Best Golf Shoes for Walking: Top Picks for the Most Comfortable Pairs
Golf was created with walking in mind. After all, there were no motorized golf carts or even push carts at the time of the sport’s origin. As the years went by, golf trolleys, as they’re called in Europe (push or pull carts in the U.S.), helped golfers transport their clubs from point A to point B while preserving the beautiful art of walking the course.
Today, motorized carts mean big revenue for many golf facilities, but walking remains at the game’s core. Whether a leisurely round or an intense competition, walking provides health benefits, keeps the golfer grounded and focused, and is how the game was meant to be played.
Finding a comfortable, supportive, stable, and durable golf shoe is vital to maximizing the walking experience. We hope our guide to the best golf shoes for walking helps narrow your search for the right pair for you.
Top 10 best golf shoes for walking
Best lightweight: FootJoy Superlites XP
Best breathability: FootJoy Flex
Best versatility: TRUE Lux Hybrid
Best bang for your buck: Callaway Men’s Solana SL v2 Golf Shoes
Best comfort: Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT%
Best stability: Puma IGNITE Articulate Golf Shoes
Best style: Adidas CODECHAOS 22 Spikeless Golf Shoes
Best waterproof: ECCO Men’s Golf Biom H4 Shoe
Best premium: ECCO M Biom C4 Shoe
Best spikeless: Skechers Relaxed Fit: GO GOLF Drive 5
How we chose the best golf shoes for walking
We researched manufacturer specifications, including cost, comfort, stability, style, breathability, premium features, and more, to create a shortlist of the top golf shoes. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best walking golf shoes for each category.
Best lightweight: FootJoy Superlites XP
Best lightweight: FootJoy Superlites XP
Benefits
— Waterproof
— Lightweight
— Fine-tuned foam
Drawbacks
— Not offered in extra wide fit
The FootJoy Superlites XP is a fine lightweight shoe that’s waterproof and constructed of fine-tuned foam for a soft feel whenever you walk the course. The waterproof technology ensures your feet stay dry during the round, so you can wear the shoes to dinner or to run errands.
The synthetic material provides durability to give you the confidence to walk those additional 18 holes when one round is already in the books for the day. This shoe has a Laser Plus Last fit with a well-rounded toe character, and the thicker insole increases cushioning for more comfort. You’ll benefit from excellent stability thanks to the infinity outsole and its 189 points of traction.
Size range: 7-15 (Medium, Wide) | Material: Fine-tuned foam | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Best breathability: FootJoy Flex
Best breathability: FootJoy Flex
Benefits
— Performance mesh construction
— Lightweight
— Cushioned midsole
Drawbacks
— Not waterproof
The FootJoy Flex golf shoe has a lightweight design and performance mesh construction providing great breathability. The cushioned midsole offers a super comfortable walk and stability on the course. The versatile traction of the outsole adds more stability, whether swinging the club or walking in wet conditions or on uneven terrain. With a traditional sneaker look, you can wear this shoe to and from the course, as well as on it.
This shoe has a laser sport fit with a rounded toe and an athletic look thanks to a toe spring and narrow heel. There’s a FootJoy Flex shoe for every golfer out there, as it’s offered in medium, wide, and extra wide.
Size range: 7-15 (Medium, Wide, Extra Wide) | Material: Breathable mesh, rubber | Waterproof: No | Spikes: Spikeless
Best versatility: TRUE Lux Hybrid
Best versatility: TRUE Lux Hybrid
Benefits
— Adaptive knit technology
— TOUR-level performance
— Waterproof
Drawbacks
— Subpar performance in muddy conditions
The TRUE Lux Hybrid offers adaptive knit technology and TOUR-level performance in a fully waterproof golf shoe. With a leather saddle for a premium, stylish look, the TRUE Lux Hybrid provides great stability for a stress-free stroll down the fairway.
The new Achilles heel pad, TPU heel stabilizer, and high retention elastic heel lock system give you a superior fit and feel. Additional features include a TPU mud guard that keeps the shoes drier and more comfortable, a TOUR-tested tread for stability, a transitional drop for a softer feel, and a more natural fit for a complete shoe that will satisfy any golfer.
Size range: 7-15 | Material: 100% Napa leather saddle | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Best bang for your buck: Callaway Men’s Solana SL v2 Golf Shoes
Bang for your Buck: Callaway Men’s Solana SL v2 Golf Shoes
Benefits
— Waterproof
— Performance mesh
— Opti-dri protection
Drawbacks
— Not offered in extra-wide models
The lightweight and waterproof Callaway Solana SL v2 Golf Shoes are a fantastic option for the budget-conscious consumer. This shoe is made of performance mesh and microfiber leather and is the right choice for golfers who prefer to strap on their golf bag and walk the course. The forged DX midsole gives the golfer a natural, comfortable ground feel when walking.
Dura-Rubber multidirectional lugs provide extra traction on the surface and prevent slipping during your golf swing. Patented Callaway Opti-dri protection means your feet will be as dry after play as before you slipped on these comfortable and breathable shoes. The Opti-vent mesh liner controls heat, preventing sweat from impeding your progress.
Size range: 8-16 (Medium, Wide) | Material: Performace mesh, microfiber leather | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Best comfort: Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT%
Best comfort: Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT%
Benefits
— More foot room than its predecessor
— Better forefoot cushioning
— Offered in 10 colors
Drawbacks
— Not waterproof
The Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Infinity Tour. With more foot room, better cushioning, and added traction, the Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% is a complete shoe with many great features to simultaneously up your shoe game and golf game.
This shoe, made of a comfortable and breathable textile, keeps your feet from sweating while hugging and supporting them, while its foam component provides reactive durability. The plush, padded collar keeps your heel in place while walking or swinging, and the spiked forefoot and heel prevent slipping.
Size range: Men’s 3.5-16 | Material: Breathable textile, foam | Waterproof: No | Spikes: Spiked forefoot and heel
Best stability: Puma IGNITE Articulate Golf Shoes
Best stability: Puma IGNITE Articulate Golf Shoes
Benefits
— Waterproof
— Pro-fit insole
— Offered in 7 colors
Drawbacks
— Hard to get them on your feet
The Puma IGNITE Articulate Golf Shoe has a strong yet lightweight saddle that’s thinner across the middle to accommodate different foot shapes comfortably. This stability, along with the added flex provided by strategically placed grooves in the outsole, midsole, and upper, provide exceptional support and confidence when walking the course or taking dead aim at every shot.
The eight-cleat traction pattern means your feet will be secure on the longest of golf shots and widest of swings. You’ll also be glad when trekking up and down those hillier terrains. The IGNITE foam delivers energy in your motion and unparalleled comfort and feel for hours.
Size range: 7-15 | Material: IGNITE foam | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: HEX traction lugs, pro-form TPU, tornado cleat
Best style: Adidas CODECHAOS 22 Spikeless Golf Shoes
Best style: Adidas CODECHAOS 22 Spikeless Golf Shoes
Benefits
— Awesome athletic appearance
— Waterproof
— Offered in 7 colors
Drawbacks
— Lack of wide sizes
The Adidas CODECHAOS 22 golf shoe is made of 50% recycled material. The rubber-wrapping spikeless outsole with Twist Grip provides stance stability and traction. The full-length Boost midsole maximizes the energy produced by such technology and allows you to confidently put your all into every swing.
The INSITE sock liner provides comfort and a snug fit that lets you walk the course and head home without changing your shoes. With the look this shoe provides, you’ll want to wear it everywhere you go.
Size range: 7-15 | Material: 50% recycled materials | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Best waterproof: ECCO Men’s Golf Biom H4 Shoe
Best waterproof: ECCO Men’s Golf Biom H4 Shoe
Benefits
— Updated, state-of-the-art outsole
— Waterproof
— Offered in five colors
Drawbacks
— Excessive wear and tear in leather and lacing reported in customer reviews
The ECCO Men’s Golf Biom H4 Shoe is made of durable, high-quality leather, micro-perforated embossing, and top-of-the-line Gore-Tex waterproof technology. The MTN Grip outsole offers features like ECCO’s signature FLUIDFORM technology and PU midsole with TPU inserts that provide stability, security, comfort, and feel. This is a high-quality shoe from a longtime staple in men’s golf shoes.
BIOM Natural Motion technology provides added security and makes you feel closer to the ground, a huge factor in a more effective golf swing. X-Tensa Invisible Technology provides additional protection by linking the sole unit to the laces. The removable and washable Ortholite inlay gives this stellar golf shoe a cushiony feel and breathability.
Size range: 5-14.5 | Material: ECCO leather | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Best premium: ECCO Men’s Golf Biom C4 Shoe
Best premium: ECCO Men’s Golf Biom C4 Shoe
Benefits
— Waterproof
— 360-degree breathability
— Exhaust GRID allows for air ventilation around the sole of the foot
Drawbacks
— Expensive
The ECCO Men’s Golf Biom C4 Shoe is a premium leather product from a worldwide trendsetter in footwear. With 360-degree breathability and 100% waterproof technology, your feet will be cool and dry regardless of the climate or conditions. The Gore-Tex Surround construction and Exhaust Grid allow air ventilation through the sole of the foot.
The stretchy inner mesh sock ensures a comfortable, secure grip that protects your foot and provides exceptional comfort for hours. ECCO FLUIDFORM Direct Comfort Technology gives the golfer extra cushion, rebound through the swing, and flexibility when in stride. The removable Ortholite inlay gives a cushiony feel and breathability for the long term.
Size range: 5-13.5 | Material: ECCO performance leather, mesh sock | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Best spikeless: Skechers Relaxed Fit: GO GOLF Drive 5
Best spikeless: Skechers Relaxed Fit: GO GOLF Drive 5
Benefits
— Leather and synthetic upper
— Removable Arch Fit insole and Goodyear Performance Outsole
— Waterproof
Drawbacks
— Only offered in 3 sizes
Offered in four colors and fully waterproof, the Skechers Relaxed Fit: GO GOLF Drive 5 golf shoe features the Skechers patented Arch Fit insole system that provides stellar comfort and support. The removable insole molds to your feet to give you exceptional feel and stability when walking the course or swinging the golf club.
The Goodyear Performance Outsole provides traction, stability, and durability for a complete and affordable golf shoe. The lightweight design offers a seamless stroll through 18 holes and beyond, as the everyday style of the shoe means it fits into your wardrobe on and off the course.
Size range: 8.5-11.5 | Material: Leather, synthetic upper | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Walk this way, whether on or off the course
Although many golfers enjoy the leisurely experience that a motorized golf cart provides, many others still prefer to walk their golf rounds, whether a quick nine after work or 18 holes on Sunday morning with their buddies at the club. Being comfortable during play has proven advantages in the golfer’s performance and enjoyment of the day.
Golf apparel manufacturers are developing technology that keeps golfers dry and cool in hot conditions and warm and comfortable when it’s cold. Golf shoes follow that trend by offering state-of-the-art technology to please the golfing consumer. Choosing the best shoe takes some research. We hope our list provides insight and a more straightforward path to a comfortable walk on the golf course.
How to pick the right walking golf shoes for you
When choosing the right golf shoe for walking, weighing all your options is important. Figure out your budget and the style of shoe you desire. Look for stability, comfort, and durability. Ensure it’s waterproof for those early morning rounds or for playing after the rain stops.
Price
Great golf shoes for walking come in a wide range of price points. Your head could spin with all the options — from $75 to $300. Narrowing down this factor beforehand will make your search much more manageable.
Comfort
There’s no more important factor in any footwear than comfort. Whether it’s a dress shoe, sneaker, bowling shoe, or golf shoe, you must protect your feet by finding one that provides comfort and a proper fit.
Durability
With the expensive nature of golf shoes, durability is a huge factor to consider. Read the reviews and try them on for yourself. Investing in high-quality materials and a proven brand is always a smart play.
FAQ
Are golf shoes good for walking on concrete?
You should avoid walking on concrete with spiked golf shoes, as the spikes will wear down faster, and you’ll have absolutely no traction or stability on the hard surface. Spikeless golf shoes will also wear down in time but are much more conducive to hard surfaces, as they’re meant to be worn to or from the course, as well as on it.
Is it OK to play golf in running shoes?
Many novices and beginning golfers wear sneakers or running shoes to play golf. This is fine as long as no sharp points on the soles will damage the greens. With minimal traction on wet or grassy surfaces, you’ll see your feet slip and move around during the swing more than you’d prefer, likely triggering a quick trip to your local golf shop for that first pair of golf shoes.
What’s the golf shoe rule?
Governed under the USGA Rules of Golf Rule 4 Use of Equipment, golf shoes may help a player establish a more secure stance, but they must not have the following features:
- Design to assist the player in taking his stance and/or building a stance;
- Design to assist the player with his alignment; or
- Design that might otherwise assist the player in making a stroke or in his play.
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