4 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Golf Shoes

Finding a great pair of golf shoes isn’t always easy. So when you do, it’s important to do everything you can to keep them around for a while. Taking care of your golf shoes will make them last longer. Here are four tips to extend the lifespan of your golf shoes.

Wear your golf shoes only on the course

This may sound obvious but wearing golf shoes off the course has become increasingly popular with the introduction of spikeless shoes. Golfers find their spikeless golf shoes so easy and comfortable that they also wear them as casual shoes.

Pavement and hard surfaces wear the soles down faster. Even if your golf shoes feel as easy to wear as your sneakers, they were made with specific materials to help improve traction and stability when you play.

If you want that to last, use your golf shoes just for golf!

Rotate between multiple pairs

Consider rotating between two or more pairs of golf shoes if you can. Allowing golf shoes, specifically leather ones, to rest and fully recover after a round of golf can help decrease the amount of wear and tear.

Shoes that are overused with no time to breathe tend to wear out faster. 

It’s also good for your feet to rotate your golf shoes as you won’t break down the cushioning inside the shoe as quickly. 

Some players have several pairs of shoes but as long as you have two to rotate between it’s enough.

Use newspaper to absorb moisture after rain

If your shoes get wet (which unfortunately will happen at times), the best thing you can do is stuff them with newspaper to draw out excess moisture. Always make sure that your shoes are completely dry before you attempt to wear them again.

The newspaper method also helps the shoes keep their shape as they are drying. For days where you really weathered some difficult course conditions, you can replace the newspaper a few times to keep pulling more water out.

Don’t put golf shoes in the dryer or leave them in the sun to dry. Store them in the shade with room to breathe and keep the temperature around room temperature.

Clean and condition regularly

Golf shoes need to be cleaned.

If you are diligent about regularly cleaning your clubs and grips, add your shoes to the list. Once a month, use a shoe cleaner or mild soap to address any stains or issues. Use a leather conditioner or protective spray to keep your shoes water-resistant and properly conditioned.

You don’t need to use cleaners and conditioners after every round but you should at least wipe off dirt and grass after a round of golf. A damp microfiber cloth works well.

Start with the right pair of golf shoes

FInally, if you want your golf shoes to last longer, make sure you are starting with high-quality shoes that are built to last. Here are the top choices following our 2024 Best Spiked and Best Spikeless golf shoe testing.

• Best overall spikeless: ECCO LT1
• Runner up spikeless: PAYNTR X 002 LE
• Best overall spiked: adidas TOUR360 24
• Runner-up spiked: PAYNTR X Tour Proto RS