Ladies, Step up Your Game: Choosing the Right Golf Shoes as a Beginner

When I started learning to golf, I had no idea that a good pair of golf shoes could be comfortable and stylish. I probably had a picture in my mind of old-school golf shoes from the movie Caddyshack – I didn’t have a great frame of reference. (If you haven’t watched this movie, you should probably this post take this a sign to do it!)

In my first few clinics and rounds of golf, I played in the same athletic sneakers I used for walks and runs. As time went on, I started think I might need something specific to golf. Turns out, there are many, many options for stylish, comfortable golf shoes, and in addition to looking and feeling good, a decent pair of golf shoes really does help your golf game.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on golf shoes (but you certainly can if you want to.) For women that are just starting to golf, choosing a lower-priced pair is less of a commitment, and also gives you an opportunity to figure out what you like and don’t like.

If there are brands of sneakers you know fit well, chances are the brand makes a golf shoe as well. If you’re interested in a shoe from a golf-specific brand, you’ll find lots of choices as well. Read on for why golf shoes are important, what to consider, and some recommendations for women beginner golfers.

Golf Shoes: Why Should You Wear Them?

Golf shoes are designed to provide golfers with the necessary traction and stability to make swings without slipping or losing their footing. They are also designed to be comfortable, breathable, and durable, making them ideal for the physical demands of golf. Golf is a multi-season sport. I play in the northeast U.S, where it’s muddy in the spring, hot over the summer, and chilly in the fall. Since I’m still learning to golf, oftentimes, my ball winds up somewhere other than the fairway – when I take a minute or two to locate it, I want shoes that will help me on hills, in the rough, and around water and sand hazards.

Golf shoes are specifically designed with a few key elements in mind:

1. Traction: A golf shoe’s specially-designed soles provide traction on the course. This is especially important on wet or slippery surfaces, where regular athletic shoes might slip and cause you to lose your footing.
2. Stability: Golf shoes are designed to keep your feet stable during your swing, which can improve your accuracy and power. The extra support and structure of the shoe can also help prevent injuries.
3. Comfort: Many golf shoes are made with breathable materials that help keep your feet cool and dry. They are also designed to be comfortable, even if you are walking long distances on the course.
4. Golf Dress Code: Some golf courses require players to wear golf shoes, as part of their dress code. While this isn’t true for all courses, it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time to avoid any issues.

While you can usually play golf in regular athletic shoes, once you decide to pursue golf as a hobby,  investing in a good pair of golf shoes will go a long way. 

One key point to pay attention to – most local courses do not allow metal spikes – you can choose a shoe with soft spikes, but I’ve found that for women who are beginner golfers, a simple, sneaker-style golf shoe is your best bet to get started. As always, look at the golfers around you and ask at the courses you play – they may have a different take.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Tee Up Women’s Golf may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Where to Find Golf Shoes – specifically for Women Beginner Golfers

When I first started looking for a pair of golf shoes, my choices seemed endless. They still do! Over time, I hope to try more brands, and expand into golf-specific brands. To be honest, I was so overwhelmed by choices that I decided to look for shoes at websites I was already familiar with: Zappos, Amazon and Dick’s.

I found a lot of great styles and colors at each website – enough that I almost started to convince myself I might need more than one pair!  I gravitated to brands that made sneakers I knew I liked – Adidas, New Balance, and Nike.

All of the shoes I was most focused on looked more like sneakers than golf shoes. Maybe one day I’ll evolve into other styles, but for now, these work well for me.This year, I’d like to invest in another pair – here’s what I’m looking at:

• Nike Women’s 2020 Roshe G

I love that these shoes are just like the sneakers I wear every day, just designed for golf. They’ll go with anything, the price is right, and the reviews are great. 

• Adidas Golf CodeChaos 22

A gorgeous, lightweight pair, still under $100, with more great reviews. I also love that these have what Adidas describes as the  “swing-boosting traction of Twist Grip and the energized feel of full-length BOOST” – not quite sure how that translates to my own beginner game, but hey, I’ll take any help I can get!

• New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Breathe

Another great value, sneaker-style golf shoe to start with. I always love the way New Balance shoes fit my feet, and the cloud sole makes for a lightweight shoe that is comfortable throughout a round of golf.

Next Step: Find the Right Shoes for You

One day, I’ll have a golf shoe wardrobe with lots of options to choose from, but for now, a versatile, comfortable, affordable pair is just what I need.

Do you have a favorite brand or pair of golf shoes that I should keep in mind or you’d recommend to other women learning to golf? I’d love to hear your thoughts below!