Best of: 5 golf shoes for ultimate traction and balance

When it comes to finding the best golf products, every golfer needs a little guidance. Don’t sweat it, we got you covered. For our 2021 Best of Everything series, we’ve canvassed the golf accessories, apparel and game-improvement space to identify the very best stuff for your game. Think of us as your personal shopping assistant. For more of our Best Of lists, visit our Pro Shop.

Best golf shoes for traction and balance

If you want to swing it with balance (and look good doing it) you’ll need a trusty pair of golf shoes. There are plenty of shoes out there that can get you from point A to point B, but if you want to do it right, you’ll need a pair that doesn’t compromise on look or performance.

But with all the options out there to choose from, how are you supposed to know what will work best? That’s where we come in. Here are five pairs of golf shoes that will give you ultimate traction and balance on the course.

An athletic look

Nike Vapor

$69.95

The Nike Vapor golf epitomizes versatility, with clean lines and understated styling that makes it easily wearable both on and off the golf course. The low-profile, lightweight, spikeless shoe is constructed with synthetic leather that is durable, simple-to-clean and water-resistant. The Vapor golf shoe also features a bladed rubber integrated traction pattern on the outsole for outstanding gripping power, so much so that it rivals any shoe that comes with removable spikes. The Vapor also comes with a full-length Phylon midsole that is lightweight and responsive, which relieves pressure on your joints as you walk. This is truly a golf shoe that combines style, comfort and traction exceptionally well.

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Style and stability

Adidas Special Edition Code Chaos

$149.99

The Adidas Code Chaos spikeless golf shoe offers a lightweight stable feel that keeps you grounded without weighing you down. The golf shoe is constructed with a durable Adiwear rubber outsole that features Chaos Traxion with Twist Grip soft rubber. Code Chaos also features a Torsion X stability bar that offers footing from the ground up and a responsive Boost midsole made with FitFoam. Comfort is provided with a textile lining and an INSITE sockliner that also enhances balance. The textile upper offers water protection to keep your feet dry and warm, and comes with a 2-year waterproof warranty. The Code Chaos brand has been featured on GOLF.com before — see the write-up on the Summer of Golf edition. This new Special Edition is worth your time as well.

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Tour-approved

Adidas Tour360 XT-SL TEX

$139.99

The Adidas Tour 360 XT-SL Textile spikeless golf shoe provides all day comfort and water protection. It sports a full-length Boost midsole with an X Torsion bar for a extra-stable platform and a TPU X shaped outsole with excellent traction. Tour 360 XT also sports a mesh upper, offering breathable comfort throughout each round.

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Cutting edge

ECCO Biom G3

$169

ECCO golf shoes tend to be on the cutting edge of styling and technology, and the Biom G3 golf shoe is no different. On the outside, the Biom G3 features a durable YAK leather upper and comes with a unique GORE-TEX waterproof technology that magically combines exceptional breathability and with wet weather protection. Inside, the open-cell Ortholite inlay sole is both removable and washable, as well as designed for long-term cushioning that feels soft and comfortable the moment you first put these shoes on. Using Biom’s NATURAL MOTION formula, you’ll also feel closer to the ground, allowing for a more stable, comfortable footing and connection to the turf. Underneath, the ZARMA-TOUR spikes are engineered for improved ground traction and better stability while making a golf swing.

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A little flair

Puma IGNITE PWRADAPT Caged

$149.99

The sneaker-like Puma IGNITE PWRADAPT Caged golf shoe provides comfort, support and excellent grip on and off the golf course. Underneath, the PWRAdapt outsole is equipped with pods that allow the spikes to move independently from each other, providing a unique 3-dimensional traction pattern and enhanced gripping power. Comfort and support come from a PWRCage saddle for a snug fit, a PWRFrame that is strategically placed at the shoe’s upper to provide support in high stress areas, and an adaptive fit system that provides 360-degree support through the internal bootie structure. Also, the IGNITE foam midsole provides energy return, responsive comfort, and stable cushioning all round long.

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For more of GOLF’s Best of Everything guide, check out the November/December 2020 issue of GOLF Magazine, or visit GOLF’s Pro Shop here.