Do Kids Need Golf Shoes? 

Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz

When I was teaching junior golf as a PGA professional, I always recommended that kids have golf shoes. Now I’m a Mom, too. My opinion has changed a bit on whether or not kids need golf shoes and I’ll explain why. So if you are looking at your child’s ever-growing feet and wondering if you really need to invest in more footwear, we have you covered. Here’s your complete answer on, do kids need golf shoes? 

Do Kids Really Need Golf Shoes? 

Beginner junior golfers do NOT need golf shoes. Wearing a pair of athletic sneakers is enough to get started in the game. However, when kids start to gain some consistency in their swing and increase their swing speed, a pair of golf shoes can help. If your child is at the point of playing in golf tournaments, keeping their score, and interested in practicing, they are ready for golf shoes. 

Difference Between Kids Golf Shoes and Athletic Shoes 

Here are the main differences between kid’s golf shoes and regular athletic shoes. If you are like me, you will see that the benefits are genuinely for the kids who are ready to play more serious golf. New players who are excited about the game and hoping to get some golf balls in the air are fine with using regular athletic shoes. 

Feature	Kids Golf Shoes	Regular Athletic Shoes
Traction	Designed with spikes or specialized tread for golf turf grip.	General tread pattern suitable for a variety of sports.
Stability	Enhanced stability for the golf swing.	Stability varies and is generally designed for forward motion and running.
Waterproofing	Often waterproof to handle morning dew and wet conditions.	Varies; some are waterproof, but most are not.
Flexibility	Less flexible to provide a stable base or platform for swings.	More flexible for diverse movements and activities.
Breathability	Varies by design, often balanced with waterproof features.	Usually highly breathable for comfort.
Style and Design	Specific to golf, it may not be versatile for other activities.	Adaptable for various sports and casual wear.
Cost	Can be more expensive due to specialized design.	Generally less costly, more variety in pricing.
Durability	Built to withstand golf course elements.	Built for varied conditions, often less focused on waterproofing.

Is Your Child Ready for Golf Shoes? 

The most critical question is, is your child ready for golf shoes? Here’s the criteria I would use to decide. 

• Make sure their feet are actually big enough for a real pair of kids golf shoes, toddler shoes that “look” like golf shoes are not worth buying. 
• Take a look at the consistency of the shots your child is hitting; if they are starting to make solid contact and pick up a little distance, it may be time to consider golf shoes. 
• Kids heading to a golf camp that starts early in the morning may want golf shoes for the waterproof functionality. 
• If your child walks the course, don’t rush them into golf shoes; athletic shoes will probably be more comfortable for the time being. 
• This one is up to you, but if they are going through a growth spurt, you may want to wait or it will feel like you buy golf shoes each week! 

Who Makes Golf Shoes for Youth? 

We recently tested the PUMA kid’s golf shoes and had some luck with the quality of the design and the overall look and style. In the past, we have also had Adidas youth golf shoes. Here are a few other brands to look for. 

Adidas

Before we recently purchased the Puma golf shoes, my son had a pair of Adidas S2G golf shoes. They were great and held up well, but they certainly don’t have the same traction as the new Puma we have switched to. 

Adidas uses its Adiwear outsoles and waterproof materials in the junior shoes. The same technology that helps the Adidas shoes stand out for adults. 

Puma

Puma golf shoes for kids are affordable, come in a few different styles, and have color options kids really like. Take a look at our review of two of the more recent releases from Puma. 

FootJoy 

The line of youth FootJoy shoes is not as large as the adult line; however, there are still both spiked and spikeless versions. The traction and grip from FootJoy are always great. 

Nike

Nike may not make golf clubs anymore, but they are still going strong when it comes to golf shoes. The Nike shoe line for kids is a bit limited, but if your kids like Nike sneakers, this is a good option to consider. 

How Much Do Kids Golf Shoes Cost? 

Kids golf shoes range in price from around $39 to more than $70. They are not as expensive as most golf shoes for adults, but kids only wear them for a short period of time. Chances are before the golf shoes are worn out, your kids will be ready for another size. 

Look for sales on previous year’s models. I also suggest searching through various colors. For some reason, companies will put a certain color on sale and leave others at full price. 

What Sizes Do Kids Golf Shoes Come In? 

Kid’s golf shoes usually start around size 1. There are some models that you can find in a 12 or 13, but mostly, they start at 1. When the child’s foot is big enough for a man’s size 7 or a woman’s size 6, there are usually unlimited options in adult sizing. 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this guide helped to give you a little more guidance about kids needing golf shoes. If your kid is just not quite ready for a pair of youth golf shoes, don’t feel bad about them playing in athletic shoes or sneakers. Pay close attention to sales on junior golf shoes; sometimes you may find a pair even less expensive than athletic shoes.