Clothing & Footwear

Trainers or golf shoes?


Matt Bailey

Matt Bailey

09 March 2026

We all have a favourite pair of trainers we stick on our feet whether we’re heading out to do a bit of shopping or meeting a friend for a coffee.

The familiar feel of our favourite shoes is so comforting to us, half the time we even forget we’re wearing shoes in the first place.

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When you head down the range to practice some golf, you tend to keep your trainers on your feet. After all, you’re not walking up and down the golf course. Which begs the question, do you need golf shoes to play golf in when you can get about in boots and trainers?

What is it that makes golf shoes so special exactly? Today we want to reiterate to you that, just as a skater needs ice skates to navigate an ice rink and a runner needs appropriate running shoes that will last a marathon, golfers need specifically designed golf shoes to play their best.

 

Trainers or golf shoes?

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Broadly speaking, we’ve seen a huge trend in recent years where brands are releasing very popular spikeless golf shoes alongside their traditional spiked shoes. These spikeless shoes are comfy, trainer-like, and have rubber outsoles that can be worn out and about on any surface.

They get the job done and give you plenty of grip on the golf course, which therefore begs a few questions, are they as good as spiked shoes? Is there any point in opting for traditional golf shoes when the ones that feel like comfy trainers so spectacular? And if that’s the case, why scratch the dress code and just wear trainers?

Here’s some data we found from equipment experts that justifies the necessity of golf shoes and proves they’re much better for your game than typical trainers.

“At this point, I’m willing to conclude that if you value stability, traction, and a shoe that handles the elements…stick with the spikeless golf shoe.”

mygolfspy.com

Mygolfspy.com tested between a top of the range trail running shoe and a spikeless golf shoe to determine which one performed the best for golf, considering categories such as comfort, stability, and traction, the spikeless golf shoe was the far superior choice of footwear.

Similarly, golfmonthly.com found that spiked golf shoes simply were the best option of footwear when it comes to playing golf. Testing between spikeless and spiked golf shoes, they found that spiked golf shoes not only gave you more traction, but helps you gain more yards on your strikes too.

“We saw variances in carry distance of 7.5 yards on average…In summary, it’s time golfers really started to consider footwear as an importance piece of kit that can have tangible performance benefits, rather than simply things that cover their feet when they play golf”

golfmonthly.com

The overall verdict is that spikeless golf shoes give you more traction than trainers, but spiked golf shoes give you exceptional performance benefits. Adidas are the best in the business when it comes to designing quality golf shoes.

From the comfy midsole to the studded outsole and overall durable construction, their shoes are crafted inside and out to give you a good time on the golf course.

The durable design

As we’ve just mentioned, the shoe’s interior is often comprised of a soft mesh material while the exterior consists of harder materials like synthetic leather. While some of our shoes are lighter and breathable making them perfect for a hot summer’s day, most benefit from a waterproof coating that helps water run off them rather than seep into the fabric and get your socks wet.

The comfy interior

The underfoot cushioning in Skechers golf shoe offers plenty of relief and contributes to the shoe feeling light and spongey with every step you take. The average round of golf is about 5 miles and usually takes between 4 and 5 hours, which is a lot of time to spend on your feet. But our selection of golf shoes will make the time fly!

The studded outsole

The outsole consists of small rubber studs that cover the sole from the heel to the toe. The spiked shoes have strategically placed cleats that give excellent traction against the ground to help really lock in to your golf swing. The spikeless shoes also offer plenty of grip and are ideal for golf in the warmer months.

 

Our latest adidas golf shoes

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adidas-mc70-spiked-golf-shoes

With 6 cleats on the sole, the MC70 Spiked Golf Shoes feel sturdy and upright with every step you take. Available in a stunning white colorway, this stylish, lightweight yet durable golf shoe will keep you focused on your game whatever the weather for the year ahead.

browse MC70 Spiked Golf Shoes  >

Another fantastic golf shoe that will be great for the upcoming spring and summer is the Adipower SL. This spikeless golf shoe is very lightweight and has features Adidas’ REPETITOR tech to keep your feet comfortable all round long. This durable shoe offers plenty of grip and can be worn both on and off the golf course.

browse Adipower SL Golf Shoes  >

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If you’re thinking of getting yourself some new golf shoes for the season ahead, we’d urge you to come and visit us in the pro shop. We’ve open and happy to help you find your ideal pair.

Contact us today