Are they necessary? I usually walk so I was going to wear some cross trainers but I wouldn't mind buying some shoes if they were helpful. Also any recommendations. I was thinking about buying a pair of nike ones that are on sale? Thanks.

Personally, I think the importance of good golf shoes is overlooked and understated. The pros who have to walk every round usually wear only the best quality shoes. Footjoy Classic Tours are still my favorite although I have been wearing my Adidas Tour Metals alot more these days. Spend the bucks and don't comprimise on fit!

I would say yes, they are necessary. I couldnt play in sneakers, I would feel funny. Golf shoes give you the necessary traction you need to keep your body stable on shots. I would say look into the new Nike SHOX golf shoe if you walk alot.
I am partial to footjoy, I dont walk that much, I like the classic look.
Dont cheap out on your shoes, they are an important piece of equipment.
AJS

Two points on why they matter. If you play in the early morning (i.e. dew sweeper) you will appreciate the traction when the course is still wet. Also, when playing 36, as I am tomorrow, my Adidas Tour 360s are the most comfortable shoes that I have ever worn. If only my running shoes were as comfortable.

I don't think I could play without them. They keep your feet much more stable than standard tennis shoes. I've got a pair of 360's and SP-8 TW Tour and they are very comfortable. I also just ordered a pair of SP-7 TW tours from TGW for $69.88. Hope they will be pretty comfortable as well, and at a good price. I normally prefer to walk also and comfortable shoes are a must.

Bill3508

They provide great comfort, and IMO are a basic nessisity in golf.

Golf shoes are needed. They connect you to the ground, and the basic rule of thumb for the swing is that the swing starts "from the ground up". So now that that's established, the higher end Footjoy's are VERY comfortable, and the Nike SP line is excellent, especially Tiger's line.

Wearing footjoys, though I do sometimes wear Cross Trainers if I am at the range.

There's nothing like Footjoy Classics. They mold to your feet and just feel great. The best way I could describe them is for people that snow ski, its like renting a pair of ski boots versus owning your own. The ones you own just fit.

I had a two month period where I was without them (the soles were being recobbled, just like a fine dress shoe). I had to play in a pair of Dryjoys that I had previous to the Classics. There was no comparison. I felt like I had a much more stable platform with the Classics. I prefer the Dry Premeire to the Tours, though they are heavier. I now have 4 pairs of them.

Also a plus for the Classics is that they last forever. You can get them recobbled with a new sole every so often. Its not cheap to do ($125), but you basically have your old broken-in pair back that fit your feet and they look brand new, after Footjoy recobbles and refurbishes the upper leathers.

The Classic is handmade and handstitched. Try doing that with your Adidas 360's or Nike SP-8's.