How To Replace Golf Shoe Spikes : Tools, Tips & Fast Steps

Are you worried about how to replace golf shoe spikes?  If yes, you are really looking for a way to remove & replace golf shoe spikes, or add new spikes to your golf shoes- worry no more. We have brought you a step-by-step guide on how to remove spikes from golf shoes and then replace them with new ones. There are various reasons why someone would want to remove or replace the cleats on the outsole of their shoes.

One of the most significant reasons for doing this is because your shoes start losing traction and can be a hazard for slipping on wet terrain. Removing and replacing the cleats on your golf shoes will allow for a whole new stability and grip on the course so that you can enjoy optimal performance during your golf time.

Here is a detailed process of how you can remove spikes from the golf shoes and then how to replace them with new cleats. Let’s dive right into it.

 

Before you go ahead with gathering your tools and removing the spikes on your golf shoes, it’s for the best that you assess what kind of spikes your shoes have. Confirming the type of spikes your shoes have will make your job easier because not all cleats on the shoes are replaceable. So, it’s safer to confirm before causing any permanent damage to the shoe and then moving ahead with the process.

Even if your golf shoes have removable spikes, there are different types of spikes that go on golf shoes, so it is important to check their type too. Spending money on the wrong spikes or forcefully installing the wrong spikes to your shoes will do more harm than good. Installing the wrong type of cleats can damage the spot where the cleats are inserted.

Moreover, it can leave the cleats halfway without any way of pushing them to fit into their place.  A quick check before you do anything else can save you both time and money and ensure a much smoother process of removing spikes from the golf shoes.

Spikes used on golf shoes are categorized into three different categories and you will only need a minute to determine which system do your shoes have. When you flip your shoe over and see small circular ports with internal ridges, it means that the cleats on your shoes are replaceable. However, if the outsole of the golf shoes has moulded patterns for grip, it means the spikes are not replaceable. The replaceable spikes have two types: soft spikes and hard spikes, which are usually made from metal or ceramic. 

If you can’t tell which type of spikes your shoes have, you can just look up the model of your shoes and see the specifications on the brand’s or seller’s website.

Now that you have figured out the type of your golf shoes’ spikes, you can get on with gathering all the tools. In this case, there is only one tool that you will be needing and that is a spike wrench. It is also called a cleat tool or a spike key and they are usually available with most golf shoe models that carry replaceable spikes. However, if you misplace yours, you can easily find a new one at a very reasonable price on Amazon.com

Here are a few other items that you should have ready along with the spike wrench that is suitable for your cleat system:

1. Correct replacement of the spikes for your specific model or brand
2. Warm water
3. Stiff brush for cleaning the threads
4. A soft cloth to place the shoe on

One of the most common mistakes that most golfers make is buying the spikes without checking if they are the right fit for their shoes. Cleats are not universal and have different models for different types of golf shoes. So, make sure that you are getting the right type of cleats for your golf shoe model. The name of the cleats is mentioned on them or the documentation of the shoes. Some of the most famous brands of golf shoes have the following cleat systems. Let’s have a look:

Which spike system you require, you can easily find them online or at an outlet store. The replacement spikes are sold by their system names, and sometimes you have to carefully find the right cleat type. This is because a cleat system can have multiple cleat types, such as firm and metallic spikes for extra grip and soft rubber spikes for more versatile traction on soft and firm ground.

Now it is time to remove the old spikes from the outsoles of your shoes. You can start off by placing the shoes upside down on a soft cloth and making sure that it is on a flat surface. Next, make sure that your spike wrench latches onto the notches of the cleats successfully. Then apply some force and carefully rotate the wrench anticlockwise to loosen each cleat. It’s best if you work through the cleats in a consistent pattern instead of going at it randomly.

If you notice that your spikes are stuck and won’t budge no matter how hard you try, it’s because the spikes are too old. Their exposure to water and mud has bonded them too tightly to the insert threads, which is why they are hard to budge. In that case, you can soak the outsoles of your golf shoes in warm water for a few minutes. This will soften up any debris that has compacted and is stuck in the insert threads. Now, you can apply some pressure, but make it controlled and steady so that you don’t snap the insert because of too much pressure.

You can repeat this process without rushing until you have removed all the cleats. Doing this step carefully will keep the inserts in good condition for a longer time.

Note: If you notice that the insert itself has started to spin instead of the spike, stop right there. You can use a small flathead screwdriver to hold the insert in its place from the inside of the shoe.

Once you have taken out all the spikes from their inserts, it’s time to clean the insert threads before adding the new spikes. You can dip the stiff brush in warm water and then use that to clean each insert thread carefully. The wet bristles of the brush will take out all the compacted dirt and debris. Once you have cleaned all the ports, you can use the soft cloth to dry any excess moisture that is sitting on the sole. If any moisture remains trapped in the ports, it will cause the new spikes to corrode and damage prematurely.

Inserts often feel loose, and this is one of the most common problems that people face when removing the spikes. If you feel that the insert has come loose or is spinning freely, it means the insert will need to be replaced because the threading has been damaged. You can get it fixed from your local cobbler or a golf shop where they will add a new insert and you won’t have to replace the whole shoe.

Tip: If debris in the threads keeps blocking our inserts, you must apply some petroleum jelly to them after fitting. This will minimize the build-up of debris.

Now it is time to fit the new spikes in the inserts. You should always start fitting each spike by hand first for correct alignment. Because if the alignment isn’t correct, it is easier to detect it if you are fitting the spike by hand. Once you notice slight resistance after fitting the spike clockwise, you can tighten it in its port using the tool and applying some pressure. Make sure you don’t rush it and end up damaging the insert. Following this trick will ensure that there is no damage to the insert, no risk of cross-threading, and no waste of time.

Once you have tightened each spike by hand, you can use the spike wrench to really fit it into its place. Each cleat will require a quarter to half turn further to be perfectly in place. You can tell if a spike is fitted correctly if it doesn’t move when pressed and sits flush against the sole of the shoe. Make sure that you don’t overtighten the spikes because it will damage the insert threads and make it harder for you to remove the spikes when you need to replace them again.

Tip: The best way to go with tightening the spikes is by working them diagonally instead of going randomly or cleat by cleat. This distributes the pressure evenly, and the spikes get correct alignment easily. After fitting all the cleats, you can give each cleat a firm thumb press and if it moves, shifts, or rotates even slightly, you can tighten it a little more for a snug fit.

Protecting and cleaning the spikes of your golf shoes is an important step of taking care of your shoes. Spikes collect a lot on the course and you have to make sure that the dirt and debris don’t sit for too long. If you don’t clean the outsoles and cleats of your shoes regularly or after every game, they will wear out faster. Proper maintenance of these shoes and the spikes can ensure a longer lifespan of the shoe. An end-of-round maintenance routine of your shoes takes only a few minutes and can extend the lifespan of your spikes and shoes significantly.

1. Brush off the mud and grass
2. Repeat for every cleat
3. Rinse with cold water if the mud is too much
4. Air dry the shoe fully before storing

Cleaning the spikes is one thing, but you should also be able to tell when your spikes need replacing. If your spikes start to feel more rounded and blunt instead of being sharp and pointy, it means the cleats need to be replaced. You can also tell if the spikes need replacement when your shoe starts slipping on wet surfaces. Some spikes also develop cracks when they are totally worn and that can be another sign that the spikes should be replaced.

Ideally, you should check the condition of your spikes before each visit to the course. This will help you detect the problem on time without costing you your performance or safety. Usually, spikes should be replaced after 15 to 20 rounds for best results.

Tip: You can run your thumb across the surface of the cleats and check how sharp they feel and if they need to be replaced before your next game.

Taking proper care of your golf shoe spikes is essential for their optimal performance. If you bought the spiked golf shoes for their higher athletic performance, you have to ensure their upkeep to enjoy the benefits. Checking the shoes regularly and replacing the spikes on time can help maintain steady performance on the course.

Moreover, this will also save you money and you won’t have to replace the shoes every few months. All you have to do is keep an eye out for when the spikes should be replaced and clean them after every round for the best results and a longer lifespan of the shoes.

How Do I Know Which Spike System My Shoes Have?

Each golf shoe has a different spike system. There are a variety of spike systems available with different designs. Checking the spike system of your shoes is very important because overlooking this will lead to losing money and time. You can check the outsole of your shoe and compare the spikes to the various designs like Tri-Lok, Slim-Lok, or Fast-Twist. You can also check the documentation of the shoes or look up the model of your golf shoes and see the description.

Which Tools Do I Need to Remove and Replace Spikes From My Golf Shoes?

There are a few tools that you will need to remove the spikes and replace them efficiently. Firstly, you need a spike wrench that is compatible with the cleats or spike system of your shoes. You will also need a stiff brush and a soft cloth to secure the shoe on a stable surface.

How Often Do I Need to Replace My Golf Shoe Cleats?

The cleats of your golf shoes usually need to be replaced every 15-20 rounds. If you want to stay ahead of the damage, you can check the outsoles and spikes of your shoes after every game. This will help you assess the condition of your spikes and you can replace them on time.

How to Ensure Proper Maintenance of the Golf Shoe Cleats?

To keep your golf shoe cleats in good condition and ensure their maintenance, you can clean them after every round. This will extend the lifespan of the shoes and keep them from wearing out prematurely. You can use a brush to remove mud, dirt, and debris from the outsoles. You can also wash the outsoles with cold water if you notice the dirt is too much. Make sure to let the shoes dry off completely before you store them.