Shoe Fitting The Professional Way3 min read

6 Simple Steps to Ensure Your Clients Get the Best Fit Possible

“Why is it important to have correctly fitted golf shoes?” You may ask yourself.

Given the fact that 70% of golfers are wearing shoes that are not best fit for them, it would appear that many individuals are not sure of the answer or misinformed in the process, giving a potential opportunity for PGA Pros to leverage.

The simple yet key answer to the above question is that it can lead to a loss of power in your clients’ golf swings of up to 26% and can cause discomfort during the round impeding the performance of the golf shoes. The life of the golf shoes may also be compromised, all of which could result in negative feedback from clients.

FootJoy offers the most size, width and last options to ensure golfers can find the best fitting golf shoes and with the custom MYJOYS programme (www.myjoys.co.uk) individuals can currently choose from a vast variety of sizes – never mind the styling possibilities!

With this many options to choose from the guidelines below and shown in the video alongside this article can ensure that your clients have the best possible fit during their shoe fitting and come away with shoes that will benefit them and their games:

https://youtu.be/tGudvdVPnNs

1. Use a Brannock

The Brannock Device has been the shoe fitting standard for over 70 years. This device measures heel to toe length, arch length, and width providing a comprehensive starting point to the fitting process. It is vitally important that you take a seat whilst being measured otherwise you may end up with shoes that are too big. This measurement is just the starting point of the fitting and should be treated simply as a guide.

2. Wear proper socks

Make sure your customers wear socks that are of a similar thickness and quality that they normally play golf in.

3. Measure both feet

And fit to the largest. Most people have slight differences between the left and right feet. If the difference is greater than 1 whole size or 2 sizes in width then different size left and right shoes may be needed (they can be ordered through the MYJOYS programme).

4. Check the width

Most people believe they are medium width, but in reality 40% are not. Use the Brannock Device to measure this and fitting clues may show for shoes that are too wide/big – the eyelets of the shoe are almost touching, whereas, shoes that are too narrow/small – the eyelets are too wide apart. The eyelets should be approximately 5/8” – about the width of your thumb. This is known as the “rule of thumb”.

5. Ensure a snug fit

Golf shoes should have a snug feel but not tight. Excess movement of your foot inside the golf shoe can lead to a loss of power in the golf swing, can cause blistered feet due to frictional movement and excess wear to the golf shoe itself.

6. ‘Last’ but not least

The shape of a golf shoe depends on the characteristics of the Last. The LAST, originally made of wood and now made of composite plastics, is the form of the foot around which the shoe is shaped. Last characteristics vary based on the goals of the shoe’s fit and appearance. FootJoy offers a variety of lasts for men and women. When considering a shoe’s fit, consider the characteristics of the Last to further aid the fitting process.