saga más longeva de Nike Running | 7 Best Golf Shoes, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Cesar Monasterio
Cesar Monasterio on
7 Best Golf Shoes, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us.

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 hundreds of golf trainers that cater to every taste and style.

We aim to cut through all the marketing fuzzbuzz 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 five different categories.

auf den Sneaker aufgeschlagen.

How we test golf shoes

Before giving the final verdict, we consider all available golf shoe models on the market. Our experts treat both coveted and less known brands equally to offer an unbiased overview.

Spending 7 hours per shoe on average, our team studies all the nooks and crannies to understand what real benefits each trainer gives to the wearer. We also summarize thousands of user reviews to understand the shoes’ strong and weak points.

Once all the work is done, each model is given a CoreScore, a number from 1 to 100, which indicates its overall performance. Ten golf shoes with the highest CoreScore make it to this ranking.

Best golf shoes overall

Footjoy Flex
Footjoy Flex

Corescore

89
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 32,937 users
85 / 100 from 9 experts

saga más longeva de Nike Running Pros

  • True to size
  • Comfortable fit
  • Stable and supportive
  • Flexible
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Affordable

saga más longeva de Nike Running Cons

  • Too wide for narrow feet
  • Sneakers RS Ozweego

What makes it the best?

The Footjoy Flex golf shoes have a comfortable, flexible fit that resembles that of a sneaker or tennis shoe. Golfers looking for a loose-fitting loafer-type option will love this shoe, especially if you have wider feet. While not the best shoe to wear in wet conditions, these are highly breathable and will keep your feet cool on hot days.
Read our full review of Footjoy Flex here
footjoy flex strap
footjoy flex side
footjoy flex laces

After running 20 km on roads my feet are perfectly

Tommy Jeans Essential Low Cut Mens Shoes
Tommy Jeans Essential Low Cut Mens Shoes

Corescore

91
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 4,008 users
86 / 100 from 11 experts

saga más longeva de Nike Running Pros

  • True to size
  • Waterproof
  • Arch and ankle support
  • Classic look
  • Nice fit
  • Durable
  • Reasonable price

saga más longeva de Nike Running Cons

  • Poor ventilation
  • saga más longeva de Nike Running
  • Heavy

What makes it the best?

The Tommy Jeans Essential Low Cut Mens Shoes is a high-quality golf shoe designed for serious players. Featuring an extremely structured and stable design, these shoes will last for many seasons and heavy wear. While not the most comfortable option, players who need arch and ankle support will appreciate this golf shoe.
Read our full review of Tommy Jeans Essential Low Cut Mens Shoes here
adidas tour360 xt arch
adidas tour360 xt forefoot

Best Trekker Boots ECCO Mx W 82018402244 Titaniums

Footjoy Hyperflex
Footjoy Hyperflex

saga más longeva de Nike Running | Corescore

87
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 7,975 users
91 / 100 from 12 experts

saga más longeva de Nike Running Pros

  • True to size
  • Flexible
  • Very comfy
  • 100% Waterproof
  • Excellent traction
  • Lightweight
  • Nice fit
  • Cushioned sole

saga más longeva de Nike Running Cons

  • A bit pricey than the average
  • Scarosso Felisa ankle boots
  • Frye billy underlay sz us 6 m womens leather pull-on western cowboy boots black

What makes it the best?

The Footjoy Hyperflex golf shoe is billed to be the ultimate in athletic performance, highlighted by lightweight support and cushioning for optimal comfort. I loved the fit and feel of these shoes, which will be perfect for golfers who prefer to walk during their rounds. The soft spike sole adds a layer of great traction for all terrains, adding to the overall excellent build.
Read our full review of Footjoy Hyperflex here
footjoy hyperflex cushion
footjoy hyperflex heel
footjoy hyperflex forefoot

Best spikeless golf shoes

Footjoy Pro SL
Footjoy Pro SL

Corescore

88
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 13,289 users
89 / 100 from 16 experts

saga más longeva de Nike Running Pros

  • True to size
  • Good heel support
  • Waterproof
  • Great traction
  • Classic design

saga más longeva de Nike Running Cons

  • Boots That Look Like Jewelry During NYFW
  • Lacks breathability

What makes it the best?

The Footjoy Pro SL golf shoe is a lightweight option for golfers of any skill level who prefer a traditional style in a soft spike build. The shoe features a narrow fit toward the toe and widens out more toward the heel. The Footjoy Pro SL golf will keep your feet dry in any playing conditions and offer a soft sole for golfers who prefer to walk.
Read our full review of Footjoy Pro SL here
footjoy pro sl outsole
footjoy pro sl heel
footjoy pro sl forefoot

Golf shoes with best style

Footjoy Traditions
Footjoy Traditions

Corescore

90
Great!
4.7 / 5 from 14,120 users
92 / 100 from 3 experts

saga más longeva de Nike Running Pros

  • Attractive traditional look
  • Comfortable for walking 18 holes
  • Well-fitting from the start
  • Waterproofing warranty
  • Great traction
  • Replaceable spikes
  • Feels light on the foot
  • Great deal
  • adidas Nemeziz 19.4 Indoor Football Boots Mens

saga más longeva de Nike Running Cons

  • Leather tends to crack
  • Trekker Boots MILLET Friction U MIG1853 Dark Grey

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.
Read our full review of Footjoy Traditions here

Best value

Corescore

90
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 840 users
89 / 100 from 5 experts

saga más longeva de Nike Running Pros

  • Consistent comfort
  • Relentless grip
  • Appealing design
  • Excellent ground contact
  • adidas Nemeziz 19.4 Indoor Football Boots Mens
  • Adequately supported

saga más longeva de Nike Running Cons

  • Less breathable

What makes it the best?

The iconic Roshe proves its unwavering streak as it releases yet another golf-specific edition called the Roshe G Tour. Compared to the relaxed and casual vibe that is the trademark of its predecessor, this piece steps it up a notch in terms of style and features.
Read our full review of Hiking Boots PALLADIUM Pampa Hi Dare 76258-008-M Black 1 here

Choosing the right pair of golf shoes

Warning.png

Signs of wearing the wrong golf shoe

zapatillas de running Inov-8 hombre media maratón talla 41.5:

  • feeling unstable when making a swing or while walking on hilly terrain
  • getting soaked from wet grass or rain
  • Eyelike-embroidered denim boots Neutrals

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

  • Limited collection vegane leder plateau sneaker in weiter passform?
  • what shoe was it
  • Sandals VAGABOND Eyra 5350-301-20 Black
  • Converse Hybrid Texture Chuck 70 high-top sneakers
  • Style: traditional or athletic?

saga más longeva de Nike Running | Spiked or spikeless ?

While Trekker Boots ECCO Mx W 82018402244 Titaniums 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:

saga más longeva de Nike Running

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

Get one of New Balances best shoes for a great deal

Spikeless.png

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

Advantages:

Mustang Shoes 4156301259

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

J running sneakers

Marsèll Brown Suicoke Edition DEPA MMSU01 Sandals

Replaceable spikes

adds on to the shoe’s longevity

Can be worn off the course

Grainy Cowhide Sandals

Disadvantages:

Heavier

which may not be ideal for those who prefer walking through the 18 holes

Less grippy

on wet and upland conditions

 Cannot be worn off the course

simple strappy sandal

No replaceable spikes

the sneakers were listed not only in the

Because spikeless golf shoes are still a relatively new design, they tend to draw more attention and interest from the players. To find out more about this category, see our guide on spikeless golf shoes.

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.

Stadium Low Sneaker

leather-golf-shoes.png

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Seasonal Hi Kadın Pembe Sneaker

synthetic-golf-shoes.png

Knit golf shoes

knit-golf-shoes.png

Breathability

incr.png

Flexibility

incr.png

Durability

decr.png

Moisture protection

decr.png

Dirt-resistance

decr.png

Go for synthetic golf shoes if you want a middle-ground of all listed features.

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*

for heavy rain, snow, and stepping into water

Protection

incr.png

Breathability

decr.png

*Some waterproof golf shoes employ a high-performance Gore-Tex lining that provides full waterproof protection without sacrificing breathability too much. Some brands also offer shoes with a waterproof warranty.

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?

LANVIN Bumper panelled sneakers

laces-golf-shoes.png

Does Sporty Glam in Matching Crop Top & Sweatpants With Travis Scott's New Nike Sneakers

boa-golf-shoes.png

Advantages:
  • cheaper
  • converse purple sneaker
  • faster to tighten and loosen
  • Beyonce wearing sandals from this gorgeous range of nudes at the finals tonight
  • doesn’t get in the way of movement
  • Diadora Sportswear Sabates Running Mythos Blushield Volo 2
Disadvantages:
  • less durable
  • Kendall Jenners Celebrity Shoe Style in 2015
  • takes time to adjust the fit
  • harder to replace
  • 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.

New Balance Running Freshfoam Trail Hierro Sneakers in blauw.

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:

zapatillas de running entrenamiento talla 28.5 marrones

traditional-golf.png

Sneakers Runner con logo

athletic-golf.png

  • barefoot Vibram training shoes
  • have a similar look to dress shoes, can be identified as oxfords or saddles
  • adidas Vs Pace Μens Shoes
  • come in both spiked and spikeless forms
  • have a casual and street-ready style, look more like sneakers or running shoes; trends are most welcomed in this category
  • feature all kinds of materials - natural, synthetic, and knits

Frequently Asked Questions

Are golf shoes necessary?

Yes, if you are going to play golf regularly.

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

(spikeless golf shoe)

Hiking Boots PALLADIUM Pampa Hi Dare 76258-008-M Black 1

(Trekker Boots ECCO Mx W 82018402244 Titanium)

Protection

incr.png

Nike Roshe.png Nike Roshe G.png Hiking Boots PALLADIUM Pampa Hi Dare 76258-008-M Black 1.png
Kenzo Kids embroidered ankle boots Schwarz Big Kids lifestlye and running low top shoes Synthetic leather with a waterproof quality keeps you dry in wet grass and rainy weather

Traction/Stability

incr.png

Nike Roshe sole.png Nike Roshe G sole.png nike20roshe20g20tour20sole 12535855 720
Flat outsole with thin treads is slippery on grass.

zapatillas de running Mizuno neutro gore-tex talla 44

Raven-Symoné's Surprise Wedding Look Includes Rainbow Hair and Chanel Boots

A high-top shoe that is lightweight

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.

Sorels Kinetic Impact sneakers.

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.
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.