Thursday, February 14, 2008

Golf Shoes

Golf Shoes

Whether you are an old pro or someone thinking of taking up golf for the first time a good pair of golf shoes will be an essential purchase before you hit the green Are special golf shoes really necessary Wont any old shoes do for a game which after all doesnt require any more physical activity than a gentle walk round the park As any seasoned golfer will tell you the average game of golf requires a lot more walking than youd think Its important to make sure that your feet are supported Just as important is to make sure you dont slip as you perfect your swing For that reason golf shoes have special spikes and extra grips to keep you safeAnother point to bear in mind is the safety of the pitch itself Your golf club will have spent many hours making sure that the green is as smooth and perfect as possible tearing it up with the wrong kind of shoes certainly wont win you many friends back at the club houseThe most important feature of golf shoes is the spikes They prevent you from slipping as you play Most shoes have four spikes in the heel with further spikes on the sole Check out this guide to golf spikes and read more about the effect they have on the ground

There are three different types of spike to choose from

Metal Spikes

As the name suggests metal spikes are the hardest type of spike available and will give the best grip on the green Because they dig so deeply into the ground when you play however not all clubs will welcome them Check your clubs policy before purchasing metal spiked shoes

Rubber Spikes

These are just like the metal spikes but made of rubber or plastic These are the types of shoes youll see most often Theyll still provide a good amount of grip but wont tear up the ground youre walking on

Plastic Spikes

Sometimes referred to as nubs these are the gentlest type of spike available for your golf shoes

Golf Style

Gone are the days when all golf shoes looked the same with tassled fronts and heavily gripped soles These days golf shoes have become much more fashionable and youll find styles which are almost indistinguishable from regular walking or athletic shoes You can even find golf sandals and boots although these are less common. Golf shoes were traditionally made of thick leather which could make them uncomfortable Theyd be especially uncomfortable if they became wet Todays waterproof and breathable styles make a more comfortable alternative and the new sneakerstyle golf shoe is very popular particularly amongst younger golfersThe type of shoe you choose is of course very much up to you Thanks to the wider range of styles available its now quite possible to find a style of shoe that fits with your own personality When shopping for golf shoes youll follow the same principles you would when buying walking shoes They should be a snug fit although not too snug Remember youll be wearing them for longs periods of time Any areas which rub or pinch will feel much worse after a long game of golf When buying your shoes practice walking around in them first If you happen to be buying from a golf store ask to borrow a club to practice your swing Make sure the shoes allow you to move easily with no feelings of discomfort If youll be playing in a wet climate you may also want to make sure you choose a waterproof style to keep your feet protected

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