While the golf shoes you wear aren’t bound to turn you into the next Tiger Woods, they can enhance your performance. Spiked shoes vary by the spike makeup and the type of upper. Some uppers are genuine leather, some are synthetic leather, and some are PVC, suede, or plastic. Some are waterproof, while others are water-resistant. Some you can only wear in fair weather. So how do you decide which is right for you?

Spiked golf shoes usually have 11 or 12 removable spikes on the outsole. Seven or eight of the spikes are in the forefoot, with the remaining four in the heel. Spikes provide extra traction, particularly in wet conditions. Some spikes are actually so tough that they don’t ever need to be replaced, which is nice. And most spikes don’t rust. However, more and more courses no longer allow standard metal spikes because they tend to destroy the greens. There is a way around that, though -- wear soft spikes.

Soft spikes are made of polyurethane, which is a firm, durable, synthetic rubber that doesn’t tear up the greens like metal spikes. They’re also lightweight and comfortable. However, they don’t provide as much traction as standard metal spikes, and they don’t typically last as long, either. Remember that since they’re made of elastomer, it’s really easy to slip while wearing them. So be careful.

Carbide or ceramic tip spikes are for the serious golfers, those of you who eat, sleep, and breathe golf. They have an extremely durable tip that’s made of tungsten carbide or ceramics. These materials are abrasion-resistant and will almost always outlive the shoe’s upper. These spikes are available in various configurations. While they cost a little more, they won’t wear down. Those with steel flanges and threads should be cared for like standard steel spikes to prevent rusting. Those that have plastic threads will not rust in place.

Metal spikes have a steel post, flange, and thread. They’re very durable, and if you take good care of them, they may last the life of a shoe. Make sure to rinse the spikes clean with water and let them dry after each round of play, otherwise they may rust. If that happens, it’s very difficult to remove the worn spike. Remember, most courses no longer allow these spikes since they tend to tear up the greens.

When replacing spikes, clean the receptacle (otherwise known as the hole that the spike goes into) thoroughly. A cotton swab works great for this. Then apply a small dab of petroleum jelly to make spike removal easier.

Now that you know about the shoes, you need to know how to take care of them, so check out the Golf Shoe Care tip.