There is an old saying in golf: Your feet are the only part of your body that should ever touch the golf course.

Every beginner wants to have the best gear for their game, but having the right golf shoes is absolutely essential. A full 18-hole round requires you to walk anywhere from 4 to 6 miles. If your feet are in pain by the 6th hole, your golf swing will completely fall apart.

All of the biggest names in golf apparel make a massive variety of styles, but for beginner women, the decision essentially comes down to one major category choice: Spiked vs. Spikeless.

In this buying guide, we will break down the crucial differences and highlight the 5 key factors you must consider before buying your first pair of golf shoes.

The Core Debate: Spiked vs. Spikeless

The difference between spiked and spikeless shoes used to be vast. Historically, spiked shoes were rigid and uncomfortable, while spikeless shoes lacked serious grip. However, thanks to advances in modern technology, the gap is getting much smaller.

• Spiked Shoes feature a classic cleated design on the bottom of the shoe which anchors you to the ground. (Note: Modern golf courses have banned metal spikes due to the damage they cause to the greens, so all modern spiked shoes use softer plastic cleats).
• Spikeless Shoes feature a flat outsole covered in complex rubber nubs and traction patterns designed to grip the grass without digging into it.

So, how do you decide which is best for you? Let’s break it down by the 5 critical factors of golf footwear.

1. Traction and Stability

Traction is the biggest thing to take into consideration when choosing between the two options.

Many people choose spiked golf shoes because they provide superior lateral stability. The golf swing generates a lot of rotational force, and the plastic cleats grip the ground firmly, preventing your feet from slipping during your swing.

Where the difference in traction really becomes noticeable is when you are playing in wet weather or early morning dew. Quite simply, spiked shoes provide significantly better traction on wet or soggy ground. If you live in a rainy climate, spiked shoes are a safer bet. However, spikeless traction has come a long way, and their modern rubber nub designs are getting complex enough to compete on dry days.

2. Durability

The simple fact is: the more you walk, the more the bottom of your shoes will wear down.

This used to be a major issue, but modern spiked golf shoes have a distinct advantage here—the plastic cleats are completely replaceable! If your traction starts to fade, you simply unscrew the old cleats and pop in new ones, giving the shoes incredible longevity.

Spikeless golf shoes do not have that luxury. Once the rubber nubs on the bottom wear down and become smooth, the shoes lose their grip entirely and must be replaced.

3. Comfort

Let’s be honest: for most beginner women, comfort is the #1 priority.

Here is where spikeless shoes have a massive advantage. They tend to be significantly lighter, and without the hard plastic spikes pushing up against the bottom of your feet, they are much more comfortable to walk on. With advances in special foams and lightweight materials, modern spikeless golf shoes look and feel exactly like your favorite pair of running sneakers.

4. Versatility

Another area where spikeless shoes really shine is their sheer versatility.

You can put them on before you leave your house, drive your car to the course, play a full 18-hole round, and even make a stop at the restaurant (the “19th hole”) afterwards with them still on. They look just like normal sneakers.

Spiked golf shoes have one specific purpose: playing golf. You cannot drive in them, and you certainly do not want to walk on hard concrete or hardwood floors with them. Some players prefer to sacrifice versatility for better traction, but for a casual beginner, the convenience of a spikeless shoe is hard to beat.

5. The Perfect Fit

Obviously, whether you choose a spiked or spikeless model, the most important factor is the fit.

Many modern women’s models come with wider fit options, half-size increments, or even “laceless” BOA technology (a dial system) to allow you to lock in the perfect fit every single time.

The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between spiked and spikeless golf shoes comes entirely down to personal preference.

If you prioritize versatility, lightweight comfort, and sneaker-like styling, you should absolutely buy a pair of Spikeless Shoes. They are the most popular choice for modern beginners.

If you prioritize maximum grip, wet-weather performance, and long-term durability, you should opt for a pair of Spiked Shoes.

Take these five factors into consideration, head to your local golf shop to try on a few pairs, and you’ll easily find the perfect foundation for your golf game!