Golf Footwear: What to Know About Golf Shoes and Why They Are a Necessity
As a physical therapist who works exclusively with golfers, I can tell you that your shoes are one of the most overlooked pieces of golf equipment, and yet they have a huge influence on how you move, how you swing, and how you feel after a round.
I’ve seen golfers struggle with balance, lose distance, or develop chronic knee and back pain, only to find the root cause was right under their feet: inadequate footwear.
Let’s break down why golf shoes matter from a movement and injury-prevention perspective, and what to look for when buying your next pair.
Why Golf Shoes Matter:
1. They Provide a Stable Base for Power and Control
Every golf swing starts from the ground up. Your feet are the foundation for creating a stable base, transferring energy through your legs and core, and delivering consistent contact.
If your shoes don’t provide adequate grip or lateral stability, you’re forced to compensate, often by tightening your grip, changing your stance, or altering your weight shift. Over time, this compensation can lead to swing faults and joint stress.
2. They Reduce Stress on Your Joints
An 18-hole round can mean 5–7 miles of walking on varied terrain. Without the right cushioning and support, your feet, knees, hips, and even your low back absorb more repetitive stress than they should.
Arch support helps maintain neutral alignment through the kinetic chain.
Midsole cushioning reduces the impact on cartilage and soft tissue with each step.
I’ve had patients reduce chronic knee soreness simply by moving into a shoe with better midsole stability and support.
3. They Help Prevent Common Golf Injuries
Poor footwear can contribute to:
Plantar fasciitis
Medial or lateral knee pain
Hip and low back strain
Golf shoes should do more than just look good. They need to distribute pressure evenly, provide rearfoot stability, and maintain traction throughout the swing to reduce slips and sudden torque on joints.
4. They Adapt to Course Conditions
A wet fairway or uneven lie can quickly turn into a slip without the right grip pattern or sole design. If you don’t have adequate traction, you will be inconsistent; even worse, it could lead to a muscle strain or some other mechanical injury.
Choosing a shoe with reliable traction in the conditions you most often play in is an easy injury-prevention win.
What to Look for When Buying Golf Shoes
1. Proper Fit
From a biomechanical perspective, a poorly fitting shoe changes how your foot contacts the ground, which affects your balance and swing mechanics.
Heel should be locked in without sliding.
Toes should have enough room to spread naturally during weight shift.
2. Traction Type
Spiked shoes: Better grip for aggressive swings and wet conditions.
Spikeless shoes: Lighter and versatile, but may not provide as much stability on slick terrain, but could be good for those with history of knee injury or surgery as they are a little more forgiving.
3. Support and Cushioning
Match arch support to your foot structure (flat, neutral, or high arch).
Look for midsole materials that absorb impact without collapsing under weight.
4. Stability Over Flexibility
Excessive flexibility in the outsole can cause unwanted motion during the swing, leading to inconsistency and possible strain. A stable platform improves both performance and protection.
The Takeaway from a PT’s Perspective
Golf shoes aren’t just part of your outfit; they’re part of your swing mechanics, your injury-prevention plan, and your overall performance. The right pair:
Creates a stable base for consistent ball-striking.
Protects your joints during long rounds.
Reduces the risk of overuse injuries.
At Full Swing Performance & Rehab, I assess golf footwear as part of every swing analysis or injury-prevention evaluation. If your shoes are limiting your performance or causing discomfort, we’ll help you find the right fit so you can play better, longer, and pain-free.