Heart and Sole – Anatomy of a Golf Shoe
Golf shoes seem simple enough. Just your standard wingtip or tennis-style shoe with some fancy plastic spikes stuck to the bottom, right?
From the outside looking in, that about sums it up. But there’s more to the modern golf shoe than meets the eye. In fact, shopping for proper golf footwear can get downright confusing without a working knowledge of the different pieces and parts that form the whole.
For instance, do you know what a footbed is? How about the upper? Know the difference between the midsole and outsole?
If you answered yes to all those questions, then stop reading and go shopping. If you’re stumped, relax. We’ve got the lowdown on these and other elements that fit together to make a single golf shoe.
Calfskin: Extremely soft leather made from, you guessed it, the skins of calves.
Footbed: A removable insole which is molded and contoured for comfort; it sits directly under the foot.
Full Grain Leather: Tanned leather displaying a natural animal-skin texture, or grain.
Heel: A piece attached under the heel of the foot; the height and material of the heel differ based on the shoe style. In traditional golf shoes, for instance, the heel may be a separate piece from the sole, whereas sportier styles integrate the heel into the sole.
Insole or Innersole: The cushioned interior portion of the sole, typically molded for a comfortable fit and added stability.
Last: Technically, not part of the actual shoe. The last is a wooden form around which the shoe is built. It is designed to replicate the size and shape of a foot. Shoes may be made with either standard or customized (”bespoke”) lasts.
Lasting: Again, not an actual shoe component, but the procedure which binds the upper to the midsole.
Memory Foam: No, it’s not the latest in artificial intelligence. Memory Foam is a high-density material which “remembers” the shape of anything pressing against it, such as a foot. The substance is often used in the tongue or collar of golf shoes.
Mesh: Breathable material often used in the upper to help regulate a shoe’s interior temperature.
Microfiber: Another breathable material, microfiber is soft yet strong and easily cleaned.
Midsole: Placed between the outsole and upper, the midsole is usually made from high-tech synthetics that provide cushioning and support.
Outsole: The very bottom portion of a golf shoe, or, where the rubber meets the turf.
Sockliner: A pre-formed liner on the insole, the sockliner cushions the foot and, if equipped with moisture-wicking capabilities, keeps the feet dry and cool. Sockliners are often removable.
Spikes or Cleats: Polymer-based prongs attached to the golf shoe’s sole to grip the turf and prevent slippage during the swing. Often called “softspikes” (actually a brand name), today’s golf cleats are more easily removed and replaced than the metal spikes of old. They’re also better for greens, concrete and wood surfaces, which is why most courses no longer allow metal spikes.
Upper: The part of the shoe above the sole; in other words, the visible, top part of the shoe, from heel to toe.
About the Author
At Comfortable Golf Shoes, we’re committed to helping you find the best golf shoes on the market by giving you a wide range to choose from.
We offer high-quality, stylish, waterproof, turf-gripping and, most of all, comfortable golf shoes from the best brands in the business, including FootJoy, Nike, ECCO and adidas.
Take a look at the golf shoes we have on offer.
Ecco Street Premier Golf Shoes
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Adidas Golf Golflite Grind 2.0 Black SS10 10 £37.00 Engineered to provide essential comfort and protection without sacrificing performance. Full-grain leather combines a rich look and superior durability. ClimaProof® delivers 100% waterproof protection, guaranteed for 1 year. Die-cut EVA for lightweight comfort. Injection-molded EVA midsole reduces weight to increase comfort and reduce fatigue. Advanced THiNTech low-profile technology brings you e… |
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2010 Adidas Powerband 3.0 Mens Golf Shoes (10 UK, White) £89.00 The new Adidas Powerband 3.0 Golf Shoes offer the athlete every element including great fit, feel, function, traction and stability needed in a shoe, whilst at the same time looking very stylish and sophisticated giving you that tour player look!!… |
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Adidas Adipure Golf Shoes TourWhite/Black/Silver Size 8 £119.00 Brand new golf shoe from Adidas Golf. ClimaProof® delivers 100% waterproof protection, guaranteed for 1 year. Premium, hand-finished full-grain leather provides a rich look and feel, as well as superior durability. Leather lining for optimal fit and feel. Mono-tongue construction for a glove-like fit. Premium waxed shoelace repels moisture and keeps lace securely tightened. FitFOAMTM polyurethane… |
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2010 Adidas Golflite Grind 2.0 Mens Golf Shoes Full-grain leather NEW FOR 2010 Adidas Golflite Grind 2.0 Golf Shoes Full-grain leather combines a rich look and superior durability. Insole: Die-cut EVA for lightweight comfort. Outso… |
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2010 Adidas Powerband 3.0 Mens Golf Shoes STANDARD Fitting Full-grain leather upper Adidas Powerband 3.0 Golf Shoes The new Adidas Powerband 3.0 Golf Shoes offer the athlete every element including great fit, feel, function, traction and stability needed in a shoe, whilst at the same time looking very stylish and sophisticated giving you that tour player look!! Adidas Powerband 3.0 Upper Technology Features: These Adidas golf shoes have full-grain leather to provide a rich l… |
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2010 Adidas AdiPure Golf Shoes WIDE FITTING This shoe is a favourite among tour players with its state of the art design and technology and also displaying the legendary 3 stripes logo on the side. New For 2010 Features and Technology UPPER |
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Nike Men’s Air Tour Sport Black/ Silver Golf Shoes $58.49 Nike Air Tour Sport provide you with comfort while on the courseGolf shoes feature a low-profile Air unit in heelMen’s golf equipment makes walking 18 holes a breeze |
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Nike Ladies’ Air Zoom Spirit Black/ Red/ White Golf Shoes $42.99 Stylish and functional golf shoes from Nike are ideal for the active woman Ladies’ golf shoes feature the best cushioning and traction Golf shoes come in a black/red color option |
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Adidas Women’s Powerband Golf Shoes $49.99 Add comfort to every step with Powerband golf shoes by AdidasWomen’s footwear features cradling TPU-midsole frame Shoes provide increased leverage and support |
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Adidas Powerband 2.0 White/White/Black Golf Shoes $79.99 Re-engineered with an all new Powerband chassis featuring power geometry, Powerband 2.0’s outsole design features three distinct zones for maximum energy transfer during the load phase, impact and finish. |
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Adidas Tour 360 3.0 Men’s Golf Shoes $109.99 Demand advanced technologies and innovations from your golf equipmentAdidas shoes can enhance your performance Tour Performance shoes are for players who refuse to accept anything less than the best |
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Adidas Powerband 2.0 Black/ Silver Golf Shoes $79.99 The Powerband 2.0 features molded FitFoam technology for comfort that lasts 18 holes. These shoes provide increased leverage and support for the foot, promoting greater control and power throughout the swing. |
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Adidas Men’s FitRX Golf Shoes $89.99 Created with proprietary custom footbed technology, these FitRX golf shoes from Adidas incorporates 3D FitFOAM inlay sole. Combined with a geoFIT ankle collar that’s anatomically positioned in critical areas, for performance and unrivaled customization. |
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Adidas Powerband 2.0 White/Graphite/ Black Golf Shoes $79.99 Re-engineered with an all new Powerband chassis featuring power geometry, Powerband 2.0’s outsole design features three distinct zones for maximum energy transfer during the load phase, impact and finish. |
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Adidas Powerband 2.0 White/Black/Metallic Gold Golf Shoes $79.99 Re-engineered with an all new Powerband chassis featuring power geometry, Powerband 2.0’s outsole design features three distinct zones for maximum energy transfer during the load phase, impact and finish. |
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Etonic Velcro & Kiltie Ladies’ Spikeless Golf Shoes $36.99 Hit the links in style with this pair of comfortable golf shoesEtonic golf equipment features soft, full-grain leather uppersWomen’s golf shoes offer comfortable cushion suspension system |
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Sandbaggers Ladies’ Moxie Blue Moon Golf Shoes $73.99 Get a better experience on the green with a pair of Sandbaggers golf shoesWomen’s golf shoes feature soft full-grain leather with microfiber lining to wick away moistureGolf equipment features polyurethane grip spikeless soles |
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FootJoy SuperLites White/ Brown/ Gold Golf Shoes $59.99 Super-soft and less than 16 ounces, FootJoy Super Lites provide energetic all-day comfort. The golf shoes feature full-grain leather uppers, a generous forefoot and durable traction. |
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FootJoy SuperLites Black/ Silver Golf Shoes $60.49 Super-soft and less than 16 ounces, FootJoy Super Lites provide energetic all-day comfort. The golf shoes feature full-grain leather uppers, a generous forefoot and durable traction. |
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FootJoy SuperLites White/ Black Golf Shoes $61.49 Super-soft and less than 16 ounces, FootJoy Super Lites provide energetic all-day comfort. The golf shoes feature full-grain leather uppers, a generous forefoot and durable traction. |
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Sandbaggers Ladies ‘Carly’ White on White Golf Shoes $34.49 Tee up fashionably with these Sandbaggers Carly golf shoesLadies’ golf shoes feature soft full-grain leather with built-in orthotic for flexible comfortWomen’s footwear is comfortable to wear all day with roomy square toe design |
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Bally Challenge Ladies Golf Shoes $78.99 Look your best on the links in full-grain golf shoesLadies shoes are waterproof for extra versatilityFootwear has a replaceable soft spike outsole for traction |
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Adidas Mens’ White/Metallic Golflite Tour Golf Shoes $79.99 Part of the Adidas Core Performance collection, these men’s Golflite Tour golf shoes are guaranteed to satisfy any athlete’s basic need for fit, feel, comfort, traction, and stability. |
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Men’s Adidas FitRx Golf Shoes $84.99 Get around the links in extreme comfort with these men’s Adidas FitRX golf shoesShoes have a full grain leather upper for beauty and durabilityRunning shoes with 3DFitFoam inlay provide a customized fit |
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Bally Challenge Men’s Golf Shoes $86.99 Look your best on the links in full-grain golf shoesMen’s shoes are waterproof for extra versatilityFootwear has a replaceable soft spike outsole for traction and comfort |
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Sandbaggers Women’s Lana Moon Rock Golf Shoes $63.99 Sandbaggers feature soft full-grain leather with micro fiber lining to wick away moistureLana Moon Rock shoes have enclosed heelsWomen’s golf footwear feature 2-density polyurethane grip spikeless soles |
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Sandbaggers Paige Burgundy Crocodile Women’s Golf Shoes $34.99 Sandal-style footwear features soft, full-grain leather upper in a crocodile skin patternSandbaggers women’s golf shoes best fit for narrow feetJules golf shoes designed for fair weather play |
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Bally Albatros Men’s Golf Shoes $72.99 Look your best on the links in full-grain golf shoesMen’s shoes are waterproof for extra versatilityFootwear has a replaceable soft spike outsole for traction |
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Sandbaggers Ria Women’s Pink/ White Golf Shoes $49.49 Look cute on the golf course with these Sandbaggers Ria ladies’ golf shoesWomen’s golfing apparel features full-grain leather upperComfortable slip-on sandals are a must-have for women golfers everywhere |
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Bally Birdie Ladies Golf Shoes $77.49 Look your best on the links in full-grain golf shoesLadies shoes are waterproof for extra versatilityFootwear has a fixed spike outsole for comfort |
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Bally Eagle II Men’s Golf Shoes $73.99 Look your best on the links in full-grain golf shoesMen’s shoes are waterproof for extra versatilityFootwear has a fixed spike outsole for comfort |
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Bally Iron Men’s Golf Shoes $73.49 Look your best on the links in full-grain golf shoesMen’s shoes are waterproof for extra versatilityFootwear has a replaceable soft spike outsole for traction |
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Carly Beige-on-White Women’s Golf Shoe (size 5) $37.99 Women’s golf shoe is crafted of soft full-grain leather for a comfortable feelGolf shoe sports a built-in orthotic for flexible comfortShoe features a roomy square-toe design |
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Bally Albatros Men’s Golf Shoes $83.99 Look your best on the links in full-grain golf shoesMen’s shoes are waterproof for extra versatilityFootwear has a replaceable soft spike outsole for traction |
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Bally Challenge Men’s Golf Shoes $73.99 Look your best on the links in full-grain golf shoesMen’s shoes are waterproof for extra versatilityFootwear has a fixed spike outsole for comfort |
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Adidas Men’s FitRX White/Black Golf Shoes $89.99 Created with proprietary custom footbed technology, these men’s Adidas FitRX golf shoes incorporate a new inlay sole that conforms to the unique contours of your foot. |