[Kim Maengnyoung's Golf English Conversation] "How to Choose Golf Shoes?"

Golf shoes must be comfortable to enjoy playing.

Golf is a sport where you typically walk 9 kilometers over 5 hours.

If your golf shoes are not comfortable, it becomes difficult to maintain stable balance in your feet, and fatigue increases, making it impossible to play well. There is a Chinese proverb that says, "If your shoes fit well and your feet are comfortable, even a journey of ten thousand miles feels short." Golf shoes are generally classified into two types: spiked and spikeless. Key selection criteria include comfort, material, weather resistance, and value.

Above all, comfort should be your top priority when choosing golf shoes. Shoes that are too light or too heavy are not ideal. You should consider your body weight, height, foot size, and shape. The area in front of the big toe is especially important. If the shoes are too light or too heavy, you will tire easily. If your golf shoes are too small or too tight, your feet will hurt so much that you cannot walk, while shoes that are too large will drag as you walk.

When it comes to material, traditional golf shoes made of genuine leather are considered the best. They absorb moisture and have an appropriate weight. However, they are not waterproof and can absorb water, making them inconvenient on rainy days or in humid regions. Synthetic vinyl does not allow for ventilation, so your feet can become sweaty and damp. This increases the risk of athlete's foot and causes your feet to swell. You should choose your golf shoes according to the weather conditions of the area where you plan to play.

Recently, modern golf shoes made from new materials with good ventilation have become available. Proper care of your golf shoes is also important. After a round, put newspaper inside to remove moisture and dry them in the shade to prevent mold. Apply shoe polish to protect the leather when storing them. Golf shoes represent everything about a golfer. Like a gentleman’s dress shoes, you should always keep them clean and shiny to become a stylish golfer.

A (golfer): I’d like to buy a pair of golf shoes.

B (golf shop): What type of golf shoes do you want? Spiked or spikeless?

A: I like spikeless golf shoes.

B: Do you know your size?

A: Twenty-seven centimeters.

Written by Kim Maengnyoung, golf columnist