Spiked vs Spikeless Golf Shoes: Which Is Best for Your Game?

Spiked vs. Spikeless Golf Shoes: Which Is Better for Your Game?

Close-up of spiked golf shoe and club on grass, branded with Keiser University College of Golf logo.

Time to replace your golf shoes? You might be wondering whether a spiked or spikeless option is right for you. While there’s plenty of back-and-forth among golfers regarding which type of shoe is best, this really is a matter of personal preference. Still, there are potential advantages and drawbacks of both types of shoes that you may want to consider as you shop around and decide on the option that’s best for your golf game.

The Basics: Spiked vs. Spikeless Golf Shoes

When it comes to golf, spiked shoes and spikeless shoes differ in a number of ways — from comfort and fit to durability, maintenance, performance, and versatility.

Traction and Stability

Spiked shoes, as you might imagine, offer good traction compared to spikeless options because the spikes are able to dig into turf, even when it’s wet or muddy. Additionally, this can improve stability during critical parts of play (such as during swings).

On the other hand, spikeless golf shoes may have a harder time gripping terrain — particularly in wet or hilly conditions — which could lead to less stability and more challenging play.

Comfort and Fit

Both spiked and spikeless golf shoes can offer long-lasting comfort for a full day on the course, but choosing the right fit is essential.

Some assume that spiked golf shoes may be inherently uncomfortable, as the spikes can add bulk and weight. However, so long as you choose a spiked shoe that fits you properly and meets your needs, this won’t necessarily be the case.

Spikeless golf shoes, which are also made from lightweight and flexible materials, can provide excellent comfort with the right fit.

Durability and Maintenance

Does one type of golf shoe inherently require more or less maintenance than the other?

While it’s true that the spikes on spiked golf shoes may wear down and need to be replaced every so often, the reality is that both plastic and metal spikes on golf shoes can last for years — and replacing them generally doesn’t take more than a few minutes.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a no-maintenance golf shoe, then a spikeless shoe may be your better option. With no spikes to swap out, you can spend less time caring for your shoes and more time on the course.

Performance Insights

Can the type of golf shoe you select really affect your performance? Ultimately, this comes down to a matter of personal opinion for most golfers.

As you’ll see in this MyGolfSpy forum discussion, the opinions about spiked vs. spikeless golf shoes are incredibly mixed. Some golfers feel that spiked shoes inhibit their swing, whereas others prefer them for the added stability in slippery conditions. As one golfer comments, “I want to feel my feet anchored to the ground; that is where the power and stability originate.”

Weather and Course Conditions

There’s no universal answer as to whether spiked or spikeless shoes are the better option because weather and course conditions can also affect when you may want to choose one over the other.

Consider, for example, playing in slick course conditions. If it has recently rained, the grass is going to be wet and slippery. In this case, you might benefit from a spiked shoe to provide some extra traction.

On the other hand, in dry course conditions without a lot of hills or other challenging terrain areas, some golfers may prefer the added comfort of a spikeless shoe instead.

Style, Versatility, and Off-Course Use

Although you may not be buying golf shoes for their appearance alone, it’s true that most golfers care about style and versatility in a golf shoe, at least to some extent.

Spiked golf shoes, by their inherent design, don’t offer much off-course or in the way of versatility. As a result, it’s likely you’ll only wear these while playing or attending an event on a golf course.

Spikeless shoes, however, are versatile enough that some golfers may choose to wear them outside the course. From running everyday errands to walking and even jogging, a spikeless golf shoe can be highly versatile.

Myth-Busting Realities (According to MyGolfSpy in 2025)

As you can see, both spikeless and spiked golf shoes can deliver numerous benefits for golfers — and many serious players own at least one pair of each. Unfortunately, there are still myths floating around regarding spiked vs. spikeless golf shoes. Are you falling for any of these?

“Spikeless can’t match traction.” – In reality, today’s spikeless shoes have features like multi-directional lugs and targeted traction zones that can provide just as much traction as a spiked shoe.
“Spiked shoes are uncomfortable.” – While comfort is important in a golf shoe, the reality is that both spiked and spikeless golf shoes can be comfortable if you choose the right fit.
“Spikeless always walk better.“ – Not necessarily. When you’re playing 18 holes, a shoe with arch support and shock absorption is ideal for avoiding foot pain while walking, both of which are common features on spiked shoes.
“Spiked shoes are only for wet grounds.” – Though spiked shoes can provide added traction in wet conditions, they can also be useful for those with high swing speeds. Even in dry weather, spikes can provide much-needed stability to keep a faster swing on track while minimizing injury risk.
“Spiked always costs more.“ – This may have been true years ago, but it’s certainly not the case now. No matter your budget, plenty of spiked and spikeless options are comparable in price.
“Spikeless are just sneakers.” – Although they may look similar to sneakers, spikeless shoes offer a variety of features to support your golf game. From lightweight and water-resistant construction to a wide base for added stability, spikeless shoes are not “just” sneakers.

Real Golfer Perspectives

Sometimes, a good way to gain some genuine perspective on a subject is to see what the community on Reddit has to say about it. When it comes to the topic of spiked vs. spikeless golf shoes, opinions are mixed, highlighting the reality that golf shoes are a highly personal choice.

One Reddit user comments that they purchased a pair of spikeless golf shoes, only to find that they felt flimsy and lacked traction. They go on to explain, “I think spikeless are trendy right now, but I don’t really see the benefit. I think they greatly diminish traction and balance, which most amateurs definitely need.” 

Another user disagrees, noting that they made the switch to spikeless years ago and “have no traction problems in wet conditions with spikeless shoes.”

Buying Guide: When to Choose Which

Considerations	Choose Spiked If…	Choose Spikeless If…
Course Conditions	You often face wet, muddy, hilly, or uneven terrain.	You mainly play on dry, firm courses.
Performance Needs	You want maximum traction and stability, especially with fast swings.	You prioritize walking comfort and versatility.
Walking vs. Cart	You’re walking long rounds, needing support and arch stability.	You value a lightweight, flexible feel and ease of movement.
Off-Course Use	You don’t mind changing shoes post-round.	You want a single shoe for the course, clubhouse, or driving home.
Budget & Maintenance	You’ll replace spikes and get more life from shoes.	You prefer low maintenance, even if it means replacing them sooner.
Style Preference	You prefer a traditional or high-performance look.	You like modern, sneaker-inspired aesthetics.
Climate & Weather	You encounter rainy or dewy conditions regularly.	You mostly play in dry, warm conditions.

Elevate Your Golf Understanding with Keiser University

With so many nuances in the game of golf on topics ranging from game equipment to swing mechanics, you might be wondering where you can develop your knowledge and even prepare for a potential career in golf instruction/coaching.

At Keiser University College of Golf, we offer degree programs in Golf Teaching and Learning, Golf Management, and Turfgrass Management with a career-focused curriculum designed to help students sharpen their skills and knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiked vs. Spikeless Golf Shoes

Are spiked golf shoes allowed at all golf clubs?

No, some golf courses do not allow spiked shoes at all, whereas others may only prohibit spiked shoes with metal spikes. Be sure to check the rules for your chosen club ahead of time to avoid issues.

Do professional golfers prefer spiked or spikeless golf shoes?

Because this is such a personal choice, you’ll find that many professional golfers use a combination of both spiked and spikeless shoes depending on course conditions.

Do spiked golf shoes help improve performance?

Some golfers find that the added stability and traction of a spiked shoe may improve their performance, especially their swing. However, this can vary from one golfer to the next and ultimately boils down to a combination of playing mechanics and personal preference.

Spiked vs. Spikeless Golf Shoes: The Bottom Line

There is no singular right or wrong answer regarding the question of whether spiked or spikeless golf shoes are the better option. The best thing you can do is to experiment with both and discover what delivers the best golfing experience for you, keeping in mind that this could change with different courses and weather conditions.

Interested in learning more about the ins and outs of golf or how to lead others? Advance your formal education with programs such as our Master of Science in Golf Teaching and Learning, Bachelor of Science in Golf Management, and our Associate of Science in Turfgrass Management from Keiser University College of Golf. Get in touch to learn more or apply now to take the next step.