7 reasons why a golf shoe fitting matters

Yesterday at 02:00 PM

We’ve heard more and more about club fittings in the past 20 years, and the importance to get the very most out of all 14 clubs, but still very little about a shoe fitting.

Most of us are guilty about buying our golf shoes online or, at best, slipping a pair on in the pro shop/superstore, having a quick walk up and down before heading to the till.

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

– 70 per cent of golfers are wearing the wrong size
– Around 50 per cent of golfers would benefit from a wide fit
– More than 60 per cent of golfers who are in the wrong size shoe buy a new pair immediately
– Wearing the correct size shoe can increase swing force by up to 21 per cent

So it does matter. A proper fit reduces friction and prevents slipping and this prevents those unwanted blisters. When a shoe fits, it holds its shape and reduced friction reduces wear and keeps your shoes looking better for longer.

Here are some aspects to consider when purchasing your next pair of golf shoes.

1) At FootJoy they use the Brannock device to measure the length, width and arch height – this will give them an idea of where to start when it comes to the size. The ideal fit should be 'comfortably snug' and you should hear the air 'whooshing' out of the shoe when the golfer puts their foot in.

2) Many of us will go on feel and looks 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 is creasing in the forefoot. It's also important to understand which types of shoe are going to suit the shape of the golfer's feet. For example, those with high arches might benefit from a shoe that has a bit more depth and those with flatter arches might fit better into a shoe that fits a bit snugger.

3) A good fitter will ask you where you play and how often you play and do you require spikes or prefer the versatility of spikeless? Different materials and constructions can result in different feels when it comes to fit – a structured leather shoe will have a very different feel to a mesh, trainer-style shoe.

4) There are proven benefits to having more stability, traction and support. Some golf shoes offer additional comfort through premium materials and technologies such as the foam used in the midsole or the fitbed. If you are looking for maximum performance and comfort then you will want to consider a premium shoe. A premium shoe will be pricier but it should be a worthwhile investment given how the technologies in the shoe can make you play your best and in the most comfort.

5) Testing suggests that there is an increase in performance for those golfers wearing the right fitted shoes.
– When trying on a new shoe look for how far the opening is at the top, this should be thumb’s width apart.
– You rarely hear about this but there should be about half an inch between your longest toe and the end of your shoe.
– Get measured at the end of the day as your feet may swell over the course of a day.
– These sound obvious but wear the socks that you would wear to play golf in. And sit down as standing causes your feet and toes to spread out. An accurate fit, say FootJoy, is weightless.
– Your feet will change over time and, as you get older, they might flatten and/or widen so your sizing might change.

6) The Brannock measuring device won’t be able to tell you the shape of your arch so you should try the ‘wet test’. Wet the soles of your feet and then step on a black piece of heavy paper eg a shopping bag and you will see a wet footprint which will show your arch shape.
– A flat or low arch will leave a print of all or nearly all of the bottom of the foot. Typically your arches become flatter with age and you can help yourself by having a lower-volume shoe, with good stability in the midsole, with a V-throat opening.
– A high arch will leave a print with a much narrower connecting band. You want to feel the support under your arch and a U-throat opening may be easiest to put on. You may also want a wider shoe for more volume.
– Where arch length and heel-to-toe length differ, you generally want to take the bigger of the two sizes so the ball of your foot aligns properly with the flex point of the shoe.

7) The most common mistake is not measuring the width of your feet. FootJoy offer more width options than any other brand. Look for that thumb’s width when your laces are done up. If the laces are too close or too far apart the likelihood is that you are wearing a shoe that is the wrong width for you. If there are signs of stretching then your shoe may be too narrow, if there is extra material then your shoe may be too wide. Many of us go up in size if a shoe feels too tight when it might just be a case of trying a wider width.

READ MORE:The best FREE GPS smartphone golf apps that will enhance your round

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