Spiked vs. Spikeless vs. BOA: How to Pick the Right Golf Shoes
By Staff Writer
2 min read
LoopGolf
Key takeaways
- Spiked shoes offer the strongest grip and stability but weigh more and need regular cleat maintenance.
- Spikeless shoes trade some traction for lighter weight and the ability to wear them off the course.
- Slip-in designs, popularized by Skechers, use a reinforced heel for hands-free entry.
- BOA lacing distributes pressure evenly across the foot and typically costs about $20 more than laced versions.
- Many golfers keep more than one pair on hand to match different courses, seasons and weather.
Golf shoes used to mean one thing: spikes. Now golfers choose between spiked, spikeless, slip-in and BOA-equipped designs, each suited to different conditions, and no single type wins on every measure.
What are the pros and cons of spiked golf shoes?
Cleats anchor the foot during the swing and deliver the most traction and stability of any design, which matters most on hilly courses or in winter when tee boxes get slick. Models like the Under Armour Drive Pro Clone, FootJoy Premier Series Packard and G/FORE MG4+ O2 G/Lock fall into this category. The tradeoff is weight: spiked shoes generally weigh more than spikeless models, cleats collect grass and mud that require upkeep, and the design is less practical for wearing off the course.
Why do golfers choose spikeless shoes?
Spikeless shoes use a dimpled outsole instead of cleats, which keeps them lighter and lets golfers walk from the car to the course to the clubhouse without changing footwear. Options include the Ecco Biom C5, adidas S2G SL, FootJoy Quantum and Under Armour Drive Pro SL. They tend to perform best on firm, dry summer ground; in soft or wet conditions, cleats still provide a traction edge.
What are slip-in and BOA golf shoes?
Skechers' Slip-In Technology uses a reinforced heel that resists crushing when a golfer steps in, giving hands-free, effortless entry. It appeals broadly, including to professional Matt Fitzpatrick, not only to golfers managing mobility or back issues. BOA models replace laces with a dial-operated wire system that spreads pressure evenly across the foot and can be tightened or loosened in a few clicks. Both spiked and spikeless shoes are available with BOA closures, which typically add about $20 over a laced version of the same shoe.
| Type | Traction | Weight | Off-course wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spiked | Highest | Heaviest | No |
| Spikeless | Good | Lightest | Yes |
| Slip-in | Varies by model | Light | Yes |
| BOA closure | Good, even pressure | Varies | Yes |
No golf shoe checks every box, which is why many golfers own more than one pair.
Frequently asked questions
Are spiked or spikeless golf shoes better?
Spiked shoes generally provide more traction and stability, especially in wet or hilly conditions, while spikeless shoes are lighter and more versatile for wear off the course.
What is a slip-in golf shoe?
It is a shoe with a reinforced heel, such as Skechers' Slip-In Technology, that lets a golfer step in without using their hands.
Are BOA golf shoes worth the extra cost?
BOA closures spread pressure evenly across the foot and allow quick, precise tightening, and typically cost about $20 more than an equivalent laced shoe.
Do you need spiked shoes for winter golf?
Spiked shoes are generally recommended in winter, when tee boxes and greens can become slick and extra traction matters most.
- golf shoes
- spikeless golf shoes
- boa lacing
- footjoy
- under armour
- skechers golf
- matt fitzpatrick
