Why Comfort Matters in Women’s Golf Shoes
By Kate Marsala
Comfort is one of the most important factors to consider when you are buying a pair (or multiple pairs) of women’s golf shoes. This is of course important in every pair of shoes you buy. But it is especially important when you’re purchasing a pair to wear when playing this particular sport.
First of all, comfortable shoes help you focus on the game. Not because they add focus, per se, but because they do not distract at all from what you really should be paying attention to. When shoes are uncomfortable, you are very aware of the pain they are causing. The more uncomfortable, the more distracting they become. Imagine trying to avoid a blister when you should be trying to avoid a sand trap.
Comfort is also important because tension in one area of the body tends to change the way you treat your body. If you have blisters, you will not walk, stand, or move the same. You will favor the part of your foot most in pain, which will impact your swing. Women’s golf shoes should let you play the game well, not give you a literal handicap.
Another aspect of comfort has to do with health. Shoes that give blisters can be risks for bacteria and infection. Many people who play golf will walk a whole 18 holds in one game. That’s a lot of time out on the course, exposing your raw skin to insects, pesticides, and sweat. Not a good idea.
Comfort is also important for these shoes in the sense that they should not only be free of pinching and rubbing, but they should also be supportive. A good pair of shoes with a firm yet spongy, supportive sole (including arch supports if you have high arches or other arch needs) is important to maintaining good spinal health.
Women’s golf shoes that don’t support your stride can cause pain and problems in your legs, back, and neck. This is not only bad for your golf game, but bad for your overall health and posture in general.
So in sum, there are many strong arguments for finding golf shoes that are specifically designed to be comfortable and health-supporting. The health of your body and the health of your golf game are very closely intertwined. You can’t play well if you don’t feel well, and you won’t feel well if your feet, knees, legs, back, or neck are uncomfortable. That includes everything from stiffness to blisters.
It’s not just a lack of blisters that makes a pair of shoes good: it’s full support and smart design. You want a flexible yet sturdy, breathable yet durable material. Investing in a quality pair of women’s golf shoes is investing in your game, and you’ll be very glad you did it.
Kate Marsala writes articles about golf shoes for women on the website Womens Golf Shoes Central.
