The Hunt for Traditional Golf Shoes

I was in need of some classic white saddle shoes and did some quick research. Strike that. I did too much research. I searched for "affordable" new shoes only, so eBay and used options are not part of this study. This post is part cultural observation and part vintage/nostaglia shopping guide.

I've found that at most local golf stores, nobody carries "old man" style shoes at the store, so you have to look online as traditional styles are typically a) not fashionable with the masses who have gone with a more casual style overall (the classic Sam Snead/Jimmy Demaret style dandy days are gone), b) traditional shoes are typically made of higher quality leather and materials, the finest of which might be Goodyear welted or handmade rendering them prohibitively expensive for the average golfer (imagine $300+ a pair), and c) because traditional shoes are built to last, people can't be lazy with them. Unlike the disposable sneaker spikes with the glued on soles, traditional shoes are higher maintenance but could age like wine if cared for properly.

The goal was a traditional white/brown leather saddle shoe and I started my search.

The first option was this from FootJoy, the DryJoys Tour on closeout $99: http://www.carlsgolfland.com/footjoy-dryjoys-tour-golf-shoes-white-chestnut-lizard-2015-53612?utm_source=google_shopping&273=114&274=104&gclid=CJXEpLetxs0CFZNhfgodIEgHUQ

I think if you stopped right here without doing anymore OCD research that's going to keep you away from the course any longer, then this is a fine option. The only problem was I wanted to see what else was out there, because if you notice on these "traditional" DryJoys they have a kind of space-age, futuristic sole on them, and that's not vintage enough for the 100% classic aficionado.

Then I saw this "Club Professional" model from FootJoy, but it was $180 and it didn't even come with spikes. FootJoy must need to charge more to feed that leviathan which is their marketing/advertising division apparently: http://www.tgw.com/footjoy-mens-club-professional-spikeless-golf-shoes-p62959--1?SITE_ID=A2004&CID=PLA&gclid=CN-BkIiwxs0CFUiGfgodGH4PEg

Then I see the FootJoy Icon series, where you're looking at $200-300 on average depending on the model, which I think is getting into the out-of-reach price bracket for me and most golfers: http://www.footjoy.com/icon-black/005ICB.html?dwvar_005ICB_color=52006#start=7

And finally I found these Justin (the boot company) golf shoes on closeout here, where with an online coupon (AVSHOPSIERRA6) I got it down to $100+ tax and shipping for a traditional, high quality Goodyear welted type golf shoe (previously $370): http://www.sierratradingpost.com/justin-golf-albatross-contrast-saddle-golf-shoes-leather-for-men~p~139jr/?filterString=s~justin-golf-shoes%2F

The remaining Justin assortment, if you can find your size in the style you want, is here:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/s~justin-golf-shoes/

I ended up getting the closeout Justin shoes and wanted to share this info with the classic WRXers because I think it's a fleeting deal for a decent, traditional shoe that would normally be out of most folks' price range. Of course they come with soft spikes rather than metal, but I can't imagine that being a problem that can't be "fixed" if one was so inclined, to display or to use where legal and not against club rules. Which leads to another topic and question of course: does anyone sell truly traditional metal golf spikes anymore? I played junior golf in the late 80s and early 90s, and I remember using metal spikes. I'm at that strange age where I'm "old" but don't quite look it yet, so when I tell younger golfers that I remember using metal spikes, they think they're talking to Benjamin Button, like I'm making this stuff up.

If you can find them without taking out a small loan, please enjoy your traditional golf shoes, ladies and gentlemen.

I was in need of some classic white saddle shoes and did some quick research. Strike that. I did too much research. I searched for "affordable" new shoes only, so eBay and used options are not part of this study. This post is part cultural observation and part vintage/nostaglia shopping guide.

 

I've found that at most local golf stores, nobody carries "old man" style shoes at the store, so you have to look online as traditional styles are typically a) not fashionable with the masses who have gone with a more casual style overall (the classic Sam Snead/Jimmy Demaret style dandy days are gone), b) traditional shoes are typically made of higher quality leather and materials, the finest of which might be Goodyear welted or handmade rendering them prohibitively expensive for the average golfer (imagine $300+ a pair), and c) because traditional shoes are built to last, people can't be lazy with them. Unlike the disposable sneaker spikes with the glued on soles, traditional shoes are higher maintenance but could age like wine if cared for properly.

 

The goal was a traditional white/brown leather saddle shoe and I started my search.

 

The first option was this from FootJoy, the DryJoys Tour on closeout $99: http://www.carlsgolfland.com/footjoy-dryjoys-tour-golf-shoes-white-chestnut-lizard-2015-53612?utm_source=google_shopping&273=114&274=104&gclid=CJXEpLetxs0CFZNhfgodIEgHUQ

 

I think if you stopped right here without doing anymore OCD research that's going to keep you away from the course any longer, then this is a fine option. The only problem was I wanted to see what else was out there, because if you notice on these "traditional" DryJoys they have a kind of space-age, futuristic sole on them, and that's not vintage enough for the 100% classic aficionado.

 

Then I saw this "Club Professional" model from FootJoy, but it was $180 and it didn't even come with spikes. FootJoy must need to charge more to feed that leviathan which is their marketing/advertising division apparently: http://www.tgw.com/f...CFUiGfgodGH4PEg

 

Then I see the FootJoy Icon series, where you're looking at $200-300 on average depending on the model, which I think is getting into the out-of-reach price bracket for me and most golfers: http://www.footjoy.c...r=52006#start=7

 

And finally I found these Justin (the boot company) golf shoes on closeout here, where with an online coupon (AVSHOPSIERRA6) I got it down to $100+ tax and shipping for a traditional, high quality Goodyear welted type golf shoe (previously $370): http://www.sierratradingpost.com/justin-golf-albatross-contrast-saddle-golf-shoes-leather-for-men~p~139jr/?filterString=s~justin-golf-shoes%2F

 

The remaining Justin assortment, if you can find your size in the style you want, is here:

 

http://www.sierratra...tin-golf-shoes/

 

I ended up getting the closeout Justin shoes and wanted to share this info with the classic WRXers because I think it's a fleeting deal for a decent, traditional shoe that would normally be out of most folks' price range. Of course they come with soft spikes rather than metal, but I can't imagine that being a problem that can't be "fixed" if one was so inclined, to display or to use where legal and not against club rules. Which leads to another topic and question of course: does anyone sell truly traditional metal golf spikes anymore? I played junior golf in the late 80s and early 90s, and I remember using metal spikes. I'm at that strange age where I'm "old" but don't quite look it yet, so when I tell younger golfers that I remember using metal spikes, they think they're talking to Benjamin Button, like I'm making this stuff up.

 

If you can find them without taking out a small loan, please enjoy your traditional golf shoes, ladies and gentlemen.

Ashworth Kensingtons

https://www.google.com/#q=ashworth+kingston

Have you looked at Ecco ? They have traditional wingtip models I know. Maybe saddle as well. Can't imagine a better quality shoe . I walk 99.999 % of the time and can't tell you how many miles I have on mine. But the leather and workmanship is second to none.

I just commented a couple days ago on another thread. I wear the under $100 (on sale)variety saddle type shoes, Footjoy Greenjoys or maybe a step up from there. Usually buy a pair every year, rotate this and last years model, and throw away the worn out priors. This has worked for me for a couple decades now.

I don't play choice courses and exclusively walk. Fro me, buying high end Allen Edmonds and others like it doesn't make sense. The good shoes get beat up quickly. I recall my Dexters from way back in the 1980's. Traditional as they came, leather soles and kilties, scuffed up quickly. One could just scratch them brushing one shoe against the other.

I wore the Dexters for years, way past their lifespan. Polished them and wore them, until they looked like toe curled Arabian slippers, and were as waterproof as a screen door.

Unless you're playing the manicured pro courses, the high end stuff is just not worth it. On clearance sale, yes.

Just a thought, sometimes on the auction sites you can find New Old stock items at great prices. Could be worth a look.

I have been looking for vintage style black and white Gary Player style wingtip shoes for over 6 months. I am just not gong to pay 200 bucks for them. many amazing pairs have shown up on ebay for resonable prices, however never my size! Damn Mongo Size 13!! One day i will find some.

Have you looked at Ecco ? They have traditional wingtip models I know. Maybe saddle as well. Can't imagine a better quality shoe . I walk 99.999 % of the time and can't tell you how many miles I have on mine. But the leather and workmanship is second to none.

Good call on the Ecco Tour Hybrid ... usually a few available in Ecco outlet stores judging from what I have seen on my USA vacations ... no two tone options though.

http://champspikes.com/products/golf/spikes/champ-wafer-lite/

Only sold in the UK? Bloody come on, mate.

http://www.stevenalexandergolf.com/

http://www.nebulonigolf.com/main.html

https://www.scarparossa.com/mens-s-shoes/golfshoes

I have this shoe brand new in box if interested, size 11.5 medium. PM me for details. They look great with shorts or trousers. Same bottom as the Ecco shoes and all leather upper and lining. The Ecco soles should last for years.

I have been looking for vintage style black and white Gary Player style wingtip shoes for over 6 months. I am just not gong to pay 200 bucks for them. many amazing pairs have shown up on ebay for resonable prices, however never my size! Damn Mongo Size 13!! One day i will find some.

I think I commented on this the other night on another thread I have noticed a lot of the European Tour players have gone to a more old school type shoe seems to be a lot of FJ Classic type shoes on there. Noticed yesterday in the UL Crown one of the Asian ladies seemed to be wearing men's style red white and blue FJ classics-- I loved those shoes wore out 3 pairs of them back in the day

Just installed metal spikes into the Justin shoes. Next: to record nostalgic sound on concrete, develop database of all golf courses in the USA that allow traditional metal spikes. Might be a small database.

Finding traditional golf shoes nowadays is truly becoming difficult, especially when looking for a specific size (for me it's a 9/9.5 3E). I have gone to purchasing used or NOS shoes on eBay. Mostly look for used Footjoy Classics. I love Allen Edmonds golf shoes and have purchased a couple. I can not afford buying Allen Edmonds new, but the prices are very nice when buying them from the Shoe Bank (their outlet/factory seconds store).

Just installed metal spikes into the Justin shoes. Next: to record nostalgic sound on concrete, develop database of all golf courses in the USA that allow traditional metal spikes. Might be a small database.

8bit, I can't wait to hear the spikes on the cart paths and ballwasher spike cleaners!

Just installed metal spikes into the Justin shoes. Next: to record nostalgic sound on concrete, develop database of all golf courses in the USA that allow traditional metal spikes. Might be a small database.

 

8bit, I can't wait to hear the spikes on the cart paths and ballwasher spike cleaners!

For those too young to know and for those old enough to remember:

Just installed metal spikes into the Justin shoes. Next: to record nostalgic sound on concrete, develop database of all golf courses in the USA that allow traditional metal spikes. Might be a small database.

 

8bit, I can't wait to hear the spikes on the cart paths and ballwasher spike cleaners!

 

 

 

For those too young to know and for those old enough to remember:

 

That is brilliant, remember that all too well.

I just commented a couple days ago on another thread. I wear the under $100 (on sale)variety saddle type shoes, Footjoy Greenjoys or maybe a step up from there. Usually buy a pair every year, rotate this and last years model, and throw away the worn out priors. This has worked for me for a couple decades now.

 

I don't play choice courses and exclusively walk. Fro me, buying high end Allen Edmonds and others like it doesn't make sense. The good shoes get beat up quickly. I recall my Dexters from way back in the 1980's. Traditional as they came, leather soles and kilties, scuffed up quickly. One could just scratch them brushing one shoe against the other.

 

I wore the Dexters for years, way past their lifespan. Polished them and wore them, until they looked like toe curled Arabian slippers, and were as waterproof as a screen door.

 

Unless you're playing the manicured pro courses, the high end stuff is just not worth it. On clearance sale, yes.

I still have a pair of brown all-leather Dexter wingtips. They are from the 1990's or probably before. Due to peer pressure, I finally cut off the kilties and they look just fine. still wear them on rare occasions. Truth be told though, anymore, I prefer the newer style golf shoes. I have a couple pairs of Footjoy Classics; and they are still terrific shoes. Black and Burgundy, Black and brown

Just look almost too dressy since I wear shorts most of the time. Later this fall I will probably give them a couple workouts.

Uncle Bob

Lots of great suggestions in this thread. I'm looking for some as well and have noticed it's very difficult.

Found these today at thrift store on way home from Home depot, spending more money on bathroom remodel instead of golfing

must be at least 20 years old, look to be barely worn beautiful red white and blue leather Foot joys, Have little round soft spikes

That's what I hope to find when I do my thrift shopping!

Picked up some brand new cutter&buck spikes today, $7 from goodwill

This model

https://goo.gl/images/2Omzp2

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Cutter-Buck-Golf-Shoes-White-Leather-Men-Sz-US-9-Oxfords-soft-spike-lace-/302124477180?hash=item465805aafc%3Ag%3AvUoAAOSwcLxYFBGg&_trkparms=pageci%253A5e52b40c-b6ab-11e6-8fed-74dbd180bb7c%257Cparentrq%253Ab33bab2f1580a2a41949f7e6ffeb625c%257Ciid%253A12

Ps that's not my listing

I had a pair of the FootJoy red, white and blue patent leather shoes back in 1973. Metal spikes and leather soles. They were very heavy shoes and even heavier when they got wet.

I loved those shoes.

I am pretty sure these had spikes originally, they have real small soft spikes that a steel spike would fit perfectly. You are correct, they are heavy!!

Comfort has come along way with golf shoes, I have a couple pair that are like slippers compared to these. Compares to back in the early days of golf with jackets , ties etc I guess

I cant remember the last time I paid retail for a pair of golf shoes, I have found like new golf shoes here in Palm Springs area. Must be the snowbirds coming and going

Sierra Trading Post is always a good resource for name brand outdoor stuff. I'm only seeing very small sizes on any of those shoes.

I got a pair of the FJ Icon wingtips on sale last year before they discontinued them. Wish I had pulled the trigger on some of the City's too.

Next pair I buy will probably be Allen Edmonds, but they are not a bargain.

FTR, always check Ebay for FJ's if you're looking for a deal.

Older thread, glad it got re-upped. I agree with others on the Ecco Tour Hybrid. It's a good shoe and I like the colors.

If I had the money, I would want to try the G-Mac Specials. Those look like what I picture for a modern retake on a classic.

Found these today at thrift store on way home from Home depot, spending more money on bathroom remodel instead of golfing

must be at least 20 years old, look to be barely worn beautiful red white and blue leather Foot joys, Have little round soft spikes

Tim,

What size are the R,W & B FJ classics?

My remembrances of traditional golf shoes (FJ, Etonic) was how much my feet hurt after playing a round of golf in them. Hot, heavy, inflexible, miserable to walk in, prone to leaking when wet. Can't ever see myself returning to them. Give me a comfortable shoe based on an athletic last. Function over form. WTS, 98% of the new shoe styling is horrid, that I wouldn't spend my money on.

But I've been questioned the need to wear "golf" shoes altogether after switching over to spikeless Ecco's. The "spikes" have worn down to practically nubs, entirely to quickly given the $$ that was paid for them. Disappointing. Have a pair of ASICS Gels that are perfectly comfortable, have as good a turf grip as the Ecco's, and are half the price. Even have a couple of different colors to suit my mood. Spring and fall, its the Merrill Gore-Tex hiking shoes. Warm and dry in any and all conditions.

But I'm not attempting to make any sartorial statement while out playing at golf. Simply do not want my feet to hurt while doing so. I digress from the intent of the thread. So pardon the interruption. Too each their own.

Running with your digression, Fella, golfing attire is entirely one big money grab. As you say, the price for the new trend in spikeless golf shoes versus durability is almost comical! I have a pair of Columbia ultra light waterproof trails shoes that are terrific for golf and less expensive than a comparable "golf" shoe.

The clothing is just in an other realm of ridiculous when you see the prices being asked for shirts/shorts/pants. I can buy exactly the same type of dri fit garment from a non golf company for easily half price and less when on sale! When they switched from dies fabric to printed fabric that was it for me!

Good points all buddy. Golf attire is ridiculous, plus one cannot find anything that doesn't have logos plastered all over it. Have gone to other sources for clothing every bit as good in form and function as well as being cheaper. And logo free. I don't need to wear what Tiger wears. Quite the contrary. Like shoes, what passes for being fashionable these days, looks like crap to me.

There is a fellow that posts occasionally in the "Grille". Fellow Canadian, like yourself, from the Windsor area. Earlier this year, he was discussing how ill-suited his golf shoes had become. Plays mostly in the early morning hours, often with heavy dew. He was getting the nastiest of blisters because his feet were always getting wet. Suggested that he should consider trying waterproof trail shoes. It was like a light bulb went on for him. He's a runner, "Why didn't I think of this before". Went out and got himself a pair to try. Problem instantly solved. Have to keep the feets dry and comfortable.

I have developed a strong preference for playing later in the day after things dry off some. So I wear my regular old breathable-mesh New Balance walking shoes anytime I play in the afternoons. Those things fit me perfectly. I did have to buy a second pair because the golf ones get kind of dirty and I hate to wear those to work.

I also have a couple pair of the Adipower Boost Boathat are very sturdy, waterproof. I wear those for morning rounds or if it has rained or something. I have never found any waterproof, sealed sneakers that are any more comfortable van those golf shoes. Sometimes you do need waterproof.

So my motto is let the big dogs breathe when it's dry out and keep them dry when it's not! For me that means two different kinds of shoe but some variety for your feet is probably good anyway.