Golf in tennis shoes

Anyone else prefer golfing in tennis shoes? Started doing this when possible due to joint issues in my legs.

I don't prefer it, but when I feel like my feet are a bit too active I'll play 9 that way. I feel like it improves my tempo, too.

When isn't wet out I'll play in them. I don't see much of a difference. Obviously it is a little less stable but not too bad.

I wouldn't call them "tennis shoes" per se, but when I walk, usually wear my training shoes. Just more supportive and comfortable. Even more so than my Ecco Hybrids. In the summer heat, wear Keen sandals. And in the spring and fall wet and slop, Merrill Gore-Tex hiking shoes. No slippage with these and the feet stay dry. Not trying to make a fashion statement.

I have a pair of "training" Under Armour tennis shoes that have some nubs on the bottom to increase traction. They do pretty darn well when I'm just hitting balls on the range

Nike Lunar Cypress.... as comfy as tennis shoes, but with subtle spikes

I like Eccos because they're loose fitting enough that my feet can move a little inside the shoe. I think it helps to avoid the problem of the joints getting over torqued from swinging. They're not as comfortable as tennis shoes or training shoes but no golf shoe is.

I haven't really used real golf shoes in years. Nike free trainer 5.0 is my "golf" shoe of choice. Unless it's wet out, then I'll throw on some old adicross I keep around.

I don't wear golf shoes and it doesn't hurt my stability. I don't have a fast or hard swing so rare if I slip.

If you need spikes you're swinging to hard!

Hey, if Venetos can do it...

Sam Sneed used to play bare foot. Used to play in running shoes for yrs. Only down fall is water proofing. It's all about comfort for me!

I am playing in some new balance golf shoes, good compromise but no waterproofing FTL.

I go to the range in sandals often enough, playing in sandals I don't like though. I have heel less NB clog like slip on sneakers and I hit balls in them a lot. I have a quiet lower body though, to a fault as per my pro......

Not a chance. I usually walk in the mornings, so......

They aren't water proof. Two, I need the extra grip real spikes provide on the damp ground.

There are so many hybrid golf shoes built with athletic shoe uppers now, why would anyone not wear them? I'm the opposite I guess, I always wear golf shoes, all of them are Ecco, and they all look good enough to pass in the office mid-week (Tuesday AM "strategy sessions").

I wear spike-less Eccos which are not too different from tennis shoes in all honesty. I still own a pair of soft spikes (footjoys) for rain and competition. You can't beat the traction of a cleat but I find it unnecessary for everyday wear. The sneaker feel is much more comfortable imo..just be careful when it's slick out

I practice in my INOV8's and my CF Nano's quite often and have played in vibrams before. Currently play in this years TW's, imo they are very similar to some of the Nike Free trainers except with a golf sole.

I play in these... They're spikeless, thin-soled, mesh, incredibly light, and extremely comfortable. It's like playing in slippers! They also come in wide sizes to accommodate my hooves, and I like them so much that I got the waterproof, non-mesh version which I use for "extra dewy" morning rounds or after rain. 10/10 I highly recommend them.

[quote name='MarkCPA' timestamp='1444916042' post='12459402']
Not a chance. I usually walk in the mornings, so......

They aren't water proof. Two, I need the extra grip real spikes provide on the damp ground.
[/quote]

When you say "real spikes", are you talking about metal? I don't know if any courses around here even allow them anymore.

Because of the relative rigidity of the sole of the golf shoe, you can use your shoes like skis, leaning the edges into the side of hills. This way you are pressing weight more straight down from the ankles on uneven lies. Less ankle angle means better leverage for the legs. The walking part is where tennis, walking or training shoes have the obvious edge so it's for you to decide which is more critical, the walking edge or leverage.

If you go with a tennis shoe, I suggest you wear something that is low profile. Some of the newer tennis shoes are too tall, almost like cross trainers. Those old tennis shoes that looked like the casual Eccos would be good. I seem to recall the Stan Smith tennis shoes had little nub treads, which would be pretty good for traction.

[quote name='NoTalentLefty' timestamp='1444862316' post='12457128']
Anyone else prefer golfing in tennis shoes? Started doing this when possible due to joint issues in my legs.
[/quote]

Not really tennis shoes per se, Merrill walking/hiking/training shoes. Happened for me many years ago when I started wearing the Merrill type shoes everyday to work (self employed so it's shorts, t-shirt, vest and the hiking shoes). When I would play a few holes after work, I was too lazy to get the golf shoes. I never slip anyway so what good were the golf shoes? Haven't bought a pair of golf shoes since the 90s. But if I play a super nice track or club, I'll do the golf shoes. Don't wear a glove either anymore, but do put on new grips every year. (that I let the company pay for - HA!!)

For driving range , wearing tennis shoes is okay.

For actual green course, wearing tennis shoes is accident waiting to happen.

Half the new "spikeless" golf shoes are basically tennis shoes anyway.

Started wearing Adidas trail running shoes after I tore my Achilles. Extra grip and slightly raised heal helped protect against accidental injury as I healed. Used them as I was able to get back into golf and have never gone back. Shoes are super light, tons of grip and super comfortable. I'll never buy golf shoes again.

Played a tournament once with my Chucks. Forgot to put my golf shoes in my friend's vehicle. Was a whole new experience actually feeling the fairway and the greens below my feet. I liked it.

And yes, it forced me to not overswing and maintain a good tempo.

[quote name='DTXgolfer12' timestamp='1444925780' post='12460238']Half the new "spikeless" golf shoes are basically tennis shoes anyway.[/quote]

I agree. Currently using Nike Fury running shoe not only because it's light but also very much like being barefoot when they're on.

[quote name='asw7576' timestamp='1444925046' post='12460192']For driving range , wearing tennis shoes is okay.

For actual green course, wearing tennis shoes is accident waiting to happen.[/quote]

Only when wet.

I do carry a waterproof puma Faas lite for rainy days. May go to the lite mesh . I like super lite weight shoes.

I have several pairs of golf shoes, but due to foot issues almost always play in running shoes. I don't really notice any difference.

[quote name='dciccoritti' timestamp='1444927646' post='12460400']Played a tournament once with my Chucks. Forgot to put my golf shoes in my friend's vehicle. Was a whole new experience actually feeling the fairway and the greens below my feet. I liked it.

And yes, it forced me to not overswing and maintain a good tempo.[/quote]

Agree. My footwork is better so my tempo is better. My feet feel the fairway with tennis shoes with less build up , unlike the typical golf shoe. Weight of the shoes come into play as well.