7 reasons why golf shoe fitting is important

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We’ve heard a lot about club fitting over the past 20 years, and the importance of getting the most out of all 14 clubs, but far less about shoe fitting.

Most of us are guilty of buying our golf shoes online or, even better, slipping a pair into a pro shop/superstore, having a quick walk down the hill before heading to the farm.

The bottom line though, according to FootJoy, is that:

– 70 percent of golfers wear the wrong size
– About 50 percent of golfers can benefit from a wider swing
– More than 60 percent of golfers who are in the wrong shoe size buy a new pair immediately
– Wearing the correct shoe size can increase swing power by 21 percent

So there is a story. A proper fit reduces friction and prevents slippage and this prevents those unwanted bubbles. When a shoe fits, it holds its shape and the reduced friction reduces wear and tear and keeps your shoes looking better for longer.

Here are some factors to consider when shopping for your next pair of golf shoes.

1) At FootJoy they use the Brannock device to measure the height, width and arch length – this will give them an idea of ​​where to start when it comes to sizing. A good fit should be ‘comfortable’ and you should feel the air ‘whiff’ in the shoe when the golfer puts their foot in.

2) Most of us will continue with the feel and look but consider things like how far apart the laces are, how much room there is between the longest toe and the end of the shoe and where the leather comes up in the front. It is also important to understand what types of shoes will suit the golfer’s foot shape. For example, those with high arches may benefit from a shoe with more depth and those with flat arches may fit better in a shoe with a slightly snugger fit.

3) A good tester will ask you where you play and how often you play and do you need spikes or do you prefer spikeless flexibility? Different materials and constructions can cause a different feel when matched – a structured leather shoe will have a very different feel than a mesh, trainer style shoe.

4) There are proven benefits of having more stability, traction and support. Some golf shoes offer more comfort with premium materials and technology such as foam used in the midsole or fitbed. If you want high performance and comfort you will want to consider a premium shoe. A premium shoe will be pricier but should be a worthwhile investment given how the technology in the shoe can make you play better and more comfortably.

5) Studies suggest that there is an increase in the performance of those golfers who wear the correct fitted shoes.
– When trying on a new shoe check how far the hole is from the top, this should be about a thumb’s width apart.
– You don’t often hear about this but there should be about half an inch between your longest toes and the end of your shoe.
– Measure at the end of the day as your feet can swell during the day.
– This sounds obvious but wear socks that you would wear to play golf. And sit down as the pose causes your feet and toes to spread. Precise fit, says FootJoy, is weightless.
– Your feet will change over time and, as you get older, they may flatten and/or expand so your size changes.

6) The Brannock measuring device will not be able to tell you the shape of your arch so you should try a ‘wet test’. Wet the saliva of your feet and step on a heavy black paper eg a shopping bag and you will see a wet trail that will show your arch position.
– A flat or low arch will leave a print of all or almost all of the bottom of the foot. Generally your arches flatten with age and you can help yourself by having a low volume shoe, with good midsole stability, with a V-throat opening.
– A high arch will leave the print with a very narrow connection band. You want to feel supported under your arch and opening the U neck may be easier to place. You may also want a wider shoe for more volume.
– Where arch length and arch-to-toe length are different, you usually want to take two sizes up so that the ball of your foot fits perfectly with the point of the shoe.

7) The most common mistake is not measuring the width of your feet. FootJoy offers more range options than any other brand. Look at the width of that thumb when your strings are finished. If the laces are too close or too far apart you may be wearing the wrong shoe width for you. If there are signs of stretching your shoe may be too small, if there is more material then your shoe may be too wide. Many of us go up a size if the shoe feels too tight when it might just be to try on a wider width.

READ MORE: The best FREE GPS golf apps to improve your round