Our Picks: Our 10 favorite and most comfortable golf shoes we own

By: Josh Berhow

November 15, 2024

In this edition of Our Picks, we asked GOLF staffers to dish on their favorite, go-to golf shoes they can't leave home without.

GOLF

Welcome to GOLF’s 2024 holiday edition of Our Picks, where our experts are hand-selecting the items you — and your golf-loving family and friends — need on your radar. Scroll below for our latest batch of recommendations, and visit our Best Golf Stuff of 2024 hub page for more articles.

Few things are more important to golfers than golf shoes. They can make or break a round and, once golfers find a brand they love, that loyalty is hard to turn their back on.

But that’s just why trusty golf shoes are so important. When you find something that works, you stick with it. In my case, I have a few brands I stay loyal to because I like the fit (no blisters!), the look, the traction and water-resistency.

And is there a better time to buy golf shoes than now? We think not.

So for this holiday edition of Our Picks, we leaned on our golf-loving staffers to chime in with their favorite golf shoes they’ve stumbled upon in the past year.

And this group knows what it’s talking about. Our writers and editors have played all over the globe — in the States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Korea and more — and in all sorts of tricky climates and conditions. Two days and walking 72 holes at Bandon Dunes? We know which shoes we can trust. A rainy Scottish getaway? We know which ones will keep us dry. A week-long buddies’ trip? Make sure to bring these three pairs. You get the idea.

Check out our picks for our favorite golf shoes below.

Most comfortable, favorite golf shoes our staffers own

Keep scrolling for our picks of our favorite golf shoes.

Payntr X 005 F Golf Shoes

PAYNTR X 005 F (Men’s)

$180

CLARINO™️ Trivela microfiber upper Blister free PMX Fit Heel counter NEVERWET™️ superhydrophobic treatment Durable TPU outsole Graphite power plate Dual Density PMX Foam™️ midsole PMXNitro+ footbed

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If you read this website often, my love for Payntr golf shoes is well-known. I have a couple of different models I rotate through frequently. But the reason I love these shoes is for two simple reasons: they look good and they are comfortable. And what’s more important than that? They are also super supportive (so I get the best-possible traction) and lightweight (so they are perfect for walking 18 holes). So if you are interested in some of the best new golf shoes on the market — and they have a ton of styles for men and women — you need to give Payntr a try. — Josh Berhow

Adidas Code Chaos 25 Spikeless Shoes

Adidas Code Chaos 25

$180

A lightstrike and microfiber midsole energizes your steps and stance while feeling ultra-responsive underfoot. The spikeless Twist Grip outsole holds tight for powerful drives and accurate putts while a waterproof upper keeps your feet dry on damp, dewy fairways.

We’ve seen spikeless shoes explode over the last decade, but I think this is the pair of shoes that actually gets spikeless right. The outsole is covered in tiny little Zs that protrude just enough to feel like you’re really locked into the turf when swinging, but not so much that you’re walking on something abnormal when off the course. That’s the essence of what we want in spikeless shoes, right? The comfort of a non-cleated shoe and the sturdy playability of a cleated one. Code Chaos does that — and has been doing it ever since launching in 2019. That and more. — Sean Zak

Toma Alpha Golf Shoes

Tomo Alpha

$165

The next generation of our waterproof golf shoes. A single layer knit infused with FLEX tech in the insole and midsole for the most light, comfortable walk you’ll ever have on the golf course. SMART KNIT A waterproof knit that is woven with variable density. Providing stability where you need it, and flexibility where you don’t. LIGHT AND SOFT The FLEX-infused insole minimizes ground impact on your feet and body while allowing you to feel the contours of the green. AMAZING! SOLE POWER Infused with FLEX Tech, these soles are soft and bouncy. Energy returns with every step allowing you to walk effortlessly and #stepintowonder LIGHTWEIGHT Less is more at only 10.9 oz. Your feet will never get tired in these pillow-y shoes.

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Earlier this year, I wrote about the comfort the Tomo Alpha provided right away. And now after a full season of wearing my two pairs, they’re still going strong. Tomo Golf has created a golf shoe that’s comfortable for wide feet, waterproof and fashion forward. It looks more like a sneaker that you’d find off the course, a trend that continues to grow with golfers across the U.S. The Tomo Alpha shoe specifically has a woven pattern, making it a breathable choice for your feet. (I also loved the designs on the bottom of the soles.) The shoes are lightweight, feature a wide base and come equipped with pillowy insoles, making them comfortable even for your first time wearing them. No need to break ’em in. — Connor Federico

Nike Air Max 1 ’86 OG G

$160

A streetwear legend hits the links in the Air Max 1 ’86 OG G. Featuring the 4-window design that lets you peek at the Max Air unit underneath, this is on-course cool, confidence and comfort personified. It sports the vintage Air Max 1 details you love, like clean lines and unmistakable colors, and melds them with our game-changing golf technology, so you can play all day, year-round in a timeless fit. Visible Max Air The 4-window design allows you a view of the Max Air unit with every step. Stay Dry The synthetic upper provides water resistance in all-weather conditions. Traction for the Course Updated traction pattern gives you grip on the course in various conditions.

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Want to know what I love most about the Nike Air Max 1 ’86 OG G? They’re super versatile and perform at a high level as you navigate different course layouts. Similar to the classic streetwear style, they grab attention while you’re hitting bombs off the tee but get as many looks when you’re wearing them around town to your favorite bar afterwards. Truly iconic. — Nick Dimengo

Adidas ZG23 Golf Shoes

Adidas ZG23 Golf Shoes

$180

ZG23 redefines what a lightweight golf shoe can do with an ultralight platform that’s built to perform on the course. Featherweight underfoot, it delivers the traction and stability needed to focus on your game.

I have very flat feet and almost exclusively walk when I play golf — two traits that would seem to be at war with one another. But then I found the first-gen ZG21s, which had the best arch support of any golf shoe I’d ever used, and had the added benefit of being one of the lightest models on the market. I literally wore holes into them. Thankfully, Adidas didn’t make me wait too long to refresh my footwear, releasing the second-gen ZG23s earlier this year. The new models keep all the traits I loved about the ZG21s with added support in the toebox and heel. — James Colgan

Nike Free Golf NN

$130

A blast from the past, the Nike Free Golf uses some of our favorite running footwear technology to make it even more functional than before. It’s our lowest-to-the-ground golf shoe, offering freedom when you’re on the hoof or housing an approach shot from deep. Flexible for Your Round Nike Free technology in the forefoot offers flexibility, helping you move with ease. Secure Feel Brio cables are tunneled into the upper to secure the shoe’s upper to the outsole, a way to provide strength and support without adding bulky materials.

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You might have already noticed I wrote about my trusty Payntr golf shoes, but like several golfers I can’t survive with just one pair. Another one of my favorites are these Nike kicks, which I’ll admit I liked the look of so much I purchased without even trying them on. Turns out they are comfortable and look great — just like all the casual Nike shoes I live in — and are a great addition to any golf closet. — Josh Berhow

Duca del Cosma Olivera — Orchid/Pink (Women’s)

Duca del Cosma Olivera (Women’s)

$239

The Olivera is a fusion of athletic elegance in a waterproof women’s golf shoe. It boasts superior traction with the reliable Airplay 15 outsole and the Arneflex memory foam guarantees all day comfort.

First off, these shoes are BEAUTIFUL. The color-blocking and textures give this shoe an ultra-premium look. They’re sporty, but also pretty, and I’ve never owned a pair like them. In addition to looking great, memory-foam cushioning makes them supremely comfortable. They’re also waterproof and come with an additional set of complementary laces. I’ve enjoyed wearing them around town as much as I have on the course. — Jessica Marksbury

Allbirds Golf Dashers

Allbirds Golf Dashers

$87

Roomy forefoot meets full-swing stability in this nature-made golf shoe. This lightweight style seamlessly transitions from course to post-round drinks and can help you get through any drizzles (or sandtraps) that come your way.

I don’t like golf shoes. There, I said it. They’re typically stiff. They tax my feet. I can’t wait to take ’em off. But Allbirds has me … soaring. My feet feel like they’re … flying. OK, enough with the bird words. Point is, the Golf Dashers are soft on the inside, offer protection against the elements, grip wonderfully against the turf and come in some pretty sweet colors. I’m a big fan. For them, I’ve made a spot in … my nest. — Nick Piastowski

ECCO Golf Biom C4 (Women’s)

ECCO Golf Biom C4 (Women’s)

$180

Breathable comfort and innovative performance are mixed with a contemporary, feminine and sneaker-style aesthetic in the new, slim ECCO Women’s shoe.

These are by far the best golf shoes I’ve ever worn. The first time I laced these up, I walked 18 at a course with dramatic hills that put these to the test. But the Eccos came out on top. The traction kept me stable on every swing and the cushioning kept my feet comfortable long after the last putt dropped. — Maddi MacClurg

Ecco Golf BIOM H4

Ecco Golf BIOM H4

$96

Sleeker, sportier and more youthful, the upgraded ECCO men’s BIOM H4 SHOE offers fresh, minimalist style that perfectly matches the innovative comfort and performance.

I recently changed out my shoe collection and have absolutely zero regrets switching to the Ecco H4. These are by far the most stable shoes I have ever worn, which has been especially critical as I’ve worked to use the ground better in my golf swing. The added reassurance of GORE-TEX in these shoes also keeps me comfortable knowing there is no chance my feet will ever get wet on the golf course. And if by some crazy measure they do, Ecco backs the GORE-TEX with a lifetime warranty. Luckily, I haven’t had to take advantage of it and don’t expect to. Now when I compete, I won’t ever use a shoe that’s not GORE-TEX. — Jack Hirsh

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Josh Berhow

Golf.com Editor

As GOLF.com’s managing editor, Berhow handles the day-to-day and long-term planning of one of the sport’s most-read news and service websites. He spends most of his days writing, editing, planning and wondering if he’ll ever break 80. Before joining GOLF.com in 2015, he worked at newspapers in Minnesota and Iowa. A graduate of Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minn., he resides in the Twin Cities with his wife and two kids. You can reach him at joshua_berhow@golf.com.