Spiked Shoes

Finding the Right Spiked Golf Shoes

Spiked golf shoes give you the most grip the game has to offer, with cleats that dig in to anchor your feet through the swing. For golfers who want maximum traction and stability, especially in wet or hilly conditions, a spiked shoe is the classic choice. At Tony Valentine Golf we stock spiked shoes from the world's leading brands, including FootJoy, adidas, Puma, Under Armour, and Nike.

Below you will find everything you need to choose with confidence, from understanding why spikes matter to deciding whether spiked or spikeless suits your game.

Why Choose Spiked Shoes?

The main advantage of a spiked shoe is grip. Modern soft spikes, made from plastic rather than the old metal cleats, dig into the turf to anchor your feet, giving you a stable base to push against through the swing. This matters most in wet weather, on soft or hilly courses, and for golfers with faster, more aggressive swings who generate a lot of force and need their feet to stay planted.

That stability can translate into more consistent ball striking, since slipping during the swing costs both power and accuracy. The trade-off is that spiked shoes are slightly less comfortable to walk in off the course and not suited to wearing away from the golf club, but on the course, in the conditions they are built for, they deliver traction that spikeless shoes cannot quite match.

Spiked vs Spikeless

The choice between spiked and spikeless comes down to grip versus versatility. Spiked shoes offer maximum traction and stability, making them the choice for wet conditions, hilly courses, and powerful swingers. Spikeless shoes use a moulded sole with grip built into the outsole, offering good traction in most conditions with the comfort and casual look of a trainer you can wear on and off the course.

If you play in all weathers, walk hilly courses, or want the most secure footing possible, spiked is the safer bet. If you value comfort, versatility, and a shoe you can wear to and from the club, spikeless is worth considering. Many golfers own a pair of each and choose based on the day's conditions.

Comfort, Fit, and Waterproofing

A golf shoe is worn for hours and several miles of walking, so comfort and fit are essential. Look for good cushioning, a supportive but flexible sole, and a secure fit that holds your foot without pinching, whether through traditional laces or a quick-adjust dial system. The right size should give a little room at the toe without any heel slip.

Most spiked shoes come with a waterproof membrane and a warranty against leaking, which is well worth having for British conditions and damp morning fairways. If staying dry is your top priority, our waterproof golf shoes collection brings these options together. It is also worth knowing that the soft spikes themselves wear down over time and can be unscrewed and replaced cheaply, extending the life of a good pair of shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiked Shoes

Are spiked or spikeless golf shoes better?

Neither is better overall, they suit different needs. Spiked shoes give maximum grip and stability, ideal for wet weather, hilly courses, and powerful swings. Spikeless shoes offer good traction with more comfort and versatility, and can be worn off the course. If grip is your priority, choose spiked; if comfort and versatility matter more, spikeless is a strong option.

Do golf shoes still use metal spikes?

No, almost all modern spiked golf shoes use soft spikes made from plastic rather than metal. Many clubs banned metal spikes years ago because they damaged greens. Soft spikes provide excellent grip while being kinder to the course and more comfortable to walk in, and they can be unscrewed and replaced when they wear down.

Can you replace the spikes on golf shoes?

Yes, the soft spikes on most golf shoes are designed to be replaceable. They unscrew with a simple tool and new ones cost very little, so when the spikes wear down you can refresh the grip rather than replacing the whole shoe. This makes a quality pair of spiked shoes last much longer.

Are spiked golf shoes waterproof?

Most spiked golf shoes include a waterproof membrane, and many carry a waterproof warranty for a set period. This is well worth having for damp British conditions and wet morning fairways. If maximum waterproofing is your priority, it is worth checking the specific shoe's waterproof rating and warranty before buying.

Visit Tony Valentine Golf

If you would like help choosing the right spiked shoes, size, or fit, our team is happy to advise. Browse our full range below, or get in touch and visit us in store at our Corsham or Swindon centre.