Best golf shoes for ultimate performance and comfort
Finding the perfect pair of golf shoes can be a complicated process. Walk into any golf store or browse the brand’s website, and you’ll see a nearly limitless array of golf shoe brands, each offering various options — it’s almost dizzying. But here, we’re highlighting the best golf shoes of 2023 across several categories to help narrow down your list.
And for those wondering why you need golf shoes at all — take one swing on slightly dewy grass, and without a good waterproof golf shoe, you might as well be playing on an ice rink because the primary purpose behind a great golf shoe is traction. You want a stable and secure grip on the ground for every swing so you can concentrate on, well, the other 100,000-minute details of the golf swing instead.
Top 14 golf shoes
Staff favorite: Puma Golf IGNITE PWRADAPT Caged Crafted Golf Shoes
Best FootJoy: FootJoy Tour Alpha
Best for timeless tastes: FootJoy Traditions
Best budget: Skechers Relaxed Fit: GO GOLF Drive 5
Best spikeless: Travis Mathew The Moneymaker Spikeless Golf Shoe
Best spiked: Under Armour Men’s UA HOVR Drive 2 Golf Shoes
Best weatherproof: ECCO Men’s Golf Biom H4 Shoe
Best for cart riders: G/Fore Men’s Collection Gallivanter Golf Shoe
Best Nike: Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 2
Best for sneakerheads: Air Jordan 1 Low G
Best athletic fit: Asics Gel-Kayano Ace
Best for hot days: True Linkswear True OG Feel
Best off-course style: Johnston & Murphy McGuffey GL2 Hybrid Plain Toe
Best eye-catching design: Adidas Codechaos 22 Spikeless Shoes
How we chose the best golf shoes
We chose our best golf shoes based on form, function, and user reviews. When it comes to fashion, the decisions become deeply personal in that you have to like the look of the golf shoes, golf clothes, and gear you’re in. So ultimately, the balance between style and comfort will be a choice you’ll need to make. But our top 10 best golf shoes of 2023 represent a can’t-miss starting point for your shoe-buying journey.
Staff favorite: Puma Golf IGNITE PWRADAPT Caged Crafted Golf Shoes
Staff favorite: Puma Golf IGNITE PWRADAPT Caged Crafted Golf Shoes
Benefits
— Balanced and comfortable design
— Quick and easy to put on
— Excellent traction on spikes
Drawbacks
— Only 1 year guaranteed waterproof
— Multitone colors can be tough to match with your golf clothes
Earning the top spot on our list of best golf shoes of 2023 is Puma Golf’s IGNITE PWRADAPT. This pair is ultra-comfortable, lightweight, and waterproof, providing excellent stability across all terrain types.
The IGNITE PWRADAPT features a soft, waterproof inner layer that wraps your foot with the comfort of a sock, while the sturdy outer PWRFRAME provides all the support you need for your swing. Puma left nothing unconsidered from the tornado-style cleats, which give added stability no matter the lie, to the conveniently designed tongue and rear loops so you can easily slip them on. While the colorways may not be for everyone, the IGNITE PWRADAPT represents the best blend of form and function.
Sizes: 7-15 | Waterproof: Yes, 1-year guarantee | BOA option: Yes | Colors: 4
Best FootJoy: FootJoy Tour Alpha
Best FootJoy: FootJoy Tour Alpha
Benefits
— Very stable spike pattern
— Soft, premium-feeling leather
— Available in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide
Drawbacks
— Expensive
— Firm sole is not for everyone
FootJoy touts itself as the No. 1 shoe in golf, and, by and large, we’d have to agree. Offering a wide variety of fits and styles, FootJoy has options for almost every golfer. Our favorite FootJoy is the Tour Alpha. One of the first things you’ll notice about the Tour Alpha is its stability. The spike pattern extends beyond the shoe’s sole for exceptional side-to-side balance.
We also love how FootJoy offers a variety of width options for narrow to extra wide feet, as most companies stick to one or two widths that often fall short for those with nontraditional-sized feet. Our one caution is that the sole can feel a bit firm, especially for those used to athletic-style golf shoes, but where it lacks in flexibility, it makes up for in performance.
Sizes: 7-15 | Waterproof: Yes, 2-year guarantee | BOA option: Yes | Colors: 4
Best for timeless tastes: FootJoy Traditions
Best for timeless tastes: FootJoy Traditions
Benefits
— Beautiful, detailed styling
— Customizable colorways
— Lightweight and comfortable
Drawbacks
— On the expensive side
— Can feel a bit stiffer than athletic-style shoes
As the name may suggest, the best golf shoe for those with timeless taste is the FootJoy Traditions. While it boasts all the traction, support, and comfort you’d expect from one of the most well-known golf shoe brands around, the excellence of the Traditions golf shoe lies in its styling.
The iconic saddle that wraps around the middle of the shoe is marked by various stunning details that’ll have fellow golfers turning their heads from holes away. Plus, with its full-grain leather construction, you can be sure that these golf shoes will have the durability to last for many seasons to come.
Sizes: 7-15 | Waterproof: Yes, 1-year guarantee | BOA option: No | Colors: 7 + design your own option
Best budget: Skechers Relaxed Fit: GO GOLF Drive 5
Best budget: Skechers Relaxed Fit: GO GOLF Drive 5
Benefits
— Waterproof
— Removable, podiatrist-certified insole for added comfort
— Classic everyday styling
Drawbacks
— Shallow spikes
Our best budget pick is the Skechers GO GOLF Drive 5. It may not be the most stylish option or from a major golf shoe brand, but Skechers is known for its comfort, and the GO GOLF Drive 5 is a supremely comfortable golf shoe.
The removable, podiatrist-certified Arch Fit insole ensures long-term support, and the Goodyear (yes, that Goodyear) spikeless outsole allows you to go from course to club without swapping your shoes. The classic styling also allows for on- and off-course wear with a leather-synthetic lace-up design.
Sizes: 8-13, depending on the color | Waterproof: Yes, 2-year guarantee | BOA option: No | Colors: 4
Best spikeless: Travis Mathew The Moneymaker Spikeless Golf Shoe
Best spikeless: Travis Mathew The Moneymaker Spikeless Golf Shoe
Benefits
— Sleek style
— Very lightweight
— Don’t need breaking in
Drawbacks
— Spikes can lose traction on deep grass
— Achilles support could be better
Cuater is a sub-brand of golf apparel brand Travis Mathew (owned by Callaway, by the way), so you know their shoes are designed by people who get it — and The Moneymaker is its signature golf shoe for a reason.
Our pick for the best spikeless golf shoe feels incredibly comfortable from the first wear, and the sleek single-color design means you can pair them with any golfing wardrobe. They’re made from a lightweight fabric, so the look and feel are more akin to an everyday shoe than a typical leather golf shoe.
And since the cushioning was also designed to be lightweight, they almost feel like you aren’t wearing shoes at all. The main caution is that spikeless shoes can lose traction on deeper grass or muddy ground.
Sizes: 8-14 | Waterproof: Yes | BOA option: No | Colors: 7
Best spiked: Under Armour Men’s UA HOVR Drive 2 Golf Shoes
Best spiked: Under Armour Men’s UA HOVR Drive 2 Golf Shoes
Benefits
— Cushioning doesn’t just absorb but returns energy
— Reinforced toe area
— Unique spike pattern for added stability
Drawbacks
— Need some breaking in
— Limited color options
Under Armour’s latest innovations in stability and traction have launched the HOVR Drive 2 into our top spot for the best spiked golf shoe. It begins with the molded heel, giving an added level of snug support throughout your swing. The 3D-printed toe guard reinforces a crucial area of a golf shoe that’s often the first to wear out due to the pressure it takes during the swing.
The HOVR cushioning goes beyond absorbing impact and actually returns energy to your foot as you step and swing. And finally, the unique spike pattern on the bottom was explicitly designed with rotational, horizontal, and vertical spikes to ensure that wherever you are in your swing, you get traction the entire way.
Sizes: 7-15 | Waterproof: Yes, 1-year guarantee | BOA option: No | Colors: 3
Best weatherproof: ECCO Men’s Golf Biom H4 Shoe
Best weatherproof: ECCO Men’s Golf Biom H4 Shoe
Benefits
— Gore-Tex waterproof technology
— Removable, washable insole
— Neutral colorways for easy coordination
Drawbacks
— On the expensive side
— Not as squishy as others
Our favorite weatherproof golf shoe comes courtesy of ECCO with the Biom H4. The star of the show is clearly the 100% Gore-Tex waterproof technology, so you can be sure they’ll hold up in everything from light morning dew to torrential downpours.
For a spikeless shoe, the Biom H4 offers some of the deepest grooves we’ve seen to help maintain traction even in slicker terrain. From ECCO’s proprietary FLUIDFORM sole to the X-TENSA internal construction, this golf shoe is well thought out and worn as one ergonomically designed unit rather than a collection of different soles, spikes, and laces. This will help you to feel more secure and stable throughout your golf swing.
And while they’re on the expensive side, we thought the subtle leather styling touches and balance between neutral colorways and pops of character made them a fashionable, high-end option.
Sizes: 5-14.5 | Waterproof: Yes | BOA option: Yes | Colors: 6
Best for cart riders: G/Fore Men’s Collection Gallivanter Golf Shoe
Best for cart riders: G/Fore Men’s Collection Gallivanter Golf Shoe
Benefits
— Insole ridges massage feet as you walk
— Classic styling
— High-end craftsmanship
Drawbacks
— Heavy compared to others
— On the expensive side
Our favorite golf shoe for cart riders is the G/Fore Gallivanter with premium waterproof leather. One of its greatest strengths (and potential weaknesses) is that it’s a heavy shoe that helps you feel grounded throughout the swing. However, those who like to walk a full 18 will likely enjoy some of the more lightweight, athletic-fit options.
But, for those who prefer a good cruise in a cart, the Gallivanter blends high-end details and craftsmanship with a timeless profile. And when you do need to walk around, G/Fore’s triple-density foam insert is a delight to walk on, and the proprietary comfort system ridges on the insole gently massage your feet — an unexpected yet luxurious touch.
Sizes: 7-15 | Waterproof: Yes, 1-year guarantee | BOA option: No | Colors: 2
Best Nike: Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 2
Best Nike: Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 2
Benefits
— Exceptionally comfortable
— Stable across all ground conditions
— Athletic styling
Drawbacks
— Spikes can take a bit to get used to
— Limited color options
Across all of Nike’s golf shoe options, our favorite is the Air Zoom Victory Tour 2 — and we’re not alone, as they’re also the shoe of choice for PGA Pro Rory McIlroy. Air Zoom Victory 2 utilizes Nike’s exceptional comfort across all its athletic shoes with cushy padding and a well-designed outer sole that fits snugly in all the right spots.
The spike pattern is unique to Nike, so those used to other companies’ shoes or spikeless may find it takes some getting used to. But once you acclimate, they provide top-of-the-line traction on all terrain types and conditions.
Sizes: Men’s 3.5-16, Women’s 5-17.5 | Waterproof: Yes, 2-year guarantee | BOA option: No | Colors: 2
Best for sneakerheads: Air Jordan 1 Low G
Best for sneakerheads: Air Jordan 1 Low G
Benefits
— Genuine leather for premium feel
— Excellent styling and “cool factor”
— Waterproof
Drawbacks
— Cushioning is a bit lacking
— Traction can be weaker on wet ground
Easily the best golf shoe for sneakerheads is the Air Jordan 1 Low G. While the Jordan brand releases shoes and limited-edition collabs fairly regularly, the Air Jordan 1 Low G is a mainstay for a good cause. Plainly stated, they look incredible — just ask Tony Finau.
The genuine leather affords them a premium feel, and in normal conditions, they maintain great traction. However, for more die-hard golf enthusiasts and frequent walkers, you’ll likely find this shoe to be a bit lacking when it comes to overall cushioning or traction on soggy ground.
Sizes: Men’s 3.5-16, Women’s 5-17.5 | Waterproof: Yes, 1-year guarantee | BOA option: No | Colors: 6
Best athletic fit: Asics Gel-Kayano Ace
Best athletic fit: Asics Gel-Kayano Ace
Benefits
— Performance running shoe fit
— Top-of-the-line traction for spikeless
— Fully waterproof
Drawbacks
— Can feel too tight/narrow for some
Our favorite athletic-fit golf shoe is from running shoe powerhouse Asics. After partnering with Srixon in 2019, Asics has designed an exceptionally comfortable and well-designed golf shoe that combines stability, support, and performance. The Gel-Kayano Ace features a snug midsection to hold your foot in place while opening up to a wider toe area for ease of movement during your swing. The result is a fit that should feel very familiar to fans of the brand’s highly popular running shoes.
Additional features we love here are the fully waterproof outsole and inner waterproof lining to hold up to dewy mornings and surprise downpours. We’re also impressed by the Flex Groove sole pattern, as it features several different rubber spike zones to provide the proper traction at every part of your swing.
Sizes: 6-14 | Waterproof: Yes | BOA option: No | Colors: 6
Best for hot days: True Linkswear True OG Feel
Best for hot days: True Linkswear True OG Feel
Benefits
— Extremely breathable
— No breaking-in needed
— Comes in a reusable shoe bag
Drawbacks
— Zero-drop construction can be polarizing
— Not waterproof
The best golf shoe for hot temperatures and the dog days of summer is the True Linkswear True OG Feel. With this shoe, True Linkswear went all in, providing the most natural, barefoot feel. It wears like a sock with a flexible knit upper, and the equally flexible sole provides a more direct connection with the terrain as you play.
The key feature in its natural feel is the zero-drop construction, which means the heel of the shoe is even with the toe, as opposed to more traditional fits with a slightly elevated heel. While the difference is only a matter of millimeters, it’s remarkably noticeable for those who haven’t played in zero-drop shoes.
The lack of waterproofing is the main drawback to such a natural and breezy feel. These shoes were designed explicitly for muggy summer days, so if you like to play dewy mornings or think poor weather may be in the forecast, then stashing a second pair of waterproof golf shoes in the trunk is worth it.
Sizes: 7-15 | Waterproof: No | BOA option: No | Colors: 8
Best off-course style: Johnston & Murphy McGuffey GL2 Hybrid Plain Toe
Best off-course style: Johnston & Murphy McGuffey GL2 Hybrid Plain Toe
Benefits
— Everyday styling
— Lightweight and comfortable
— Waterproof
Drawbacks
— Limited colors
— Worse traction than most
In a world full of golf shoes claiming on- and off-course style, there’s none better than the Johnston & Murphy McGuffey GL2 Hybrid. If you didn’t look under the sole, you’d think this shoe was meant for office and social wearing. The classic profile and premium leather-textile finishes make this one good-looking golf shoe. And while it’s only offered in three colors (white, brown, and navy), the brand offers enough range to pair them with any golf or social outfit.
We chose the McGuffey GL2 Hybrid Plain Toe as our favorite for off-course style because when it comes to on-course performance, the traction is less than ideal. The shallow grooves mean you’ll only get slightly more grip than a regular shoe, so they’re probably best for impromptu range sessions after work or a sneaky nine-hole round during lunch. We’d recommend finding a more traditional spiked shoe instead for longer rounds.
Sizes: 8-14 | Waterproof: Yes, 1-year guarantee | BOA option: No | Colors: 3
Best eye-catching design: Adidas Codechaos 22 Spikeless Shoes
Best eye-catching design: Adidas Codechaos 22 Spikeless Shoes
Benefits
— Exceptional comfort and stability
— Made with recycled materials
— BOA option available
Drawbacks
— Bold styling isn’t for everyone
— BOA version can be on the pricey side
Our favorite eye-catching golf shoe is the Adidas Codechaos 22 with a Twist Grip outsole that has us picturing ’90s-era basketball shoes. More than just for good looks, the outsole provides an additional level of grip that matches your bodyweight shift as you swing. Combined with the Adidas BOOST technology, these incredibly comfortable golf shoes offer stability throughout your swing.
Some additional bonus features include a BOA option, where the laceless design brings a more modern look to the shoe’s profile. And we also appreciate that the shoe’s upper part is made from at least 50% recycled materials. While the styling may not be for every taste, the Codechaos 22 certainly stands out in the crowd.
Sizes: 7-15 | Waterproof: Yes, 1-year guarantee | BOA option: Yes | Colors: 7
A quality shoe means an even better swing
There’s no shortage of golf shoes to choose from, but as you make your decision, one of the most important factors to consider is your typical playing habits (e.g., how often and where you play). Finding an excellent weatherproof shoe may be the best option if you’re one for the early morning dew-swept rounds. But for those who enjoy a desert round spent in the cart, perhaps something breathable and stylish could prove a better fit. If you need a little extra guidance on cutting down the field, read below for our detailed golf shoe-buying guide.
How to pick the right golf shoe for you
Many factors go into determining which golf shoe is best for your game and style, from comfort to colorways. Below, we highlight key categories to consider as you narrow down your options.
Price
Usually a key factor in any golf purchasing decision, the price can vary widely in golf shoes. You can find it all, from the more affordable options under $100 all the way up to several hundred or even thousands of dollars on the resale market. One of our favorite picks is the Skechers Relaxed Fit: GO GOLF Drive 5 for budget-conscious shoppers. And for those looking to splurge, anything from the Air Jordan line will make a splashy addition to your golf shoe lineup.
Comfort
Another crucial area to consider when buying a golf shoe is comfort. Each shoe features a proprietary build and comfort profile, but you’ll need to determine just how snug you like your shoe to fit and if you prefer a more rigid or flexible sole. Recent trends in golf shoes have favored the more athletic fit, and relying on industry titans like Nike is usually a safe play for an extremely comfortable shoe, such as the Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 2.
Durability
A risk in choosing more modern materials for your golf shoes is durability. By and large, going for premium-grade leather is a safe bet that your shoes will not only hold up to the elements but also last for many years to come. And speaking of companies that have rightfully earned durability in the market for decades, FootJoy makes some of the most durable golf shoes around, with the Traditions line blending style and function for a truly timeless pair.
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