Turns out our last installment left a few unanswered questions. This Q&A covers a bit more ground…

What are golf shoes made of?

A whole host of natural and synthetic materials make up an ordinary golf shoe. Aside from leather – real or faux – the short list includes thermoplastic urethane (TPU), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), and silicone. These space-age products are used to form soles, heels, liners, tongues, collars and other parts and pieces.

I’m a casual kind of guy. Are there golf shoes made to match my personality?

Are sandals casual enough for you? How about flip-flops?

Some golf sandals don’t include spikes, but most do. And yes, they strap on tight enough to provide ample stability. Golf flip-flops could prove a little trickier, but hey, if you’re that laid-back then surely you have an easy-going swing.

Gals who’d rather not dress to the nines for a quick nine can opt for golf sandals, too. A simple web search will turn up dozens of styles.

Is it a hassle to break in new golf shoes?

Generally, not at all. Depending on how well they fit, many are comfortable right out of the box. For those that feel a little stiff, the best way to break them in is simply to wear them. Unfortunately, spikes make golf shoes less than ideal indoors, but if you’re not embarrassed wearing them in the yard, that’s one easy trick.

Are golf shoes high-maintenance?

If you want to keep any nice pair of shoes looking sharp, a little extra care is always a good idea.

For starters, put them on using a shoe horn to protect the heel counter and avoid blistering. After the round, wipe down leather or synthetic uppers with a shoe cleaner or mild soap and water. If your shoes are white, use an appropriately colored cleaner to remove blemishes like scuff marks. Polish white or dark shoes after cleaning.

Treat nubuck leather – the kind with a soft, fibrous texture – with a specially made cleaner and brush. By all means, follow the instructions.

For soaked shoes, stuff some newspaper inside to absorb the moisture. Using a hair dryer or sticking your shoes next to a heat source are strongly discouraged. Shoe trees are highly recommended.

How often should I change my spikes?

Every three months, or 3,000 miles.

Make that every 10-15 rounds of golf, according to the spike manufacturers. Depending on your gait, spikes on different areas of your soles may wear out faster. Check them every so often and swap out any spikes that have lost more than a quarter or so of length.

Is replacing spikes a difficult process?

It’s a lot easier than changing your oil. In fact, replacing plastic cleats is a snap compared with the old metal ones. All it takes is a ratchet-like tool made specifically for the job, a couple of twists to pop out the old, a couple more to screw in the new, and voila – your traction is back.

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Category: Sports
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