New golf players sometimes find themselves conflicted with when and where they should be wearing the right shoes. It is well known that golf shoes play a fundamental part in the game and on the course. But the question remains how important shoes are when setting foot on the driving range.
Key Takeaways
- The driving range is mainly for practice and golf shoes are not necessary .
- Golf shoes are intended to improve your golfing experience.
- Spikeless shoes are better recommended for the driving range.
The Driving Range Explained
In the unlikely event that you don’t know what the driving range is, let’s explain. This is typically a big open turf that golfers use to work on their golf swings. In this setting you will find yard markings on the fairway that indicate the distance from where you tee off, to understand striking distance. At the driving range you can practice chip shots, your short game, as well as your golf swing mechanics with a golf instructor.
Golf Shoes and The Driving Range
If you’re just heading to the range, you may not want the trouble of getting completely geared up. Here golf shoes will only become one more item you have to carry. It’s all just an unnecessary hindrance when all you want to do is relax and practice your swinging.
When you do get on the driving range, have a look around. Chances are that you will probably notice there aren’t many people wearing golf shoes. Remember, golf shoes can be pricey, and I don’t think you would invest your hard-earned cash just to wear them on the range. Save your gear for when you get on the course, this is ultimately what the range is for- to practice.
The key aspect of wearing golf shoes is that they should make a positive change in your game. This will ideally be noted on an actual course where they are comfortable and intended for you to spend hours walking around. So, in other words, wearing golf shoes on the course is ideal but wearing them on the range is questionable.
There is also the argument that your practice conditions must be as real as the settings you will experience on the course.
Golf shoes are intended to improve your game by delivering more steadiness in your shots. The best way to get used to your golfing kicks is to practice with them even on the range if you really want to.
Choosing The Right Shoes
All the world’s golf shoe designers offer a variety of shoes that you can wear on the range or on the course. With the ongoing advancements in technology, the differences between spiked and spikeless are often unnoticeable. Over time, the two have evolved to a point where you can hardly tell the difference.
Spikeless
Spikeless golf shoes are extremely versatile, which has made them more favorable. Just a few of the advantages of these shoes include:
- wearing them to casual events
- driving to the course in them
- wearing them to the driving range before playing a few rounds
If you choose to walk instead of zipping around in a cart, you will need a pair of shoes that will get you through all your rounds. This is where spikeless shoes have a superior advantage. Spikeless shoes are generally lighter. Major advancements in some of the biggest golf shoe brands have emphasized on being lightweight and durable.
Spiked
Spiked golf shoes are made solely for the purpose of playing golf. One of the largest influences golfers consider is grip. Spiked shoes, help grip your feet to the surface. Most of today’s spiked shoes are made with softer, plastic wedges. This is because courses have mostly outlawed the conventional spiked shoes styles that damaged the green. Golf shoes that have throwaway spikes still provide a lot of grip that holds the ground as you pivot through your swing.
For The Driving Range
Regardless of your preference, just remember that shoes with plenty tread on the soles and grip are best to wear at the driving range. Alternatives like sneakers or loafers are a good choice if you don’t want to wear golf shoes. Beach sandals, flip-flops, work boots and heels are highly impractical and should not be used. Comfort is essential when choosing a pair of golf shoes. This applies for both the driving range and the course.
Conclusion
In the end, it’s your choice what you prefer to wear. The best thing for you to do is to think about the components I’ve summarized. Carefully deliberate on your goals and how you plan to achieve them through the best means possible. If you want more grip in your swing, then spiked golf shoes will be your best bet. If you’re opting for versatility, then spikeless shoes are perfect for both on and off the course. On the driving range you’re better off wearing shoes that are comfortable for practice.
