Golf shoes are used to prevent feet from sliding on the course while making the next perfect golf stroke. Though most golf courses do not require special golf shoes to play, they make a good purchase for anyone wanting to improve his or her play and take the game to another level.

Golf shoes traditionally have metal spikes on the soles designed to dig into the surface of the course. Today, many of those spikes have given way to softer rubber spikes that do less damage to the playing surface, and they still provide far more traction than a pair of sneakers. It's important to remove your golf shoes though when not on the course. Walking across pavement is a sure way to damage spikes and reduce the life of golf shoes.

Another important feature of golf shoes is their rigidity. A firm base is important due to the very intricate nature of a golf stroke. Golf shoes tend to be more rigid so there is less room for the ankle to move around and inhibit a smooth transfer of energy from body to swing to ball. Another feature common to golf shoes is their weight. Extra ounces provide further stability and leave the user feeling planted firmly in place.

When choosing a pair of golf shoes, the same rules about purchasing any athletic shoe apply. Golf shoes should fit snugly with room to wiggle the toes, but not enough that you wind up banging your toes against the front of the shoes. The spikes should be of high quality, and some models even have replaceable spikes that can be screwed in if one breaks. This can be beneficial if you purchase a very expensive set of golf shoes. Good shoes may also allow the transfer between rubber and metal spikes where needed further maximizing their value and versatility. If you happen to play in a very humid or wet climate or early in the morning when you encounter a lot of dewy grass, a waterproof model may be a good investment.

If the rigid look of classic golf shoes is not appeal to you, there are many more stylish options available today. Companies such as Nike pride themselves not only on their functionality, but also their trend-setting designs. It's possible to find many different styles and choices that resemble actual sneakers more than golf shoes. A general sporting goods store usually packs both types, but come prepared to pay for a good set. Golf is an expensive sport, and the shoes are no exception. Prices are on the high end compared to other athletic footwear, and a good set of golf shoes can run well above $200.