The 5 worst kinds of footwear for disc golf

Shoes.

If there’s anything I’m unqualified to cover, it’s footwear. I’m not one of those “sneakerhead” types who drops half a paycheck on whatever Kanye West has attached to his hooves that week.

What I am, however, is a disc golfer – and a disc golfer who drags his toe like an NFL wide receiver, at that. So while my footwear might not have me earning an invite to Fashion Week in Milan, I’m at least in the know about what’s NOT going to work out on the disc golf course.

Take notes, kiddos.

1. Barefoot

Quick question:

Are you tired of that big toenail of yours?

If so, THIS option is for you.

It’ll remove it.

Otherwise, put something over your feet to keep ‘em safe: Ziploc bags, Kleenex boxes, paint buckets, etc. Incredibly, for a piece about ineffective footwear in disc golf, I’m openly admitting that – whether intended for feet or not – virtually any object on earth is better than going natural.

And yes, for as silly as it sounds, given disc golf’s hippie background, you’ll occasionally stumble upon somebody passing on shoes to better “connect with Mother Earth” or some such nonsense. You have your agency. As such, you’re free to do as you see best fit for your game.

Slice it any way you like …

This is dumb.

2. Running shoes

Of the items on this list, this is the only one that sees some actual action on the Pro Tour. The most famous rocker of running shoes is none other than Calvin Heimburg. More specifically, he’s big on the Nike Flyknit Racers. They’re awful on the twist a backhand produces …

Click here to see for yourself.

As witnessed, there’s no ankle support of any kind. And I’m not just talking about Vinny’s Flyknits, either. By design, running shoes are lightweight, offer zero ankle support and breathe. This is great for putting miles into your legs, but horrible for the grind of a round of disc golf.

Queue the Nicolas Cage memes …

‘Cause these puppies will be gone in 60 seconds.

3. Boots in general

Can you believe this is even a topic of conversation?

ANY kind of boot is a monstrosity in disc golf:

• Rain boots.
• Combat boots.
• Cowboy boots.
• Steel-toed boots.

Personally, I’ve never encountered someone bold enough to show up for a round of disc golf wearing any of the above. I have, however, attempted to wear snow boots in an inch or two of the white stuff. Throwing in the snow isn’t ideal to begin with, but you’re better off working a pair of waterproof hiking shoes into the rotation, as boots act as a straitjacket for the feet.

Disc golf might not be the most physical of endeavors, but the (literal) grind that takes place between your feet and a slab of concrete at the start of every hole is both athletic and violent.

You need the right shoes.

Boots don’t allow for enough movement.

4. Sandals of any kind

I love Crocs.

They’re not for disc golf.

Click here for an in-depth analysis of such a stupid topic.

Crocs are trendy right now, but other sandals are also not recommended: Tevas, Chacos, soccer slides, etc. Sandals are better than going barefoot, but not by much. You might be able to get away with it on a nine-hole pitch-and-putt with nothing but grass teepads, but serious golf?

Laces required.

5. Footwear you want to keep nice

Outside of “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” for Nintendo 64, I have no experience with skateboarding. From what I’ve been told, the sport’s one that shreds (shoes) like a shady accountant’s secretary. While I can’t speak to real-life skateboarding, I’m all too familiar with what disc golf does …

It’s ugly.

So your Yeezys, Air Jordans and Chuck Taylors? Yes, we’d all be very impressed to see them on your footsies, but for your sake, leave ‘em at home. They’re for turning heads – not turnovers.

* Honorable Mention: Shoes that separate the toes from each other are grounds for bullying.

So, footwear-wise, what does work?

I’ll delve deeper into this in a future post. But for now, you’re looking for shoes with a durable sole and toe that can handle incessant grinding and twisting. Cross-trainers are a popular choice, as they’re comfortable like running shoes, but far tougher. Low- or high-top hiking shoes work nicely. And wouldn’t you know it, many disc golfers swear by skateboarding shoes, as well.

Vans and the like.

Whatever you do, avoid the above five options …

They won’t work.

Have anything to add? Take to X to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

Editor’s Suggestions:

• 5 ways to salvage a trash round of casual disc golf
• Disc golf: 5 of the best things you can get in a player’s pack
• Gripe No. 52: The disc golfer who throws multiple drives off every tee

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