Golf Shoes Statistics

Top golf shoes statistics

• Golf footwear sales sit at US$8.96 billion as of 2023.
• By 2032, these numbers are projected to reach US$13.33 billion.
• Europe had the biggest golf footwear market share in 2022 at 30.14%.
• North America wasn’t far behind at 28.91%.
• In 2022, spiked golf shoes accounted for 33.1% of the total golf shoe sales.
• The male segment dominated the golf footwear market in 2022 at 40%, amounting to US$3.43 billion.
• Golf shoes last a minimum of 2 years.
• Spiked models wear out quicker than spikeless options.
• 1 to 2 out of 10 pro golfers still wear golf shoes with metal spikes.

Golf shoes worldwide sales

• As of 2023, global revenue in golf shoes is at US$8.96 billion.
• At 4.4% CAGR, this figure is set to reach US$13.33 billion by the end of 2032.
• US$13.33 billion is a 48.81% sales growth from the 2023 worldwide golf shoe revenue.
• In 2022, golf footwear had global sales of  US$8.58 billion.
• Between 2017 and 2021, the annual growth rate for golf shoes was 1.2%.

Golf footwear market share by region (2022)

• North America’s market share in 2022 was 28.91%, translating to golf footwear sales of roughly US$2,480 million.
• Europe had the highest market share at 30.14%, raking in US$2,590 million in revenue.
• 17.25% of the worldwide market share went to East Asia, reaching sales of US$1,480 million.
• Latin America and South Asia & Oceania regions had identical shares at 9.86%.
• Middle East and Africa came in last at 3.98% market share.
• It is projected that Europe and North America will retain their market dominance until 2032, having a combined market share of 60% by the end of said year.

Golf footwear sales by type (2022)

• In 2022, spiked golf shoes took a global market share of 33.1%
• This amounted to US$2.84 billion in revenue.
• 26.49% went to spikeless golf shoes, reaching sales of US$2.27 billion.
• Golf boots reached total sales of US$2.13 billion in 2022, taking 24.82% market share.
• Golf sandals came in last at 15.61%, sitting at US$1.34 billion.

Market share of golf shoes by gender

• Based on 2022 data, men generated US$3.43 billion in golf footwear revenue, taking up the biggest market share of roughly 40%.
• Women, with a market share of 33%, brought in total golf shoe sales of US$2.83 billion.
• 27% of the market share went to kids in the same year.
• This percentage equated to US$2.32 billion in sales.
• Within the 2022-2029 forecast period, the women’s and kid’s segments are expected to grow at 5% and 6.3% CAGRs respectively.

The durability of golf shoes

• Golf footwear, on average, has a lifespan of 2 to 4 years.
• A new pair of golf shoes can last up to 7 years if used no more than twice a year.
• Spikeless golf shoes are estimated to last a maximum of 3 years.
• These cleat-less options may wear out faster if used outside golfing (many players do wear them casually, based on current data).
• Spiked golf shoes, specifically the cleats on their soles, can last up to 20 rounds, which is equivalent to roughly a year of regular golfing.
• Moisture and shifting weather conditions can shorten the lifespan of golf footwear.
• The DryJoys from Footjoy and Puma’s Grip Fusion are known to last for approximately 3 years.

Golf footwear facts

• It was in 1857 when some form of spiked golf shoes were first referenced.
• These allegedly cleated golf shoes used sprigs or small nails to serve as spikes.
• The Saddle Oxford golf shoe style was first introduced by Spalding back in 1906.
• Many traditional golf shoes are modeled after this style.
• In 1925, the two-tone wing tip (in black and white) was introduced to America by golfer Walter Hagen.
• The use of metal spikes has declined since the late ‘80s.
• About 15% to 20% of Tour golfers, including Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas, can be seen wearing metal spikes on the course.

Golf footwear FAQs

What shoes are worn in golf?

• A golfer can wear either a spikeless golf shoe or a cleated pair.
• Spikeless models provide extra on-foot comfort, while spiked ones deliver more swinging grip and stability.
• Waterproof golf shoes, especially spiked types, are ideal in wet and slippery conditions.

Are sneakers appropriate for golf?

• Ideally, proper golf shoes give the best results while out on the course.
• New players, however, settle for sneakers with lugged soles on their first few rounds.
• Spikeless golf shoes are the closest thing to sneakers; golf players use them in casual settings.

What golf shoes does Tiger Woods wear?

• Tiger Woods are recently seen wearing Footjoy golf shoes.
• At the 2023 Masters, he was seen sporting a pair from FJ.
• He also sported Footjoy golf shoes at the 2022 Masters.

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