Consumer Insights for Golf Shoes in the United States

Key Takeaways

Consumer Trends

• The golf shoe market was valued at $8.5B in 2022 and is forecasted to make $13B in 2023.
• The golf category is growing: golf websites in the US have seen 11% more traffic YoY to 888M visits.
• ‍Video views about golf outfits are up 99% from January to June 2023 compared to July to December 2022.

Ongoing Trends

• Golfers are looking to wear golf shoes strictly on the course and not off the course - people don’t believe that golf shoes can be worn off the green in a respectable way (that makes them look fashionable).
• ‍What’s the point? People are questioning the difference and value of a golf shoe as opposed to a regular sneaker. 
• Golfers are mostly concerned about shoe performance for walking on the course, waterproof abilities and comfort.

Upcoming Trends

• Golfers are making their own “designer” golf accessories since no one is providing them, merging street style, luxury & golf.
• Settling the debate about spikeless and non-spikeless golf shoes, because golfers are discussing it and unsure about the best option.
• People are switching to Goretex or Trail shoes for ‘all condition’ shoes that will perform in wet or dry environments.
• People want custom solutions for wide or narrow feet in a fashionable way.

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The purpose of this report is to understand the consumer trends, wants and needs for the Golf Shoe Industry in the United States.

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Golf websites in the US have seen 11% more traffic YoY.

From June 2021 - May 2022, golf sites saw 799M visits, and 888M visits from June 2022 - May 2023.

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People are searching for the sport, and how to watch.

Average search interest for “golf” and “pga” are up YoY on Google. 

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From March to August, the golf industry consistently sees an average of 66% more interest online in golf.

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People want to know what golf shoes are & what sets them apart from a regular sneaker. 

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Two themes of discussion are building in the golf community:

Versatility

Golfers are starting to question the purpose of golf shoes. 

• As Lifestyle
• For Walking
• Non-Golf Shoes for Golf

Technical Functionality

Golfers are debating their allegiances to spikeless shoes while on the hunt for comfort.

• Spikes or Spikeless?
• Shoe Performance
• Comfort & Waterproofing
• For Wide or Flat Feet

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Videos about golf outfits are seeing 99% more views in 2023.

May 2023 saw a spike at 10M views because of this video of DJ Khaled's million dollar golfing outfit. 

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People are talking about the intersection of streetwear, luxury fashion and golf.

• ‍Filling a Need
  This video discusses the way a golfer made a custom Off-White x Nike golf bag for themselves. This indicates golfers are looking for more involvement of streetwear brands to provide accessories for on the green.
• ‍Updated Takes on Classic Sneakers
  New Balance partnered with Malbon Golf to create the “997G” model, which is an ode to a classic golf shoe and the classic “550” model. While the video is about the fashion of the shoe, the creator talks about the detail and performance of the shoe. 

217K Views

266K Views

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Golfers have a stigma about wearing golf shoes off the green.

Golfers are concerned about the lack of style that goes into typical golf shoes for both business and daily life.

They don’t know or believe that something that could be suited for the green, business and pleasure exists. 

Common Questions

NIKE GOLF SHOES (spikeless) as lifestyle shoes?

Golf shoes that look similar to AF1’s? Jordan 1 lows are not comfortable for me.

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They want something they can walk around in on the course any time of year.

Interesting to note:

Where is your target audience? In our research we found a common thread of people identifying that wetness, dryness, and terrain are unique to their part of the States, therefore unique to the recommendations they can give to others.

Common Questions

What is the best golf shoe for walking?

Best golf shoes for walking rounds?

Do Nike golf shoes have good support for walking?

Best golf shoe for walking that’s also waterproof?

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People are questioning golf shoes compared to regular sneakers.

Demonstrate the ease and flexibility of moving on and off the green into daily life.

Common Questions

Non golf shoes as golf shoes - Anyone have any experience with either I’ve mentioned or have any recommendations along this route?

What do you guys think of golfers that don't wear golf shoes?

• Set a standard.
  Golf is a game of appearances & people care.

Why do golfers wear special shoes?

Can you turn regular shoes into golf shoes?

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Spike or spikeless?

While there are still die hard spike fans out there, many are advocating for spikeless shoes, indicating both more comfort and style associated with them. 

Common Questions

How much do spikes on golf shoes matter?

Spike or spikeless golf shoes?

At the range with mats, do you all wear golf shoes, spikeless golf shoes, or just any sneakers?

Which is right for you, traditional or spikeless golf shoes?

Aren't spikeless golf shoes just regular shoes??

Why do golfers wear spiked shoes?

Regular shoes vs spikeless golf shoes?

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Establish what the point of your golf shoes are. 

There’s a trend of many golfers switching to Goretex and Trail shoes in the winter to continue playing golf.

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Relegating them to private games as opposed to everyday play. People are more concerned about building an identity or brand for themselves in their golf community than the average time it should take to replace a golf shoe.

Common Questions

Are you happy with your new golf shoes?

How often should you get new golf shoes?

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Comfort is king.

Players do not want sore feet, or to feel moisture at all in their shoes during a day of play. But at the same time, they need something that they can feel improves their game and looks good doing it.

Common Questions

How long should you wear your new golf shoes before hitting the course?

Any recommendations for a golf shoes for the summer that are breathable?

What golf shoes are the most comfortable?

Recommendations for good waterproof golf shoes

Call me literally insane, but i jog a lot on the golf course. What shoes should I wear?

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What elements of the shoes are adaptable to foot types?

Golfers with wide and flat feet are in a state of acceptance that:

1. It’s very difficult to find something that works and…
2. … When they do it won’t be attractive

Common Questions

Anyone with experience and/or suggestions for shoes for golfers with flat feet?

Flat-footed golfers of /r/golf, what golf shoe recommendations do you have?

Best golf shoes for those with wide feet? Especially in the toe area.

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*A value of 100 is the peak popularity for the term. A value of 50 means that the term is half as popular. A score of 0 means there was not enough data for this term. 

Videos featuring the keywords “golf AND outfit” posted on TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, and Facebook from July 2022 to June 2023. Instagram views not available at this time.