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.

Spiked or spikeless, premium or budget-friendly, you can choose what fits your needs the most.

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.

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı Pros

  • Comfier than the OG
  • Quick break-in
  • Skechers Herresko Sneakers
  • Stellar surface traction
  • Works well on man-made surfaces
  • Incredibly light
  • True to size

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı Cons

  • Aesthetically unremarkable
  • Gets dirty easily
Full review of Adidas ZG23

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Men
Women
Any color
Core Black/Dark Silver Metallic/Silver Metallic (GW1178)
Ftwwht Dksimt Silvmt (GW1177)
Footwear White/Core Black/Semi Solar Red (HP2223)
adidas zg23 ftwr white collegiate navy solar gold 9685 60
adidas mens zg23 shoes golf ftwr white collegiate navy bright red 10 5 ftwr white collegiate navy bright red 6257 60

Best spikeless golf shoes

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.

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı Pros

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  • Pantofi SKECHERS BOBS SPORT Tough Talk 32504 MVE Mauve
  • Excellent traction
  • Responsive cushioning
  • Grippy outsole
  • Lightweight
  • Leather upper
  • Spikeless sole
  • Footwear SKECHERS Ultra Groove 149019 BKPK Black Pink
  • Nowości Skechers Damskie

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı Cons

  • Tends to pinch the toes
  • Causes blisters
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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.

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı Pros

  • skechers new uk headquarters st albans england
  • Comfortable for walking 18 holes
  • Well-fitting from the start
  • Waterproofing warranty
  • Great traction
  • Replaceable spikes
  • Feels light on the foot
  • Great deal
  • Easy to clean

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı Cons

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

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Men
Women
Any color
WHITE/BROWN (57905)
White Navy (57901)
Grey/Blue (57902)
White/Charcoal Camo (57928)
White/Rose (97919)
White Navy (57899)
White (57903)
Black (57904)
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? Skechers Odzież tenisowa 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!

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı Pros

  • 10/10 grip
  • Amazing comfort
  • Incredible stability
  • Lightweight
  • Supportive heel
  • skechers reg fst
  • Quite ventilated
  • Attention-grabbing
  • Made with recycled materials

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı Cons

  • Expensive
  • Cleaning its outsole takes time
  • Restrictive toe box
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
Cloud White/Core Black/Beam Yellow (GX2616)
adidas men s codechaos 22 golf shoe ftwr white silver met grey two 9 ftwr white silver met grey two 2f98 60
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
Clear Brown/Brown/Light Purple (GX4118)
Ftwr White/Grey Six/Solar Red (GV9418)
Black (GX2619)
More colors

Best sneaker-inspired golf shoes

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 Trainers SKECHERS Dynamic-Flash 401530L CCBK Charcoal Black.

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı Pros

  • Matchless comfort
  • Zero break-in period
  • Remarkably sticky
  • Exceptionally breathable
  • Versatile performance
  • Quite flexible
  • Lightweight
  • Lovely sneaker-like style

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı Cons

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

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Men
Women
Any color
Black (GV6919)
Lucid Lemon/Lucid Lemon/Core Black (IE2136)
Grey Two/Grey Two/Court Green (GV6922)
adidas ultraboost golf collegiate navy collegiate navy bright red 4bdd 60

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 tope 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.

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı Pros

  • Praiseworthy traction
  • Extremely comfy
  • Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı
  • Quite light
  • buy skechers sports
  • Highly durable
  • 10/10 workmanship
  • Ravishing aesthetics

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı Cons

  • Disappointing water protection
  • Easily gets dirty
Full review of Adidas S2G SL

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Men
Women
Any color
adidas mens s2g wide spikeless golf shoe grey four core black grey six 12 wide us grey four core black grey six 2b6d 60
White (GV9792)
adidas men s s2g spikeless golf shoes altered blue crew navy footwear white 9 5 altered blue crew navy footwear white 69e2 60

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

You have the wrong golf shoe if you experience any of the following:

  • Skechers Dynaair Junior Boys Trainers
  • Sneakers SKECHERS Uno-Stand On Air 52458 BBK Black
  • 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:

  • Skechers GO RUN Ride 10?
  • er-Set hohe Unisex-Socken Skechers SK-SK43022 0201
  • Moisture protection: water-resistant, water-repellent, waterproof
  • Fit regulation: laces vs. BOA
  • Style: traditional or athletic?

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

Mens Skechers Elite Trainer

Spikeless.png

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

Advantages:

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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

the style and construction is closer to a regular sneaker

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

spikes can be damaged and also make it uncomfortable to walk on hard surfaces

No replaceable spikes

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

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.

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 protection

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Dirt-resistance

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Go for Skechers Metallic Trim Tennis 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

Skechers Gbix Ii R V Jn24

Water-repellent

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Waterproof*

Skechers Flex Advantage 3.0

Protection

incr.png

Breathability

decr.png

*Skechers Air Cooled Goga Mat™ breathable insole provides high-rebound cushioning 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?

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laces-golf-shoes.png

BOA golf shoes

boa-golf-shoes.png

Advantages:
  • cheaper
  • easier to replace
  • Skechers Go Walk Smart Southern Belle
  • keeps the hold permanently
  • doesn’t get in the way of movement
  • resistant to water, mud, ice
Disadvantages:
  • less durable
  • Детские ботинки кеды skechers
  • 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.

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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 Goga to live as the sport's legacy.

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

Skechers Flexpadrille 30

traditional-golf.png

Athletic golf shoes

athletic-golf.png

  • only come with spikes
  • Sandália Skechers Mega Craft Infantil
  • typically come in natural leather
  • Skechers GoBionic Trail
  • 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?

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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

(spikeless golf shoe)

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı

(spiked golf shoe)

Protection

incr.png

nike20roshe 16335162 720 Nike Roshe G.png Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı.png
zapatillas de running Skechers talla 40 entre 60 y 100 Skechers Skechers Df AF Uplft Ld21 Synthetic leather with a waterproof quality keeps you dry in wet grass and rainy weather

Traction/Stability

incr.png

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Flat outsole with thin treads is slippery on grass.

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

Strategically placed spikes grip all golf course surfaces, both even and hilly

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.

Heels and metal cleats are prohibited.

Skechers Dynamic Tread Çocuk Siyah Spor Ayakkabı | 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.