Finding the best golf shoes can be tricky at times, especially as knowing how much to spend and what kind of quality you're getting for your cash isn't always clear.
Fortunately, we've compiled a list of our top picks using price, reviews, and any unique features that make these golf shoes stand out from the crowd to inform our selection, just like our list of the best budget golf shoes.
Although there's some debate over whether spiked or spikeless golf shoes are best, it's generally seen that the additional traction a pair of golf cleats provide can help take your game to the next level as they enable you to maintain balance for a more controlled swing.
Other features we'd recommend looking out for include some form of cushioning as walking around 18-holes can be tough on your feet. You may also find lighter shoes to be more comfortable to play in during longer rounds.
With this information in mind, if you're after a pair of lightweight, spiked cleats, like these adidas ZG23s, or some of the best Jordan golf shoes around in these spikeless Jordan ADG 4s, then we've got you covered.
We've also tackled some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding golf shoes to help you work out which pair is right for you. So, without further delay, let's get into it...
Best golf shoes
- adidas ZG23
- Under Armour Charged Curry Spikeless
- Jordan ADG 4
- adidas Ultraboost Golf
- FootJoy Premiere Series Flint Golf Shoes
- Skechers GO GOLF Drive 5
- FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon
1. adidas ZG23
Best spiked golf shoes
Material: Sprintskin synthetic upper
The adidas ZG23 golf shoes are engineered to elevate your performance through cutting-edge technology and their lightweight design, boasting an ultra-light platform that meets the demands of tournament-level play. Additionally, they offer unparalleled traction and stability, ensuring your focus remains squarely on your game.
The shoes also deliver a fusion of innovation and comfort, featuring a Lightstrike midsole, waterproof upper, and a six-cleat Traxion outsole. This combination delivers all-day comfort while providing a secure and grounded feel, regardless of the conditions. From tee to green, these shoes cater to the needs of serious golfers, offering the perfect blend of agility, support, and durability.
In short, the adidas ZG23 golf shoes are a stellar choice for your next round, embodying a seamless balance between lightweight design and top-tier performance.
2. Under Armour Charged Curry Spikeless
Best spikeless golf shoes
Material: Knit
If you're in the market for a pair of golf shoes that combine comfort, performance, and style, look no further than the Under Armour Charged Curry Spikeless shoes.
They stand out from the crowd due to their lightweight and breathable knit upper, which not only keeps your feet cool but also provides strategic reinforcements to support your golf swing. They're designed to deliver the perfect balance of flexibility and stability, allowing you to unleash your full potential on the fairway Adding to this, their bootie design offers more than just a snug fit; it delivers a super-comfortable, sock-like feel that you'll appreciate from the first tee to the final hole.
When it comes to performance, the Charged Cushioning midsole truly shines. Utilising compression moulded foam, this innovative technology ensures ultimate responsiveness and durability, giving you the confidence to power through your swing without being left down by unsupportive cushioning.
We haven't even touched on their spikeless outsole yet either. The Rotational Resistance traction counters the need for spikes, providing grip wherever you are and, in turn, giving you freedom to move naturally on any terrain.
So, with their lightweight construction, sock-like fit, and advanced cushioning, these shoes are built to enhance your swing and elevate your game. Make sure you check them out if you're searching for some spikeless golf shoes.
3. Jordan ADG 4
Best Jordan golf shoes
Material: Leather
The ADG 4s are an exceptional choice for anyone seeking stylish Jordans for the golf course.
Their design prioritises comfort, blending supple full-grain leather in the uppers with responsive Nike React midsoles. But what sets these shoes apart is the absence of traditional spikes. Instead, their rubber soles boast integrated traction patterns, ensuring excellent grip across various surfaces. Additionally, the inclusion of TPU heel counters enhances stability throughout each stage of your golf swing.
All things considered, the Jordan ADG 4s present a compelling option, especially for those in search of spikeless yet high-performance Jordan golf cleats.
4. adidas Ultraboost Golf
Best golf shoes for comfort
Material: PRIMEKNIT / BOOST
Prepare yourself for a day filled with golfing and more, as these adidas Ultraboost Golf shoes are designed to provide exceptional comfort and versatility.
Firstly, the shoes feature PRIMEKNIT uppers that gently embrace your feet, ensuring a snug fit that moves effortlessly with you as you line up your shots and navigate uneven terrain.
With BOOST in the midsoles as well, each step you take is cushioned, effectively replenishing your energy even after a long-distance drive, and delivering a comfortable feel even when you step away from the course.
Plus, the spikeless outsole allows you to seamlessly transition from the green to the clubhouse without the hassle of changing your footwear, which, in our opinion, helps make these Ultraboosts some of the comfiest golf shoes on the market right now.
5. FootJoy Premiere Series Flint Golf Shoes
Best traditional golf shoes
Material: Full-Grain Leather
If you're looking to go down the more traditional route with your footwear, then these Premiere Series Flint Golf Shoes may be for you.
Unlike the previous entries, these shoes come with Versa-Trax technology rather than spikes with the aim to provide you with an outsole that is perfect for an on-course performance with wear-to-the-course versatility.
Moreover, FootJoy boasts its Boa Fit System ensures a better connection to your shoe in order to help improve stability, control, and power through your drive.
All in all, to complete a more classic golfer look, then these FootJoy cleats should be a great shout whilst also delivering in terms of performance.
6. Skechers GO GOLF Drive 5
Best wide-fit golf shoes
Material: Leather / Synthetic
Buying golf shoes that accommodate wider feet can be a challenge, unless, of course, you opt for a pair of these Skechers GO GOLF Drive 5s.
The reason why they're so great for a wider foot is that they feature a relaxed fit, which Skechers boasts gives them more space around the toe and forefoot for added comfort. They also come with Skechers' Arch Fit insoles to provide podiatrist-certified arch support during each and every round.
Underneath, you'll find Goodyear Performance Outsoles that are designed to give excellent traction on the course, and the versatility to wear them off it thanks to the lack of spikes. Ortholite foam insoles then add more comfort, providing long-term cushioning for all your future matches.
Other notable details include just how light they are, and the fact they're waterproof, ensuring you can play golf all year around, without getting wet feet.
7. FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon
Best modern golf shoes
Material: Mesh
The FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon is the ultimate modern golf shoe designed to help you excel at every aspect of today's game.
What makes the shoe such a step above more traditional golfing footwear is that it comes packed with the latest and best golf technology. For example, it features a custom, moulded carbon fibre plate around the FTF+ midsole, with the intent being to maximise stability and torsional flex, thus increasing ground leverage.
Furthermore, FootJoy has made the cleat comfortable to wear all day long on the course. You get Stratofoam in the midsole to absorb shock and return energy on each step you take. Additionally, the shoe is constructed using a knitted material that's also coated to avoid damage in adverse weather, all while maintaining breathability.
The addition of OptiFlex and Ortholite Impressions FitBeds also add to the levels of comfort here, and thus round off what is undeniably an excellent golf shoe for the modern game.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
You may have a few questions about golf shoes if you're new to the sport, but don't worry because we're here to clear up a few of the most common queries.
Do golf shoes make a difference?
The primary purpose of a golf shoe is to help you maintain your balance on the slippery grass during your swing.
Whether you choose spiked or spikeless, the added grip golf shoes provide should give you more stability throughout your swing which, in turn, helps you maintain consistency.
This is supported by research from Jong-Jin Park who found participants were able to control their centre of mass faster and increase rotational force during impact by wearing golf shoes whilst driving.
Also, knowing your feet will stay glued to the ground can give you added confidence through each stage of your swing, thus giving you peace of mind to use all your force throughout the motion.
How should golf shoes fit?
It's important to get the fit right with your golf shoes to help maximise your performance potential.
One general rule to follow in terms of length is that there should be about a finger's width between the end of your longest toe and the end of your golf shoe.
It's advised that if your second toe is bigger than your big toe, then you may find going up half a size to be most beneficial.
It's also worth paying attention to where the shoe flexes. Ideally, the break of the flex should fall perfectly in line with the flex of your forefoot.
If you're unsure, most manufacturers usually have a handy chart to compare the size of your feet against. Check out our guide to measuring your shoe size to get started.
Are spike or spikeless golf shoes better?
Some manufacturers choose to go without spikes as they feel the soles of their shoes provide enough traction and grip as it is.
Moreover, not having spikes makes the shoes far easier to walk in between holes, especially if you're walking on the tarmac.
Ultimately, the versatility of spikeless golf shoes is what attracts most people, and thankfully, if you fall under this category, spikeless footwear is becoming increasingly popular in the modern game.
Can you wear running shoes to play golf?
In short, yes you can wear running shoes for golf, providing they align with the club's rules, however, the question is whether you'll be able to perform at your best whilst wearing them.
While the best running shoes may be light and comfortable around the course, you may find they lack grip when attempting your swing.
Most golf footwear these days combine the lightweight nature of running shoes with the traction and grip of traditional golf shoes, making them essentially the best of both worlds.
Are leather golf shoes better?
Leather golf shoes make for a great all-year-round pick as the material fairs well in damp winter and autumn months.
However, good quality leather doesn't come cheap, which is why you'll find shoes like the FootJoy Premiere Series Flints priced towards the upper-end price bracket.
Having said this, golf shoe technology is improving as showcased by Adidas' Sprintskin Synthetic material which is, not only waterproof, but also incredibly lightweight and breathable.
As a result, it's hard to say whether leather golf shoes are better right now due to the recent improvements in golf shoe construction. Ultimately, the answer will come down to personal preference.
How do you clean golf shoes?
In our opinion, the most effective way of cleaning a pair of leather golf shoes is to use lukewarm water, mild soap, and a cloth to scrub away any dirt after initially removing debris using a soft-bristled brush.
For fabric cleats, we'd recommend using slightly less water as the material can sometimes retain it slightly better than leather shoes, thus making them harder to dry.
Suede golf shoes can be cleaned with a suede brush, towel, or even a dedicated eraser to remove any marks and stains.
For more information, check out our step-by-step guide on cleaning golf shoes right here.
How do you lace golf shoes?
While there are a few different approaches you could take, one of the most common techniques is one we've actually covered in our guide to lacing Jordan 1s.
Although they're different sports, the premise of this cross-lace method remains the same. Simply start by creating a straight bar with your shoelace between the first eyelets. Next, cross the two ends over the tongues of your shoes and thread them through the next eyelets up on the opposite sides.
Repeat this step until you reach the top, making sure your laces stay flat as you go and that you're leaving enough of your shoelaces left at the top to actually tie your shoes.
Once you've done this with both your cleats, you should be ready to play golf.
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