Friday, August 24, 2007

Stepping into Greatness: Getting the Best Golf Shoes

by Nathalie Fiset


The best game of golf is played with the right equipment. You will need a golf ball that is accredited by the major golfing organization of the Royal and Ancient Club of St. Andrews (or the R & A) and the United States Golfing Association (or the USGA). You will need golf clubs that are best suited to your grip - and you will need a set of them if you need to change your play at different stages and scenarios of the game. You will also need the best golf shoes.
What makes golf shoes so special? Golf shoes are designed to increase the grip of a golfer's feet on the ground, whether he or she is strolling through the turf, plodding through the sand, or inching his or her way through the mud and tall grasses of the rough. Golf shoes are also meant to keep the golfer firmly on his or her feet throughout the game, whether he or she is playing on dry ground, under the often oppressive heat of the sun; or on wet ground, in light or heavy rain.
These special shoes have small, exchangeable spikes on them, which are attached to the soles, and which can come in different forms, shapes, and materials. A special kind of spike is made of plastic, and can look like a miniature claw; this is called the soft spike. Not all golf shoes are designed in the same manner, however: many professional golfers will have their own custom-designed shoes, with special spikes and insoles to fit their feet perfectly. And not all golf courses require their players to wear the same shoes: some golf courses will require that their players wear a certain type of shoe, depending on weather conditions and the state of the golf course at that time.
In fact, not all golf courses recommend that their players wear shoes with spikes, which are often termed cleats. True, spikes can increase traction for the golfer, and can allow a golfer to fully utilize the power of their legs during a swing. Cleats can also prevent a player from slipping or falling if, by any chance, his or her ball lands on a precipitous or undulating part of the course.
However, spikes can represent a big problem for golf course operators and maintenance crew. If these spikes push too far into the ground, they can damage the golf course and tear up patches of earth. In fact, the best golfers wear non-cleat shoes, and know how to balance their bodies well enough so that they can provide their own traction. Some golfers also opt to wear golf shoes with suction cups, since these provide traction without damaging the golf course.
In any case, golf shoes are a requirement in most golf courses, and are important if you are serious about your golf game. If you are shopping for golf shoes, look for the best bargain available: in other words, get a pair of shoes that will not only fit you well, but will not tax on your budget. First of all, there are many kinds of shoes already available, and you need not feel that you should be constrained to wear the sneakers-type shoe.
If you have wide feet and spread-out toes, then you might want to use golf sandals, or look for shoes that have wider soles. Many shoes for golf are built for slender female feet, or average male feet. If you opt for these sneaker-type shoes, you can find it painful to walk around the golf course. Comfort is your first priority in golf, so be sure to pick shoes that will fit your feet perfectly without you cringing as you take that swing.
If you are playing golf with business partners, or if you are seeking to seal a business deal while on the course, then you might want to opt for dress shoes. There are such options for shoes for golfing, so inquire at your local golf equipment retailer on what kinds of styles are available. Not only should you be comfortable on the course, you should also be dressed at your best.
There are also shoes with removable or replaceable cleats, so look for such shoes and invest in good cleats. Moreover, do not feel confined to a single set of cleats: you need spikes for your day in the rough, and large cleats for the grassy part of the course. In other words, the best golf shoes are those that will make you look good, feel good, and play well. They will also do the least damage to the golf course - so start shopping and investing, and get the best shoes for your great game!
About the Author
For more complete information on golf please go to: http://www.enjoyinggolf.com/golf-shoes.htmlhttp://www.enjoyinggolf.comwww.drnathaliefiset.com

Thanks to Nathalie Fiset for this article.

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