| Golf shoes seem simple enough. Just your | | | | of a foot. Shoes may be made with either |
| standard wingtip or tennis-style shoe with some | | | | standard or customized ("bespoke") lasts. |
| fancy plastic spikes stuck to the bottom, right? | | | | Lasting: Again, not an actual shoe component, but |
| From the outside looking in, that about sums it up. | | | | the procedure which binds the upper to the |
| But there's more to the modern golf shoe than | | | | midsole. |
| meets the eye. In fact, shopping for proper golf | | | | Memory Foam: No, it's not the latest in artificial |
| footwear can get downright confusing without a | | | | intelligence. Memory Foam is a high-density |
| working knowledge of the different pieces and | | | | material which "remembers" the shape of |
| parts that form the whole. | | | | anything pressing against it, such as a foot. The |
| For instance, do you know what a footbed is? | | | | substance is often used in the tongue or collar of |
| How about the upper? Know the difference | | | | golf shoes. |
| between the midsole and outsole? | | | | Mesh: Breathable material often used in the upper |
| If you answered yes to all those questions, then | | | | to help regulate a shoe's interior temperature. |
| stop reading and go shopping. If you're stumped, | | | | Microfiber: Another breathable material, microfiber |
| relax. We've got the lowdown on these and other | | | | is soft yet strong and easily cleaned. |
| elements that fit together to make a single golf | | | | Midsole: Placed between the outsole and upper, |
| shoe. | | | | the midsole is usually made from high-tech |
| Calfskin: Extremely soft leather made from, you | | | | synthetics that provide cushioning and support. |
| guessed it, the skins of calves. | | | | Outsole: The very bottom portion of a golf shoe, |
| Footbed: A removable insole which is molded and | | | | or, where the rubber meets the turf. |
| contoured for comfort; it sits directly under the | | | | Sockliner: A pre-formed liner on the insole, the |
| foot. | | | | sockliner cushions the foot and, if equipped with |
| Full Grain Leather: Tanned leather displaying a | | | | moisture-wicking capabilities, keeps the feet dry |
| natural animal-skin texture, or grain. | | | | and cool. Sockliners are often removable. |
| Heel: A piece attached under the heel of the foot; | | | | Spikes or Cleats: Polymer-based prongs attached |
| the height and material of the heel differ based on | | | | to the golf shoe's sole to grip the turf and |
| the shoe style. In traditional golf shoes, for | | | | prevent slippage during the swing. Often called |
| instance, the heel may be a separate piece from | | | | "softspikes" (actually a brand name), today's golf |
| the sole, whereas sportier styles integrate the | | | | cleats are more easily removed and replaced than |
| heel into the sole. | | | | the metal spikes of old. They're also better for |
| Insole or Innersole: The cushioned interior portion | | | | greens, concrete and wood surfaces, which is |
| of the sole, typically molded for a comfortable fit | | | | why most courses no longer allow metal spikes. |
| and added stability. | | | | Upper: The part of the shoe above the sole; in |
| Last: Technically, not part of the actual shoe. The | | | | other words, the visible, top part of the shoe, |
| last is a wooden form around which the shoe is | | | | from heel to toe. |
| built. It is designed to replicate the size and shape | | | | |