Women's bare legs and feet showing, wearing Tread Labs Salinas Leathe sandals on a golf course.

Golf Sandals: A Comprehensive Guide

by Mark Paigen 5 minute read
This blog explores golf sandals, focusing on why they're an excellent choice for golfers looking for comfort without compromising on performance. We'll discuss their features, compare different models, and answer some common questions about their use in golf.

The Basics: TL;DR ---

  • Versatility. Golf sandals are perfect for warm weather and casual play, offering comfort without compromising on performance.
  • Etiquette and Usage. While golf sandals are suitable for casual play and driving ranges, it's essential to check course rules as some might require traditional golf shoes.
  • Choosing the Right Sandals. Important features include quality materials, arch support, rubber soles for traction, and adjustable straps for a secure fit.
  • Top Picks. Tread Labs' golf sandals like Salinas and Redway are designed for golfers who value comfort and performance.


Need To Know ---

Golf sandals are an increasingly popular option for players seeking a mix of comfort and performance on the course. Offering breathability, ease of wear, and essential traction, models like Tread Labs' Salinas and Redway are particularly standout choices. They combine the necessary support and style, making them suitable for various golfing activities. Always check with your golf course for their footwear policies to ensure golf sandals are an acceptable choice.

 

Table of Contents ---

Introduction: Embracing Comfort on the Course with Golf Sandals

Golf sandals are emerging as a popular footwear choice for golfers seeking comfort without sacrificing performance. Traditionally, golf shoes have been the go-to for players at all levels, but the advent of golf sandals offers a refreshing alternative. These sandals combine the essential features of traditional golf shoes—such as grip and support—with the added benefits of breathability and ease of wear.

Ideal for warm weather and casual play, golf sandals ensure you can enjoy a full round of golf while keeping your feet cool and comfortable. This blog explores the advantages of opting for golf sandals and introduces top picks for both women's golf sandals and men's golf sandals.

 
Women driving a golf cart wearing sandals.


What Are Golf Sandals?

Golf sandals provide a unique blend of comfort and functionality for golfers who prefer a lighter, more breathable alternative to traditional golf shoes. Here’s what sets them apart:

  • Breathability. The open design allows for better air circulation, keeping feet cool during hot weather.
  • Comfort. Typically featuring soft straps and contoured footbeds, golf sandals offer comfort that lasts throughout an entire round of golf.
  • Traction. Equipped robust rubber treads, they ensure adequate grip on the turf, much like regular golf shoes.
  • Style and Versatility. Golf sandals are not only practical on the course but also stylish enough for post-game activities.

These features make golf sandals an excellent choice for casual games, especially in warm climates, providing an enjoyable and comfortable experience without compromising on the essential grip needed for golfing.


Choosing The Right Golf Sandals

Choosing the right golf sandals involves more than just picking a style. Here are the essential features that make some sandals better suited for golf:

  • Quality Materials. High-quality materials ensure durability and comfort. Look for sandals made with leather or high-grade synthetic materials like recycled polyester that can handle wear and tear.
  • Arch Support. Adequate arch support is crucial in golf sandals to help maintain balance and prevent foot fatigue during rounds.
  • Rubber Soles. Sandals should provide good traction similar to traditional golf shoes to handle the movement and torque during swings.
  • Adjustable Straps. Adjustable straps are essential to achieve a secure and customized fit. This will help maintain stability during play.

Understanding these features can guide you in choosing sandals that not only fit well but also enhance your performance on the golf course.

 Golf course with large trees silhouetted in the distance.

Golf Sandals Etiquette and Usage

Golf sandals are becoming more accepted on courses, but there are some etiquette and practical considerations to keep in mind:

  • Course Rules. Always check if your golf course allows sandals. Some courses may require traditional golf shoes for maintenance reasons or tradition.
  • Practicality. Sandals are suitable for driving ranges or casual play. Whether or not sandals are appropriate for your golf game depends on the specific venue's rules and the type of play you're engaged in.
  • Comfort vs. Performance. While sandals offer comfort and ease, they might not provide the same level of performance or grip as traditional golf shoes with spikes, especially on wet or uneven terrain.

Knowing when and where it’s appropriate to wear golf sandals can enhance your experience without compromising the standards of the game.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you golf in sandals?

Yes, you can golf in sandals, especially if they are designed for sports or have good arch support and secure straps. While traditional golf courses might require more formal golf shoes for stability and turf protection, sandals can be suitable for casual games, practice at driving ranges, or more relaxed courses. It's always best to check the specific rules of the golf course you plan to visit.

Can you wear sandals to Top golf?

You can typically wear sandals to Topgolf as their venues are more casual and social compared to traditional golf courses. It's always a good idea to check with the specific location to confirm their dress code, but Topgolf generally allows a more relaxed attire.

 

Our Top Picks for Men's and Women's Golf Sandals

When selecting golf sandals, Tread Labs offers several models that combine comfort with performance, ideal for varying golf environments. Here's a look at our top picks:

Tread Labs Salinas Leather sandal

  • Women's Salinas and Women's Salinas Leather. These golf sandals for women feature a streamlined design with robust arch support, making them suitable for long walks on the course. The Salinas Leather, ladies golf sandals, offer added durability and a stylish look with waterproof nubuck leather.

Tread Labs Redway sandal in Rock

  • Men's Redway. The Redway sandals are men's golf sandals designed for optimal comfort and stability, featuring a deep heel cup and a contoured footbed that supports natural foot alignment. They're great for those who need extra support during a golf game.

Tread Labs Men's Albion sandal in Forest

  • Men's Albion and Women's Albion. Known for their versatility, the Albion sandals are great golf sandals for men or women. They are equipped with adjustable straps and a microfiber footbed for enhanced grip and comfort. Albion sandals are an excellent choice for golfers who prefer a sandal that adjusts to their foot's unique contours.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
These are my go to sandals...
“These sandals are my go to for comfort, arch support and when a dressier look is needed – like in Hawai'i – I feel completely prepared. The light weight sole is a gift for traveling and the support with the banding and arch has eliminated fatigue from other sandals. Bravo.”
— Bill H., Verified Buyer (Men's Albion Sandal Review)

Each of these models is crafted to ensure that comfort does not come at the expense of performance, making them excellent choices for golfers who prefer the freedom of sandals.

Wrapping Up: Choosing the Best Golf Sandals

Golf sandals offer a comfortable and practical footwear option on the golf course, blending the ease of sandals with the support necessary for golfing. Tread Labs provides a range of golf sandals tailored to various needs, from the waterproof Salinas Leather for style and durability to the Redway and Albion models that offer excellent support and adjustability. Whether you're a casual golfer or frequent the course often, Tread Labs' golf sandals ensure you can play in comfort and style.
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