Spikeless vs Spiked Golf Shoes: What Should a Golf Shop Stock?

Spikeless golf shoes are growing fast, but spiked shoes still matter. Compare grip, comfort and customer types, and learn how to balance both in your golf footwear range.

Walk into a golf shop today and you will see two very different kinds of golf shoes side by side: classic spiked shoes with cleats on the outsole, and spikeless golf shoes that look more like athletic sneakers. Both sell well, but to different customers. Getting the balance right is one of the easiest ways for a golf retailer or new golf brand to improve sell-through.

What is the difference?

Spiked golf shoesSpikeless golf shoes
OutsoleCleats (spikes) fitted to the soleMolded rubber lugs or nubs
GripMaximum traction, especially on wet or hilly coursesGood grip in dry conditions
Off-course useMainly worn on the courseCan be worn from car park to clubhouse and beyond
LookTraditional: brogues, saddles, leatherModern: sneaker-style, often lighter
Typical customerRegular golfers, club members, wet climatesCasual and new golfers, golfers who walk, fashion-minded players

Why spikeless golf shoes are growing

Many golfers now want one pair of shoes they can wear on the course and off it. Spikeless golf sneakers answer that need: they are comfortable, versatile and look at home with casual clothes. New golfers in particular often choose spikeless shoes as their first pair. In our own range, spikeless styles make up a large share, in both lace-up and rotating dial versions. See our spikeless golf shoes.

Why spiked golf shoes still matter

For golfers who play in rain, on steep courses or early in the morning when the grass is wet, spiked outsoles give extra confidence during the swing. Club members and regular players often keep a spiked pair for competitions. Classic brogue and saddle designs also remain popular gifts. See our spiked golf shoes.

Don't forget women's golf shoes

Women's golf shoes are often under-stocked in smaller shops. Pink, white and aqua colorways in both spiked and spikeless designs can bring in customers who struggle to find choice elsewhere. See our women's golf shoes.

How to balance your golf shoe range

  1. Know your climate and courses. Wetter, hillier regions sell more spiked shoes; dry, flat regions sell more spikeless.
  2. Watch your customer mix. Pro shops with many members need classic spiked models; retail and online shops with newer golfers need spikeless sneakers.
  3. Offer a dial option. Rotating dial lacing is a popular upgrade that makes shoes quick to fasten and adjust.
  4. Test with small quantities. Start with a mix from ready stock, then add your own logo to the styles that sell.

Summary: spikeless for comfort and versatility, spiked for maximum grip. Most golf shops do best stocking both, plus a women's selection.

Source golf shoes with Wingspeed Sport

Our golf shoes are available from ready stock from 1 pair, and you can add your logo from 300 pairs per style. Send us your requirements for prices and availability.

Planning an order?

Most styles ship from ready stock from 1 pair. Custom logo orders start at 300 pairs per style. We reply within 2 hours in China business hours.