Seven Top-Rated Golf Shoes From a Collection of Over a Hundred

We evaluate every golf shoe model currently on the market before deciding. As a result, our experts are able to provide an objective summary of the market for both well-known and lesser-known brands.

Our team spends an average of 7 hours per trainer studying all the ins and outs to discover the true advantages they offer to the wearer. We also synthesize the feedback of thousands of customers to identify the product's strengths and weaknesses.

At the end of the process, each model is assigned a CoreScore between 1 and 100 that summarizes its overall efficacy. This list showcases the top 10 golf shoes based on their CoreScore.

What to look for if you're worried you're playing golf in the wrong shoes

If any of the following describe your golf shoe situation, you need a new pair.

• having a hard time keeping your balance when swinging or walking on uneven ground
• flooding from rain or wet grass
• after playing 18 holes, your feet will hurt.

Here are some things to keep in mind for your next round of golf to guarantee your comfort and success:

• Stickiness: spiked or spike-free
• Leather, synthetic, and knit may be used for the upper.
• Waterproof, water-resistant, or a combination of these three features is used to describe an item's ability to withstand or shed water.
• Controlling the fit: laces versus BOA
• Traditional or sporty?

Are they spiked or do they lack spikes?

Shoes with spikes are the closest thing to the traditional metal cleats, but they are not required to play golf today. The more modern spikeless options have also found a place in the golfing world.

Each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, making it impossible to say which is best. Which one you pick will depend on what qualities are most important to you.

Sneakers with spikes for golf

were once made of metal, but have since been replaced with ceramic or plastic to lessen the course damage they cause.

No-spike golf shoes

flat outsoles with rubber nubs or dimples; introduced in 2010; golf shoe manufacturers are still toying with this style.

Advantages:

Increased traction and stability

Swings and hillwalking are two activities that benefit greatly from spiked pairs when the ground is wet.

A better balance of portability and rigidity

The lack of spikes allows the foot to remain closer to the surface, enhancing ground feel.

Alterable prongs

increases the shoe's durability

Allows for off-the-field use

The design and build are more akin to that of a traditional sneaker.

Disadvantages:

Heavier

which may be less than ideal for those who would rather stroll along all 18 holes

It's less sticky, so it's less dangerous.

depending on the rainfall and altitude

You can't take that out of the course!

When walking on hard surfaces, spikes are both dangerous and unpleasant.

Not even replaceable spikes

Damage to the rubber sole necessitates a complete shoe replacement.

Spikeless golf shoes are still a novel concept, so players are naturally curious about them. See our article on spikeless golf shoes for more information on this subset of footwear.

Making the right upper material selection

Leather was once the only option for golf shoes, and it continues to be a favorite due to its classic good looks, natural resistance to water, and durability. As synthetics became more widely used, many more lightweight and breathable options entered the market. Finally, golf shoes have not been immune to the knit trend.

If you're looking for something in between all of the above, synthetic golf shoes are your best bet.

Golf shoes that are impervious to water

Due to the nature of the game, golfers frequently must contend with wet conditions. Invest in a pair of shoes with one of these safety features if you plan on playing in wet conditions:

Water-resistant

appropriate for drizzle, morning dew, and damp grass

Water-repellent

in light rain; it may spring a leak if you put any pressure on it

Waterproof*

if you're going to be out in the rain, snow, or water for any length of time.

Protection

Breathability

In order to achieve full waterproof protection without compromising breathability, some waterproof golf shoes use a high-performance Gore-Tex lining. The shoes of some manufacturers even come with a guarantee against water damage.

Laces vs BOA

Evidently, traditional shoelaces weren't cutting it for the footwear industry. The modern BOA closure system is slowly making its way into the world of golf. Is it really worth it to spring for the higher price of these BOA models?

Golf shoes that tie in the laces

Shoes with a lace-up closure system for golfers with

Advantages:

• cheaper
• simpler to sub in

• Rapidly adjust the fit or release the tension
• maintains its grip indefinitely
• avoids impeding motion
• invulnerable to the effects of rain, mud, and snow

Disadvantages:

• less long-lasting
• may become loosened and cause stumbling due to loss of grip or untying of shoelaces.
• requires some effort to fine-tune the fit

• is more difficult to replace
• higher in cost

In conclusion, the BOA improves upon conventional lasing systems in a number of ways. However, a higher cost is associated with it. As a result, it's a good choice for serious gamers and tech-savvy enthusiasts.

If you're just starting out in golf, though, laces are still a good option.

You can go for either a classic or sporty look.

To remain relevant, golf shoe manufacturers have begun moving away from the traditional style and toward the more athletic, sneaker-like designs. On the other hand, the sport's traditions continue to be upheld so that they may serve as a lasting legacy.

It's up to you to pick the setup that suits your playstyle and preferences best.

Shoes more commonly associated with golf

Golf shoes with a lot of motion control and stability

• come only with spikes
• look like dress shoes (oxfords, saddles, etc.), and belong to that category
• often made of genuine leather

• have both spiked and spiky variants
• have a design more akin to that of a pair of sneakers or running shoes; this is the type of footwear where innovations are typically met with the greatest enthusiasm.
• include natural, synthetic, and knit fabrics.

Common Queries

Do you need shoes for golf?

If you plan on playing golf frequently, then yes.

If you only plan on trying out the sport once or twice, or if you rarely play it at all, regular shoes will suffice. In contrast, the Nike Roshe Run and the Nike Air Zoom Zero both come in a casual and golf-ready silhouette, so we can use them to compare the two types of sneakers.

Nike Roshe

(relaxed tennis shoe)

Conversely, Nike's Roshe G

shoes for golf that don't have spikes

The Nike Roshe G Tour1

(golf shoe with spikes)

Protection

Normal mesh top The debris cannot get inside the shoe thanks to the gusseted tongue. Waterproof synthetic leather keeps you dry on wet grass and in wet weather.

Traction/Stability

The flat outsole and the lack of traction on the grass.

The circular pods' already aggressive lugs have grown even more pointed.

These pods, when placed at the swing's high points of pressure, help to steady the golfer.

Golf shoes with strategically placed spikes provide traction on both flat and undulating greens.

Outriggers on the base make the swing more stable and expand the player's area of contact.

Exactly what to wear to the golf course if you don't have golf shoes

Some golf courses have stringent dress codes; therefore, it is best to inquire about them in advance. A low-top athletic shoe should be adequate for most situations. Any of the following are acceptable choices for attire:

• sneakers
• Racquet shoes
• shoe gear for running or walking

Shoes that slip off easily or that come off when twisted are not advised. Make sure your golf shoes have a snug fit by practicing a golf swing in them before the big game.

Shoes with heels or metal cleats are not allowed.

When playing golf, do you need to break in your shoes?

The correct pair of shoes shouldn't need any breaking in.

The top brands of golf shoes are made specifically to fit your foot. If that doesn't work, try sizing up by half a size or a size, switching to a different width if one is offered, or returning it for a different model.

Initial wear of the shoe may be uncomfortable for some people. Here are some first aid measures that can be taken to lessen the impact of the material:

• Put on some thick socks or socks designed to prevent blisters.  
• By using a shoe tree, the breaking-in process is sped up.  
• As for blister balms, athletes swear by them. They lessen the likelihood of abrasion and keep things from rubbing too much.  
• Blister-prone zones can also benefit from wrappings of a padding roll. This item's thickness makes it ideal for use as a skin protector and a fabric expander.  
• Similarly, some golfers resort to using blister patches. Like a band-aid, but more substantial in construction

How often should you replace your golf shoes?

Golf shoes, in general, are built to withstand heavy use for several seasons. The problem is that they aren't built to last. Each couple's lifespan is unpredictable. The frequency with which it is used, the type of course it is used on, and the care with which it is kept are all factors. Some signs that it's time to get a new one are as follows:

• It's very challenging to remove water from the inside of a shoe. On the other hand, flood damage may The insoles can be used as a temporary solution for mild cases, but a full shoe replacement is recommended for more serious injuries.
• As soon as you notice that the grip on your shoes is diminishing, it's time to start shopping around for a new pair. We all know that traction is critical. And it's a bad idea to go to slips very often.  
• Shoes that were previously comfortable but are now causing your feet pain need to be evaluated.  
• It could be challenging to repair a spikeless pair if one of the nubs falls off. Conversely, cleated golf shoes are easily replaceable.