Looking for quality golf shoes that won't break the bank can be quite a challenge. The good news is that well-known sportswear brands like Nike, adidas, and even Jordan offer some of the best golf shoes on the market for under 100. But how do you know which shoes are worth your investment? That's where we come in!
Like we did with our list of the best golf watches, we've rounded up a list of top picks based on price, reviews, and features to kick off your search in the best way possible as we know golf shoes are crucial for maintaining balance and grip during your swing. Whether you prefer shoes like the Under Armour Charged Draw 2s with spiked cleats or something spikeless like the adidas Samba Golf shoes, we've got everything you need right here.
And if you have any questions along the way, we've also included answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. So, let's dive in and find your perfect pair of golf shoes!
Best golf shoes under 100
1. Under Armour Charged Draw 2
Best spiked golf shoes under 100
Material: Microfibre leather
The Under Armour Charged Draw 2s stand out not just as a great budget option, but actually some of the best golf shoes on the market due to their impressive build and features.
Starting with the upper, it's made from durable microfibre leather with a waterproof, Never-Wet membrane to keep your feet dry on the course all year round. Then, inside, you get an anti-microbial Ortholite sockliner to improve breathability and, when teamed with the Charged Cushion midsole, comfort.
Underneath all this, you'll find a lightweight, flexible TPU outsole along with Rotational Resistance spikes to provide horizontal traction with each and every swing.
So, if it's a pair of spiked cleats you are after to pair with your best set of golf clubs, we'd highly recommend checking out these Under Armour golf shoes.
2. adidas Samba Golf
Best spikeless golf shoes under 100
Material: Textile vamp and soft microfibre leather
In recent years, golf shoes have undergone significant changes in design. While traditional footwear features spikes for enhanced grip, many manufacturers are now embracing spikeless designs due to advancements in technology.
Take, for example, the special edition adidas Samba Golf shoes. These trainers are equipped with rubber outsoles that feature aggressive traction patterns, providing excellent grip on the course. To further enhance traction during your swing, adidas has incorporated circular cut-out sections around the toes as well.
In terms of comfort, these shoes are top-notch. They come with OrthoLite sockliners, which are specifically designed to provide a relaxed and comfortable feel while playing. Coupled with soft synthetic uppers, these golf shoes offer a lightweight and comfortable experience both on and off the course.
So, if you're in search of spikeless golf cleats that are both lightweight and comfortable, it's difficult to overlook the iconic Sambas by adidas.
3. FootJoy Fury
Best golf shoes under 100 for beginners
Material: Textile
As a beginner, you'll likely be after something comfortable, supportive, and stable to help you improve.
Thankfully, we feel the FootJoy Fury ticks these boxes due to features like its TruFit system, which should provide a snug and secure fit, and FlexGrid MLC, designed to deliver medial and lateral control.
Furthermore, it comes with a waterproof leather outer to help keep your feet dry, plus spikes on the soleplate for added grip and traction during your swing.
Ultimately, we believe FootJoy has ticked a lot of boxes with these golf shoes, so should definitely be one to consider for your next round.
4. Skechers GO GOLF Drive 5
Best golf shoes under 100 for comfort
Material: Leather / Synthetic
The Skechers GO GOLF Drive 5 is designed to be a highly comfortable sneaker with its Arch Fit insole providing arch support, unsurprisingly, and Ortholite comfort foam adding an extra layer of cushioning between your foot and the ground.
What's more, its overall shape has been designed by podiatrists and developed with 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted foot scans, delivering what Sketchers call a Relaxed Fit for added room around the toe and forefoot.
Underneath, you'll find a Goodyear Performance Outsole to deliver traction and grip on the course in the absence of spikes which, in itself, offers on-course/off-course versatility.
In short, this Sketchers GO GOLF 5 stands out as an excellent budget golf shoe for comfort and useability away from the course.
5. adidas Adicross V
Best golf shoes under 100 for everyday use
Material: Leather and Suede
The adidas Adicross V breaks the mould of the traditional golf shoe with a design that is more akin to an everyday sneaker than something built for golf.
That's not to say it shouldn't deliver on the course though as this trainer comes with an Adiwear spikeless outsole, featuring 72 outdents for optimal grip and the ability to wear anywhere. Moreover, it comes with a Climastorm water-resistant leather and suede upper so you should be able to use this sneaker in all weather conditions.
Overall, if you're searching for a versatile golf shoe to use both on the course and for everyday wear, then these classic adidas sneakers may be your answer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
There are often a few questions that come to mind when thinking about golf shoes, but don't worry because we're here to clear up a few of the most common queries.
Why do you need golf shoes?
Golf shoes are specifically designed to provide traction and stability on the golf course, which is important for maintaining proper balance and executing a consistent swing.
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.
Golf shoes also typically have features such as waterproofing and breathable materials to keep the feet dry and comfortable during play.
Additionally, some golf courses require players to wear golf shoes in order to protect the course and maintain its condition. Overall, golf shoes can help improve a golfer's performance and ensure a comfortable and safe experience on the course.
Why do some golf shoes not have spikes?
Traditionally, golf shoes were designed with metal spikes on the sole to provide traction and stability while playing on the golf course. These spikes penetrate the ground and prevent slipping during the golf swing.
However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards spikeless golf shoes as they're more versatile and often feature more cushioned soles, providing increased comfort during long rounds of golf.
What's more, spikeless golf shoes are generally considered more turf-friendly. Metal spikes can damage the greens, especially on softer courses. Some golf courses have banned metal spikes to preserve the condition of the greens, and spikeless shoes offer a solution.
So, while spiked golf shoes have their place, there is definitely a strong argument to be made to purchase a pair of spikeless cleats.
Should you go up half a size in golf shoes?
A general rule to follow for golf shoes, and shoes in general really, is to allow about a finger's width between the end of your longest toe and the end of the trainer.
It's also worth paying attention to where the shoe flexes. Ideally, your shoe should bend perfectly in line with the flex of your forefoot. With that in mind, going up half a size may be beneficial as golf shoes can sometimes be quite tight to ensure a secure lock-in.
This isn't always the case though. 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 shoe size to help get you started.
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.
Although some of the best running shoes may be light and comfortable around the course, you'll probably find they lack grip when attempting your swing.
Most golf footwear these days combines the lightweight nature of running shoes with the traction and grip of traditional golf shoes, making them essentially the best of both worlds.
How do you clean golf shoes?
Our recommendation for cleaning leather golf shoes is to use lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth to scrub away dirt after first removing debris with a soft-bristled brush.
For fabric cleats, we'd suggest using slightly less water as the material can sometimes retain the liquid slightly better than leather shoes, thus making them harder and longer 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?
Among the different approaches you can use, one of the most common is a method we've outlined before in our guide to lacing football boots.
Despite being different sports, the technique starts off the same. Begin by feeding one end of your shoelace through the first eyelets to create a straight bar across the tongue of your golf shoe
Next, take each end, cross them over in the middle, and thread through the next eyelets up on the opposite sides.
Repeat this step until you reach the top, then again with your second shoe and you should be good to go. Make sure you leave enough length left though to tie the two ends together.
How often should you replace my golf shoes?
There's no set timeline on how often you should change your golf shoes. Ultimately, it all comes down to factors like wear and tear. Inspect the soles, spikes (if applicable), and upper materials of your golf shoes. If you notice significant signs of wear, such as worn-out treads, loose spikes, or cracks in the upper material, it may be time for a new pair as these issues may affect their performance.
Also, the cushioning and support in your golf shoes can diminish over time, thus affecting your comfort and performance on the course. If you feel that your shoes no longer provide adequate support or cushioning, it might be a good idea to replace them.
Performance really is at the heart of it all though. If you notice they're not providing the same level of grip as they used to, then consider purchasing a new pair. This could happen after a few months or even years depending on the quality of the shoes, how often you play, and the conditions you wear them in.
Regularly cleaning your shoes and storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight may improve their lifespan. But, at the end of the day, the more you wear them, the quicker your shoes will wear out.