Having a great pair of golf shoes can make or break a day on the golf course. If your feet are comfortable, dry, and stable, you can score quite a bit better when you play.
On the contrary, having the wrong equipment on your feet will absolutely lead to a few extra golf shots. Finding the proper pair of golf shoes can be a bit difficult.
As a former PGA Professional, I can tell you that there is a big difference between many of these golf shoe brands. There are a few things that all golfers need to be aware of before they purchase their next pair of shoes.
We have pulled together some of the best golf shoes on the market and criteria for helping you choose the ones for your golf game.
Our Best Golf Shoes in 2024
- FootJoy Fj Flex (Best Golf Shoes)
- Adidas Tour360 Xt (Runner Up 1)
- Under Armour Spieth 3 (Runner Up 2)
- Skechers GO GOLF Max (Most Comfortable Golf Soes)
- PUMA Ignite Nxt Lace (Best Spikeless Golf Shoes)
- ECCO Biom Hybrid 3 Gore-Tex (Best Waterproof Golf Shoes)
- Adidas S2g (Best Value Golf Shoes)
- FootJoy Tour X (Best Premium Golf Shoes)
- Adidas Women’s Climacool Cage (Best Golf Shoes for Women)
- Adidas Kids’ Jr Codechaos Boa (Best Golf Shoes for Juniors)
Best Golf Shoes: FootJoy Fj Flex Golf Shoes
PROS
- Great support and cushioning
- Versatile traction for on and off the golf course
- Affordable golf shoes
- Available in many different colors
CONS
- Not fully waterproof technology
It is no easy to task to come up with the best golf shoe on the market. There are so many great options to choose from that it takes quite a bit of consideration, time, and research.
The FootJoy Men’s FJ Flex gets to the top of our list because of its pricing, the traction, and the support that it offers golfers. It does not matter if you are a high handicapper or a low handicapper; this is a shoe that can provide some benefit to your golf game.
The FJ Flex has a performance mesh material that allows your foot to breathe. You will not sweat and feel uncomfortable even on the warmest days on the course.
Of course, with the performance mesh, you may allow for a bit of water to get in the shoe. However, we did find these shoes to hold up quite well in wet weather conditions.
You will notice that this is a spikeless golf shoe with a very unique traction pattern. The Versa Trax pattern allows for on and off course performance. The traction pattern allows you to feel the support as you make your turn and your weight transfer in your golf swing.
Lastly, this FootJoy golf shoe has a Laser Sport Fit. This fit is designed to work a bit like an athletic shoe and a bit like a golf shoe.
You will feel like you are wearing a sneaker but get the performance you would expect from a great pair of golf shoes. If you need a new pair of golf shoes in 2024, this is a pair to consider.
Runner Up 1: Adidas Tour360 Xt Golf Shoes
PROS
- One of the best golf shoes for stability
- Classic looking design
- Great comfort and traction
CONS
- Make sure to order the proper size; stability bar can make them a bit narrow
The Adidas Men’s Tour360 golf shoes have been a top-selling shoe for many years. We love the durability and performance of this shoe. The premium leather upper helps to keep your foot dry and protected the entire time that it is in the shoe.
With many golf manufacturers moving towards the spikeless golf shoe technology, Adidas holds strong on the spiked design of this Tour360.
You will see that the bottom has eight cleats, and they are strategically placed on the bottom of the shoe. Each of the spikes is in an area that will help to promote balance and support in the areas that the golfer needs it the most.
The Adidas Tour360 has a unique look to them that will help them stand out from the crowd. You will see right away that they have the 360Wrap locks that help to support the foot and keep it stable within the shoe.
Although you never want a golf shoe to feel tight or uncomfortable, it is important that your foot does not move around inside the shoe.
Whether you walk the course or ride, the Tour360 Xt golf shoes are going to give you the performance that you need. Players that are competing or those that are playing for fun have found success with this shoe on their foot.
Runner Up 2: Under Armour Spieth 3 Golf Shoes
PROS
- Low profile soft spikes for tremendous traction
- 2 year waterproof warranty
- Full grain leather
CONS
- Only available in a few colors
If you ever watch golf on television and decide you want to have the same equipment as the pros, then you may like these Under Armour Men’s Spieth 3 Golf Shoes.
This is a breathable yet waterproof shoe that is built for a player that demands performance and style.
One of the things that you will notice right away with the Under Armour Spieth is the fact that there is a lot of stability for a player.
The forefoot panel and heel counter are perfectly balanced so that players get plenty of support in the front and the back of the foot.
If you think about your golf swing and how at times, your weight will transfer from the heel to the toe, having this stability is essential.
Many waterproof golf shoes are very heavy; even though they keep your feet dry, they may also make them sweat a bit.
You won’t have to worry about that with the Under Armour Spieth 3; they are lightweight and come with a two year waterproof warranty.
If a golfer like Jordan Spieth agrees to put their name on a pair of shoes like this, you can be certain you are getting one of the best golf shoes on the market.
Skechers GO GOLF Max Golf Shoes
PROS
- Best golf shoes for comfort
- It is a great option to keep feet comfortable and dry while walking
- Spikeless bottom
- Better value than the Skechers Go Golf Pro
- Plenty of stability for any golf swing
CONS
- Golf shoe can feel a bit bulky
Skechers is adding more and more golf shoes to their lineup. They now have a complete line of golf shoes that will appeal to a wide range of players.
The best golf shoes for comfort are the Skechers Go Golf. Each of these shoes has an impressive amount of cushioning that will give you lots of comfort.
We like the Skechers shoe for the player that is walking the golf course and wants to make sure their feet do not hurt at the end of the day.
When you walk a course, you will put in about five miles on your pedometer. Certainly, when you cover distance like this, you are going to need something comfortable on your feet.
The Skechers Go Golf Max are a durable shoe that will last many rounds. The comfortable insole is the thing that really sets this shoe apart from the crowd.
Another positive feature is the water resistant technology. Although this won’t work quite as well as waterproof technology, the moisture protection is great to have.
PUMA Ignite Nxt Lace Golf Shoes
PROS
- One of the best spikeless golf shoes
- Synthetic sole
- Ignite foam technology
- Waterproof mesh technology
CONS
- It does not have the classic look of a golf shoe
Spikeless shoes are becoming more and more popular. Golfers like the versatility and the comfort that the spikes golf shoes offer.
It does not matter if you are young or old; spikeless golf shoes now provide enough traction and stability to help a player around the course.
The Puma Men’s Ignite are some of the best spikeless golf shoes on the market. They have a synthetic sole, and they are made with a performance mesh material.
The performance mesh in this particular Ignite shoe does a great job of keeping the foot dry. You have to be careful when you purchase a golf shoe with mesh that it is a waterproof mesh material.
The reason this shoe is called the Ignite is that they use the Ignite Foam technology in the center of the foot. The Ignite foam will help players to feel comfortable and to have plenty of spring in their step.
This is a pair of shoes that you will not want to take off when your round of golf is finished.
ECCO Biom Hybrid 3 Gore-Tex Golf Shoes
PROS
- Lots of rotational support
- Waterproof warranty
- Yak leather construction
- Removable inlay sole
- Lots of cushioning
CONS
- A bit of a higher price point
Ecco golf not only makes high performing golf shoes, but they also have a really unique look to them. The Ecco shoes are long lasting, made with excellent materials, and work well to help golfers during their swing.
This Ecco Men’s Biom Hybrid 3 Gore Tex Golf shoe is one of the best golf shoes for wet conditions.
Anytime you hear the word Gore-Tex describing a golf shoe, you will know that your feet will remain dry during the round. The Ecco golf shoes are made with premium Yak leather. The Yak leather is lightweight and durable, and naturally water resistant.
We love the Ecco Biom technology that helps players feel more connected to the ground and stable during their swing.
Have you ever put on a pair of golf shoes and felt as though you were taller? This is not necessarily a good thing. You will want to be as close to the ground as possible to get the most balance and stability in your swing.
Adidas S2g Golf Shoes
Best Value
PROS
- It looks like athletic shoes
- It comes in a few different colors
- Very fair pricing
CONS
- Not great for wet conditions
Golf shoes can be a significant investment. If you are a player that heads out to the golf course a few times a year, you don’t need to spend $200 on a pair of golf shoes.
Typically the more expensive a golf shoe is, the higher the performance. However, golfers that enjoy an occasional round do not need this premium performance.
The Men’s S2g Golf Shoe from Adidas is a great choice for a higher-performing but very affordable golf shoe. This shoe is made with a synthetic sole, and it has spikeless technology. With a spikeless shoe like this, you can go right from the office to the golf course.
The Men’s S2g is a lightweight shoe with a textile upper and plenty of cushioning. Since this Adidas shoe is more of a sporty looking shoe, you have to make sure it is the style for you.
The shoe also doesn’t come with waterproof protection. However, for the price that these shoes are offered, you will get a quite a bit of technology for your money.
FootJoy Tour X Golf Shoes
Best Premium
PROS
- Premium leather material for golf footwear
- Waterproof technology
- Classic look
- Stability and comfort
- Surprisingly lightweight
CONS
- High pricing
Footjoy makes a wide range of golf shoes that are available for all budgets and player styles. At the top end of this line of golf shoes, you will find the Men’s Tour X Golf Shoe.
Everything about this shoe makes it a premium option. Overall this shoe is lightweight, yet it has a ton of performance packet in.
The FootJoy Tour X has a lot of stability to help the golfers with even the fastest swing speeds. If you generate a lot of club head speed and feel like you need maximum stability in a shoe, the Footjoy Tour X is the way to go.
In addition to having a top of the line traction and stability the Tour X is a surprisingly comfortable golf shoe. The Tour X uses the Ortholite technology that makes sure your foot is comfortable and cool throughout your entire round.
The shoe has waterproof protection over it to make sure that your foot stays dry as well.
Certain pieces of golf equipment are worth investing a bit more in. The golf shoe is one of them. Spending a little extra on a golf shoe will help make each one of your rounds a bit more enjoyable and comfortable.
Adidas Women’s Climacool Cage Golf Shoes
PROS
- Durable rubber sole
- Mesh upper
- Lightweight golf shoe
- Ventilated Climacool technology
CONS
- Not a fully waterproof golf shoe
Women don’t have quite as many choices for golf shoes as men do; however, these choices have expanded over the last few years.
Women golfers will have a choice between a fashion type golf shoe and also more of a performance style. Regardless of your personal preference, you should be able to find a match.
The Women’s Climacool Cage Golf Shoe is our best overall choice for women. This shoe is lightweight, high performing, and has all the capability that a female golfer needs in a great golf shoe.
We love the Cloudfoam sock liner inside the shoe that adds to the comfort inside the Climacool Cage Shoe.
The upper part of the Adidas Cage Golf Chose is a mesh fabric that allows a player to stay cool and comfortable while they are on the course. If you walk the course a lot, it is nice to allow your foot some room to breathe and keep the temperature a bit cooler.
This is a reasonably priced pair of women’s golf shoes that will remain in good condition for many years.
Adidas Kids’ Jr Codechaos Boa Golf Shoes
Best Golf Shoes For Juniors
PROS
- BOA closure system
- Rubber outsole
- Impressive stability
CONS
- Available in girls and boys fit, but limited colors
When a junior starts playing the game of golf, a sneaker or athletic shoe will usually work as a golf shoe.
However, as kids start to improve in the game, you will notice that the sneakers slip around a bit and don’t give the necessary stability.
When it is time to make the transition to golf shoes, the Adidas Codechaos is an excellent choice. These shoes have a synthetic sole and will fit very true to size.
If your junior golfer is not all that good with keeping their laces tied, you won’t have to worry with the CodeChaos. The BOA Fit system allows for a quick turn of a knob to get the proper fit for your foot.
On the bottom of the shoe, you will see there are six spikes to help make sure the golfer has the support in their swing as they turn.
For kids, the shoe with a few spikes is going to help them with balance. We prefer this to something like a spikeless shoe. When the child gets a bit older, spikeless could be a good fit.
Golf Shoes Buying Guide
Hopefully, you now feel as though you can choose a pair of golf shoes this year with confidence. Golf shoes should last you a few years, and taking time to make a great purchase decision will undoubtedly pay off.
Here are a few questions that you may want to consider before purchasing your next pair of golf shoes.
Do Pros Use Spikeless Shoes?
Most golfers on tour are going to wear a traditional spiked golf shoe. These are the only golfers that can take advantage of the spike technology, and many of them do so.
You must remember that most golf professionals are on some kind of equipment contract with a company. They will sometimes have to wear a shoe that the company asks them to.
This has led to a few professionals wearing a spikeless shoes. The spikeless shoes have more than enough technology and benefit for the average golfer. You will be able to swing with plenty of transfer of power with the spikeless shoe on your foot.
How Many Pairs Of Golf Shoes Should A Golfer Own?
There are some golfers out there that become very attached to the equipment. They will want all of the latest and greatest releases and end up with twelve pairs of golf shoes. There are other players that have one pair of shoes and think that is plenty.
Ideally, we recommend having two pairs of shoes. You should have one for wet conditions and one for dry conditions. The dry pair should be more of a lightweight mesh type golf shoe that will keep your foot cool while you are on the course.
The other pair of shoes should be a premium waterproof golf shoe. For the early morning rounds or the days where there is a chance for rain, you can wear the shoe that gives you the better performance.
Two pairs of shoes is perfect for most average golfers.
Can A Running Shoe Work To Play Golf?
If you are new to the game of golf, you may not have a pair of golf shoes. This is entirely acceptable and fine for the first few rounds of golf. However, if you find yourself playing the game more and more, you will need golf shoes.
The golf shoes are not just for the player, but they are for the golf course as well. The traction patterns and materials used on golf shoes are designed to keep the golf course in better shape. Running shoes may not offer this same benefit to the course.
The other important thing about a golf shoe is the stability points. As a golfer transfers their weight back and then through towards the target, they need the support and stability of a great shoe.
With all of the golf shoes on our list, you will notice that there is lots of support and durability.
Another thing to consider is that running shoes don’t tend to hold up all that well on a golf course. Remember, most of the time, running is done on the pavement, and golf is a walk through grass, woods, sand, and more.
The running shoes tend to fall apart quite easily.
Read Also: Best Golf Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Conclusion
We know this is a lot of information to take in about golf shoes; however, you should not be well equipped to purchase a great pair of shoes.
The best overall choice is the FootJoy Men’s Flex. This shoe has excellent spikeless traction, a lightweight mesh feel, and it comes at a very fair price. The only thing the Flex is missing is the complete waterproof technology.
If the waterproof warranty is essential to you, look at the Ecco Biom Hybrid 3. Remember that the best golf shoes on the market are the ones that fit your budget, your style, and your golf swing.