Proper Fitting Golf Shoes

[VinnyG41]

I've struggled to find golf shoes that fit my feet properly ever since I took up the game. Ideally you are able to go to a store, try shoes on until one feels perfect and you go with that. There's two issues there with me:

• I have a fairly uncommon shoe size 12.5. Uncommon enough that you rarely find it in stores and when you do it's in a style that doesn't feel good or I flat out don't like (or some brands just don't do half sizes past 12)
• You don't really know how the shoe feels until you swing a golf club in it and walk at least 9 holes in it. 

 

I bought a pair of 12.5 size adidas online (after looking all over the internet for a shoe I liked in that size). I get them, try them on at home, they feel fine so I decide to try them at the course. About 6 holes in I start getting heel blisters and the outsides of my feet hurt after making 20 or so golf swings. And now I can't return them because I've used them outside.

 

I kinda realize this now, I don't think I have ever had a proper fitting golf shoe. The only way I find I can avoid blisters and the shoe hurting my feet is to go a size up, but then I have close to an inch of space in front of my big toe and my foot slides around inside the shoe while I swing a golf club (not trying to blame any of my game on poor fitting shoes, just would like something that's comfortable to swing a club in and comfortable to walk in). I've checked my foot size and width on a brannock device and compared that to how brands say their shoes fit and even third party websites.

 

This shoe finding process is getting to be a bit much and I'm curious if anyone out there has a way they find shoes that works well for them?

Edited September 14, 2021 by VinnyG41

[areksoo25]

Try Nike?

 

 

You can wear the shoes and still return them within 60 days.  

 

[TCGolfer35]

Nike ususally run true to size. Do you have a wide foot? Or some thick, comfy socks? Bombas have great socks that are thicker than most. 

[Abh159]

It might be worth going to a footwear store (something like those specialty running stores where they can fit you for running shoes), and getting a fitting done. Tell them what issues you're having and even bring a pair of your golf shoes to show them.

 

Although I doubt they carry golf shoes, they should carry plenty of "golf shoe brands" like Adidas, Nike, Sketchers, Asics, etc. and could advise you on what brand/size might be best for your needs.

 

 

[VinnyG41]

Any time I measure my foot on a brannock device, it shows I'm 12.5 (between 12 and 12.5 really but any 12 sized shoes I wear are typically too tight) with a medium (A) width foot and normal arch. THicker socks might help with blisters but probably not with any foot pain, right?

[VinnyG41]

3 minutes ago, Abh159 said:

It might be worth going to a footwear store (something like those specialty running stores where they can fit you for running shoes), and getting a fitting done. Tell them what issues you're having and even bring a pair of your golf shoes to show them.

 

Although I doubt they carry golf shoes, they should carry plenty of "golf shoe brands" like Adidas, Nike, Sketchers, Asics, etc. and could advise you on what brand/size might be best for your needs.

 

 

I agree and I probably will do this, if nothing else than to just learn more about shoe fitment. But I am worried the difference between running shoes and golf shoes will be different enough that it might not help much. Side to side stability doesn't seem like something that's as important in running shoes. People who have tried playing basketball in running shoes might know what I'm talking about there. 

[dropkicked]

OP, have you tried Wide or Extra Wide in size 12?

 

 

[dropkicked]

Also OP, a mesh type fabric shoe may also help you to get some relief from in a Size 12 W...

As mentioned finding a store focused on runners will help you get your size dialed in and then you can experiment with the golfing brands.

 

GL, it can't be easy for you.

[DLiver]

My experience was that it took some trial and error to figure out which shoes to buy. For me, I have somewhat wider feet, so I had to figure out which manufacturers made wider shoes (I'm talking about the general width of their shoes--ie the lasts they are based on--not wider sizes like E, EE etc.). For example, I never found a Nike shoe that fit. When I would find a Nike shoe that was wide enough, it was way too long. Footjoys have been the same way mostly.

 

But the real game changer was when I figured out that I could switch insoles and fine tune the fit. Sometimes if a shoe is slightly snug, I switch to a thinner insole and the fit improves a great deal--especially in the width.

 

Another thing that works for me is that I got rid of all my padded socks. They just took up extra room in my shoes and caused hot spots. Now I wear only thinner socks (Swiftwick is my favorite) and never have trouble with blisters.

 

Ecco shoes fit me really well because they have the double insole that allows you to fine tune the fit. Their 46 size is too tight for me until I take out the top insole, then there is plenty of room.

Hope this helps.

Edited September 14, 2021 by DLiver

[VinnyG41]

17 minutes ago, dropkicked said:

OP, have you tried Wide or Extra Wide in size 12?

 

 

I haven't, mainly because the brannock device has indicated I dont't have a wide foot. But you made me think I should definitely try a wide shoe. 

[Fairway14]

Decades ago Foot Joy offered A, AA, B, C, D, EE, EEE, EEEE width sizing so that one good receive a proper fit.  Sadly, golf shoes are now only   available in a single width, sometimes two widths a medium and a wide. If you are looking for size 12.5 Adidas brand does produce that size.

[DLiver]

If you have a PGA Tour Superstore in your area, it is a great place to try different sizes from different manufacturers. Sometimes they will even have wide sizes you can try. That has helped me quite a bit.

[@_the_crook]

as I recall, some Nike models are known for having narrow heel areas.

this could be a plus, based on your experiences.

I wear a C width in conventional shoes so I wear styles that don't have slop in the standard, M sizing.

Callaways are waaaay too wide even in their M sizing.

FJ have been pretty dependable.

Adidas makes some fine looking kicks.

certain styles have much more lacing to set your fit. try for at least four eyelets worth .

also consider a thicker insoled style that allows your foot to adapt, like a memory foam fit.

thin factory insoles allow your to foot slide around as you walk and swing.

not good.

 

 

[2bGood]

Most people should size up in athletic shoes including golf shoes (typically half a size). I wear 11 in my dress shoes/ casual shoes but 11.5 in my running and golf shoes and that works great for me.

 

However as mentioned golf shoes are not really all the magical anymore. A trail running shoe might be a great option for you if you can find a good fitting one. 

[A.Princey]

D is medium width in Men’s, a 12.5 A would look like hockey stick!

[jgallant415]

If you have a Fleet Feet near you (I would imagine other specialty running store too) they actually use a digital device that measures all aspects of your foot (e.g arch height, instep) not just length/width like a Brannock device. I measure to an 8.0 D on a traditional measure, but based on other measures I actually fit better to an 8.5 E. A good shoe fitter at a running store can also show you the best lacing pattern to use as well that can often address minor fit issues.

 

Mentioned already upthread, but insole changes can be hugely helpful - Johnston & Murphy developed an adjustable width system based on multiple insoles. Thinner insole = wider fit. 
 

I would also throw out that True Linkswear has a 30 day trial policy. You can return or exchange up to 2 pairs per year even after wearing them on the course. I think you just pay return shipping. No idea how they will fit you, but at least a lower risk option to try.

[KMeloney]

On 9/15/2021 at 5:25 AM, A.Princey said:

D is medium width in Men’s, a 12.5 A would look like hockey stick!

 

Exactly. A is very narrow. Not even close to medium. I'm a B, and most D-width shoes are much wider than I'd prefer.

[acemandrake]

Style of shoe can be a consideration.  I was told by a salesman that a "blucher" style of shoe would be best for my foot shape (thick, high & wide 🙂 ).

 

 

[VinnyG41]

35 minutes ago, KMeloney said:

 

Exactly. A is very narrow. Not even close to medium. I'm a B, and most D-width shoes are much wider than I'd prefer.

Ah right, I guess I meant D. Although I did measure a C just yesterday when I tried the brannock device again. Which is funny because the adidas have definitely feel too narrow and are medium (D not A 😁)

[VinnyG41]

I also decided to pick up a shoe stretcher to try to salvage the adidas I got. These things look like some sort of medieval torture device (or sex toy if you’re into that sort of thing) but are supposed to be able to make shoes wider and longer by up to half a size. I think they are meant to work mainly on leather so who knows how it’ll work. I’ll report back with what I find after I try it this weekend. 

[MillerTime859]

I would try a running store.  My brother is a 12.5 too, and he golfs in a Brooks Trail Running shoe.   I think it is the Cascadia.  
 

 

[A.Princey]

NBG2005, very comfy and generous upper, definitely a more casual fit. Available in E2(w) and E4(xw) as needed 

[NAM2212]

I wear a 12.5 too. Unfortunately my left foot is a little longer than the right too. A 12 can make my left toes bleed by the end of the round. A 13 and my right foot is flopping around in the shoe all round. It sucks. I ended up going with a 13 in FJ and dealing with it. I also have a 12 in an Ecco pair but they are just a tiny bit too snug but I can deal with that also. 

[caniac6]

If you are having blister problems, don't overlook socks. I wear wool socks, mostly Kentwool, and haven't had a blister since wearing them.

[phizzy30]

On 9/14/2021 at 1:47 PM, DLiver said:

My experience was that it took some trial and error to figure out which shoes to buy. For me, I have somewhat wider feet, so I had to figure out which manufacturers made wider shoes (I'm talking about the general width of their shoes--ie the lasts they are based on--not wider sizes like E, EE etc.). For example, I never found a Nike shoe that fit. When I would find a Nike shoe that was wide enough, it was way too long. Footjoys have been the same way mostly.

 

But the real game changer was when I figured out that I could switch insoles and fine tune the fit. Sometimes if a shoe is slightly snug, I switch to a thinner insole and the fit improves a great deal--especially in the width.

 

Another thing that works for me is that I got rid of all my padded socks. They just took up extra room in my shoes and caused hot spots. Now I wear only thinner socks (Swiftwick is my favorite) and never have trouble with blisters.

 

Ecco shoes fit me really well because they have the double insole that allows you to fine tune the fit. Their 46 size is too tight for me until I take out the top insole, then there is plenty of room.

Hope this helps.

I second that.  I have 2 pairs of Eccos and they are by far the most comfortable shoes for me.  The double insoles are great.  I get size 42 and take the insole out and it's perfect.  No blisters enough stability and traction and best of all the ones I have have the Gore-Tex material which is guaranteed to be waterproof for 3 years I think which is longer than other OEMs which have the standard 2 year warranty.