Consider comfort
First of all, think comfort. In my opinion, there really is nothing worse than playing a round of golf in wet socks, squelching shoes, and with freezing cold feet. Not only is it incredibly uncomfortable walking several miles with wet feet, but in my experience, it makes it difficult to focus on playing good golf. If you’re someone who plays golf in varying weather conditions like those common here in the UK or prefers those early morning tee times where the grass is still damp then, do yourself a favour and invest in a pair of waterproof golf shoes. Your feet will feel happier and so will you.
Durability and protection
As well as providing extra comfort and keeping your feet dry, waterproof golf shoes also tend to be more durable. Often, they’re constructed from sturdier and higher-quality materials that are designed to be able to handle tough conditions. Even if you don’t often play in the rain, the morning dew, wet rough or soggy wet bunkers that you’ll inevitably find yourself in can do some serious damage to regular golf shoes. Waterproof shoes provide an extra layer of protection, keeping your feet dry and the shoes themselves in good condition for longer.
For fair-weather golfers?
If you’re a fair-weather golfer who only plays on sunny afternoons, you probably won’t need waterproof shoes. However, if you’re the golfer who is out there come rain or shine then a pair of waterproof golf shoes is a solid investment. The good news is that many waterproof golf shoes are breathable enough for use in the summer heat whilst still offering a high degree of wet-weather protection during those cold and wet winter months, so you can use waterproof golf shoes all year round. I’ve owned and used a pair of waterproof FootJoy Premiere Series Packards almost exclusively all year round for nearly three years and they have been exceptional.
Style and fit
Back in the day, it was fair to say that waterproof golf shoes were usually clunky and far less stylish than their non-waterproof counterparts. However, the good news is that this is no longer the case. Many brands like FootJoy, Under Armour and Adidas Golf now produce waterproof golf shoes that look just as sleek as non-waterproof shoes, so you don’t have to compromise on style for practicality when you’re choosing your next pair.
Final thoughts
Whilst waterproof golf shoes aren’t essential for everyone, they’re 100% worth considering for golfers who play in unpredictable conditions or live in rainy areas. If you’re a golfer who enjoys teeing it up most weekends and doesn’t mind playing in the occasional downpour then a waterproof pair of golf shoes are a must if you want your time on the course to be a lot more comfortable.
If you’re interested in buying some waterproof golf shoes but aren’t sure where to begin, here are some of my recommendations.
If you enjoyed reading this article and want to continue preparing for a successful winter on the golf course, be sure to check out my ‘5 of the Best Winter Golf Mats’ and ‘The 10 Best Budget Laser Rangefinders Under £150 on Amazon’ articles.
