Golf shoes are not just a fancy accessory that sports stores created to lure you into buying more gear. They are tools, much like the footwear in other sports, such as soccer and baseball. They were designed specifically to provide the support you need for a stable base when you swing, allowing you to do your best without falling. You can still play without these shoes—but generic athletic footwear may not meet the specific needs that exist in the game of golf.
The shoes should have large, broad soles for a base. They tend to have stabilizers built in to help support the arch and keep the feet from sliding around when you twist and swing. The shoes remain flexible overall, though, to allow appropriate foot movement. Typically, there are spikes underneath the sole that keep your foot firmly in place on the green.
Make sure you have your shoes properly fitted and try them on before you invest in them. The wrong pair could turn a comfortable round into a limp-inducing walk. Your footwear needs to fit snugly, but not feel tight. The style should be wide enough for every part of your lower limbs. The shoe should also bend easily at the ball of the foot and support your arch.
If you’re not sure how to fit shoes or you’ve noticed foot pain when you’re active, let us know here at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona. Call (480) 963-9000 or fax (480) 963-0375 for the Chandler office; call (480) 981-1800 or fax (480) 981-0229 for our Gilbert location.
