The spike has to match the receptacle it screws into. Take one old spike out, look at the hole it leaves, and find that shape in the table. Then buy spikes made for that system. Brands change systems from one model and year to the next, so the sole is the reliable clue, not the shoe's name.
The ChartReceptacle systems, spike lines and clicks
| System | What the receptacle looks like | Which spike lines fit | Clicks when tightening (turn clockwise) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Twist 3.0 (earlier name: Tour Lock) | Part of the Fast Twist family: a single, centred metal post with a visible internal thread. Lower profile. | Fast Twist 3.0 spikes. They also fit Tour Lock and Slim-LOK receptacles, and Fast Twist or Tri-LOK. | 1 additional click |
| Slim-LOK | Low profile. | Spikes with the FT3 or Tour Lock design. Also compatible with Fast Twist and Tri-LOK spikes. | 1 additional click |
| Fast Twist / Tri-LOK | Fast Twist family: a single, centred metal post with a visible internal thread. Locking posts hold the spike in place. | Fast Twist or Tri-LOK spikes. FT3 spikes fit these too. | 2 additional clicks |
| PINS | Shallower and thinner than a Fast Twist receptacle, with fine threads wrapping around the inside of a small opening. Lower profile than the older systems. | PINS spikes. | 3 clicks |
| Q-LOK | No central thread. Two open slots that look like rounded triangles, part of a triangular locking system. | Q-LOK spikes. | 1 click |
| Small Metal Thread | A threaded opening that the spike twists into. | Small Metal Thread spikes. | No click: turn until flush with the sole; do not over-tighten |
| Large Plastic Thread | A threaded opening that the spike twists into. The oldest form of insert system. | Large Plastic Thread spikes. | Not listed |
Source: Softspikes, Inserts and Install Instructions pages. The look of the Fast Twist family, Q-LOK and PINS receptacles is from Caddie HQ, How to Tell Which Spikes Are on Your Golf Shoes.
The three shapes to look for
Most soles come down to one of three looks. Start with the sketch, then confirm in the table.
If your sole shows none of these, or the shapes look close but you are not sure, use the Softspikes Spike Replacement Guide, which the maker calls the default resource for finding out what insert system your shoe has. You can also photograph the sole and the empty receptacle and show it to a golf shop or your course pro.
Using itHow to use this finder
1. Take one spike out. Clean around it first with a stiff brush or a golf tee so the wrench grips. Turn it counter-clockwise, then clear the dirt from the receptacle.
2. Look at the hole. A single centred post with a thread points to the Fast Twist family. Two rounded triangular slots with no central thread point to Q-LOK. A shallow, thin opening with fine threads inside points to PINS.
3. Read across the table. The spike lines in the third column are the ones made for that receptacle. Note the click count in the fourth column for when you install.
4. Buy for the system, then check the pack. Confirm the spike matches your shoe's receptacles before you buy a full set. The same shoe brand can use different systems on different models and years, so a brand name on its own is not enough.
Doing itHow to change golf spikes
- Remove each old spike with a Softspikes Cleat Ripper or Xtractor wrench, turning counter-clockwise until it comes out.
- Clear any debris from the receptacle.
- Confirm the new spikes match your shoe's receptacles.
- Fit the spike with a Tour Wrench or 2-Prong Insertion Wrench and turn it clockwise to lock it.
- Keep turning until it clicks the number of times in the table: 1 additional click for Fast Twist 3.0, Tour Lock and Slim-LOK; 2 for Fast Twist and Tri-LOK; 3 for PINS; 1 for Q-LOK. For Small Metal Thread, turn until the cleat is flush with the sole and do not over-tighten.
Source: Softspikes, Install Instructions page. Cleaning tip: Caddie HQ.
Do not force a spike in. If it will not seat, check for dirt or a stone in the receptacle, and check that the spike matches the system.
How often to change them
The maker suggests checking your spikes after every 15 to 20 rounds. Most avid golfers should change plastic spikes twice per season. Spikes in some parts of a shoe wear faster than others, so look at the bottom of the shoes now and then to keep your traction.
Source: Softspikes, FAQs page.
Watch forCommon mistakes
Forcing a spike into the wrong receptacle. The maker warns that the wrong cleat in a mismatched receptacle can permanently damage the receptacle. Stop and check the system before you push.
Going by the shoe brand. Brands do not stick to one system, and the system can change with the model and the year. The receptacle in your own sole is the answer.
Treating similar-looking holes as the same. A central thread, two triangular slots and a shallow thin thread are three different systems with different spikes and different click counts.
Over-tightening threaded spikes. The Small Metal Thread spike goes in until it sits flush with the sole. Stop there.
Mixing up the clicks. One system clicks once, another twice, another three times. Look up your system before you tighten, and see the spikeless vs spiked guide if you are still deciding whether spikes are for you.
FAQQuick answers
How do I know which spikes fit my golf shoes?
Look at the receptacle in the sole. A single, centred threaded post is the Fast Twist family, two rounded triangular slots is Q-LOK, and a shallow thin opening with fine threads is PINS. Then buy spikes made for that system. If you cannot tell, the Softspikes Spike Replacement Guide lets you look up the system for a shoe.
Can I put any spike in any golf shoe?
No. The spike has to match the receptacle. The maker warns that the wrong cleat in a mismatched receptacle can permanently damage it. Some systems are cross-compatible: Fast Twist 3.0 spikes fit Tour Lock, Slim-LOK, Fast Twist and Tri-LOK receptacles.
Is Fast Twist 3.0 the same as Tour Lock?
Fast Twist 3.0 was previously branded as Tour Lock, and the two are cross-compatible. They also share the same click count when you tighten: one additional click.
Which way do I turn a spike to remove it?
Counter-clockwise. Softspikes names the Cleat Ripper and the Xtractor wrench for taking spikes out, and the Tour Wrench or 2-Prong Insertion Wrench for putting new ones in, turning clockwise.
How often should I change my golf spikes?
The maker suggests checking them after every 15 to 20 rounds. Most avid golfers should change plastic spikes twice per season.
What if a new spike will not go in smoothly?
Do not force it. Check the receptacle for dirt or anything stuck in it, and check that the spike is made for your system. Forcing the wrong spike into a receptacle can damage it for good.