Best Golf Shoes
Best Men’s Golf Shoe
Best Women’s Golf Shoes
Best Golf Shoes for Walking
Best Golf Shoes for All Day Comfort
There’s a lot that goes into picking the right golf shoes. Are you skipping a cart and need to find the best golf shoes for walking a full round? Do you go with spiked or spikeless? Maybe you need extra arch support, but don’t want to skimp on style for comfort.
So before you grab your golf clubs, check out our reviews on these top picks for the best golf shoes on the market.
Before you buy, here’s what to keep in mind about golf shoes:
Spiked vs Spikeless
Golf shoes can be designed with or without spikes (also called cleats). There are pros and cons to each and it really comes down to personal preference.
Spiked golf shoes offer excellent grip and stability while you swing, but the spikes are more fragile. They don’t tend to hold up well with regular wear and spikes will need to be replaced after a while. Spikeless golf shoes offer more versatility, allowing you to drive to the course, play a round, and drive home without having to change shoes. They are typically lightweight and comfortable, resembling more of a tennis shoe, but won’t offer as much traction as a spiked golf shoe.
Finding the right fit
When trying on golf shoes for the first time, keep in mind that the size may differ from your everyday shoe size. If you hear a ‘whoosh’ as you try them on, that’s the extra air leaving the shoe which tells you that you likely found the right size. Always do a walking test to be sure! They shouldn’t pinch, nor should your feet slide around as you walk.
Something that may seem trivial are laces, but they can actually make a difference in the fit. Normal laces are fine for most golfers, but for some, they want more support. There is a lace system called BOA made with dials that conveniently twist to tighten or loosen your laces. They stay secure through your round, but are usually a little more expensive.
Do’s and don’ts when caring for your golf shoes
DO:
- Clean your golf shoes with a quality cleaner as quickly as possible after your round
- Insert newspapers into the shoes to help absorb excess moisture after especially dewy or rainy rounds
- Use shoe trees or a shoe bag between rounds
- Consider owning two or more pairs and alternating each round (this can immensely increase the life of the shoes)
DON’T:
- Leave your shoes in your car, where they will be exposed to extreme heat or cold
- Use a hair dryer or other external heat source to dry your shoes
- Forget to check the condition of your spikes after each round
- Assume all golf shoes are waterproof (some need to be waterproofed after purchase)
Best Men’s Golf Shoe
Footjoy as a whole is one of the most trustworthy brands for golf shoes, and the FJ Flex doesn’t fall short. It’s one of the best golf shoes for under $100 on the market and a great choice for men just starting out and for frequent players.
Performance Mesh
This hybrid golf shoe is incredibly lightweight thanks to its performance mesh material. The mesh also allows for great breathability throughout the day while still being durable for regular use.
Spikeless Design
The Flex’s VersaTrax sole is created with high-traction properties to give you the perfect balance of on-course performance with off-course versatility. Each ‘traction zone’ gives you exceptional grip while you swing and while walking the course.
Premium Comfort
These golf shoes are made with a soft, lightweight EVA midsole that provides optimal cushioning, comfort, and stability. They are designed with an athletic profile, a rounded toe, and a standard sport fit.
Best Women’s Golf Shoes
It’s common knowledge that men and women have different shaped and sized feet. Having a golf shoe made specifically for the shape of a woman’s foot can make a huge difference in her golf game. These Sketcher’s are some of the top women’s golf shoes that you’re sure to love.
Lasting Comfort
Sketcher’s Goga Max® insole and Ultra Flight™ midsole technology provides next-level support as you walk the course. This super responsive cushioning moves with you and keeps you comfortable before, after, and during your round.
Durable Grip
The spikeless TPU outsole gives you optimal traction and grip as you swing, no matter the terrain. This technology is durable and assures your golf shoes will hold up whether you play every weekend or twice a year.
Mesh Design
A sporty synthetic mesh not only gives this golf shoe a modern look, it’s incredibly breathable to keep your feet cool and comfortable. The mesh adds to the ultra-lightweight design and offers water-resistant protection during those dewy mornings or mid-round rain showers.
Best Golf Shoes for Walking
If you’re choosing to nix a golf cart during your round, you’ll want to find the best golf shoes for walking the golf course. Adidas created these golf shoes with top-level technology so you can walk 18 holes without worrying about sore feet at the end of the day.
Top Durability
These golf shoes are made with Adidas’ durable Adiwear spikeless outsole. This synthetic sole features X-Traction grippy lugs and deep grooves to improve your stability and give you traction through your swing, no matter what terrain you’re playing on.
Exceptional Cushioning
The heel and midfoot are designed with Boost™ midsole and Fitfoam® cushioning for optimal comfort as you walk. This technology helps evenly distribute your weight and eliminate pressure points so you can happily walk the course pain-free.
Breathability
The knit and synthetic upper on this golf shoe provides top-notch breathability without losing durability. It’s also designed with a Rain.Rdy waterproofing overlay to protect against the wind and rain and keep your feet dry, no matter the weather conditions.
Best Golf Shoes for All Day Comfort
Nobody wants to leave the golf course with blisters or sore feet. Designed with premium comfort in mind, these leather Adidas golf shoes are the best golf shoes for all day wear without skimping on style.
Premium Leather
This 100% premium leather is designed with Climaproof® technology for long-lasting protection against the elements. It gives these golf shoes a sharp look while maintaining a comfortable feel and overall durability.
Enhanced Support
The X-Traction 8-cleat outsole design provides superior stability and traction while on course. Adidas also designed these golf shoes with a more flexible leather material for ideal midfoot support without feeling constrained.
Overall Comfort
Adidas’ Torsion Tunnel technology provides flexibility and control between the heel and forefoot while maintaining exceptional arch support. It boasts a more ergonomic and athletic fit and an Insite® sockliner to give you optimal overall comfort and balance while you play.
FAQs about Golf Shoes
Are golf shoes really necessary?
In short, if you’re going to be playing regularly, then yes. Wearing a regular pair of tennis shoes isn’t the end of the world if you don’t play very often, but a real pair of golf shoes makes a huge difference in your game and is better suited for the golf course.
When should I buy new golf shoes?
For the most part, golf shoes last a long time. There’s no set timeline for how long golf shoes last, but rather it depends on how often they’re worn, the conditions of the courses they’re worn on, and how well they’re cared for overall. Some of the reasons why you may need to replace your pair include:
- If you start noticing your shoe slipping and losing its traction.
- If a substantial amount of water has gotten into the inside of your golf shoe. For minor instances, the insoles might be able to be replaced, but for extreme cases, it’s better to just replace the pair.
- If your once comfy pair starts leaving blisters or causing foot pain.
- If your spikeless golf shoes start losing its grippy nubs. These nubs aren’t able to be replaced like the spikes on cleated shoes.
If I have spiked golf shoes, how often should I replace the spikes?
Ideally it’s recommended to change your spikes every 15 rounds or so. However, this is for “optimal performance” and spikes can still be perfectly effective after that 15 round mark. Just keep an eye on them and watch how quickly they get worn down. A pack of new spikes is relatively inexpensive, so don’t worry about breaking the bank when you finally need to change them.