6 Hot Tips for Getting the Best Fitting Golf Shoes

Whether you're a beginning golfer heading out for your first ever tee time or have been playing golf for decades, you will always benefit from a pair of well-fitted golf shoes. Wearing shoes that aren't right for your unique and marvelous feet will do more than cause you pain and blisters—it will also keep you from reaching your full potential as a golfer. Poor fitting shoes will affect your swing posture and balance, and bring on pain and fatigue early in your round, making those final few holes even more of a physical and mental challenge. Don't lose strokes because your shoes don't fit! Golf shoes keep your feet dry and comfortable and provide a solid, steady base, which is vital for having a strong swing. To save you some pain and heartache, I've put together a short list of ways to make sure your golf shoes are the right fit for your feet.

No, seriously. Listen. Of course you know your shoe size. But, I mean: Really know your shoe size. Do you know which one of your feet is longer and which one is wider? Almost everyone's feet are just a little different. While standing, use a Brannock device to measure each foot. Generally, you'll want to pick shoes that go with the larger size and width measurements. If there's a big difference between your feet, invest in custom golf shoes. It will make your life (and golf) better.

If it's been a while since you last measured your feet, it might be worth it to do so again. Life happens and when it does, it happens to your feet, too. As we age, our feet can lose some of their natural padding or spread out with weight gain. Women who have had children will often find that their feet have gained as much as a full shoe size from relaxed ligaments. So, double check, and if needed, update to a more comfortable pair.

For the most part, golf shoes are manufactured with standard sizing guidelines, but sometimes there are differences. If you've never worn a pair of golf shoes from a certain company, check out their website to look for sizing charts, or track down a pair to try on in person before purchase. It's also worth noting that leather golf shoes usually run a little small. Look our for sizing quirks between brands and materials and your feet will thank you later!

Before you put your golf shoes on, take a moment to think about how you walk. How do your feet roll? Where do they land? If you look at the bottom of a pair of shoes you have worn for a while, you will notice that it is more worn in certain areas. This will give you a clue. Use this knowledge to see if your new shoes have the flexibility to move with your feet naturally. Bend your golf shoes and twist them in the places your foot bends and twists, near where your toes will hinge and around the shoe's arch. Even fairly stiff leather soles should have some give to them.

Put your shoes on with a pair of comfortable socks (whatever kind you plan to wear on the golf course). Now, stand on your toes. Do they slide forward or hit the front wall of the shoe? Does movement create a gap between your heel and the back wall of the shoe? The ideal golf shoe will be snug in the middle, give your toes about a half inch of wiggle room, bend with your toes, and leave a small amount of room (about a penny's thickness) at your heel.

One of the inspired things about the internet is that you can shop for golf shoes from the comfort of home and get super low prices. The only slight disadvantage to this is that you have to wait a little longer to try on your new shoes. There are a few ways to make the most of this. Look for product reviews for sizing tips or call GolfDiscount.com's friendly customer support (1.800.394.GOLF). And, if after all is said and done, your shoes don't fit how you'd like, take advantage of our liberal return policy.

You are ready to go forth and test out golf shoes like nobody's business. Just make sure that you're prepared for the confidence and balance that comes with having supreme comfort, stellar support, and amazing range of motion in your golf shoes. Also, feel free to leave questions and input in the comment box! We love to hear what you're thinking about.

Your comments are always appreciated.

Diane