Spikeless? Soft spikes? ...flip flops?
Always the same type of shoe I wear on the course.
Nathan
Range time is just like playing a round on the course. I wear the same shoes and clothes I would wear if I were to go on course. Couple reasons for that.
First, if you're going to get better, you have to feel good about yourself. That starts with the clothes. Look good, feel good, play good.
The other reason is frankly, what if a sudden chance to play pops up? I've often been on the range and asked to go out and play. Could be just a couple holes with the Pro or 18 with some random group that needs a player. So you should be prepared at all times as well.
The reason I ask is because the spikes don't sink into the mat like they do grass. I feel like I'm standing taller than normal. In that case, would having a spikeless pair be better?
Depends on my motives that day. If I am working on putting and short game, I will wear normal golf clothes with tennis shoes.
If I am working on full swing, I wear the ICON's.
Fortunately, I keep 3 pairs of ICON's in my locker at the club so if that opportunity pops up, it's just a quick stop in the locker room. I recently grabbed a pair FJ Sports, so those are in the locker ready to go soon as well.
PS... NEVER will I wear flip-flops. Not my style for the course.
the range I like has a great grass hitting area, so I always throw on the SYNR-G's that I play in so I can keep the feel the same. I really try not to hit off the mats if I can, just don't like the feedback I get if I miss hit the ball as it can still look like a pretty good shot.
Tar Heel: Nathan Range time is just like playing a round on the course. I wear the same shoes and clothes I would wear if I were to go on course. Couple reasons for that. First, if you're going to get better, you have to feel good about yourself. That starts with the clothes. Look good, feel good, play good. The other reason is frankly, what if a sudden chance to play pops up? I've often been on the range and asked to go out and play. Could be just a couple holes with the Pro or 18 with some random group that needs a player. So you should be prepared at all times as well.
+1 TAR HEEL. PRACTICE IN WHAT YOU PLAY IN.
agreed Tar Heel, you always have to be ready to play...
the only time I don't care how i look is when I go late at night just before dark and try to squeeze in some practice time at the local club.
always in golf shoes no matter where I'm playing or practicing...
You make a good point about practicing off mats while wearing spikes. You will be higher off the ground and this will effect how you hit balls. This is why I use sneakers when forced to use mats. I find practicing without spikes makes me swing within myself and produces a more consistent session. Spikeless shoes would also have the same effect. For me practice in whatever you like, (flip flops included) more practice the better. We have all played with people who could have benefited from hitting a few more range balls.
Always my golf shoes. But you can go shoeless - Sam Snead said to swing barefoot - you shouldn't swing so hard that you'll lose your balance - perfect to practice with bare feet. I don't have that problem, but if you do, think about it.
heisagoalie: Always my golf shoes. But you can go shoeless - Sam Snead said to swing barefoot - you shouldn't swing so hard that you'll lose your balance - perfect to practice with bare feet. I don't have that problem, but if you do, think about it.
If my swing "feels like an unfolded lawn chair" I will go to range barefoot and hit, just so I am thinking about not wearing spikes rather than my swing. It helps out for me!
I try to avoid mats like the plague, although that's not always possible at my range. I'm going to order a pair of spikeless shoes for occasions when I don't have a choice.
I practice in the ICONs that I play in. I wear the pair that is up in the rotation for that day, I never wear a pair more than every three days.
If I go to the range for a workout, then I'll usually wear the next pair of golf shoes in the rotation (I have five pair). If it's a quick warm-up before play, then obviously, it's golf clothes and that day's golf shoes. I have, though, gone out in soft sole street shoes or tennis shoes if I've only got a limited time and just want to work on one thing for a short time. What's best is whatever works.