What Are Golf Shoes Made Of?

Good, old-fashioned cowhide - better known as leather - has always been and probably always will be the king of golf shoe materials. But it's not the only game in town.

As R&D departments continue to push for cost-effective, high-performing alternatives, shoe manufacturers regularly roll out new products made with the latest and greatest synthetics, polymers and hybrid fabrics. These include microfiber, mesh and, yes, faux leather. If you like your shoes to make a statement, there's always exotic-animal route.

Here's a look at the different materials used to build golf shoe uppers - the top covering and most visible part of the shoe.

Leather

There's a reason for leather's lasting popularity. Actually, there are several reasons. For starters, it's highly breathable, waterproof, stretch-resistant, snug-fitting and forever fashionable. It's also available in a variety of surfaces and styles, including:

Full-grain leather - If you'd rather not splurge for calfskin, full-grain is the next-best thing. Made from the top layer of cowhide, it's waterproof, comfortable and often specially tanned for a lovely finish.

Nubuck (or nubuc) - The term for full-grain leather that's been buffed for a suede or napped look. Nubuck is waterproof and boasts added durability and flexibility, although it requires special care to maintain its distinctive surface and feel.

Oil-tanned nubuck - Treated to impart a distressed or lived-in look, oil-tanned nubuck sometimes features surface "blemishes" to enhance its casual appearance

Synthetic leather

The primary benefits to the fake stuff? It's cheaper and easier to maintain than the real thing. On the other hand, affordability comes at a price. Synthetic leather lacks the waterproof qualities and breathability of genuine cowhide, and may cause overheated feet when it's warm or you're walking the course.

Synthetic leather's biggest drawback might be its appearance, plus the stigma attached to the wearer, if you (or your snobby friends) are into that sort of thing.

Microfiber

This silky substance is everywhere these days, most notably in cleaning cloths. Microfiber, as you might expect, is ultra-lightweight and flexible, and allows air to pass through nicely. In other words, a great choice for the walking golfer. It's also purported not to stretch like leather.

Microfiber golf shoes are generally quite affordable, too.

Mesh

Another lightweight fabric with similar qualities to microfiber, mesh is often combined with a second material, such as synthetic leather, in building athletic-type golf togs. Again, you may sacrifice a bit in the style department, but you'll have a few more bucks to spend on balls and gloves.

Exotic materials

For those who want to really stand out, but prefer to skip the loud plaid pants, there are golf shoes made from all sorts of beasts and critters. Sharks, alligators, snakes, lizards and ostriches are among those supplying skins to the cause of golf shoe fashion.