Shoes Impact on Swing

[CardsChamps11]

Today, I caught a segment featuring Adam Scott discussing his consistent choice of footwear for each round. As a fellow sneaker enthusiast among many, I've amassed quite a collection spanning brands like Footjoy, Nike, and Jordan, including both spiked and spikeless options.

I'm curious about the influence of changing shoes on the golf swing. Could swapping between different pairs day by day potentially affect the swing mechanics, altering the low point and prompting adjustments in one's technique?

[skim4]

When I wear my Nike Shocks from high school I increase my GRF by a multiple of 5! /s

 

I wonder about this too. I can feel a difference in golf shoes with a harder sole/ platform. It feels more stable compared to if I’m hitting balls in my Hey Dudes.. 

don’t know how that actually changes my swing. But I think about it. 
same with different heights of shoes 🧐

[SNIPERBBB]

To a point, some shoes are more stable than others. If you dont have a stable base to work with, you'll have a hard time making a good swing.

[tatertot]

I would guess if you went from a zero drop to a high arch, it could effect the bottom of your swing.

[Wardonation]

I have a ton of J's and Nike's but in the last 2 years or so, I only buy shoes with full on plastic spikes. I can produce more power with spiked shoes as opposed to non spikes. I measured one time and it was 4mph ball speed more for me. 

[Sean124]

I wear zero drop Trues most of the time, but switch to Adidas 360s when it’s wet. 
 

I don’t notice any swing differences or low point issues. 

[Nels55]

Shoes do make difference for me.  I have noticed that changing from one type of shoe to another for instance a really thin soled shoe to a thicker more cushioned sole will effect my ball striking.  I went from many different types of shoes to 3 pairs of the same shoe to play and practice in.

 

I would prefer really light and thin soled shoes with spikes but I walk and need more support.

[tssgj65]

Tour players wear the same shoe/model all the time.  Should be adopted by all players unless fashion and looking like a +2 is more important than scoring like a +2...

[kiawah]

I stopped buying the nikes with the cushioning in them for this reason. I feel like I'm an inch taller in the "sneaker" shoes than regular footjoys. Probably not a huge deal but might as well try to reduce variables wherever you can

[jmcm87]

Footjoy Packards are the only way. 

[PJE]

I’ve wondered about this as well. I’ve noticed I make better contact with a shoe that has a wide toe box. I’m not sure why. 

[Socrates]

1 hour ago, Nels55 said:

Shoes do make difference for me.  I have noticed that changing from one type of shoe to another for instance a really thin soled shoe to a thicker more cushioned sole will effect my ball striking.  I went from many different types of shoes to 3 pairs of the same shoe to play and practice in.

 

I would prefer really light and thin soled shoes with spikes but I walk and need more support.

Shoes definitely make a difference.  Like you, I really feel the difference in support when you walk.  I can hit balls in different shoes (a softer shoe indoors off a firm hitting surface) but I find them a liability out on the course.  You are on a soft surface already (the turf) and adding to it with a really soft soled shoe is problematic for me.   I have a pair of Hoka's that are just too soft and thick soled.  I feel like I am really unstable in them unless I take out the insoles.  Maybe if I was 20 yrs old and still 145 lbs it wouldn't be a problem, but I'm not.

[etodd]

I will vouch 100% for the shoes do matter side. I literally can't play without spikes, and even the most spiky "spikeless" shoes just don't do it for me. I loved the FJ DNA's, Helix, Tour Alpha, etc. Spiked Premiere's are definitely nice too, but a little less tech-focused.

 

A lot of people can go out wearing whatever and practice wedges, putting, etc. but if I'm not wearing my dedicated golf shoes, it's almost as if i'm practicing for nothing. My Tour Alpha's stand a little higher off the ground, so my putting changes, chipping, irons, driver, literally everything. I just like the consistency.

[Zitlow]

Generally you're okay with tennis shoes but you need might need shoes with more traction playing on wet grass and hilly courses. 

[MBAndrews21]

[backninemully]

I played with some Jordan 12 golf shoes for awhile and found myself falling forward off balance, especially with longer clubs. Could 100% be between the ears and I'm not sure if the 12s have a massively elevated heel but I've since gone back to Nikes with plastic spikes. I think it matters for sure, all about consistency and comfort level

[PedronNiall]

If you're not playing Sqairz you're just leaving distance & birdies on the table...

 

Yes, it does make a difference. Agreed that going between a bunch of different shoes for fashion is asking for headaches. Consistent grip, sole give/response, and consistent height will make for an easier time playing consistent golf. I usually stick with brands as long as possible when I find something I like and will order retried models if a new release is too far off from what I already have. 

[Shilgy]

Nick Faldo told me I’d gain swing speed with Squairz.🙄

[stryper]

If AK can play with his shoes untied, offering little to no stability, I think most of us could be a little more flexible as well. 😎

[SlothofDespond]

I don't like golf shoes with much drop. I've been wearing Eccos for years. They're not zero drop but there isn't much heel.

 

I would happily just wear Chucks if not for the fact they're horrible when walking on wet grassy hills.

[j.b.newton]

Although they are made fun of, Squairz actually has used the research literature in their rationale.  I can't speak for the veracity of their claims, but the rationale of going down this road is solid.  Shoe testing (which i have been a part of with a major manufacturer (not square)) is one of the next waves.  Much of the anecdotal thoughts said earlier in this have some true data.  The real question is at what level does this REALLY matter.  1/4 or 1/8 inch in height makes a large difference for professionals, does it make a difference for the 15 handicap.  can you put both performance AND 18 hole walking comfort together?  How price prohibitive is that at the risk of appearance? 

 

An analagous thought would be this:  would a golfer notice their clubs being 1/8 longer or shorter if they were not told?  I think we can guess that better players may not be able to see the immediate difference, but could feel it immediately at set up.  

[Pepperturbo]

Adam Scott gets shoes for nothing or next to, and he sells them to anyone susceptible enough to buy what he says... LOL

 

Most inexpensive golf shoes today, especially sneaker style, offer very little in the way of a stable platform for someone built similar to me, that swings fast & hard, like me.  A good pair of solidly built shoes can stabilize the body, creating a solid platform, so the swing operates more efficiently.   The reason I chose my golf shoes.

[ac6]

I find cushioning doesn't matter as much as you think when you're walking the course. The turf isn't concrete. But the lateral stability of the shoe and the heel-toe drop matter quite a bit imo. Most running shoes are terrible for golf in these respects. I once played a round with half-sole arch inserts in my shoes, effectively making my heels a quarter inch higher, and I felt like I was going to fall into the ball and shank it if I made my regular swing. 

[Nels55]

5 hours ago, Socrates said:

You are on a soft surface already (the turf) and adding to it with a really soft soled shoe is problematic for me. 

That would be true on most courses but not so much on my course in the summertime.  

[golferdude54]

Two different pairs of shoes can affect lie angle of club up to 1 degree.

[Shilgy]

2 hours ago, Pepperturbo said:

Adam Scott gets shoes for nothing or next to, and he sells them to anyone susceptible enough to buy what he says... LOL

 

Most inexpensive golf shoes today, especially sneaker style, offer very little in the way of a stable platform for someone built similar to me, that swings fast & hard, like me.  A good pair of solidly built shoes can stabilize the body, creating a solid platform, so the swing operates more efficiently.   The reason I chose my golf shoes.

You play all Titleist but don’t believe Footjoy shoes are any good?

 

Interesting take.🤔

[Socrates]

5 minutes ago, Shilgy said:

You play all Titleist but don’t believe Footjoy shoes are any good?

 

Interesting take.🤔

Footjoy lost me when they changed the lasts and claimed for years that they didn't.  The killer, for me, was that I don't like the sole on most FJ's and how it feels to me.  Even more so now that I have an arthritic right toe.

[stryper]

1 hour ago, Socrates said:

Footjoy lost me when they changed the lasts and claimed for years that they didn't.  The killer, for me, was that I don't like the sole on most FJ's and how it feels to me.  Even more so now that I have an arthritic right toe.

Footjoy Flex have been my go to now for the last couple of years.  Still love my ECCO’s, but FJ’s are so seemless when it comes to doing double and triple duty around town, in the gym, or almost anywhere casual shoes are acceptable (which is literally everywhere I am likely to go). 

Hated Footjoy previously, however.

 

[Loose_Ferrule]

6 hours ago, stryper said:

If AK can play with his shoes untied, offering little to no stability, I think most of us could be a little more flexible as well. 😎

I hear tying your shoes can help with the shanks.....

 

[stryper]

40 minutes ago, Loose_Ferrule said:

I hear tying your shoes can help with the shanks.....

 

I might have to try that sometime. 🤔