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Whether you play 18 holes multiple times a week, or you’re mostly there for the 19th hole festivities, the best golf shoes not only make your round more comfortable, they can improve your performance. The right golf shoes are as essential to a golfer’s equipment as the proper golf bag or golf pants. Not only do golf shoes look stylish on (and off) the golf course, they offer traction and support that regular tennis shoes simply can’t provide, even in inclement weather. While we can’t guarantee a great pair of golf shoes can lower your golf score by several strokes, they can certainly make your golf experience far more enjoyable— whether you’re a beginner or advanced golfer.
Our top picks for the best golf shoes
We’ve scoured the top brands, including some lesser-known ones, to find the best golf shoes for a variety of styles, budgets, and performance features.
Best spikeless golf shoes: G/Fore Men’s Gallivanter
The G/Fore Men’s Gallivanter is our top pick for best spikeless golf shoes for several reasons, including its advanced technology on the outer sole for superior traction and stability. Not only is it optimized for traction, it’s waterproof for virtually any playing conditions.
Golfers may appreciate the removable antimicrobial inserts too, so you can wash them for superior odor control. The inserts also have added cushioning, making them extremely comfortable for all-day wear. They even feature massaging nubs inside, to revive your tired feet throughout the day.
Specifications:
- Sizes: Men’s 8 to 14
- Waterproof: Yes
- Material: Debossed leather
- Spikes: No
- Price: $225
What we like:
- Extreme traction for a spikeless shoe
- Washable inserts
- Additional cushioning and massaging nubs inside shoe
What we don’t like:
- Limited sizing, with few wide width options
GFORE Collection Gallivanter Snow/Charcoal 1 8.5 M
Best spiked golf shoe: TravisMathew Legend Golf Shoe
For those who prefer a modern take on a traditional spiked golf shoe mixed with added comfort, the Legend Golf Shoe by TravisMathew is a great choice. Typically spiked golf shoes are stiffer and not exactly known for all-day comfort. TravisMathew designed these spiked golf shoes with multiple layers of cushion, so you can comfortably walk the course all day long. The spikes offer greater traction, deal for playing in muddy or wet conditions, and maintaining control in your swing. Not only do these feature a classic style, the 100% leather golf shoes have multiple perforations, so you get the ultimate breathability—a must when wearing these shoes for hours.
Specifications:
- Sizes: Men’s 8 to 13
- Waterproof: Yes
- Material: Leather
- Spikes: Yes, removable
- Price: $250
What we like:
- Removable spikes for off-course use
- Constructed for both classic style and comfort
- Waterproof
What we don’t like:
- Not available in wide sizes
TravisMathew Legend Golf Shoe
Best golf shoes for walking: Fresh Foam X Defender SL by New Balance
With a name like the Fresh Foam X Defender SL by New Balance, you might expect they’re built for all-day comfort and walking thousands of steps around the course. These golf shoes feature extra cushion yet designed to move with your feet—even the tongue is made to conform to your exact measurements.
Although the shoe has a slightly narrow fit according to customer reviews, it has a greater amount of cushion and responsiveness, which makes it ideal for walking. It also flexes with every step, so you don’t have to worry about a stiff or tight feeling, and the thick cushion wraps firmly around the heel for substantial padding.
Specifications:
- Sizes: Men’s 8 to 13, including wide width
- Waterproof: Yes
- Material: Leather
- Spikes: No
- Price: $130
What we like:
- Ultra lightweight
- Two-year waterproof guarantee
- Spikeless for ultimate flexibility
What we don’t like:
- Bulkier style
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X Defender SL Golf Shoe, White/Grey, 10.5 Wide
Best golf shoes for wide feet: Skechers GO GOLF Elite 4 - Victory
The Skechers GO GOLF Elite 4 - Victory seem as if they were specially made for wide feet with a design that features a wider toe box. There’s a major focus on comfort as well, thanks to the lightweight ULTRA GO® cushioned midsole that’s also responsive and flexible. The outsole features a diamond pattern, so you get a greater amount of traction, even for a spikeless golf shoe.
Specifications:
- Sizes: Men’s 7.5 to 13, including wide width
- Waterproof: Yes
- Material: Synthetic
- Spikes: No
- Price: $105
What we like:
- Wider toe box to accommodate a larger foot
- Excellent padding and support
- H2GO Shield waterproof protection
What we don’t like:
- Made of synthetic materials
Skechers mens Elite 4 Waterproof Golf Shoe, White/Gray Victory, 9.5 US
Best lightweight golf shoes: Callaway Solana SL v2
The Callaway Solana SL v2 is noticeably lighter versus other golf shoe designs, thanks to its performance mesh material and microfiber leather. It’s cushiony, including a foam insole and softer midsole, so your feet feel great and supported from all angles. It offers superior protection against the elements too, including Opti-Dri technology to keep your feet dry for extended periods of time. Somehow, it manages to stay waterproof while also remaining breathable, thanks to its mesh liner.
Specifications:
- Sizes: Men’s 8 to 14, wide sizes available
- Waterproof: Yes
- Material: Performance mesh and microfiber leather
- Spikes: No
- Price: $90
What we like:
- Weighs less than 12 ounces for the size 10 (men’s)
- Great value for the price
- Waterproof protection
- Superior breathability thanks to the mesh material
What we don’t like:
- Limited sizes for wide foot option
Callaway Men's Solana SL v2 Golf Shoe, Multi, 10
Best traditional golf shoes: FootJoy Premiere Series-Packard
For our golf-loving family, it’s hard to beat the traditional look of the FootJoy Premiere Series-Packard. But it’s not simply a beautiful golf shoe, it’s lightweight, waterproof, and made for walking 18 (or 36) holes a day. We’ve purchased several of these pairs personally and can attest to how well they hold up after multiple golf rounds a year.
While the premium calfskin leather is soft, the shoe offers substantial support with the plush footbed and insoles that last for the life of the shoe. The spikes are low profile, which offers significant traction and stability while still maintaining all-day comfort for walking and playing.
Specifications:
- Sizes: Men’s 7 through 15
- Waterproof: Yes
- Material: Leather
- Spikes: Yes
- Price: $200
What we like:
- Durable and good-looking
- Keeps moisture out and away
What we don’t like:
- $200 may be too steep for the casual golfer
FootJoy Men's Premiere Series-Packard Golf Shoe, White/White, 10 Wide
Best women’s golf shoes: Premiere Series-Issette Women by FootJoy
Women’s feet are shaped different than men’s, so it makes sense to find a golf shoe understanding of the unique needs for the female golfer. The Premiere Series-Issette Women by FootJoy is clearly created for this, with premium leather that molds to your feet. Plus, the waterproof technology is guaranteed for two years, which is hard to find among golf shoes. The spikes feature multi-directional traction, so you can grip the surface no matter your angle. The shoes also feature advanced technology for tightening the spikes, so you can get the exact traction you need.
Specifications:
- Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12
- Waterproof: Yes
- Material: Premium leather
- Spikes: Yes
- Price: $190
What we like:
- Advanced spiked technology for ultimate traction
- Premium full grain leather for added durability
- Made for stability, no matter what angle you’re playing
What we don’t like:
- Takes multiple wears to break in the leather
FootJoy Women's Premiere Series-Issette Golf Shoe, White/White, 7
Best hybrid golf shoe: FootJoy Men’s HyperFlex TR
A hybrid golf shoe combines the structure, support, and engineering a golfer needs on the golf course, with a comfortable “everyday” shoe appropriate for walking, running errands, or a night out. The FootJoy Men’s HyperFlex TR is a great spikeless option, if you want a shoe that takes you from the course to your child’s soccer game. The mesh material makes the shoes wearable for on the course and off, plus it offers breathability while remaining waterproof. As the name suggests, the shoes are flexible and move with you no matter what task you’re completing, from swinging a club to walking to dinner.
Specifications:
- Sizes: Men’s 7 to 14, wide widths available
- Waterproof: Yes
- Material: Mesh
- Spikes: No
- Price: $130
What we like:
- Extremely breathable and flexible
- Versatile shoe choice, not just limited to playing golf
- Great traction
What we don’t like:
- Limited design options
FootJoy Men's Hyperflex Golf Shoe, Black, 11
Best casual golf shoe: Nike AirJordan1 LowG
Perhaps you occasionally play or are new to the sport of golf and aren’t sure what your exact needs are in a shoe. The Nike AirJordan1 LowG is a comfortable, stylish, and well-cushioned choice for starting out. These shoes are designed for men and women and are available in a variety of sizes. These shoes do more than simply look good. On the course, you’ll find they offer extensive cushioning, perfect for hours of play. They’re also guaranteed to remain waterproof for up to a year, making them a suitable choice for wet conditions. And even though they’re spikeless, golfers will appreciate the additional traction pattern added to the bottom for even greater stability.
Specifications:
- Sizes: Men’s 3.5 to 15, Women’s 5 to 16.5
- Waterproof: Yes
- Material: Leather
- Spikes: No
- Price: $140
What we like:
- Low profile
- Stylish and modern with multiple color options
- Focused on extra cushioning
What we don’t like:
- No wide sizes available
Men's Air Jordan 1 Low G Golf Shoes in White, Size: 12 | DD9315-110
What to consider when buying golf shoes
Choosing the right golf shoe is based on a number of factors, including your own personal style. Not only can you select something with a more traditional look or modern style, you can select a shoe that offers greater stability and support for your numerous golf rounds.
It’s important to find the right fit with a golf shoe. You don’t want your golf shoes too tight, but they can’t be too loose either—otherwise it makes swinging and walking more difficult. You should also consider how well the golf shoes can withstand elements, such as rain or mud, and choose a shoe appropriate for your typical playing conditions.
How we select the best golf shoes
We took a look at the specs of the most popular golf shoes available either in-store or online and selected the best golf shoes based on several factors. We considered special features, such as lightweight or waterproof, plus the availability of a wide range of sizes.
The selection was also based on personal experience with multiple brands and styles. As a member of a golfing family, we’ve personally purchased and tested an abundance of golf shoes over the years, from kids to adult sizes, and for both men and women, spiked and spikeless. Golf shoes continuously improve in technology and features, making it worth it to change up your style on a regular basis.
Should you buy spiked or spikeless golf shoes?
The choice between spiked or spikeless golf shoes depends on your personal preference and where you typically play golf. Spiked shoes offer greater traction thanks to the , which is why they’re ideal for wet climates or soggier conditions. They’re considered more durable too, since you can switch out the spikes.
Spikeless shoes offer advantages too. They’re typically lighterweight and more versatile than a spiked shoe—you can go from the golf course to a night out if you need to. Both spiked and spikeless shoes now have much greater technology, making them more comfortable and durable than ever before, so it’s a matter of personal preference and how much traction you need.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are Tiger Woods’ golf shoes?
While Tiger Woods wears Nike apparel and has a line of golf shoes with Nike, in recent years he’s worn numerous pairs of FootJoy golf shoes that offer greater support for his multiple injuries. In April 2023, Woods wore the FootJoy Premiere Packard shoes while he played in the Masters Tournament. This shoe is also our top pick for best traditional golf shoe.
Do golf shoes make a difference?
Yes, golf shoes are an integral part of the equipment for playing golf, whether you’re a casual golfer or professional. The right golf shoes not only support you while you walk thousands of steps on the golf course, they offer better traction with the various types of grass and stability. This helps you not to slip as much, and you can put more power into your swing. They’re also built for greater durability and withstanding the elements versus a traditional tennis shoe or running shoe.
Can you wear golf shoes casually?
Yes, you can wear golf shoes casually—if they’re the appropriate kind. While you shouldn’t wear spiked shoes anywhere but the golf course, spikeless golf shoes are typically a decent casual shoe option. Today’s spikeless golf shoes, such as the FootJoy Men’s HyperFlex TR, are made for wearing on the golf course and off, providing greater versatility versus a spiked golf shoe.
Do you wear socks with golf shoes?
Yes, you should wear socks with golf shoes. This is mainly for better temperature control, whether you’re playing in cold or hot weather conditions. Socks also help guard against blisters and keep your feet from getting as tired.
Are golf shoes good for walking?
There are numerous golf shoe choices that are excellent for walking, even for extended periods of time. While spiked golf shoes are appropriate for on the course, a spikeless option typically adds greater support with its rubber soles. If you plan on using your golf shoes outside the golf course, you may find a spikeless version is a better option.
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