above, or get in touch with the Golf Shoes team if you need a helping hand!