Keep your feet dry and your performance top-notch with these waterproof shoes.
Golf fans, there’s good news and bad news. The good news: at long last, it’s Masters week. More than 19 months after Tiger Woods’ Masters triumph, the golf world returns to Augusta National for the final major championship of 2020. That might even qualify as great news.
And the bad news? There’s rain in the forecast for almost the whole week at Augusta. Now, rain at the Masters is generally a bad thing (and not only for the white garment-clad caddies). For one thing, it’s the one tournament a year where fans yearn to see the colors and pigments in their finest light, and generally that means with shadows and sunlight.
For another, playing in the rain makes golf harder for even the best players. Sure, the greens are softer and more receptive, but it’s hard to perform any task — let alone one as arduous as participating in a major championship — while you’re uncomfortable. And if you’re slipping and sloshing your way around the course in shoes that aren’t meant to handle the elements, you’ll find it’s pretty hard to remain comfortable.
With the forecast in mind, here are five of our favorite waterproof golf shoes perfect for keeping your performance (and your feet) unaffected by the elements.
5 best waterproof golf shoes
The shoe with a TWO YEAR weatherproof warranty
Adidas Tour360 XT
The Adidas Tour360 XT golf shoe is a popular choice among those who play golf for a living, and for good reason. It starts with the premium leather upper that provides durability and an easy-to-clean surface. The top portion features Climaproof weather resistance and a 360Wrap that circles the entire foot and locks it into place for outstanding midfoot support. Speaking of, the foot is also supported by the responsive Boost midsole that cushions each step for all-day comfort. And if that’s not enough support, the Tour360 XT also includes a green-friendly Torsion Tunnel on the outsole for greater flexibility while providing increased arch support. When it comes to gripping prowess, the Tour360 XT golf shoe offers strategically placed X-Traxion secondary lugs and an eight cleat TPU Puremotion outsole with Thintech EXP cleats. Comes with a 2-year weather-proof warranty. We think the Tour360 XT epitomizes what it means to be a modern player’s golf shoe. It has all the style and substance anyone needs to look and play their best.
Leaning more towards a traditional look and fit, the Puma IGNITE ProAdapt golf shoe comes with Tour-level stability and comfort. The full-grain leather upper offers a supple softness, increased durability and a clean, sophisticated look. Which speaking of the leather, it’s waterproof and comes with a 1-year waterproof warranty. The stability and step-in comfort from the IGNITE midsole foam help keep the feet feeling energized for a longer time, and the outsole features strategically-placed flex grooves to improve natural movement. This shoe provides the ultimate ground-feel thanks to the Dual-Durometer Tornado Cleat system. Combined, these features work together to improve the transfer of energy from the ground, through the body and into the golf ball. Just ask Rickie Fowler. These are the shoes he wears.
The Ecco Men’s Biom G 3 BOA golf shoe features the GORE-TEX 100% waterproof technology which combines perfect breathability and strong weather protection. Using Biom’s NATURAL MOTION formula, you’ll feel closer to the ground, allowing for a more stable, comfortable base. The leather YAK uppers are extremely strong and lightweight with incredible breathability and heightened durability. The BOA closure system is designed for the ultimate comfort, fit, and easy adjustment. ZARMA-TOUR spikes are engineered for improved ground traction. Additionally, the open-cell Ortholite inlay sole is removable and washable, as well as constructed for long-term cushioning.
The Adidas Code Chaos spikeless golf shoe provides a lightweight stable feel. It is constructed with a durable Adiwear rubber outsole that features Chaos Traxion with Twist Grip soft rubber. Code Chaos also sports a Torsion X stability bar that offers footing from the ground up and a responsive Boost midsole made with FitFoam. Comfort is found in its textile lining and an INSITE sockliner that also enhances balance. The textile upper provides water protection to keep your feet dry and comes with a 1 year waterproof warranty. Need more convincing? GOLF.com’s Kevin Cunningham wrote about what makes the Code Chaos a unique spikeless shoe here.
The least running shoe-like of the NB golf shoe options and perhaps the most handsome, the New Balance NB Tour Golf Shoe comes loaded with features to help you play your best while keeping you comfortable and looking your best. It is manufactured with waterproof microfiber leather and ultralight support and the TPU outsole is made specifically to move with your natural motion for comfort and performance. Meaning, less energy is wasted on slipping or sliding while you swing, and a greater transfer of energy into the golf ball. The shoe also features the streamlined Champ Slim-Lok system and New Balance’s REVlite 10mm dropsole made of lightweight foam that provides superior response and durability.
James Colgan is a news and features editor at GOLF, writing stories for the website and magazine. He manages the Hot Mic, GOLF’s media vertical, and utilizes his on-camera experience across the brand’s platforms. Prior to joining GOLF, James graduated from Syracuse University, during which time he was a caddie scholarship recipient (and astute looper) on Long Island, where he is from. He can be reached at james.colgan@golf.com.
