Why I Went with Spiked Golf Shoes (And Don't Miss Spikeless)
Everything in golf right now is going spikeless. Every brand is pushing these sneaker-style shoes you can wear on and off the course, and I get it - the convenience is nice. But after a season in spikeless shoes and one too many slippery swings on dewy mornings, I went back to spikes with the Ecco Biom Tour. No regrets.
My Problem with Spikeless
Spikeless shoes are fine on a dry afternoon. But add some morning dew, a little rain, or a sloped lie on wet grass, and things get sketchy. I started noticing that subtle slide at the bottom of my swing - the kind that might only cost you a few yards but absolutely wrecks your confidence.
I found myself shortening my swing, playing more carefully, second-guessing my footing on anything that wasn't flat and dry. That's not how I want to play golf. I'd rather change shoes after a round than play scared during it.
What Changed
First tee in the Biom Tours, dewy grass, full swing - zero movement. Just locked in. That feeling alone was worth the switch.
The spikes are low-profile enough that walking feels normal. Older spiked shoes used to feel like you were clopping around on cleats, but these aren't like that. Between the cushioned midsole and Ecco's leather, they're genuinely comfortable for walking 18. I've done hilly rounds without any foot fatigue, which is more than I can say for some of the spikeless shoes I tried.
The waterproofing also pairs really well with having spikes. The conditions where you need the most traction - wet mornings, rainy rounds - are the same conditions where you want dry feet. Having both covered makes me way more willing to book those early tee times.
When Spikeless Still Makes Sense
I'm not saying spikeless shoes are bad. They make sense for:
- Casual rounds where you want to grab lunch right after
- Dry summer conditions where traction barely matters
- Travel golf where you don't want to pack extra shoes
But for regular play where I actually care about my game? I want spikes. Especially in anything less than perfect conditions.
What I've Noticed Since Switching
I'm hitting the ball more consistently, and I think it's mostly because I'm not adjusting my swing around bad footing. When you trust your base, you commit to the swing. Simple as that. The back nine has been especially better - I used to fall apart late in rounds, and I think tired feet plus iffy traction was a bigger factor than I realized.
The Bottom Line
The whole industry is pushing spikeless because it's trendy and convenient. That's fine if those are your priorities. But if you care about traction and performance - especially if you play in the morning or in variable weather - don't let the trend talk you out of spikes. They're still better where it counts.
