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)
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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
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
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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
Nike Air Max 1 ’86 OG G
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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
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
Nike Free Golf NN
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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)
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
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)
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
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
