Anybody play in hiking shoes? Pros and cons?

[eric61]

I’m having a really hard time finding comfortable golf shoes, and I’m definitely an extreme case: Some old leg and foot injuries flare up super easily without the right shoes when I’m walking 18, and I also have a really wide foot. 
 

I’ve tried some of the FootJoy and Ecco shoes recommended often on “most comfortable” threads here, but they just murder my feet. I love Adidas Ultraboost (1.0 through 4.0 for looks, but the post-2019 models are my go-to for daily wear). So I figured the Adidas Codechaos shoes might help.

 

I’ve worn them a few times and the Boost definitely helps, but those plastic heel and instep counters (which don’t exist on your normal, everyday Ultraboosts) are killing me. I woke up this morning with — no exaggeration — 10 blisters after playing yesterday afternoon. 
 

So I’ve been considering trying something like these. They’re ugly, but: 

https://www.adidas.com/us/terrex-free-hiker-gtx-hiking-shoes/FX4509.html

 

Sorry for the long-winded explanation, but my question is, is anybody out there playing golf in hiking shoes? 
 

What are your experiences like with them? Positives and negatives? 
 

Seems like the traction would work, but is the problem that hiking shoes probably have a more severe drop from heel to toe?

 

I’m open to any other suggestions, too! Finding a great pair of shoes would really help me a lot.

[Baitkiller]

Last June in Denver all I had for shoes were Colombia hiking type. Played the Ridge. None of my problems that day were even remotely shoe related. Super comfy for my wide flat flipper feet.

[drn92]

3 hours ago, eric61 said:

I’m having a really hard time finding comfortable golf shoes, and I’m definitely an extreme case: Some old leg and foot injuries flare up super easily without the right shoes when I’m walking 18, and I also have a really wide foot. 
 

I’ve tried some of the FootJoy and Ecco shoes recommended often on “most comfortable” threads here, but they just murder my feet. I love Adidas Ultraboost (1.0 through 4.0 for looks, but the post-2019 models are my go-to for daily wear). So I figured the Adidas Codechaos shoes might help.

 

I’ve worn them a few times and the Boost definitely helps, but those plastic heel and instep counters (which don’t exist on your normal, everyday Ultraboosts) are killing me. I woke up this morning with — no exaggeration — 10 blisters after playing yesterday afternoon. 
 

So I’ve been considering trying something like these. They’re ugly, but: 

https://www.adidas.com/us/terrex-free-hiker-gtx-hiking-shoes/FX4509.html

 

Sorry for the long-winded explanation, but my question is, is anybody out there playing golf in hiking shoes? 
 

What are your experiences like with them? Positives and negatives? 
 

Seems like the traction would work, but is the problem that hiking shoes probably have a more severe drop from heel to toe?

 

I’m open to any other suggestions, too! Finding a great pair of shoes would really help me a lot.

There are a lot of hiking/trail running shoes you could try. I am a fan of Altras because of their zero drop platform. Saucony, innov8, topo athletic, Merrell, and others also have options with 6mm or lower drop. 
 

your main issue will probably be playing in wet conditions. I have not searched, but the number of lower drop, waterproof, non-golf shoes with decent traction are pretty slim. 
 

having said that, I think the adidas ultraboost are pretty big drop shoes (10mm or so) so you may be used to a higher drop. 
 

true Linkswear also has some options if you are looking for a golf shoe. Ecco Bioms are also lower drop (but I see you did try some eccos). 
 

drn92

[Pearson10M]

Look at trail running shoes.  I have used Asics and Salomon mainly because they have fit my feet best, but other companies make them with and without waterproof membrane.  They have aggressive soles, easy to walk in and comfortable.  The won't work in really wet conditions (spikeless don't either) unless the ground is soft enough to allow for a bite.

On a side note, if your feet hurt that much in golf shoes, maybe you need orthotics or looked at by a podiatrist.  Out of wack feet will cause not only foot pain, but leg, lower back, and shoulder pain.

 

[macdavid60]

Try the new Swiss made On - Cloud shoe.They have aggressive bottoms and to me they are better than any soft golf shoe I have blade in. Good Luck

[drn92]

I like On shoes, quality build and design, but do not think that is a good choice for golf. Traction in most is limited and I find the stack height combined with the width of the sole (narrow) limiting for a golf swing. 
 

drn92

[Amps]

I'm yet to try out my Nike Terra Kiger on the course, but I'll be taking this route in the summer. Kigers are nice and wide, and comfy enough for me to run and hike in, so should be good for 18 when the grass is dry. 

[david.c.w]

+1 for trail running shoes.  Good lateral support and a pretty sturdy sole.  I dont wear them but have friends that do and they are very happy.    Personally I walk and wear the Ecco Biom 3 shoes and they are comfortable, waterproof and long lasting.  If anyone does shop Ecco get the soles with the "wavy bottoms".  They are really long lasting.  Cost a ton but they have outlived my other shoes with "individual nubs"

[Itsjustagame]

Have you ever tried any shoes by Skechers. Very comfortable shoes and the do have golf shoes.

[GSDriver]

I've seen Holly Sonders and other IG gals hitting balls very well in high heels, so why not hiking boots?

[agolfman]

I'm in a North Face Vector trail runner.  Awesome shoe and has greatly improved some emerging foot pain.  I have a non waterproof version but planning to add the waterproof next.  Highly recommended.

 

The rocker plate tech is the way of the future.

 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-north-face-introduces-vectiv-footwear-bringing-innovative-carbon-fiber-soling-architecture-to-the-trail-301214680.html

[95124hacker]

Most hiking boots I know of have heavy, stiff soles with long rubber cleats/nubs. Wouldn’t walking on greens put more stress (deeper imprints) on the putting surfaces? I’d hate to be the guy that misses a putt from a deep imprint from Mr. Hiking Boots who walked on my line.

[eric61]

22 minutes ago, 95124hacker said:

Most hiking boots I know of have heavy, stiff soles with long rubber cleats/nubs. Wouldn’t walking on greens put more stress (deeper imprints) on the putting surfaces? I’d hate to be the guy that misses a putt from a deep imprint from Mr. Hiking Boots who walked on my line.

 

You're right, I think trail runners is more what I meant/should have said.

[eric61]

On 3/24/2021 at 2:54 PM, david.c.w said:

+1 for trail running shoes.  Good lateral support and a pretty sturdy sole.  I dont wear them but have friends that do and they are very happy.    Personally I walk and wear the Ecco Biom 3 shoes and they are comfortable, waterproof and long lasting.  If anyone does shop Ecco get the soles with the "wavy bottoms".  They are really long lasting.  Cost a ton but they have outlived my other shoes with "individual nubs"

 

I think this is the route I'm probably going to try. First I'm going to give G/Fore's MG4.1 or whatever it's called a try, and if it doesn't work, I'm going to go with some Adidas Ultraboost trail runners. Honestly their Vice collab would be the perfect golf shoe for me -- but they released a tiny number of them and they're not available to buy right now. I'd buy them just as regular golf shoes, without the collab.

[BMC]

No.  But I do like to hike in my Footjoy Dry Joys.