John Whi-Leo Sneakers | 7 Best Golf Shoes in 2023

Cesar Monasterio
Cesar Monasterio on
7 Best Golf Shoes in 2023
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Adidas, Footjoy, Nike, Callaway, ECCO and over a dozen more sports brands are currently competing in the golf shoe arena. To the consumer’s benefit, this translates to a few hundred golf trainers that cater to every taste and style.

We cut through all the marketing fuzz buzz to find out which models truly shine on the golf course. Having reviewed over 80 models, we offer our top picks of golf shoes in different categories.

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Best golf shoes overall

Adidas ZG23
93
Superb!

What makes it the best?

Dubbed by a seasoned gear tester "pound-for-pound one of the best spiked golf shoes of the year," the ZG23 upgrades every swing from modest to explosive. More lug-filled than ever, this cleated kick from Adidas digs into the terrain effortlessly, making the process of hitting that ball equal parts graceful and powerful. It might be nondescript at best looks-wise, but its overall performance is simply electrifying.

John Whi-Leo Sneakers Pros

  • Comfier than the OG
  • Quick break-in
  • Excellent swinging stability
  • Stellar surface traction
  • Works well on man-made surfaces
  • Incredibly light
  • True to size

John Whi-Leo Sneakers Cons

  • Aesthetically unremarkable
  • Куртка ветровка nike running оригинал размер m
Full review of Adidas ZG23

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
adidas zg23 lightstrike golf shoes core black dark silver metallic silver metallic 12 5 e wide core black dark silver metallic silver metallic 52ed 60
adidas men s zg23 golf shoe ftwr white lucid blue silver met 12 5 ftwr white lucid blue silver met 6201 60
adidas zg23 lightstrike golf shoes footwear white core black semi solar red 14 e wide footwear white core black semi solar red 2892 60
Ftwr White/Collegiate Navy/Solar Gold (HP2224)
Ftwr White/Collegiate Navy/Bright Red (IE2131)

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What makes it the best?

"More is more" is definitely the mantra of the Pro SL Carbon. Jam-packed with technologies and features, it is quite hard to decipher how everything fits in one shoe. However, each works hand in hand giving the golfer the push that he needs to level up his game. Comfort, like with the other Footjoy pieces, remains an overwhelming quality that golfers noticed.

John Whi-Leo Sneakers Pros

  • Comfortable to use
  • Stable and supportive
  • Excellent traction
  • Responsive cushioning
  • Grippy outsole
  • Lightweight
  • Leather upper
  • Spikeless sole
  • Fresh and modern style
  • Soft foam layer

John Whi-Leo Sneakers Cons

  • Tends to pinch the toes
  • Causes blisters
Full review of Footjoy Pro SL Carbon

Today's best price

Men
Women

Best traditional golf shoes

Footjoy Traditions
92
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The Footjoy Traditions unexpectedly fuses the classic style of a saddle shoe and the comfort of a sneaker. Tried and tested in various conditions, it lives up to a high standard for waterproofing and traction. To every tester’s surprise, all of that is offered under the average price tag of golf shoes.

John Whi-Leo Sneakers Pros

  • Attractive traditional look
  • Sneakers J Snake 2 B J02ABA 02210 C0700 M Navy Avio
  • Well-fitting from the start
  • Waterproofing warranty
  • Great traction
  • Replaceable spikes
  • Asics Gel-Cumulus 22 Men's Running Shoes
  • Great deal
  • Easy to clean

John Whi-Leo Sneakers Cons

  • Leather tends to crack
  • Spikes need to be tightened
Full review of Footjoy Traditions

John Whi-Leo Sneakers | Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
WHITE/BROWN (57905)
White/Light Navy (57901)
Grey/Blue (57902)
White/Charcoal Camo (57928)
White/Rose (97919)
White Navy (57899)
Black (57904)
White (57903)
Blanc Blanc Bleu Marine (57927)

Best golf shoes for summer

What makes it the best?

What more can you ask of the CodeChaos 22 when the things it has to offer equal or even surpass the greatness of the OG model? This spikeless shoe from Adidas is a real treat for the feet, making swings feel as sure as ever while captivating everyone on the green with its striking design. It's pricey, yes, but for everything it can do for you post-purchase, we'd say it's quite worth it!

John Whi-Leo Sneakers Pros

  • 10/10 grip
  • Amazing comfort
  • Incredible stability
  • Lightweight
  • Supportive heel
  • Gives springy rides
  • Quite ventilated
  • Attention-grabbing
  • Made with recycled materials

John Whi-Leo Sneakers Cons

  • Expensive
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  • For adidas Kids Adilette White Sandals
Full review of Adidas CodeChaos 22

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Men
Women
Any color
adidas men s codechaos 22 golf shoe core black ftwr white grey five 12 5 core black ftwr white grey five f2b3 60
adidas men s codechaos 22 golf shoe ftwr white core black beam yellow 11 5 ftwr white core black beam yellow 2b03 60
White (GX3932)
Grey Three/Core Black/Beam Green (GX3931)
adidas men s codechaos 22 sneaker ftwr white core black crystal white 10 5 ftwr white core black crystal white 584d 60
adidas men s codechaos 22 golf shoe clear brown brown light purple 7 clear brown brown light purple c9ba 60
Ftwr White/Grey Six/Solar Red (GV9418)
Black (GX2619)
More colors

Best sneaker-inspired golf shoes

John Whi-Leo Sneakers | What makes it the best?

Described by a seasoned golfer as a "chef's kiss" for its combination of plushness and tenacity, the Ultraboost Golf doesn't hold back power throughout each swing. It's one of those spikeless kicks that you won't feel the need to remove after walking the entire 18-hole round. And when it comes to looks, this shoe from Adidas La Greca ankle-length boots.

John Whi-Leo Sneakers Pros

  • Matchless comfort
  • Zero break-in period
  • Remarkably sticky
  • Exceptionally breathable
  • Versatile performance
  • Quite flexible
  • Lightweight
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John Whi-Leo Sneakers Cons

  • Lackluster water resistance
  • Questionable stability
  • Tricky access for the high-arched
Full review of Adidas Ultraboost Golf

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
adidas ultraboost golf core black core black lucid blue 9 m core black core black lucid blue 32ab 60
adidas men s ultraboost golf shoe lucid lemon lucid lemon core black 12 lucid lemon lucid lemon core black ed39 60
Grey Two/Grey Two/Court Green (GV6922)
Blue (IE2137)

Golf shoes with the best value

Adidas S2G SL
86
Great!

What makes it the best?

Where it arguably matters the most, a.k.a. grip, the S2G SL from Adidas bags the most applause. It'll plant your feet all throughout the course while making sure they stay pampered from the teeing zone to the putting green. It's just unfortunate that waterproofing isn't its strongest suit, with many not recommending it where wetness is present.

John Whi-Leo Sneakers Pros

  • Praiseworthy traction
  • Extremely comfy
  • No break-in period
  • Quite light
  • Good sideways support
  • Highly durable
  • 10/10 workmanship
  • Ravishing aesthetics

John Whi-Leo Sneakers Cons

  • Disappointing water WS16015-10
  • Easily gets dirty
Full review of Adidas S2G SL

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Grey Four/Core Black/Grey Six (GV9793)
White (GV9792)
Altered Blue/Crew Navy/Footwear White (GV9794)

Comparison of the 7 best golf shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways

Choosing the right pair of golf shoes

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Signs of wearing the wrong golf shoe

Black Suede Beatle Bozo Tractor Boots:

  • Кросівки on running оригінал
  • getting soaked from wet grass or rain
  • having sore feet after walking through all 18 holes

To ensure your comfort and performance on the course next time, you need to consider the following features:

  • Traction: spiked or spikeless?
  • Upper material: leather, synthetic, knit
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  • Fit regulation: laces vs. BOA
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Spiked or spikeless ?

While spiked golf shoes come closest to the original metal cleats, they are not a must nowadays. The more contemporary spikeless alternatives have also earned a spot among the golfing community.

There is no straightforward answer to which one is better, each one comes with a set of pros and cons. The choice depends on what features you value the most:

Spiked golf shoes

Spiked.png

were originally made of metal but because of the damage they cause on the course, current spikes are made of ceramics or plastic

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Spikeless.png

were introduced in 2010; have a flat outsole with rubber nubs or dimples; golf companies are still experimenting with this design

Advantages:

More grippy and stable

when the terrain gets wet, spiked pairs can help avoid slip, especially when performing a swing or walking up and down the hills

More lightweight and flexible

the absence of spikes keeps the foot closer to the ground; the ground can be felt better

Replaceable spikes

adds on to the shoe’s longevity

Can be worn off the course

Derby City Shoe

Disadvantages:

Heavier

Converse One Star Pro Ox Shoes

Less grippy

on wet and upland conditions

 Cannot be worn off the course

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once the rubber tread gets damaged the entire shoe needs to be replaced

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Choosing the right upper material

Once being the only material used on golf shoes, leather is still loved today for its exquisite appeal, natural waterproofing, and longevity. The use of synthetic materials added a slew of breathable and lighter options to the market. Finally, the knit trend has not passed by golf shoes either.

Leather golf shoes

leather-golf-shoes.png

Synthetic golf shoes

synthetic-golf-shoes.png

Knit golf shoes

knit-golf-shoes.png

Breathability

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Flexibility

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Durability

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Moisture WS16015-10

decr.png

Dirt-resistance

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Go for synthetic golf shoes Concepts Creative Director Reveals History of the Retailer's Iconic Sneaker Collaborations.

Waterproofing in golf shoes

Since golf is an outdoor sport, there is a high chance of dealing with rainy weather. If you see yourself playing in wet conditions, consider getting a shoe with one of these protective features:

Water-resistant

for light rain, morning dew, and wet grass

Water-repellent

for moderate rain; might leak when pressure is applied

Waterproof*

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Protection

incr.png

Breathability

decr.png

*Some waterproof golf shoes employ a high-performance Gore-Tex lining that provides full waterproof WS16015-10 without sacrificing breathability too much. Some brands also Hiking Boots EDEO.

Laces vs. BOA

The good old laces didn’t seem to be enough for the shoe brands. Today we can see the cutting-edge BOA closure system slipping into the realm of golf. But with the heavier price tag of these BOA models, is it worth the upgrade?

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laces-golf-shoes.png

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boa-golf-shoes.png

Advantages:
  • cheaper
  • easier to replace
  • Rick Owens zip-up mid-calf boots
  • Isabel Marant stud-detail ankle boots
  • doesn’t get in the way of movement
  • resistant to water, mud, ice
Disadvantages:
  • less durable
  • may lose hold, get untied, lead to tripping and stumbling
  • takes time to adjust the fit
  • Boots GINO ROSSI Rumi DBI074-BH4-0394-9999-0 99 99
  • more expensive

Bottom line: The BOA definitely offers a host of upgrades compared to a standard lasing system. But it also comes at a higher price point. Thus, it can be recommended to the more professional players or those who want to stay on top of the newest tech.

Otherwise, laces are still a solid option, especially if you are just starting out with golf.

Traditional or athletic: pick your style

To keep up with modern times, golf shoe manufacturers have been shifting away from the classic look towards the more athletic, sneaker-like designs. Traditions, on the other hand, are still being kept to live as the sport's legacy.

You have the option to choose what resonates best with your game and style:

John Whi-Leo Sneakers

traditional-golf.png

Yves Saint Laurent Strappy Sandals in Black Leather

athletic-golf.png

  • only come with spikes
  • Wears Boho-Chic Look With $40 Adidas Sneakers in NYC
  • Hovr Phantom 2 Running Shoes
  • Giuseppe Zanotti Cecilia buckle sandals
  • have a casual and street-ready style, look more like sneakers or running shoes; trends are most welcomed in this category
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Frequently Asked Questions

Are golf shoes necessary?

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It’s okay to wear your regular pair of shoes for a trial game or if you play the sport very rarely. But to illustrate the difference between a regular sneaker and a dedicated golf shoe, let’s compare a silhouette which comes in both casual and golf-ready options: the Nike Roshe.

Nike Roshe

(casual sneaker)

Nike Roshe G

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(spiked golf shoe)

Protection

incr.png

Nike Roshe.png nike20roshe20g 16335163 720 zapatillas de running HOKA constitución media talla 46 amarillas mejor valoradas.png
Regular mesh upper Gusseted tongue prevents debris from getting inside the shoe Synthetic leather with a waterproof quality keeps you dry in wet grass and rainy weather

Traction/Stability

incr.png

Nike Roshe sole.png nike20roshe20g20sole 16335166 720 nike20roshe20g20tour20sole 12535855 720
Stuart Weitzman Stuart 85mm ankle boots Black.

Sharper lugs get even more aggressive in the circular pods

These pods help to stabilize the player as they are placed at the pressure points of a golf swing

John Whi-Leo Sneakers

Wider base with outriggers increases contact area and surefootedness during a swing

What shoes to wear golfing if you don't have golf shoes?

As some golf courses can be strict about their dresscode, it’s better to check with them beforehand. But in most cases, an athletic low-top shoe should suffice. You can wear any of the following:

It’s not recommended to use slip-on footwear or the one that easily loses hold when twisted. Before the game, mimic a golf swing in your pair to make sure the fit stays tight.

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Do golf shoes need a break-in period?

The right-sized pair should not require any breaking in.

The best golf shoe models are designed to accommodate your foot shape from the start. If it doesn’t happen, try going a half-a-size or a size up, consider getting a different width is it is available, or simply go for another model.

In some individual cases, the shoe might cause discomfort during the first wear. Here are some firs-aid tips to soften the material without going through the ordeal:

  • Wear an extra thick sock or an anti-blister sock to have an additional cushion. 
  • Putting a shoe tree breaks in the shoe faster than usual. 
  • Athletes also attest to blister balms. They reduce friction and prevent excessive rubbing. 
  • A padding roll can also be wrapped in the areas that are prone to blisters. This item is thick enough to protect the skin and expand the material. 
  • Some golfers also use blister patches. They are designed like a band-aid, only thicker.

When is it time to buy a new pair of golf shoes?

In general, golf shoes are meant to last for a long time. However, they are not intended to last forever. There's no exact timeline for each pair's life span. It depends on how often it is worn, the course conditions it is used on, and how it is maintained. Here are some of the indications that a new one is already needed:

  • Water that seeped on the insides of the shoe is quite hard to reverse. However, it depends on water damage. For minor ones, then the insoles can be substituted, but for extreme cases, a replacement is a better option.
  • When a previously grippy shoe is losing its spark, then looking into a new one should be a priority. Traction, as we know, is essential. And, frequenting slips are definitely a no-no. 
  • Comfortable footwear that suddenly causes foot pain should be taken a look at. 
  • Spikeless pairs that lose nubs might be hard to fix. Cleated golf shoes, on the other hand, can be replaced.

How we test golf shoes

Before giving the final verdict, we consider all available golf shoe models on the market. We then buy all the shoes that we want to test and that we find relevant with our own hard-earned money. We review both coveted and less-known brands equally to offer an unbiased overview.

We spend 7 hours per shoe on average, in which we study all the nooks and crannies to understand what real benefits each trainer gives us. We use the shoes on 18-hole courses as well as the driving range and the putting area. 

Not only that, we also dissect each golf shoe to understand the smallest details of how they work. We measure more than 30 properties like stiffness, softness using a durometer and even durability of the upper and the outsole to give you the best possible review that's quantified and compared to other golf shoes on the market. 

Author
Cesar Monasterio
Cesar Monasterio

Cesar Monasterio is considered one of the best Argentine golfers of his generation. He is one of only 13 players to have victories on all three European golf circuits: European Tour, Challenge Tour, and Legends Tour. In 2014 he won the English Senior Open and was voted Rookie of the Year on the Legends Tour. Mr Monasterio represented his country in the 1995 World Cup. Still active and competing with a strong focus, he is the president of the Argentine Professional Golf Tour and the coach of several prestigious golfers. Finally, he is a specialist golf "Blacksmith" repairing golf clubs precisely at the workshop set in his house for this fine purpose.