As a trail runner, it can happen that you get invited for a round of golf and want to try it out to see if you like it or maybe you want to play a couple of rounds as you recover from a running injury. Either way, the question will arise whether you can wear your trail running shoes for playing golf.
In general, trail running shoes can be used for golf sense as the rules of golf don’t forbid them. The lugs on some trail shoes work the same as rubber cleats on golf shoes. However, many top-tier golf courses only allow shoes with spiked cleats so it is best to call ahead to the golf course first.
Let’s unpack the details of how your trail shoes can work while playing a round of golf.
Can Trail Running Shoes Be Used For Golf?
So, you want to run on trails and play golf too? Trail running shoes are great for both. It may seem like an odd combination, but it makes sense.
Trail running shoes are just as supportive as regular golf shoes, but they’re far more comfortable. They’re champs on trails and uneven terrain, so it makes sense that they would provide excellent traction and stability on the greens as well.
If you prefer trail running shoes over golf shoes, it is perfectly fine to wear them while playing!
What Are The Benefits Of Trail Running Shoes For Golfing?
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy both running and golf without investing in another pair of shoes, trail runners may be the perfect shoe choice. In addition to the support they provide, they also boast more cushioning than your average golfer’s footwear.
A typical 18-hole golf course is 3 to 5 miles long; if you like walking the course instead of driving between holes, a pair of trail running shoes would be a much more pleasant walk.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Trail Running Shoes For Golfing?
The spikes on golf shoes provide stability in your swing by keeping your foot grounded during a shot. When your feet shift, your body moves as well, which could cause the ball to go the left or right.
In wet conditions where a golfer needs to maintain balance and footing, the spikes in golf shoes could provide more stability than trail running shoes. The best time to wear trail running shoes while golfing is on a sunny day. Your swing will be less likely to be affected if the grass is dry.
If you like to golf on rainy days, it’s not a bad idea to have a pair of golf shoes with spikes on hand.
What Is The Difference Between Trail Running Shoes And Golf Shoes?
When it comes to looking at these two types of shoes side-by-side, there is one significant difference between them – preference. Their differences may be positive or negative, depending on your style.
Here are a few of the differences:
- Golf shoes are designed for playing on grass. Trail shoes are good on a variety of surfaces.
- Golf shoes have spikes that help provide traction and stability when walking on smooth, wet surfaces.
- Trail running shoe soles tend to be thicker and more durable than those on golf shoes.
- Golf shoe uppers are typically made from leather or synthetic materials, while trail runners often use mesh fabrics for breathability.
- Trail runners typically have an aggressive tread pattern on the bottom for better grip in rugged terrain.
Do All Golf Courses Allow Trail Running Shoes?
Unfortunately, at some courses, you will not be able to play without cleats. This means that the shoes you wear at those golf courses will need to have spikes of some kind (rubber, plastic, or metal).
This rule applies to most professional-grade courses and is due partly because trail shoes could damage the grass on these more costly courses. For general golf courses, it’s usually fine to wear your shoe of choice.
I was never a spectacular golfer by any means (22 handicap at best). So, with the amount of time I spent in the rough, between the trees, I often wished I had trail running shoes on instead of clogging up the spikes of my golf shoes.
If you want to wear your trail shoes on the top-of-the-line courses, just remember to call ahead and ask if it’s okay first!