The biomechanics of the game of Golf demands intricate movements in the lower limb. Good foot action is the mark of an accomplished golfer.
Make your feet an asset, not a liability, to your golf game. "Lively Feet are critical to a successful golf game” – GOLF LEGEND JACK NICKLAUS.
For the swing mechanics, maintenance of proper foot alignment and biomechanics of the physical structure plays a crucial part for an ideal golf swing. Even a minor mal-alignment or irritating callus, corn or blister can impede timing and balance to the point where it's reflected on the scorecard at the end of the day.
The Golf Shoes once driven by fashion, today the shoes are constructed using basic principles of athletic footwear incorporated with advanced technological innovations. If a round of golf is painful on the feet, first assess the quality of your shoes. When buying shoes, go by what your feet advice and not friend.
- Don't buy shoes, just provide ‘Comfort’ to your feet
- Make sure the shoes fit well by length x width x height and provide optimum support, stability and control.
- It's best to shop for them in the afternoon even better after the game of golf when the feet are slightly swollen.
- Try on shoes with the same socks you'll wear on the course.
- Tie both left and right shoes tightly and walk around your store or pro shop a few minutes before deciding on a brand and model. For the foot that is not able to function normally due to biomechanical conditions such as excessive pronation (rolling in) or supination (rolling out), a state of optimal biomechanics can be achieved through customized orthotic insoles prescribed and dispensed by physician sports podiatrist to ensure injury, pain and fatigue free perfect game of golf.
In order to craft the customized orthotic insoles, a detailed assessment of the player’s physical structure in three planes and muscular skeleton balances is essential. Based on the findings, the following points are taken into the account to excel the “Well Played Game of Golf”.
1. Flexibility to allow the foot’s dynamic function, including pronation / supination, medial lateral movement, heel lift, and foot rotation
2. Appropriate fit to the feet and within the shoe to reduce slippage during downswing and ball impact
3. Full-length to reduce the translation of the foot within the shoe and potentially enhance accuracy and speed
4. A textured top cover of the Orthotic to improve the coefficient of friction on the plantar surface of the foot interface and potentially enhance proprioceptive input and balance
5. To address the variable demands on the foot during the golf swing and while ambulating on the course
6. Wedging laterally to reduce varus force at the knee in golfers with medial knee pathology
7. Composed of light weight material to allow redistribution of force in the forefoot, to reduce fatigue associated with long periods of repetitive weight bearing and load shifting.
"All timing, distance, and direction comes out of the lower body with the feet leading the way," - GOLF LEGEND JACK NICKLAUS.