But something that you must be sure not to overlook is comfort. Comfort isn’t just important when you buy slippers and leisure clothes. It is, perhaps, even MORE important when it comes to purchasing women’s golf shoes. There are a number of reasons that comfort is important for golfing, and a number of things you should look for in a pair of shoes to make sure they deliver.

Most obviously, you want shoes that will be ‘kind’ to your feet. If you get shoes that are made of a cheap material, or are poorly constructed, or don’t fit your feet just right, there is a good chance that you will end up with blisters by the end of your game (if not sooner). Even just taking a swing can be awkward when you are favoring sore spots of your feet, let alone walking nine or eighteen holes. Make sure your womens golf shoes do not rub or irritate your skin in any way. (And no, “They just need to be broken in” is not a good excuse. If they don’t feel good now, they won’t feel good later.)

But there is another aspect to comfort besides just the skin itself. Good womens golf shoes are supportive. They support parts as small as the arch of your feet, but they don’t stop there. Properly cushioned yet firm golfing shoes provide a solid and healthy base for your legs and spine as well. From your knee joints to the stiffness of your neck, a good pair of women’s golfing shoes can make an amazing difference in how well your body feels and performs on the course.

So yes, consider style when selecting shoes to golf in, but don’t stop there. Comfort is important, and gives an indication of how body-friendly your shoes are. Keep blister-free feet and good posture with supportive, well-made, well-fitting golf shoes. You’ll be glad you took the time to make the right choice.

But now, there are some fresh new designs that really open up the world of golf shoes for women, and offer some choices between styles that are fun and allow more versatility and comfort for women with different styles and who play in different climates.

The difference is not just style, but overall structure. Womens golf shoes now come in sandal and boot form (as do men’s), as well as classic designed shoes and contemporary designed shoes (such as athletic sneaker style, but with golf bottoms).

Womens golf sandals are made specifically for women who play in warmer climates. Traditional golf shoes can provide plenty of comfort and support, but when you play on a warm course under the hot sun, your feet are likely to sweat. This can cause blisters as well as general discomfort. Sandals designed specifically for golf are a great alternative. They give the same amount of support and traction and are designed to fit securely to the foot (which maintains stability), yet give more ‘breathing room’ to the wearer.

On the other end of the spectrum, those who play in cooler climates may want to have a pair of golf boots on hand. No, these are not big snow boots or galoshes. They are simply golf shoes designed to be more sturdy and more resistant to moisture and temperature. If you play golf in a temperate zone that is cooler for longer portions of the year, or if you often go out in the morning before the sun is high and when dew still clings to the fairway, these might be fore you.

Whether you play in hot climates, cold climates, or something in between, there are plenty of women’s golf shoes available to help you find exactly the best pair for you.

Why spikes? Golf spikes originated to help give traction to your stance. It’s important to have a solid stance, feet planted confidently. But something like wet grass can easily disrupt this, causing a shift in your swing and, generally, an unfavorable result in the outcome of your stroke. Enter metal golf spikes. They protrude down into the turf, solidifying a sturdy stance for the golf swing.

For years, these golf spikes were made of metal, in both men’s and womens golf shoes. But now, with manufacturing techniques improving dramatically over the past twenty years, soft spikes have made a huge surge. These shoes offer similar traction but do far less damage than metal spikes, and are easier to wear and maintain. (They also sound far more pleasant when walking on asphalt). They are also great for those that like to walk and don’t always ride a golf cart.

There are also a number of womens golf shoes that are spike-less. These are specially designed to provide optimum traction without damaging the green, which is one of the reasons that metal spikes were replace with plastic spikes as well. While these spikes to provide grip to the golfer, they do considerable damage to the surface of the golf course, which has a negative affect on all golfers who play there.

So, if you’re in the market for a set of new women’s golf shoes, you’ll need to decide whether you’re getting spikes or not, and if you are, whether they will be metal or plastic. Many courses do not allow metal spikes, so make sure you know your course’s rules before you purchase a new pair of shoes. And most importantly, try them on to make sure you’re comfortable with whatever you are getting.

With so many factors at play, it can be hard to know which pair to select. Take it one step at a time. First, you’ll want to determine whether or not you want spike bottomed golf shoes. Spikes on the shoes are a classic way of maintaining a solid stance for your swing. Traditionally, spikes were made of metal. But anymore, spikes are almost always hard rubber or durable plastic. Most golf courses now have rules against metal spikes, so if you do choose spikes make sure they are allowed on the courses you frequent.

Style is another important factor. Will you be choosing more traditional womens golf shoes, in the saddle shoe or wing-tip style? Or will you go with a more contemporary look? From canvas to leather to modern athletic style, there is a very wide range of styles available today.

Make sure, as with spikes, to check on your golf course’s rules for shoes. Some upscale courses have rules barring athletic shoes. This may have to do with the molded rubber soles these shoes have, but it may also have to do with style and appearance of prestige. In, shoes that look too much like “street” shoes, even if they are made specifically for golf, may not be the best option.

Then there is size. As with any other shoe, you need womens golf shoes that fit you correctly. Too loose can make the shoe flop on your foot and cause you to stumble. Too tight can pinch and constrict your feet. Any size at the wrong cut can give you blisters. None of these are good, so try on shoes before you buy them.

And finally, price and brand. There are a number of brands out there selling women’s golf shoes, and because they are athletic, most of them are somewhat expensive. Try on first to make sure the price is worth it. When you find the right pair, enjoy them!