Investing in a pair of golf shoes is exciting, whether it’s your first time or even if you are a pro golfer looking for something out of the box. No doubt, we golfers are very picky when it comes to choosing a piece of golf equipment (and the same with golf shoes). We believe that every golfer deserves a golf shoe that will last through 18 holes without giving you blisters or making your feet sore after just one round.
A pair of comfortable golf shoes allow you to wear them all day long while still looking stylish in any setting. They should also offer some water resistance in case you get hit with an unexpected shower during your round.
Every year golf shoe manufacturers come out with new features and shoe technology. In this post, we will discuss what’s new in golf shoes this year and why it matters. You don’t have to worry about your budget or skill level since we have already done the research for you. From comfort, durability, and price, we found the top Golf Shoes on the market today.
In this article, we have covered the best golf shoes on the market today based on our research. We also have reviews about each brand so that you can get an idea of what they offer and which models are most popular among golfers in 2021!
Read our article and find your perfect pair!
Summary comparison table
(Scroll down for more information on each pair of shoes)
| Category | Image | Brand & Model Name | Shop |
| Best Overall |  | #1. Adidas Tour 360 XT | Click to Amazon.com |
| 2nd Best Overall |  | #2. Nike TW71 FastFit ($180) | Click to Amazon.com |
| Best Budget (under $100) |  | #3. Adidas Tech Response 4.0 | Click to Amazon.com |
| 2nd Best Budget (under $100) |  | #4. Skechers Men’s Pivot (Best Spikeless Golf Shoes) | Click to Amazon.com |
| Best Runner Up |  | #5. FootJoy Men’s Fj Originals | Click to Amazon.com |
| Best High End |  | #6. FootJoy Men’s Premiere Series-Packard | Click to Amazon.com |
| Best for Arthritis |  | #7. Skechers Go Golf Torque Twist Waterproof Golf Shoe | Click to Amazon.com |
| Best for Arthritis & Plantar Fasciitis |  | #8. Go Ultra Max (Spikeless) | Click to Amazon.com |
| Best for Narrow feet |  | #9. Nike Air Max 1 Spikeless | Click to Amazon.com |
| Best Waterproof |  | #10. Adidas ZG21 Golf Shoe | Click to Amazon.com |
| Best Traction |  | #11. Ecco Golf BIOM G3 | Click to Amazon.com |
Perfect Golf Shoes: What to look for?
Golf shoes give you stability and balance while playing golf. They are specially designed for the motion of a golf swing. If you slip or slide during your swing, it is hard to hit the ball and get good shots.
Golf is an expensive sport, and it’s not uncommon for someone to invest in a quality pair of golf shoes. You’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best possible value for money on your new golf shoes! Whether you’re looking for spiked or spikeless golf shoes with waterproof protection, we’ve got reviews from real customers that will help you find what you need to make up your decision.
Here are the 5 critical criteria that experts suggest to consider before you buy your next pair of golf shoes.
1.) Spiked Vs. Spikeless Golf Shoes: Everything You Need To Know
This is the first and foremost factor sometimes golfers find themselves undecided about; Which is better, spikeless or spiked golf shoes? Well, let’s understand it:
When you see a few years back, metal spikes were highly preferable by golfers. After metal spikes were gone, plastic spikes came into existence. It is a fact that spikes are aimed to provide more stability and traction overall than spikeless shoes. However, it doesn’t mean spikeless shoe style is not worth it! Spikeless shoes cover the maximum area of the ground, which gives greater traction. Further, dimples or rubber studs on the outsole maximize the grip and stability on upheaval and wet soil.
However, it’s a matter of personal choice and golf course conditions; otherwise, both have their own advantages. If you are playing in a lot of wet and muddy ground, preferably, spiked shoes will work perfectly. In comparison, spikeless golf shoe style is excellent for summer golf season or less muddy ground.
2.) Traditional Vs. Athletic style: Which One Is The Best?
Golfers choose out of two main styles of golf shoes, traditional and athletic. This also is a matter of personal preference and choice. Traditional golf shoe design is the same old style that many golfers still use for their classic look and design.
However, a change in technology brought in the Athletic style of golf shoes which are more light, soft, and look like running shoes. You don’t have to rush as we have listed both types in our post. We advise you to find a pair which is comfortable as well as fits your style.
3.) Laces Or Without Laces?
Imagining your golf shoes without laces was a thing of the past. The modern golf shoe brands these days are more advanced with the lacing system. Make sure you get shoes that fit your need. If you prefer lacing technology, opt for it. Also, it’s not bad trying twist dial lacing and other hybrid lacing mechanism for a chance.
4.) Comfort
Without comfort, you will not be able to focus on your game. It is highly recommended to look for a pair of shoes with a cushioned sole, arch support, and breathable lining. It is important to keep your feet cool, dry, and cosy so you don’t miss even a single shot due to discomfort caused by your shoes. Also, waterproofing is crucial to keep you on the go in little rain or wet climate.
5.) Built Material
Quality material is the base of durability. The top ones in the market are usually made of leather, microfiber leather, synthetic, and lining material construction. By far, leather is considered the best Material across the golf shoe market due to its stretch-free, scratch-resistant, waterproof properties. We also suggest you get a pair with leather or synthetic upper layer to add some durability to your dream pair.
We have chosen these pairs on the basis of quality, price, durability, performance, and style that golf athletes prefer:
Best Overall
#1. Adidas Tour 360 XT
Who is it for?
Adidas Tour360 XT is one of the best golf shoes overall for its comfort, excellent traction and waterproof protection.
| Key Features | |
| Style | Athletic |
| Closure | Laces |
| Colorways | Ftwr White, Silver Metallic, Dark Silver, and Metallic |
Adidas Tour 360 TX are high-quality waterproof shoes that are being used by Dustin Johnson. These look a bit like running shoes. The lightweight, supportive, and durable construction provides the best stability and comfort for any golfer’s feet on the course. Unlike other golf shoes that come with 10 spikes, this advanced design features 8 spikes attached strategically to achieve maximum grip on the field.
These best shoes will provide your feet with incredible cushioning and stability. It also has a durable rubber outsole which will give you traction and flexibility.
2nd Best Overall
#2. Nike TW71 FastFit
Who is it for?
TW71 FastFit (TW = Tiger Woods) is a popular Shoe for golfers which is perfect for those looking for good-to-go and durable footwear. Beginners and experts both can opt for this pair of best golf shoes for applaudable performance from front nine to back nine holes.
| Key Features | |
| Style | Athletic |
| Closure | Laces |
| Colorways | White and black |
Nike TW71 FastFit Men’s Golf Shoes is also one the best, which became popular because of Tiger Woods. It is very durable which has a quality foam and rubber construction while also having an additional heel pad for extra cushioning, feeling more like running shoes. You can’t go wrong with these great athletic-style golf shoes from Nike.
While both these shoes are befitting to any golfer, we would say that Adidas Tour360 TX might have more of a reputation when compared with Nike TW 71 due to the fact that it’s been used by Tiger Woods for a number of years, it doesn’t automatically make it an end all be all just because of this fact, but it’s still worth taking into consideration.
Best Budget shoes (under $100)
#3. Adidas Tech Response 4.0
Who is it for?
If you’re a beginner to Intermediate level golfer looking for an affordable pair under $100, then this right here is the best option for you.
| Key Features | |
| Style | Athletic |
| Closure | Laces |
| Colorways | White, Dark Silver Metallic, and many more. |
It is made built to make your experience as pleasant as possible, so they designed this shoe with extremely lightweight and durable construction, which allows you to play without any hassle. Very comfortable around your foot to help you play for much longer and have a great time. The spikes will give you stability with your golf swing (Outstanding grip on the ground, NO traction issues at all)
It is currently the best-rated and most reviewed Golf Shoes for men on Amazon.com, with over 13780 reviews.
Currently priced just under $65 (Don’t be turned off by the price, it’s recommended by men who have been golfing for over 38 years)
2nd Best Budget shoes (under $100)
#4. Skechers Men’s Pivot
Who is it for?
The SKECHERS Pivot best spikeless Golf shoes are recommended for the budget-conscious golfer.
| Key Features | |
| Style | Classic |
| Closure | Laces |
| Colorways | White, grey, and blue |
Skechers Men’s Pivot modern golf shoes are the best spikeless golf shoes and a very close competitor to the best under $100 above (Adidas Men’s Tech Response 4.0 Golf), currently priced at $55.
These best budget Golf Shoes for beginners (under $60) are water-resistant! You can wear it on wet days without the worry that water will seep into them (as long as you don’t walk into a puddle)! Pivot Point technology makes it easy to swing the club without any traction problems; it also offers quality comfort on wet days as well as traction to make swinging your club an easy task.
The spikeless shoe you are wearing is also lightweight and has a rubber sole. It’s worth noting that Skechers shoes are usually true to size. However, when ordering online, it’s recommended a half to whole size larger.
Best Runner Up
#5. FootJoy Men’s Fj Originals
Who is it for?
For those who have a moderate budget and looking for more traditional style golf shoes for playing golf regularly, this pair of FJ Originals is very good value for money in terms of Performance, Durability, and class. However, it’s not cheap but worth paying if you are an avid golfer.
| Key Features | |
| Style | Classic/Traditional |
| Closure | Laces |
| Colorways | White, Black, White & Brown (best-seller) |
Made of 100% textile leather, FJ Originals don’t let in the water while golf elite play under the rain while being breathable to help keep your feet dry throughout the session. The brand promises an “outstanding 1-year waterproof comfort, breathability, and durability”, which is a strong claim for the price, which brings us to the next point. These are traditional style and very elegant golf shoes that look like a high-end pair.
If we talk about comfort, it’s thick with padding on the tongue and collar with great arch support. Some people complain that it’s not comfortable enough, but most reviews say otherwise.
Traction is good but not great because of how low profile the shoe is. It does have rubber cleats in all the right places to grip, so you never slip or slide when walking over wet grass or gravel areas. Some customers reported that cleat has been coming out often.
The Bad
- Takes time to break into these so expect some discomfort during the first few sessions.
- Some customers reported that cleat has been coming out often.
Overall, these are some of the best men’s golf shoes in classic design. Although these take time to get adjusted in wide feet, expect some discomfort during the first few sessions.
Best High End
#6. FootJoy Men’s Premiere Series-Packard
Who is it for?
These leather shoes are quite Expensive. If you can play golf very often and can afford it, then this is the best pair of golf shoes your money can buy!
| Key Features | |
| Style | Classic/ Traditional |
| Closure | Laces |
| Colorways | White, Navy, and Red (Also, Design your own) |
FJ Packard premium golf shoes are one of the best on the market in terms of quality, style, comfort, and durability. Made in the USA up to high standards, golf shoe lasts a long time due to quality leather and will not wear out quickly, even if you play very often. These have premium leather uppers with a padded collar for added comfort. Style is very elegant; it almost feels like you’re going to a wedding.
The Packard Golf Shoe is also easy to clean and maintain. The upper leather parts are treated with a special coating that repels dirt, keeps the golf shoe looking new for longer periods of time, and cleans easily when necessary.
The Bad
- Very Expensive. If you play golf very often and can afford it, then this the best pair your money can buy!
Overall, very comfortable cushioning will keep your foot comfortable even if you swing golf clubs all-day golf shoe is designed for the best performance in all weather conditions.
Best for Arthritis
#7. Skechers Go Golf Torque Twist Waterproof
Who is it for?
If you are looking for golf shoes for arthritic feet, the Skechers Go Golf Torque Twist golf shoe is a great option. This comfortable and lightweight shoe offers plenty of stability, making it easy to walk 18 holes or more without any pain in your feet.
| Key Features | |
| Style | Modern Athletic |
| Closure | Boa closure system |
| Colorways | White and black |
Torque Twist looks like a quality running shoe that would be matched with a variety of golfing outfits, making it the perfect casual shoe for golf outings or a walk in the park.
This shoe is high in support and has great stability; as reported by a user, “I have been wearing these for a month now, and the stability is amazing. Most shoes within six weeks for me end up leaning inside or outside, depending on the product. Skechers seems to stay flat and stable; the absence of a lacing system makes it easy to wear and take off.
It’s engineered for maximum comfort, which is the main thing people with arthritic feet look for. Overall, excellent price point. However, one customer reported they had denied his warranty. However, hundreds of others have posted 5-star reviews, so that wouldn’t be a big concern, especially at this great price point.
The bad
- 1 customer reported he has been denied his warranty, however, hundreds of others have posted 5-star reviews, so that wouldn’t be a big concern, especially at this great price point.
Best for Arthritis & Plantar Fasciitis
#8. Go Ultra Max (Spikeless)
Who is it for?
Anyone looking for a pair for a summer golf session with excellent performance, sporty style, and versatile to fit for any outfit, this is a perfect choice for anyone (especially if you have Arthritis or Plantar Fasciitis).
| Key Features | |
| Style | Rocker bottom |
| Closure | Laces |
| Colorways | Black/White, and Navy/Lime |
Skechers Ultra Max Golf shoes combine comfort and performance for your game.
The lightweight upper is built on an ULTRA GO cushioned sole which provides comfort from on and off the course. The spikeless outsole allows you to use the shoe anywhere. It’s got water repellent leather uppers that repel water to keep feet dry through morning dew or very light rain.
Cons:
It’s not 100% waterproof shoes, which means they can keep water away from morning dew, but not keep your feet dry under heavy rain.
Best for Narrow feet
#9. Nike Air Max 1 spikeless
Who is it for?
The combination of modern classic look is well suitable for beginner to mid-level golfers having narrow feet, and those looking for quality golf shoes on a mid-range budget.
| Key Features | |
| Style | Classic/Athletic |
| Closure | Laces |
| Colorways | More than 15 color options |
There is no doubt that Nike fans are impressed by Nike’s entry into the golf shoe market with its Air Max 1. This shoe has a classic and modern look that seems to fit into this seemingly exclusive crowd. As well as its looks, the shoe has great performance. In order to play the 18 holes without failing, it provides the traction and comfort required by golfers.
The AM 1 G best spikeless golf shoes highlight the visible Air unit. We typically see this technology in basketball shoes. Now, golfers can also enjoy long-lasting cushioning and impact protection with this technology offered by Nike.
In this design, there are ripples that separate the medial heel from the lateral forefoot. As a result, this allows for more consistent swinging without damaging the grass. The spikeless shoes feature a Phylon midsole that extends the full length of the shoe. In addition to being lightweight and durable, a spongy midsole ensures the safety and comfort of your feet. As golf entails long walks and powerful swings, these attributes greatly benefit golfers.
Overall, these are our recommended shoes for golfers with narrow feet. Otherwise, if you have wide feet, then this isn’t for you.
Best Waterproof
#10. Adidas ZG21 Golf Shoe
Who is it for?
Anyone looking for a sleek modern design that goes well with a variety of golfing outfits, ZG21 may match Anyone looking for extremely comfortable golf shoes with a sleek modern design that goes well with a variety of golfing outfits, ZG21 may match your desires.
| Key Features | |
| Style | Modern athletic |
| Closure | Laces |
| Colorways | White, silver, and grey |
Adidas’ ZG21 is equipped with its renowned Boost cushioning system. Compared to previous models in their range, these shoes are 20% lighter and nearly as lightweight as those of their competitors. These just weigh 13 ounces, extremely lightweight to wear all day long. As one would expect from Adidas, these shoes boast plenty of tech under the hood.
These golf shoes feature Lightstrike cushioning. In comparison to other golf cushioning on the market, Lightstrike cushioning is 40% lighter. In addition, it also provides shock absorption and rapid recovery to the foot, allowing for stability throughout your golf swing. Adidas uses the same materials and technology in the super comfortable heel of the shoe that it uses for running, tennis, and basketball.
Based on heat-map studies, the new outsole of the shoe is structured from heel to toe. These areas were the focus of Adidas’ research, so they put maximum traction where it was needed. Furthermore, the ultra-thin TPU outsole includes six strategically positioned cleats and a lug designed to optimize grip and performance.
Best Traction
#11. Ecco Golf BIOM G3
Who is it for?
These shoes will be suitable for Golfers with wide as well as narrow feet. However, people who love elevated style with a classy touch are going to love Ecco Golf BIOM G3.
| Key Features | |
| Style | Classic Semi athletic |
| Closure | Laces |
| Colorways | black and white |
A new generation of ECCO’s Biom spiked golf shoes has a high-tech outsole that provides golfers with the fit and comfort they expect. The ECCO Biom G3 spiked golf shoes offer an elevated style as well as maximum performance and grip for an optimal playing experience.
You will find almost no marks on the leather even after five rounds – it’s supple, durable, and soft. Compared to traditional cleats, the outsole did not accumulate as much dirt. OrthoLite insoles are removable and washable, allowing for maximum breathability and cushioning. Since ECCO is a European shoe manufacturer, its sizing is a bit different. With wide toe boxes and narrower heels, the Freedom Fit shoes fit more golfers as they are made to fit a universal width.
Overall, these offer an exceptional grip performance. You will enjoy a soft feeling around your feet and ankles, as well as the stability of the outsole. Removing the washable insole will give you even more room and extra width.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do golf shoes really make a difference in performance?
In short, Yes! Golf shoes can help a golfer to swing the ball better. This is not at all difficult to understand that golf shoes are specially designed for playing golf.
If we consider different factors like comfort, traction, grip, stability, and flexibility while a golfer hits the ball, all these matter.
If all of these factors are in your control, there are more chances that you can make the ball to the hole.
How should beginners choose their best golf shoes?
Choosing golf shoes for beginners is a bit confusing, which is obvious with a lot of available options in the market.
The key factors for selecting golf shoes as a beginner are traction, comfort, durability, lacing style, and of course, budget (The Most Important).
However, sometimes beginner golfers buy expensive shoes, which later they realize a money-wasting effort.
Beginners are recommended to buy a pair under $50 to $60.
The reason is, they are just kicking off their journey, and a lot of things are still unlearnt.
There are shoes that cost even $400 -$500 and more, which I personally won’t suggest to be spent by any beginner golfer.
What is the proper way to clean golf shoes?
A round of golf, and there your shoes are muddy and dirty. If you don’t clean them, it is likely to appear mud, sand, and pesticides on their surface. There are numerous cleaning products available in the market for fast and hassle-free golf shoe cleaning. However, experts suggest the following easy to apply methods for cleaning golf shoes:
#1. Get warm water, soap, and a sponge or cleaning cloth
#2. Clean the outer surface of the shoe with water and soap
#3. Unscrew the spikes if you have spiked shoes and clean mud and grass and mud from the outsole
#4. After removing mud and other dirt, wash the shoes with water
#5. Clean and dry your golf shoes under normal room temperature
#6. Once they are dried, you can apply additional cleaning products like Leather softener, Shoe cream, and shoe cream
How do pros choose their golf shoes?
Professional golfers are already experienced in terms of selecting the right pair of golf shoes for themselves.
They stay well updated with their golf club and the latest technology in the current golf shoe market.
Pro golfers consider the balance of a shoe as a priority factor in their decision.
While the lacing, style, stability, and grip are the other basic measurements for pros.
They prefer a selective personal style only which suits their forte and performance. Apart from that, they make sure the shoe material is high-end and must go well with the exciting climate on the golf course.
Can I wear my running shoes for golf?
To play a round of golf, you can wear regular running shoes or trail shoes: there is nothing wrong with that. Some people even wear casual and street shoes while playing golf. However, when it is about playing in competition under an adverse climate that can affect your performance, golf shoes can play a big role. The wet grass and mud may create a condition where you may lose grip and traction while swinging the ball. So, if you are a regular player and don’t want to score low in competition, you better get a pair of nice golf shoes.
How much shall I expect to spend on a new golf shoe?
What is the right amount to spend on a new pair of golf shoes? It may seem like an easy question, but it actually depends on what you are looking for.
If they choose to invest in more than one shoe (and many people do), then expect even greater savings as prices go down per unit with bulk purchases.
Remember, comfort is key!
Comfort and support go hand in hand when it comes to golf shoes.
If you’re on a tight budget but still want the comfort that these types of shoes offer then beginners should look into buying pairs for about $50-$100 apiece as this will be an affordable price range without breaking their budget too much.
Can you wear golf shoes on the street?
It depends, but generally speaking, spikeless golf shoes can be used as everyday regular shoes. You just got to watch out for the wear and tear of the outsoles (which is the most important part and what makes these shoes different from any other shoe) which might affect the traction of these spikeless golf shoes.
There are certain activities that you might not want to wear spikeless golf shoes for, like jogging on a treadmill or in the rain.
If you are looking to use them as an everyday shoe then consider wearing some good-quality rubberized soles so that they would protect the outsoles of your shoes while still providing stability when needed.
Otherwise, just be careful with where and how often you wear them! Remember: if there is any doubt about what surface they’ll be walking on, put on your old worn-out sneakers.
It’s important to choose the right pair of shoes for your activities. For example, When I play golf, I wear a shoe with spikes; When I go hiking, I wear flat boots.
So it’s a good idea to keep this thought in your mind and prevent using them as regular shoes if they are high-end ones and you want to keep them in the best condition as long as you can and be careful with where and how often you wear them! Otherwise, no big deal, go ahead and use them as you wish.
However, wear and tear will not be such a big deal on metal spiked shoes, they can help you skate on hard surfaces too!
Some streetwear aficionados are of the opinion that you can wear golf shoes on the street. They say they’re not really “golf” shoes and that it’s uncouth to think so, but we’ve always considered them a type of athletic shoe. (We even saw Kanye West wearing some! Once!)
The reason people use this designation is probably that golfers have three different types of spikes: Course/Traffic Shoes for walking around; Dress Shoe with rubber cleats exclusively for being in grass or turf; Casual Golf Shoes which are usually streetwear footwear designed for casual occasions outside of playing at a course.
Why don’t you have a look at streetwear fashion trends and see for yourself what shoes are being worn nowadays?
What Golf Shoes does Tiger Woods wear?
Tiger woods is the most popular golf athlete, as he is a professional golfer and an entrepreneur. Tiger Woods has been known to have worn many different golf shoes over the years, including Nike, FootJoy, Adidas, and TaylorMade.
Part of the reason is that he earns money by wearing certain shoes because of the fact that many golf fans will want to buy the same shoes that he is using, but that doesn’t make it any worse, because he has to use the golf shoes that work best with his personal style of golfing, and it must be made to the best standards so that he can compete at international level.
There are many golf shoes that have similar features, but the best golf shoes are ones that offer a great deal of support. Tiger Woods is known for having worn Nike Golf shoes with cushioned insole, which provide excellent cushioning and stability while he’s running up and down hills on the course.
Do beginners need golf shoes?
I was a beginner and it seemed like all the experts were telling me to buy golf shoes, and had no idea what to look for when I buy one?
I knew that good shoes were important but didn’t know how or why.
After doing some research on the internet, it became clear that there are several things you should look out for before buying a pair of golf shoes.
Some things such as traction and stability are more important than others depending on your skill level.
But overall, these points can help anyone make an informed decision when purchasing their first set of golfing footwear.
The problem is, when you go to the store and ask for a golf shoe, they’ll try to sell you some hideous pair of shoes that are designed for world-class athletes.
They look like something your grandfather would wear at his wedding.
Maybe this isn’t what I need.
A real golfer needs all sorts of support from their footwear – it has to be lightweight and breathable with extra traction so they can run fast between shots without slipping on the green.
It also has to have lots of shock absorption because every time you hit the ball, your feet take an impact load equal to three times your body weight (and then there’s all that twisting).
Finally, if you want any chance at improving as a player, you need comfortable shoes that will let your feet breathe easily after each hole – otherwise, you may get some blisters and soreness.
All the other articles on this topic were written by experts who had no idea what they were talking about either.
I’ve created this article to save you all the research and headache I had to go through as a beginner. Scroll at the top and find what you like best.
Andy Starr is a golf writer with Apple Mountain Golf.
He’s been playing the game for more than 10 years and has a passion for it.
Andy also enjoys reviewing golf shoes and other equipment, which he posts on his blog.
When he’s not writing or playing golf, Andy can be found spending time with his wife and two young children.
When he was just out of college, he decided to turn his passion for the sport into a career and began writing about golf for Apple Mountain Golf.
Since then, Starr has become one of the most respected golf writers in the industry.
He has a gift for making complex topics easy to understand, and his articles are always filled with insights and tips that can help readers improve their game.
In addition to his work as a writer, Starr is also a highly regarded golf instructor.
He has taught at some of the biggest clubs in the country, and his students have gone on to win championships at all levels.
Whether he’s teaching or writing,
Blog: https://applemountaingolf.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/golfapplemnt