With your child constantly growing, it feels like every month brings a new piece of equipment to buy — and golf shoes are no exception. It’s another big expense in an already expensive game. So how important are golf shoes, really? Is it okay to size up and let them grow into them? And when does your child actually need them?
If your child is in a junior golf program, understanding how and when to invest in golf shoes can make a real difference in their swing — and their comfort. Let’s break down some of the biggest misconceptions around junior golf shoes, starting with when they’re needed and then moving into what type and fit work best.
Why Golf Shoes Matter in a Junior Golf Program
Although they might not seem as important as clubs or balls, golf shoes are one of the most overlooked — and most important — pieces of equipment a young player can have. Sure, there’s the whole “look good, play good” mentality. But golf shoes also play a direct role in your child’s swing, especially once they start generating speed with their lower body.
So when do they really need golf shoes?
The moment your child starts slipping on their back foot during the swing — it’s already too late. When they’re first starting out, kids can usually get away with sneakers because they aren’t creating much force from the ground. But once they’re swinging hard enough to lose traction, golf shoes become essential. If you wait until slipping becomes noticeable, your child has probably already adjusted their swing to avoid it — usually by holding back or limiting lower body rotation. That means they’re already developing bad habits that could slow their swing for years.
A Rule of Thumb for Knowing When They’re Ready
Here’s an easy guideline for junior golfers:
If they weigh more than 70 lbs and are driving the ball 1.5x their body weight, they likely need golf shoes. (Whichever comes later — weight or distance — is your cue.)
Example:
- If your child weighs 75 lbs and hits it 115+ yards? They’re generating great speed — get them shoes.
- If they’re 120 lbs and only driving it 130 yards? They’re not using the ground yet and might still be fine in sneakers — for now.
But once their swing relies on lower body speed and power, traction matters — and cleats make all the difference.
Don’t Size Up — It Does More Harm Than Good
Now for the tough part: sizing. Do. Not. Go. Big. I get it — it’s frustrating buying shoes every few months, especially when your kid’s feet won’t stop growing. But oversized golf shoes do more harm than good. They’re supposed to be a stable platform your junior golfer can push off of. If the shoe is too big, the foot slips inside, defeating the entire purpose of wearing them in the first place. That leads to instability, poor balance, and worst of all — wasted lessons trying to fix something that started with the wrong shoe size. If you’re trying to stretch your dollar, shoes are not the place to do it. Get something that fits now, and upgrade when needed. It’s way cheaper than paying me later to correct bad habits.
Practice Matters More Than Gear — But the Right Gear Helps
Golf shoes won’t fix a bad swing — but they can prevent bad movement patterns from forming in the first place. And while we’re talking about development, don’t forget that the best junior golf programs balance equipment with fun, competitive, and skill-based practice. That’s exactly what Legends of the Links was designed for. It’s a golf card game that turns practice into play — perfect for kids just starting out or getting serious about their game.
🟢 Check out Legends of the Links →
Pair it with properly fitted golf shoes, and your junior golfer will be set up to move better, play harder, and love the game longer.
Final Thought
If your child is serious about golf — or just starting a structured junior golf program — golf shoes matter more than you think. Wait too long and you’ll be undoing bad habits. Go too big and you’ll be undermining their foundation. The right shoes, at the right time, can protect their swing — and your wallet — in the long run.
Need a golf shoe that fits right now? Go get one.
Need a practice game that keeps them coming back? Legends of the Links has you covered.