Whether you walk 18 holes just once in a while or play multiple rounds each week, wearing the wrong shoe size can make your game less smooth, successful, and comfortable than it should be. The reasoning is simple: golf involves a lot of walking and pivoting, and when your shoes don’t fit properly, it can take a serious toll on both your feet and your performance. Do golf shoes make a difference? The answer is a clear yes: the right pair of comfortable golf shoes can boost comfort, stability, and even your swing mechanics.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How should golf shoes fit?” or “How tight should golf shoes be?” — this golf shoe size guide will answer those questions and help you find the perfect pair.
Before we dive deeper into sizing, if you want to understand the different types and styles, check out our posts on what golf shoes are and what shoes to wear golfing for a full overview of your options on the course.
Why proper golf shoe fit matters
According to experts, wearing the wrong shoe size can lead to a long list of problems that impact both your comfort and performance [1]. And when it comes to your time on the green, your golf shoe fit is not just about avoiding blisters, but also ensuring proper foot alignment and stability while playing.
Dr. Steven Gershman, a podiatrist, explains the importance of proper sizing:
“Wearing the wrong shoe size is one of the most common reasons people experience foot pain and discomfort. If your shoes are too tight or too loose, they can cause blisters, pinched toes, and other issues that cause foot pain. That’s why getting the right size is essential, and by size, I mean both length and width.”
He adds, “If the shoe size you are wearing is too narrow, you will see and feel some telltale signs. Your shoes will feel too tight, especially around your toes and forefoot. You might even feel your small toe rubbing against the inside of the shoe or pinching the side. This can cause pain, corns, calluses, and eventually lead to bone spurs…the toes can be jammed together, and your outer foot may bulge out over the outsole of the shoe.”
So, how should golf shoes fit? According to Dr. Gershman: “Your foot should sit comfortably inside the shoe without any bulging, pinching, or pressure points.”
What makes golf shoes uncomfortable?
Before diving into the golf shoe size guide part, let’s first go over the common reasons your shoes might be making your feet uncomfortable:
● Poor fit
Shoes that are too tight or too short can create immediate discomfort and may lead to foot problems like bunions or hammertoes. Over time, if your golf shoe fit is off, even just a little bit, this can result in chronic pain and even structural damage to the feet [2].
● Lack of support
Your feet rely on support from the arch to distribute pressure evenly as you walk. Without the right orthopedic sneakers with arch support, the plantar fascia – the tissue connecting your heel and toes – can become overstretched, leading to painful conditions like plantar fasciitis. Unsupported feet may also roll inward (overpronation) or outward (supination), which can cause discomfort in other parts of your body, such as your ankles, knees, or lower back.
● Not enough cushioning
Insufficient cushioning in your shoes can’t absorb the impact of walking or running. This can put a lot of strain on your heels, forefeet, and even your back. Over time, this lack of padding may lead to pain in various areas of the foot. That’s why investing in heel pain shoes with adequate padding and shock absorption is essential for long-term comfort and foot health.
● Stiff materials
Shoes that lack flexibility in their soles can cause friction during movement, leading to discomfort or irritation, particularly in high-stress areas like the heels or toes. If the materials don’t allow the shoe to bend as your foot moves, it can result in painful blisters and general discomfort.
● Existing foot conditions
People with pre-existing foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or bunions, may find that the wrong shoes worsen their symptoms. And this is backed by science. For example, studies have shown that specific footwear can help reduce pain and improve mobility in people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout [3].
The good news is that small adjustments, like choosing shoes with proper arch support, adequate cushioning, and a precise fit, can go a long way in improving comfort and preventing pain [4].
Impact on performance and stability
When evaluating how tight golf shoes should be, remember that comfort directly impacts your swing and stance. Tight or loose shoes can throw off your posture, reduce traction, and cause fatigue, all of which negatively affect your game.
If your shoes are too tight, loose or uncomfortable in any way, it can throw off your posture, making it harder to perform at your best.
Proper traction is key, and a secure fit enhances this, giving you better stability during each shot. Whether it's a loose heel or a tight toe box, both can cause discomfort and fatigue over time, making your golf game suffer.
A good golf shoe should provide stability while maintaining comfort, and the wrong fit can throw off your posture.
Preventing discomfort and injuries
Your golf shoe fit can have a direct impact on your health.
Golfers often face foot problems like blisters, heel pain, or arch strain, especially if their shoes don't fit properly. The wrong size can also lead to a number of different longer-term issues, like plantar fasciitis or bunions. When your shoes fit well, you’re able to stay more focused and comfortable throughout your round, reducing the risk of injury and allowing you to enjoy the game.
Even though golf doesn’t involve a lot of running or jumping, foot and ankle injuries are still fairly common. Spending hours walking the course can make conditions like heel pain or plantar fasciitis worse. The mechanics of the golf swing can also put a lot of pressure on the feet and ankles, particularly on the ball of the foot that pivots during your swing. This repeated stress can lead to problems like metatarsalgia, capsulitis in the second toe, neuromas, pain in the big toe joint (often linked to hallux rigidus), and even sesamoiditis [5].
Measuring your feet for golf shoes: A step-by-step guide
Now that we’ve covered why fit matters, let’s get into the golf shoe size guide portion.
Getting the right fit starts with knowing your exact size. That way, you can use the brand’s size chart to choose the most accurate option.
Here are a few tips that will help you measure your foot correctly:
- Measure your feet at the end of the day when they’re at their largest, as feet typically swell throughout the day.
- Use a ruler or a measuring tape to measure the length from the heel to the tip of your longest toe.
- Measure at the widest part of your foot.
- Check both feet, as most people have one foot that’s slightly larger than the other. Go with the bigger size.
- Foot size can change over time, so it’s important to measure periodically before you shop for new shoes, especially as you get older or if you notice discomfort.
How to measure your feet
- Measure your feet at the end of the day when they are at their largest, as feet tend to swell throughout the day.
- If you’re shopping online, wear your golf socks while measuring.
- Place your foot on a piece of paper and mark the heel and the longest toe.
- Measure the length in inches or centimeters.
- Repeat for both feet – use the larger of the two for sizing.
- Don’t forget to measure the width of your feet.
How should golf shoes fit? Key considerations
Here’s a few different examples of what it should feel like when your golf shoes fit properly:
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Snug, but not painful – Especially in the heel and midfoot area.
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Room to wiggle your toes – Your toes should never feel cramped.
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No heel slippage – Your heel shouldn’t slip when you walk.
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Arch support – Your arch should be supported without feeling any pressure points.
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Room for swelling – After walking or standing, your feet naturally swell, so leave a little extra room for comfort.
Tips for trying on golf shoes
To properly fit golf shoes at the store, try them on with the socks you’ll wear during your game.
Walk around and simulate a swing to see how the shoes feel in motion.
A properly fitted shoe should require little to no break-in period.
Understanding golf shoe sizing and widths
Golf shoe sizing can vary from one brand to another, and your unique foot shape also affects your comfort.
Width is just as important as length, so it’s important to buy from brands that offer shoes in wide, extra-wide, and narrow options to suit different foot shapes.
Orthofeet, for example, offers golf shoes in widths that go beyond the standard, as well as extra cushioning, catering specifically to people with wider or narrower feet, or those with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Still, note that the fit of the shoe should be more about functionality than sticking to a particular number size.
Here are a few guidelines to help you check your fit:
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Thumb test: Although it depends on arch height, there should generally be about a thumb’s width of space at the top opening where the laces are tied. This gives the foot room to move without the shoe feeling too loose.
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Toe space: Leave about half an inch between your longest toe and the front of the shoe to prevent rubbing and allow natural movement.
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Flex point: As your foot bends, the shoe should flex at the same point — typically across the ball of your foot — to support proper motion and avoid pressure.
Golf shoes and foot mechanics
While the fit is important for all golfers, those with specific foot conditions may need to take extra care when selecting shoes.
Some golfers may need shoes with extra cushioning, while others may need more arch support or a wider fit. Understanding the mechanics of your foot is critical for choosing the best golf shoe. Foot mechanics, such as overpronation, supination, or neutral foot type, will affect the type of shoe that provides optimal support [5].
Orthofeet golf shoes: engineered for optimal fit and comfort
Orthofeet isn’t just about shoes; it’s about transforming how you feel, whether you're on the course or off. Every pair is designed so you can do what you love without constantly worrying about your feet — in fact, our goal is for you to forget about them entirely.
Orthofeet golf shoes feature advanced design elements rooted in biomechanics to keep your feet comfortable and stable, even if you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, bunions, flat feet, neuropathy, or other foot conditions. With smart, innovative designs, they’re made to fit your feet without pressure or discomfort.
With each pair, you’ll get:
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Extra-depth design for a roomy, pressure-free fit.
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Wide toe boxes to reduce pressure and allow natural foot positioning.
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Premium orthotic insoles that provide exceptional support.
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Ergonomic soles and non-restricting uppers to improve mobility, accommodate any foot shape, and enhance comfort.
On the golf course, our shoes help reduce strain and provide stability with every step, so you can stay focused on your swing from the first drive to the final putt.
Designed with premium support and thoughtful features, Orthofeet delivers truly comfortable golf shoes that adapt to your unique foot shape and movement. Whether you're walking 18 holes or practicing at the range, our shoes help minimize fatigue and prevent foot pain, so you can play longer, better, and with more confidence.
With Orthofeet, you get more than just shoes – you get lasting comfort, superior performance, and the freedom to fully enjoy the game you love.
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[1] Terence Vanderheiden, DPM. Why It's Important to Wear the Right Shoe Size. Very Well Health. October 14, 2022. Accessed April 29, 2025.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-people-wear-correct-size-shoes-1337769
[2] Andrew K Buldt, Hylton B Menz. Incorrectly Fitted Footwear, Foot Pain and Foot Disorders: A Systematic Search and Narrative Review of the Literature. PubMed. July 28, 2018. Accessed April 29, 2025.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30065787/
[3] Mike Frecklington, Nicola Dalbeth, Peter McNair, Peter Gow, Anita Williams, Matthew Carroll, Keith Rome. Footwear Interventions for Foot Pain, Function, Impairment and Disability for People with Foot and Ankle Arthritis: A Literature Review. PubMed. June, 2018. Accessed April 29, 2025.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29174793/
[4] Moira McRitchie, Helen Branthwaite, Nachiappan Chockalingam. Footwear Choices for Painful Feet – an Observational Study Exploring Footwear and Foot Problems in Women. PubMed. May 31, 2018. Accessed April 29, 2025.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5984451/
[5] Golf Injuries to the Foot and Ankle. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Accessed April 29, 2025.
https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/golf-injuries-to-the-foot-and-ankle
