Men's Golf Shoes Have Evolved

From cumbersome metal spikes to the lighter rubber soled grips, men's golf shoes have evolved.

History of men's golf shoes

Men's golf shoes have evolved from cumbersome metal spikes to dimpled designs that give as much grip without needing the metal spikes.

Danger

At the turn of the 20 th century, men's golf shoes were even considered dangerous. The spikes in the golf shoes were known to gauge into the feet. The heels were also weighted with 30 ounces, making it even tougher on the golf course.

Controversy

The controversy around wearing the correct men's golf shoes to help improve the game has been on going for over half a century. In the Scottish publication, �The Golfer's Manual' in 1857, reference was made to men's golf shoes proving that the footwear has always been a bone of contention: �Let the novice invest in a pair of stout shoes (boots constrain the ankles too much), roughed with small nails or sprigs, and he will march comfortably and safely over the most slippery ground that can be turned out by the meridian sun in the dog days.�

More comfortable golf shoes

Over the years, men's golf shoes have evolved into lighter, more flexible shoes that have lost the cumbersome metal spikes but not without a battle. A debate raged about metal spiked men's golf shoes as research studies proved that the spikes are detrimental to green turf and putting quality. As a result, many golf courses in the US ban men's metal-spiked golf shoes and there is a greater variety of rubber-soled studded golf shoes thanks to advances in technology.

Advances in golf shoes

Sportswear in general has advanced thanks to the demands of joggers, runners and other sportsmen and women who have created a huge market for effective sports gear. The decline of metal spikes in men's golf shoes means less damage to courses, clubhouses and rubber designs are often more comfortable for the player.

Turf maintenance

As the game of golf has become more and more popular, ladies and men's golf shoes have become a major concern for golf clubs that have to maintain their greens. Eliminating or minimizing the effect of spikes in ladies and men's golf shoes has an enormous impact on reducing the maintenance costs and improving the quality of the greens.

Key dates for men's golf shoes:

•  1917, William Park was granted a US patent for a golf shoe, which was more of a boot.

•  1923, the golf boot turned into the golf shoe when the Field and Flint Company decided to improve men's golf shoes.

•  1970s, rubber soles were introduced.

•  1980s, waterproof treated leather was introduced.

•  1995, a fully waterproof leather and more breathable material was introduced.

•  1990s saw the introduction of non-metal cleats for better traction that caused less damage to the golf course.

A division of Confidence Sporting Goods, inc., the famous manufacturer from Palm Springs , California , we have been making quality sporting goods for 35 years. We sell a huge range of sports equipment, including men's golf shoes. Because we sell directly to you, you can expect to save up to 70% on normal retail prices when buying from us. To order, phone 1-800-603-0004.