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Things do not seem status quo in the golf shoe category thus far this year. Several PGA of America Golf Professionals have mentioned to us that sales and emphases are changing.
Shoes used only for golf are “harder to sell compared to past years for us,” says Casey Cook, PGA, Director of Retail at course management company East Coast Golf Management in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. “How many golfers travel to a resort destination and say to themselves ‘When I get to the course, I want to purchase a new pair of golf shoes?’
“We compete against outlet stores, big box retail, other courses and online purchasing. So even with the best customer service possible, we always lose sales to price. Truth be told, every PGA Professional who has worked in a resort market understands the best opportunity to sell golf shoes is when they hear a customer say that the airline lost their bag.”
The good news is that like every PGA of America Professional we spoke with for this article, Cook has seen a demand for more versatile shoes – those that transition seamlessly from the golf course to everyday activities. And with an influx of new golfers coming to the area, he says he’s seeing more and more non-golf shoes being worn on the course.
That said, “most veteran golfers still prefer the classic styles, but with modern comfort,” Cook explains. “And we added one shoe brand, Boxto, this year because of the quality and customization.
“By partnering with Boxto, we can now use logo customization to highlight a category that’s been neglected for years. Customers can take home custom shoes that will promote and remind them of their great experience just like any other logoed item in the shop.”
Dennis Estes, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Cavalry Club in Manlius, New York, concurs about lots of popularity on two different ends of the spectrum.
“In our private club environment, there’s still a calling for traditional-looking shoes with modern technology,” he says. “One of our best SKUs the past couple of years has been the FootJoy Premiere, and we antic-ipate that being the case again in 2025.
“We also do very well in spikeless crossover style shoes that can be worn both on and off the course.”
With the push to more crossover styles, coupled with an influx from a younger demographic, Estes just brought in G/Fore for the first time. Early excitement for the brand has been noticeable, particularly from women.
“At our facility, we don’t see sneakers or off-course athletic shoes, but we have started seeing non-traditional golf brands starting to show up on our members’ feet, such as Asics, New Balance and Skechers,” adds Estes.
He also notes that shoes tend to be on a three-year cycle at Calvary Club – a good year, average year and then a poor year.
Then there are courses with specific demands, when it comes to footwear. For example, Kyle Benish, PGA, Head Professional at Double Black Diamond Golf Course in Ellicottville, New York, says that because his course is extremely hilly – it’s a ski resort in the winter – he suggests “always having a pair of spiked shoes. But having nubbins is just easier for walking in the bar after and for straight comfort.”
Yet, hilly terrain often leads to shoes wearing out quicker. Thus, “frequent buying is more important than ever,” says Benish. “Closeout pricing or affordable pricing is the name of the game. Shoes last a year at best for a golfer who plays frequently. Thus, our shop regularly brings in new styles from FootJoy, Nike and Puma.”
As for styles, it’s best to learn the likes and dislikes of the people frequenting your facility most often. Caroline Basarab, PGA, Golf Professional and Director of Retail at Reynolds Lake Oconee (Georgia), says her customers are mostly looking for fun and stylish shoes.
“I’ve noticed a resurgence of two-tone saddles and kilties for women,” she says. “Both men’s and women’s shoes now feature bright colors and patterns on the exterior and soles. Many vendors also provide extra shoelaces to add even more color to the shoes.
“Social media has significantly influenced the trends in golf shoes and the variety of brands available, moving away from traditional options. We’ve added two new brands and have several trunk shows planned for this year because our customers are looking for additional choices.”
Bassarab adds that footwear comfort and technology are crucial, as well.
“There’s a strong preference for waterproof shoes over water-resistant options to ensure feet stay dry,” she explains. “Innovative materials and performance are important both inside and outside the shoe. Our customers are willing to invest in technology that enhances comfort and support.
“And it’s common for our customers to find a style they like and then purchase additional styles from the same brand.”
• adidas Golf’s Adizero ($180) is sleek and lightweight. Its new torsion plate reduces power leak and post-round fatigue, while undercut lugs adapt to the golfer to enhance swing stability.
• Alma Mater’s debut golf shoe, The Beta ($288), features a nitrogen-infused supercritical foam midsole that delivers exceptional energy return, lightweight cushioning and long-lasting responsiveness. Available in two styles: The Beta Longwing and The Beta Lite.
• Asics’ cleatless Japan S ($100) brings a sleek, casual design for on and off the course. Ankle and tongue padding enhance comfort, as does extra cushion and shock absorption in the midsole.
• Callaway’s Coronado v4 ($140) boasts a microfiber leather upper with an internal saddle cradle for lateral support. The foam midsole enhances comfort, while the TPU outsole with removable cleats maximizes traction.
• Duca Del Cosma’s Davanti waterproof shoe ($249) is made of a premium quality Italian Nappa leather. Three traction nubs optimize footing.
• Ecco’s Golf Biom H5 Textile ($199) has breathable open mesh that keeps feet cool and comfortable on hot days. It provides a snug fit, along with stability and forward momentum for power during the swing.
• FootJoy’s updated HyperFlex ($180) sports a midsole that absorbs shock while maximizing energy return to reduce foot fatigue. A new outsole design transfers energy to the ground to maximize speed, resisting twisting through the swing.
• New Balance’s 480 Golf SL ($100) has a waterproof microfiber leather upper, spikeless rubber cupsole and extra-thick PU sockliner for comfort.
• OluKai’s Mākena WP ($200) has a plated outsole that secures traction and stability. A removable PU footbed and a thick midsole offer underfoot cushioning and comfort.
• Payntr Golf’s Match Day ($200) features a microfiber upper, waterproof breathable membrane and carbon propulsion plate. An Ariaprene tongue and bootie lock in the foot for maximum stability and lightweight, breathable support.
• Puma Golf’s cleatless Ignite Elevate 2 ($130) has 100-plus traction lugs for solid footing. A new midfoot shank helps maximize control and stability, while full-length foam adds cushioning and energy return with each step.
• Under Armour’s UA Drive Pro Limited Edition ($180) provides traction, along with diagonal and lateral support. Energy-returning foam and supportive cushioning guides a foot’s natural motion during the swing.