My sister works in the health field. I'm not sure exactly what she does, but I do know she is close to acquiring her PhD. She told me that for a golfer like me, and I like to affectionately call myself a "marathon golfer", I should be replacing my golf shoes every 3 to 6 months.

My shoes are about 3 months old, and since they were a cheap starter pair made by Callaway, they are starting to fall apart. Luckily, I found that RBG has the pair I've been watching, the FootJoy Countour Series, on special right now for a price I thought I'd never see. I ordered a pair last night, but I'm beginning to think I should have ordered two pairs if I'm going to be needing to start next season off with another replacement.

What's the general consensus on this? I average about 18 holes a day meaning I put in at least 9 almost every day and I like to put in at least 27-36 on my days off. Is one quality pair per season enough, provided they hold up?

I've been playing for 2 1/2 years with the SAME pair of Nike's. I don't walk, I use a cart. I'm not a shoe nut, and still have a pair of boots from the 80's. If the shoe fits and is comfortable, wear it.

I forgot to mention that I walk....

If I can get two years out of a pair, I'll be extremely happy. I'm not a shoe nut either. I own one pair besides my golf shoes.

Thanks for your response.

I almost always walk, unless its mandatory to ride a cart. I golf between 12 and 20 rounds (18 holes) each year and have been playing another 15 or so 9-hole rounds in each of the last 3 years. My shoes are approximately 7 or 8 years old. They are in good shape and all I've done is change the "spikes" a few times times. I'm about ready to change the insoles, but have no need/desire to change the shoe. If memory serves, my shoes were about $100-$125 and I can't imagine having to replace them every few months. Granted, I golf much less that you do, John, but I guess I'd have to suggest you replace them when they "wear out" or become uncomfortable (as kidputter said).

Keep an eye on the side of the soles. When you start to see ridges forming around the heel (like the rubber has compressed, and then not bounced back), your shoes should be replaced, especially if you walk the course. It's not going to affect how you play, but your knees and ankles will feel better if you're shoes are not worn out.

Thanks for your responses.

I think the biggest problem I have is that I do have problems with my feet...primarily my arches. After a day on the course, I can feel it in the balls of my feet, my heels, and in my lower legs. I usually have trouble getting out of bed the next morning because of my lower legs, but after walking around a bit, the stiffness is gone.

The primary reason I need to replace the Callaways I'm wearing now, though, is that the back of the heel has worn through...and the backs of my heels are quite chaffed as a result. I'll check out the soles on them tomorrow. I actually bought some Dr. Scholl's insoles for them a while back for improved arch support.

Insoles are a great way to make your shoes better. I have a pair of Nike's that I paid $130 for, and ripped out the insole and put a $20 insole from Foot Locker in. It's the greatest thing ever. Arch support is great. Just keep your spikes fresh and you should be good to go.

You play more than I do, but I usually get around 75-100 rounds out of a pair. I always have 2 pair of shoes and rotate them, especially if playing back-to-back days. This gives them time to dry out and helps them last longer. If you buy good quality shoes (don't buy cheaper models because the leather is often of a lower quality and will wear out faster) and rotate between 2-3 pair, you should be able to get at least 100 rounds out of them (if you play in extreme weather this might be reduced).

Ok, it's time for a replacement pair of shoes as mine finally died (leather separating from midsole).

Any suggestions? These were cheapies because they were what I could afford after college. Was golfing this weekend on some soggy courses and I was the only one with wet (drenched) feet after nine holes.

Any thoughts on a good pair of waterproof shoes?

BME_Badger wrote:

Ok, it's time for a replacement pair of shoes as mine finally died (leather separating from midsole). Any suggestions? These were cheapies because they were what I could afford after college. Was golfing this weekend on some soggy courses and I was the only one with wet (drenched) feet after nine holes. Any thoughts on a good pair of waterproof shoes?

I like FootJoy shoes, personally. I wear the Contour Series, and even though they took some breaking in, they give my feet great support. Plus, they are quite waterproof. They make a slightly cheaper model....called DryJoys. I hear they are also quite waterproof.

I picked up a pair of Nike's at an outlet a couple months ago for about $30. SP-3's. I like 'em. I don't notice much of a difference between them and the other shoes I had been wearing, other than being a bit lighter and fitting into my bag better.

I just got the 2008 tiger woods nikes for $49.99 at the golfsmith outlet here in Houston. Love them. I've seen them online for like $79, but if you have a golfsmith outlet close, it's worth a try.

My dad bought a pair of Footjoy DryJoys for $59.99 that day too.