The 7 Best Golf Shoes of 2024
The best golf shoes are becoming more casual and comfortable.Today’s golf shoes are more like athletic shoes: comfortable, cushioned, breathable, and versatile. Technology has also gotten better when it comes to traction, so your golf shoe has a grippy rubber pattern that’s gentler on grass.
The best golf shoes take inspiration from the most comfortable athletic shoes.
Our feet are our only point of contact with the ground when we swing the club. Therefore, it is vital that we find a pair of golf shoes that not only provide comfort, but also stability and traction.
However, as important as performance is, golf shoes, like our everyday sneakers, remain a fashion statement that provides us with the opportunity to stand out on the golf course. What’s more, these models come in both spiked and spikeless versions, which also affects performance.
When it comes to spiked styles, these can be worn year-round but may be more suitable for winter when conditions underfoot are more slippery and more grip is needed. Spikeless shoes, on the other hand, are more suitable for summer, and in some cases, they can also be worn off the court, with some spikeless models based on sports such as running and basketball.
Deciding on a pair of golf shoes can be tricky, especially since everyone wants the most comfortable pair of golf shoes or a pair of golf shoes that need to be waterproof . However, some people may have wide feet , and some manufacturers cater to this need better than others. Likewise, there are many different manufacturers of golf shoe brands today, including more established brands such as Puma, Adidas , Nike, and FootJoy .
Golf Shoes
To help you pick the best pair of golf shoes, we consulted experts and researched popular options from best-selling brands to learn exactly what to look for in golf shoes, how to break them in properly, and how to know when they need to be replaced. We thoroughly examined each pair of shoes for fit, comfort, responsiveness, stability, cushioning, and value, and based on these key factors, we hand-pick the best 7 golf shoes of 2024. We firmly believe that you will have a pleasant shopping journey.
No.1 FootJoy Golf Shoes Men’s FJ Pro/SL Professional Competition Spikeless Golf Shoes
Eight years ago, FootJoy introduced the first Pro/SL golf shoe to the market , and its iconic look has stood the test of time.
It’s a great-looking shoe with a modern style complemented by new technology and colors, providing a fresh, modern and premium look that we love.
The shoe retains all of the reliable technology associated with Footjoy, but a new aspect of FootJoy’s research is the spikeless outsole, which now features a molded 3D X-Wing.
Additionally, the carbon fiber construction redistributes energy to the perimeter of the golf shoe, providing additional grip where golfers need it most.
Comfort was also a real standout for us, as FootJoy has once again used the excellent Ortholite Impressions FitBed that we saw on the HyperFlex Carbon in 2023. Overall, the level of comfort on offer is exceptional.
No.2 adidas TOUR360 24 BOA Spin Button Golf Shoes
This flagship high-performance golf shoe from adidas is approaching its 20th anniversary, so the 2024 version benefits from a complete redesign from the inside out as it introduces new technology to a familiar, well-loved silhouette.
Among the changes from its predecessor, we see that the molded pegs issue has been solved with the removable pegs introduced in the 2024 version.
The Tour360 is definitely one of the best spikes in its category , and the new “T-Shape” suede microfiber heel features a three-piece construction that combines a soft, abrasion-resistant sandwich fabric that runs from the inside of the heel to the top of the collar.
It is much softer than the previous shoe. It provides a higher level of comfort and also increases durability. The insole has also been redesigned and we could immediately feel more arch and heel support. When combined with the rest of the shoe, this only adds to the comfort and makes this one of our best adidas golf shoes .
No.3 ECCO BIOM golf men’s shoes men’s sports shoes breathable casual shoes men’s running shoes golf Jianbu C4
The C4 builds nicely on their excellent Biom H4 with a new sneaker-inspired aesthetic and a wide range of color options, meaning there should be something to suit everyone’s taste.
The performance also matches the looks, with excellent comfort and breathability throughout. Ecco uses super soft performance leather on the shoe, as well as their Fluidform technology, which creates a balance of cushioning and rebound underfoot, which really improves comfort.
Another cool feature of this shoe is the Vent Grille technology, which scoops fresh air to the soles of your feet to keep you cool. It helps make the Biom C4 one of the most breathable shoes around .
Additionally, the removable insole should help extend the life of your golf shoes.
Ecco golf shoes are the most comfortable performance shoes the golf world loves. The Biom C4 features a BOA construction lacing system for those who prefer a secure, worry-free feel for all-day play. Literally, you barely have to worry about re-lacing your shoes while you play.
Ecco went all out to make this shoe waterproof, wrapping it in a Gore-Tex lining, so you can consider this one of the best shoes for people who play regularly. The hefty price tag makes these an investment, but anyone who loves BOA laces, and anyone who appreciates the luxurious feel, needs to consider buying a pair.
No.4 PUMA golf shoes men’s GS-Fast stylish and comfortable cushioning color matching sports spikeless shoes
Drawing inspiration from the successful RS running shoe series, PUMA has cleverly incorporated performance-enhancing features into the GS-Fast, transforming it into a track-ready footwear masterpiece. Originally launched in the 80s, the RS sports shoe series’ innovative influence has resurfaced in the form of a modern golf shoe that seamlessly blends adaptability, style and performance.
The PUMA GS-Fast has an edgy look, with a wave-like design and a fusion of blue and white tones giving it a modern, sneaker-like aesthetic. The branding takes a minimalist approach, with a subtle jumping PUMA logo on the upper. The shoe’s sleek, flowing design is paired with a slightly chunky silhouette, which fits in with current fashion trends.
The GS-Fast excels in versatility, catering to scenarios both on and off the court. Designed for comfort, this shoe offers excellent out-of-the-box comfort, supported by a heel section that hugs the ankle. The padded sockliner gives a springy feel and provides responsive energy return with every step. The thick sole provides superior cushioning, stability, and a secure swing experience.
While the fully seam-sealed upper guarantees waterproof protection, its breathability is somewhat limited. The use of TPU makes the shoe durable and easy to clean, allowing it to withstand a variety of conditions. Carbon rubber nubs on the sole ensure reliable traction on dry surfaces.
All in all, the PUMA GS-Fast golf shoes are a stylish and high-performance choice that seamlessly bridges the demands of on-course with the appeal of off-course. With their superior stability, comfort, they offer excellent value and earn a well-deserved place among the best golf shoes.
No.5 FootJoy Golf Shoes Men’s Shoes HyperFlex Spiked Shoes Breathable Mesh Sports Lightweight FJ Shoes
FootJoy makes the best traditional leather golf shoes, but they also make some really great modern golf shoes.
The Hyperflex is a star-studded performer that features materials like a breathable mesh upper, a supportive foam midsole, and a hidden soft-studded outsole.
Few average joe golfers use spiked shoes these days, but if you want to play like a pro, shoes with soft spikes are worth a look.
Soft studs mimic metal studs, but soft studs are more forgiving of trail terrain while still providing insane traction. With this shoe in particular, you essentially limit the chances of slipping and sliding with these bad boys—even if the course is cover in morning dew.
FootJoy also offers a 2-year waterproof warranty on this pair of golf shoes, which adds to our claim that these are the best golf shoes for serious players in 2024. You get sneaker-like comfort and premium features that make the shoes perfect for when you decide to play in sub-par weather conditions.
No.6 adidas official MC80 men’s and women’s comfortable boost golf sports shoes
Adidas’ MC80 is the latest addition to its footwear line, combining performance technology with traditional materials to create a spikeless shoe that delivers exceptional comfort, stability, and versatility.
Unlike the CodeChaos model, the MC80 features a more traditional silhouette, originally released through the adidas X Bogey Boys collaboration and now a staple in the brand’s footwear collection.
Combining modern and traditional design aesthetics, the MC80 features a full-grain leather upper that naturally conforms to the foot for a comfortable and enjoyable fit. This shoe strikes a balance between old-school style and modern versatility, with striking black stitching providing contrast and traditional detail.
Despite its traditional look, the MC80 offers modern comfort and performance thanks to its reinforced midsole and torsion bar. Boost technology enhances comfort with a spring-like feel that accommodates wide feet without discomfort. In wet conditions, TPU nubs on the sole provide traction and stability despite the lack of spikes.
The only notable downside is that the laces are thin and tend to come undone, which suggests they might need to be replaced with thicker laces.
Overall, the MC80 impresses with its smart, comfortable, and affordable design, making it a favorite on the market. If you’re looking for an upgrade this season, the adidas MC80 is a solid choice for style and performance.
No.7 PUMA golf shoes men’s new PROADAPT ALPHACAT fashion cushioning sports shoes
These spikeless golf shoes from Puma are one of the most comfortable golf shoes on this list and are perfect for all-weather play.
Not only do these shoes feature a comfortable, waterproof design, but they also look amazing, making them excellent off-kilter shoes.
The seamless tongue and snug fit provide ample support, but be aware that you may have to spend more time than you’d like breaking these shoes in. Also, with a non-moving tongue, putting them on and taking them off can be a little tricky.
However, once broken in, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the amazing traction, especially when you factor in the spikeless design. The underfoot support system is equally praiseworthy, providing a secure, fatigue-free fit throughout a long day.
How to Choose the Best Golf Shoes
There are many factors to consider. Start by asking yourself if you want a spiked shoe for extra traction or a spikeless shoe for a more casual and low-key look. Then consider whether it needs to be completely waterproof, what color and style you prefer, and calculate your exact shoe size. Once you answer these questions, you’ll narrow your search to the right shoe for your game.
There are many factors to consider when choosing your next pair of golf shoes, but we’ve compiled some key points below:
Get the right
When picking out golf shoes, it’s important to get the right fit, otherwise blisters can build up, which is an instant killer. Or, your foot might slide around in them, which limits your stability.
When it comes to proper fit, it’s also worth considering different laces. Regular laces are fine for most people, but for some golfers, BOA laces offer a more convenient fastening that shouldn’t come loose during a round, but are usually a bit more expensive.
When trying on a pair of shoes for the first time, listen for the ‘whoosh’ sound – that’s all the air leaving the shoe – when you slide your foot in to confirm it’s the right size, but do a walk test to make sure. They shouldn’t pinch anywhere and your foot shouldn’t move around in them.
With or without nails
The best golf shoes above are divided into spiked (or cleated) and spikeless designs, each with advantages and disadvantages. Spikeless golf shoes offer off-course versatility. They are perfect for driving to the golf course, playing a round, and then driving home again because they are generally lightweight and comfortable, but most won’t offer as much traction as spiked shoes. Spiked golf shoes offer better grip and stability, but don’t sit as low to the ground as spikeless models.
Modeling
Thankfully, modern golf shoe design has created not only traditional, classic shoes, but also modern styles that can be used off the golf course. Therefore, it is important to consider what you are looking for in a shoe and what style is right for you. Regardless of what you like or don’t like, there is something for everyone these days.
Water proof
If you live where it rains, then waterproof shoes are a must. The best designs will keep your foot bones dry, but if you spend most of your time playing golf in bright sunshine, then you may decide that other factors are more important.
Many players choose to wear one pair in the winter and another lighter pair in the summer to keep fresh and meet different requirements.
5 Things You Need to Know About Golf Shoes
Types of Golf Shoes
Today, golfers have a variety of golf shoes to choose from, but the main choices are spiked and spikeless models. Spiked styles are traditional, really, and they are the go-to style for your next pair of golf shoes. Spiked shoes provide traction and stability in all types of weather conditions.
Spikeless golf shoes are becoming very popular and this is because they are design with comfort and looks in mind. They largely appeal to young golfers who are looking for a modern and sporty look on the golf course. Spikeless golf shoes relieve more pressure on your feet than spiked shoes, and new technology has made spikeless shoes durable.
You can also buy golf shoes, however, this is extremely rare. This type of shoe is very waterproof and is primarily design to protect your feet in the winter. Although they are heavier than regular golf shoes, they provide good protection in cold and wet weather.
Material
As you may have gathered from the golf shoe reviews above, there are a variety of materials use in the construction of golf shoes. Which is why you see some high prices on your screen.
Leather is a very popular choice in the game, this is because leather makes golf shoes durable, waterproof and tight fitting. Leather is more breathable than most materials, and leather shoes are a good choice for both summer and winter golf. Some golf shoes start at a high price due to their leather construction, but you are investing in a well-constructed and reliable product.
Gore-Tex is a premium material that is very thick and waterproof. When you tee off in the winter, you should consider a pair of golf shoes made from Gore-Tex as this means the product is breathable, waterproof, and feels warmer than leather shoes.
Synthetic material is also use to make golf shoes. It is a cheap material than leather. Which is laid over the top of the shoe to protect the outer surface. It is thinner than leather, and generally speaking, shoes made with synthetic material are cheaper because they are not as protective and breathable.
Types of Golf Spikes
Traction is important on the bottom of golf shoes, and plastic spikes are the most popular type in the game. These are soft spikes that cause less damage to the greens than metal spikes. They are usually wider, distributing the weight of the spike over a larger area. Plastic spikes are often found on new golf shoes, and they are more comfortable on your feet when you are walking on dry summer ground or wet winter terrain.
Metal spikes are slowly leaving the game, and this is because they are not as comfortable as plastic spikes. They cause more damage to greens and fairways, and although some professional golfers use them, they can also cause pain when walking on hard surfaces. Some golf courses have banned the use of metal spikes because of the damage they can cause to the golf course.
Shoelace
You won’t be surprise to hear that traditional laces are the most common type of lacing system in golf shoes. They allow the player to tighten or loosen the grip of the shoe on the foot.
However, if you want to experience something different, we strongly recommend that you use shoes with a proprietary lacing system. They operate by using a mechanical lacing system that provides constant stability. They are very easy to use, with just a twist, your laces will become looser or tighter, depending on your needs. Although this type of lacing system is more expensive, they are also very practical and comfortable.
Caring for Your Golf Shoes
You can buy the best golf shoes for your game, but if you neglect them and don’t maintain their quality over time, their effectiveness may diminish and you may not be able to get the most out of them.
If you have a pair of golf shoes with spikes, always keep an eye on the spikes. You should replace them, which can be easily do with tools. If you let your spikes turn into little stumps, they can be difficult to replace, which is why spike maintenance is so important.
If you’ve just played in the rain and the inside of your shoes are soaking wet, make sure you dry them out when you get home. Maybe heat them up or fill them with paper to remove the moisture, but don’t leave this task until your next round, as you don’t want to have wet feet as soon as you step onto the golf course.
If you are concerned about buying shoes that are not suitable for the golf course, you can take a custom-made course to ensure that you have a pair of shoes that fit you properly. This may cost you more cash, but the fitter will ensure that your foot fits every inch of the shoe perfectly.
