Where to buy golf shoes in Moldova
Proper golf shoes are hard to find in Moldova, but not impossible. We've found them at ECCO and Under Armour in Chișinău. Here's where to go and what to look for.
Ask most Moldovan sports shops for golf shoes and you’ll get a blank look. You can play your first few sessions in trainers, but once you start playing regularly, real golf shoes make a difference: they grip during the swing, keep you stable on slopes, and keep your feet dry on wet grass in the morning.
The good news is that you don’t have to wait for a trip abroad. We’ve found proper golf shoes in two places in Chișinău.
ECCO
ECCO is one of the best-known names in golf footwear, and its official Moldovan shops stock golf shoes for men and women. There are two shops in Chișinău:
- Shopping MallDova, str. Arborilor 21, open daily 10:00–22:00
- str. Pușkin 28, in the city centre, open 10:00–20:00 (Sundays 10:00–18:00)
ECCO’s Moldovan website has separate golf sections for men and women, so you can see what’s available before you go.
Under Armour
The Under Armour shop at Shopping MallDova, str. Arborilor 21, also carries golf shoes.
Both shops are in the same mall, so you can compare the two brands in one visit.
What to look for
- Spikeless or soft spikes. Spikeless shoes have a moulded grip pattern and work on and off the course, so they’re the easiest choice for beginners. Shoes with replaceable soft spikes give extra grip on wet or hilly ground.
- Waterproofing. Morning dew soaks ordinary trainers quickly. Look for a waterproof membrane, especially if you play in spring or autumn.
- Fit. Try shoes on with the socks you’ll play in, and walk around the shop. Your heel shouldn’t lift when you walk, and your toes should have a little room.
- Comfort for walking. Even a nine-hole round involves plenty of walking, so comfort matters as much as grip.
Call ahead
Golf is a small market in Moldova, so shops only carry a limited range and sizes can sell out. It’s worth checking stock before you make the trip. ECCO’s MallDova shop is on +373 22 83 69 55 and the Pușkin street shop on +373 22 22 99 39.
Once you have shoes, Dream Valley’s pro shop sells clubs, gloves and balls. For everything else you need to get started, see our guide to starting golf in Moldova.