What are the best Shoes/Walking Comfort

[jsttaylor]

I've been through 3 or 4 pairs of shoes in the last 2 years because my feet are killing me after walking 18 holes. Since I stopped carrying last year, not because I wanted to just for my feet, things have improved marginally. Play Emerald yesterday and my feet were so swollen this morning I couldn't tie my shoes. Still swollen now. I need something with a ton of padding on the sole and lots of flexibility I think. Currently wearing dryjoys. Suggestions?

[jonf]

I've been through 3 or 4 pairs of shoes in the last 2 years because my feet are killing me after walking 18 holes. Since I stopped carrying last year, not because I wanted to just for my feet, things have improved marginally. Play Emerald yesterday and my feet were so swollen this morning I couldn't tie my shoes. Still swollen now. I need something with a ton of padding on the sole and lots of flexibility I think. Currently wearing dryjoys. Suggestions?

I would consider getting fit for orthotics. If your feet are that bad after one round, it's more than just the shoes.

[jvincent]

I need something with a ton of padding on the sole and lots of flexibility I think. Currently wearing dryjoys. Suggestions?

It may simply be that the dryjoys are the wrong shape for your feet.

Your best bet is to try on different shoes from all the different manufacturers to see which ones fit you best.

For me, I haven't been able to wear FootJoys for years. The top of the shoe does not agree with the shape/height of my arch. Adidas and ECCO on the other hand are like butter for me.

Sounds to me like you should spend an evening/afternoon in the shoe section of the Golftown until you find something that works.

One final comment. Although price is not always an indicator, I have always found that more expensive shoes tend to fit better.

[jeffc]

shoes are so personal it's tough to say. everyone's foot is different so certain shoes fit better on some than others. That being said, I have never heard anything bad said about Ecco. I have a pair of Etonic G-Sok's which are incredibly comfortable but I have owned other Etonic's that weren't.

You should really see a foot specialist though to see if there isn't a bigger issue. I am sore today from golf, but my feet are just fine.

[fundonny]

Ecco's. Have two pair, never had an issue. Spend more on a good quality shoe, it's worth it.

[Riddell]

i have some Ecco Hydromax and absolutely love them. Expensive, but will last a very long time.

[little brit]

I so love to be different I bought some Eccos and can only use them in a cart as they bother my feet so much. Actual limpage My old ones are Callys and they have been fine. Go figure.

[lms]

Everyone's feet are different, so asking what works for one person may not mean much for you. I tried ecco's, but despite feeling very good in the store after 18 holes of walking up and down hills, my feet were not happy.

I now have a pair of adidas, and they seem to be the right shape for my foot, and are very comfortable to walk in.

[mcgoo]

Please, can't you people definitively answer this simple question more quickly? Need to buy a pair of size 10 by Thursday.

[jvincent]

That's the whole point of the discussion. There is no single correct answer.

[jeffc]

agreed...it's like anything. what works for one might not work for another. the best thing is to try a bunch of shoes on and see what fits.

[jonf]

Yep, spent an hour today trying on various steel toe boots/shoes before finding the pair that fit me right, and they were not on the sales associates list of comfortable recommendations. It all comes down to what fits your feet, and you're the only person who can figure that out.

[mcgoo]

That's the whole point of the discussion. There is no single correct answer.

If some questions do not have an irrefutable answer, how about at least a consensus answer? And, where is the best deal this week?

[justsomeguy]

Please, can't you people definitively answer this simple question more quickly? Need to buy a pair of size 10 by Thursday.

There is no simple answer. Go to GolfTown, talk to the sales staff and prepare to spend 30 - 45 minutes trying them on. If you play a lot and always walk the course, you will want to take the time to get the right shoes.

I spent about an hour at GT on the weekend, and ended up buying a pair of Nikes (BTW many of the Nike models are on sale this week). I wear 10.5 EEE with orthodics, so that pretty much eliminates Adidas for me. Some golf shoes don't come in 1/2 sizes, so they're out. Foot-Joys are the #1 shoe in golf, and even though they make wide sizes they just don't fit me properly for the same reason as jvincent. I play early mornings from April to November, so I need good waterproofing. The Ecco's are nice, but very expensive. I don't like white shoes, and I'm not too keen on red, orange or lime green either! Buying golf shoes tends to be a process of elimination for me, and that takes time. YMMD.

After all that, I have yet to wear the Nikes on the course so I don't really know how they comfortable they will be after 18 holes. I'll still throw my old Callaways in the trunk for the first few rounds - just in case.

[kerisb]

Adidas........... would never have believed that a golf shoe could more comfortable that any running shoe I have ever worn but they are, and very flexible also.

[The Saint]

I wear orthotics as well with a good cushioned sole. I also wear Ecco hydromax (gortex) shoes. These shoes have been so comfortable I bought a second pair last year, of which I misplaced over the winter.. so I bought a 3rd pair at GT last night. For me they are the best fit for my foot (flat). I played in that heat Saturday and Sunday and my feet didn't complain at all.

[mcgoo]

I found the answer. $499 at Golftown, Footjoy are a distant 2nd, although considerably less expensive. Found a pair of these Ecco's "World Class" on ebay, new, in my size, for $298 plus shipping.

[priorlad]

I haven't personally worn them, but several people I know swear by the New Balance brand of golf shoes. They can be had in medium (D), wide (EE) and extra wide (EEEE) widths. Here is a link to their Canadian site: http://www.newbalancetoronto.ca/

[macspesh]

Softjoys - I have many issues with my feet from playing a lot of different sports over the years...heel spurs, scar tissue build up from pucks to the ankle, you name it.
I couldn't find a pair of comfortable golf shoes to save my life until I bought Softjoys. I absolutely love them.

[mcgoo]

I have a heel spur, what can I do about it. I have bought $35 rubber heal pads in Shopper's but they do not solve the problem. Very difficult to walk 18 with it.

[macspesh]

I have a heel spur, what can I do about it. I have bought $35 rubber heal pads in Shopper's but they do not solve the problem. Very difficult to walk 18 with it.

Then you have to try the Softjoys. I have major heel spurs. You'll never catch me wearing sandals with shorts (the chicken foot look is not becoming).

These shoes have a softer heel than most and somehow redistribute impact along the whole foot. They feel like slippers and for the first time, I can walk 18 without my heels bleeding! I wish FJ made regular shoes too!

[mcgoo]

Thanks macspesh, I will try a pair.

[warbird]

It is very important to be fit properly. Golftown East (Francis) can properly fit you and get you back to walking the course again. Although I am partial to Ecco's (they fit me perfectly), they come in a variety of lasts that fit some people differently (narrow to wide, without having half sizes or widths to speak of). If you find the correct pair and great fit you should be able to walk 18 out of the box. It is also good to have at least a second pair to rotate your shoes and keep them in a good state (shoe trees are important too). Barring that, see a podiatrist!