Why is golf shoe fitting important?

We highlight the many reasons why golfers should get fitted for their golf shoes

shoe-fitting

We speak to FootJoy's Richard Fryer to find out the pitfalls of an incorrectly fitted golf shoe and how a golf shoe fitting can improve performance out on the course

Golfers will go to great lengths to make sure their clubs are tuned in to their exact needs based on their size and the way they swing the club. So why do so many still insist on wearing golf shoes that are the wrong size?

FootJoy, the number one selling shoe company in the UK, have conducted thousands of shoe fittings and found that over two thirds of golfers are wearing the wrong size shoe. They have also discovered that a shoe that is too big can cause a loss of power during the swing.

In this video above, the importance of being fitted for your shoes is highlighted by FootJoy's Richard Fryer. After all, your shoes represent your only point of contact with the ground and using the ground correctly is an extremely important part of hitting the ball longer and more consistently.

Watch: What is the right golf shoe for your swing?

Lots of golfers have very wide feet and consequently have to opt for a longer length of shoe to get the width they require. But this excess length in the toes means the foot can move around inside the shoe, which can reduce power, create painful blisters and even cause the shoe to wear out quicker than a pair that fits correctly due to the increase in friction between the foot and the lining.

So the next time you’re investing in a pair of golf shoes, make sure you get properly fitted on a Brannock device or at least try them on. Finally, don’t just assume you are the same size that you have been for the last 20 years either as shoe designs are constantly changing, meaning you may be half a size smaller or bigger than you used to be.

NEXT: How does the FootJoy Performance Fitting System work?

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x