Men’s golf trainers vs. traditional golf shoes - Which style is right for you?

As the golf game has evolved over the decades, so have the tastes of players who want a little variation in what they’re able to wear on golf courses. Specifically, golf shoes have experienced a seismic shift, more so than any other piece of golf attire.

While it was once the case that all players were bound - as per golf course rules - to wear traditional spiked leather golf footwear, today, you’ll find players wearing a variety of golf shoes (including plenty of spikeless shoes) in different colours and styles.

Golf trainers are golf shoes that are styled after the trainers you might be seen wearing as you walk down the street - the perfect combination of casual style and golf practicality. But which style golf shoe is right for you? 

If you’ve never played golf before and are wondering which shoes you should invest in, or if you’ve been playing for years and want to find golf shoes that offer something different than you're used to, here are some key advantages of men’s golf trainers and traditional golf shoes, to help you find the perfect pair for you.

The advantages of golf trainers

Comfort

Much like most trainers you likely wear, golf trainers are designed to suit your game and keep your feet comfortable during long rounds.

The materials they’re made from are almost always softer and more malleable than traditional golf shoes made from leather. This means your feet will feel more free to move and less restricted, making for a more comfortable game.

Plus, many of them come equipped with underfoot cushioning for a cloud-like feel as you move from one foot to the other. Perfect for avoiding mid-round foot aches and pains.

Lightweight

If you don’t like feeling weighed down during your golf games and you like to keep your legs feeling as fresh as possible, there are plenty of golf trainers that’ll suit you.

Compared to traditional golf shoes, which can be on the heavier side because of the leather, many golf trainers are built to be as light as possible while still offering the same support and ground grip you need to generate power in your shots.

This also makes them a lot nicer to carry to and from games, too, lightening the load and ensuring you have the energy you need to put towards playing.

Golf has been around for centuries - that’s a long time for styles to shift with public opinion. As time has gone on, peoples’ sense of style has evolved. Today, trainers are the go-to shoe for billions, with many of them looking as slick and stylish as possible to entice people to spend their hard-earned cash.

Golf trainers are no different. Much like their popular trainers, many Nike golf shoes immediately catch the eye and wouldn’t look out of place on the feet of someone away from the golf course. So if you want to look impressive on the tee, the right golf trainers will help you draw plenty of eyes.

Breathable

During the hot summer months, it can be difficult to keep your feet cool on the course on particularly sweltering days. And overly sweaty feet can become quite painful if you’re forced to keep them in the heat for long periods of time.

That’s why golf trainers can be such a relief. Many of them are breathable, with uppers made from mesh-like materials designed to increase airflow within the shoe and release trapped heat. So you can keep your feet feeling cool and refreshed from the first hole to the last, even in the suffocating summer months.

The advantages of traditional golf shoes

Durability

There’s a reason leather was the material of choice for shoemakers for so long. Not just because it looks great and it's readily available, but it's also one of the more durable footwear materials out there.

While softer golf shoes may develop small holes or tears over time, traditional leather golf shoes are built in a hardened style and are able to withstand being accidentally knocked by your golf club and other impacts less robust golf shoes may struggle with.

In other words, take care of your traditional golf shoes and they should last you for years to come.

Easy to clean and maintain

Because most traditional golf shoes share a similar look and build, they often have far fewer cracks and crevasses than their trainer-like cousins. This is an advantage when it comes to cleaning golf shoes, because these crevasses are where dirt and grass like to hide after a muddy game.

A wipe with a soft, damp cloth is often enough to remove the majority of dirt from the tops of leather golf shoes, whereas you may struggle to clean golf shoes made from other materials, especially if it’s been given a chance to dry.

If you’re wondering about the best ways to clean and maintain your golf shoes, check out our blog here.

Waterproof protection

While you can buy golf trainers that are waterproof or water-resistant, leather golf shoes offer a level of natural water protection. It may not be one hundred per cent waterproof, but leather is traditionally used to shield from the elements, so it makes perfect sense that leather golf shoes can keep your feet drier without any added measures.

But combined with waterproof sealing, traditional leather golf shoes become an amazing option for players seeking the ultimate protection from the rain on the course.

Whether you’re looking for men’s golf trainers or traditional golf shoes, we stock golf shoes to suit whatever colour, shape, style or qualities you’re looking for. These include both women's and men's golf shoes, as well as spiked shoes and spikeless golf shoes. Whatever your personal preference, let us help find the best golf shoes for you.

You can take a look at our extensive range of men’s golf shoes here, or get in touch with us if you need a hand choosing your next pair.