GDO Survey Report: Does Golf Depend on Your 'Feet'? Nearly All Golfers Feel the Effect of Shoes
A survey conducted by Golf Digest Online (GDO) among 6,320 club members revealed that golf shoes significantly impact fatigue reduction (96.6%) and swing stability (87%), with 64% feeling an impact on their scores. Functionality, especially comfort, is prioritized over fashion and price.
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- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 20:10
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (17h 29m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 02:48 (493h 9m after Collected)
Golf Digest Online Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Shinya Ishizaka; hereinafter GDO) conducted a survey on golf shoes, receiving responses from 6,320 GDO club members.
**[Key Findings of the Survey]**
- Almost all respondents said golf shoes affect fatigue reduction.
- 87% felt an impact on swing stability, and 64% felt an impact on scores.
- Higher-scoring golfers prioritize functionality more when choosing shoes.
### **1. Golf Shoes Strongly Contribute to "Fatigue Reduction"**
96.6% feel the impact on fatigue reduction.
In this survey, regarding the impact of golf shoes on "fatigue reduction," 69.2% answered "very influential," and including those who answered "somewhat influential," almost all respondents felt the impact.
Among foot-related concerns, "gets tired easily" was the most common at 41.3%. Foot fatigue is a concern for golfers.
Regarding factors sought in shoes, 81.9% prioritize "functionality" over "fashionability." The most important point was "comfort" at 32.6%, significantly surpassing price (15.0%) and design (11.2%).
### **2. Approximately 90% Answered That They "Affect Swing Stability"**
Regarding the impact on swing, about 87% of respondents answered "very influential" or "somewhat influential" concerning stability, showing a very high number.
Regarding the impact on scores, "very influential" or "somewhat influential" accounted for 64% of the total, suggesting that many golfers recognize the possibility of scores changing due to shoes.
Golfers feel the impact not only on physical aspects like "fatigue reduction" but also on technical and results-oriented aspects.
**[Key Findings of the Survey]**
- Almost all respondents said golf shoes affect fatigue reduction.
- 87% felt an impact on swing stability, and 64% felt an impact on scores.
- Higher-scoring golfers prioritize functionality more when choosing shoes.
### **1. Golf Shoes Strongly Contribute to "Fatigue Reduction"**
96.6% feel the impact on fatigue reduction.
In this survey, regarding the impact of golf shoes on "fatigue reduction," 69.2% answered "very influential," and including those who answered "somewhat influential," almost all respondents felt the impact.
Among foot-related concerns, "gets tired easily" was the most common at 41.3%. Foot fatigue is a concern for golfers.
Regarding factors sought in shoes, 81.9% prioritize "functionality" over "fashionability." The most important point was "comfort" at 32.6%, significantly surpassing price (15.0%) and design (11.2%).
### **2. Approximately 90% Answered That They "Affect Swing Stability"**
Regarding the impact on swing, about 87% of respondents answered "very influential" or "somewhat influential" concerning stability, showing a very high number.
Regarding the impact on scores, "very influential" or "somewhat influential" accounted for 64% of the total, suggesting that many golfers recognize the possibility of scores changing due to shoes.
Golfers feel the impact not only on physical aspects like "fatigue reduction" but also on technical and results-oriented aspects.