No matter the age, quality golf gear is essential for golfers wanting to play to their best abilities. Golf shoes are an important aspect of the game. Just like footwear that is designed for adults, the same goes for kids. There are many styles, colors, and types. It is important to research the best shoes on the market if you are interested in stepping up your performance.
How do golf shoes compare to regular sneakers? Are they that different?
There is a pretty noticeable difference between regular sneakers and shoes designed specifically for golf performance. Similar to how running shoes are designed specifically for the challenges that runners face. Golf shoes are made to optimize player performance and comfort on the golf course. This doesn’t mean that you can’t play in regular sneakers. It may just sell your game short. Golf shoes offer a grip necessary for a typical golfer to be standing, walking, and swinging their way across an 18-hole course.
Is there a good substitute for golf shoes?
There really is no great substitute for golf shoes. However, the best alternative would be a pair of running shoes designed for the trail. Trail running shoes often have an outsole with far greater traction than running shoes designed for street and track surfaces.
And the most important question, should my child wear socks with their golf shoes?
All kidding aside, there really is no rule when it comes to socks and golf shoes. There hasn’t been any evidence suggesting that socks would improve a player’s performance. Therefore, it all boils down to comfort and personal choice.
Top 6 Picks for 2023:
Each of the shoes listed below are designed to keep young golfers as comfy as possible, while also helping with consistency in swings.
PUMA Youth IGNITE PWRADAPT 2.0
Price: $79.99
This shoe provides both a solid grip and comfortable, cushioned support. The grip remains firm from backswing to follow-through while the highly responsive cushioning foam makes walking to multiple holes easy and breezy for young golfers. They come with a microfiber upper with one-year waterproof protection, and an outsole that combines PUMA’s Pro-Form thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with seven tornado cleats for excellent traction.
Highlights:
- Sleek Style
- Cushion foam support
- Excellent grip
Material: Microfiber, TPU | Spikes: Yes | Waterproof: Yes | Size range: 1-7 | Color options: 2
FJ Fuel Junior
Price: $74.99
The FJ Fuel offers more traction than you’d expect from a spikeless shoe. This shoe helps young golfers achieve a great balance of comfort and grip. Parents with kids of all skill levels and experience, from first-time golfers to players in the Junior PGA, all agreed the shoe was “excellent” when it came to fit, support, and durability.
Highlights:
- Exceptional stability
- Very comfortable
- Highly durable
Material: Synthetic leather | Spikes: No | Waterproof: Yes | Size range: 1-6 | Color options: 1
Adidas Juniors’ S2G
Price:$60.00
The Adidas Juniors’ S2G midsole is designed to offer plenty of bounce and comfort for a full day on the course. The spikeless outsole offers grip and support with a V-shaped stud pattern that disperses weight and relieves pressure points in the foot. Customers note their young golfers find the shoes very comfortable, even after playing multiple to 18 holes.
Highlights:
- Affordable
- Made from some recycled materials
- Comfortable and lightweight
Material: Synthetic textile, high-performance recycled content | Spikes: No | Waterproof: Yes | Size range: 1.5-6.5 | Color options: 2
Nike Roshe 2 G Jr.
Price:$65.00
This golf shoe was designed up and down for comfort. It features a highly breathable mesh upper, helping feet stay cool on the course. While soft foam in the midsole offers cushion and bounce, the spikeless rubber outsole gives young golfers lots of grip to stay even-keeled. The Nike Roshe 2 G Jr. won’t disappoint when it comes to top-to-bottom support.
Highlights:
- Extremely comfortable and supportive
- Lightweight and breathable
- Good traction
Material: Mesh fabric, recycled content | Spikes: No | Waterproof: No | Size range: 1-7 | Color options: 5
PUMA GRIP FUSION EVO
Price:$64.99
The PUMA GRIP FUSION EVO shoe is designed to give budding golfers plenty of comfort and support to keep them standing and swinging. The engineered mesh upper provides a secure and breathable fit, while the spikeless traction has been thoughtfully positioned along the outsole for grip and balance.
Highlights:
- Waterproof
- Very comfortable
- Durable
Material: Microfiber | Spikes: No | Waterproof: Yes (limited to 1 year) | Size range: 1-3 | Color options: 3
Adidas Junior’s CODECHAOS 22 BOA
Price:$70.00
The Adidas Junior’s CODECHAOS 22 BOA Golf Shoes save kids from the hassle of tying laces. The slip-on dial design makes jumping in and out of the shoe at a moment’s notice fast and convenient. With the CODECHAOS 22’s six cleats across the outsole, kids can keep their feet planted securely on the ground.
Highlights:
- Easy to put on and take off
- Adjustable fit
- Water-resistant film over upper
Material: Mesh fabric, recycled content | Spikes: Yes | Waterproof: No (water-resistant) | Size range: 1.5-6.5 | Color options: 2
Source: Adam Zammiello for Golf.com
