Softspikes continued its remarkable run at the highest level of professional golf after the winner of the U.S. Open claimed victory at Shinnecock Hills wearing replaceable spikes.
The champion secured a second U.S. Open title by a single stroke while competing in FootJoy shoes fitted with Softspikes’ ProStinger traction system, extending a run that has now seen the winner of 24 consecutive PGA Tour events wear spikes.
The result means Softspikes has maintained a perfect record across major championships in 2026, with the winners of every men’s and women’s major contested so far this season choosing replaceable traction. The success follows a similarly dominant 2025 campaign, when all four men’s major champions also wore Softspikes.
Performance at Shinnecock Hills highlighted the continued popularity of replaceable spikes among the world’s best players. According to Softspikes, 45 of the top 52 finishers opted for replaceable spikes rather than spikeless or tennis-inspired footwear.
“Major championships expose every part of a player’s game, and Shinnecock Hills provided exactly the type of test where control, balance and confidence underfoot become critical,” said Joe Henderson, President of Softspikes.
“To see the U.S. Open champion win wearing ProStinger, and to have 45 of the top 52 finishers choosing replaceable Softspikes over spikeless and tennis-style shoes, is another powerful statement for the category.
“Twenty-four consecutive PGA Tour weeks with the winner wearing spikes is a remarkable run, but when you add in every men’s and women’s major championship contested so far this season, following all four men’s majors in 2025, the evidence becomes impossible to ignore. At the highest level of golf, the evidence continues to show that spikes are not a preference, they are a performance choice.”
The latest victory adds further momentum to a season in which replaceable traction has featured consistently across professional leaderboards.
Softspikes also believes the success story presents an opportunity for retailers to educate consumers on the importance of maintaining traction. While tour players routinely change spikes to suit conditions, many club golfers continue to overlook the effect worn spikes can have on stability and consistency. The company recommends replacing spikes every 15 rounds to ensure optimum performance.
For more information visit softspikes.co.uk
