I learned about golf shoes the hard way.
Soaked socks, zero traction, and a scorecard I’d rather forget – all because I thought my running shoes would work just fine on a dewy morning.
Three holes in, I was sliding around like a rookie on ice skates.
These days, I’m a bit smarter about what goes on my feet when I head to the course.
Modern golf shoes have come a long way from those old metal spikes that used to tear up clubhouse carpets.
The new designs are so comfortable you might forget you’re wearing specialized footwear – until that moment you need to power through a wet lie or brace against a side hill.
How to Choose the Best Golf Shoes
You might be wondering what makes a golf shoe worth buying. After all, they’re not exactly cheap, and your regular sneakers seem comfortable enough.
I used to think the same way. Then I played a round with our club pro.
He watched me slip during a crucial swing and said something that stuck with me: “Your shoes are the only thing connecting you to the ground. Everything in your swing starts from there.”
He was right. A good golf shoe does three crucial things that your regular trainers can’t match.
First, they grip the ground like your life depends on it. Those spikeless soles might look simple, but they’re engineered specifically for the rotational forces in your golf swing. I learned this playing in the rain last month – while everyone else was tiptoeing around, I could still shop confidently for shoes that kept me swinging with ease.
Then there’s the support. Golf shoes are built to keep your feet stable through the swing, especially when you’re trying to crush one off the tee. The way they wrap around your feet is more like a sports car’s bucket seat than a regular shoe.
Finally, there’s the waterproofing. Real waterproofing, not the kind that gives up halfway through a dewy morning. Good golf shoes keep your feet dry whether you’re playing through morning dew or getting caught in an afternoon shower.
I’ve worn everything from budget-friendly models to those fancy ones that cost more than my first set of clubs, but just like choosing golf coaching services, I’ve discovered you don’t need the most expensive pair—you need the right pair for your game and your local conditions.
Most weekends, you’ll find me in spikeless shoes. They’re versatile, comfortable, and perfect for our usual firm conditions.
But I keep a pair of proper spiked shoes in the trunk for those soggy days when extra grip means the difference between a solid shot and an embarrassing slip.
The best part? Today’s golf shoes are actually comfortable. Gone are the days of that “breaking in” period where your feet paid the price for looking good on the course. Modern materials mean you can walk 18 holes straight out of the box – no Band-Aids required.
Top Brands for Golf Footwear
Let’s cut through the marketing noise and talk about what’s actually worth your money.
After two decades of trying everything from budget golf basics to premium leather masterpieces, I’ve got some thoughts on who’s making the best golf shoes right now.
The Heavy Hitters
FootJoy still dominates the golf shoe game, and for good reason. Their Pro/SL line has become the go-to for serious players who want performance without looking like they’re headed to a rave. I’ve had my current pair for two seasons, and they’re still going strong. Yes, they’re expensive, but they last – kind of like that Scotty Cameron putter you’ve been eyeing.
Adidas has really stepped up the game with the Tour360 series, creating a shoe that feels like your favorite running shoes but performs like traditional golf shoes, which is perfect for players focused on improving their skills & training.
ECCO deserves to mention her, too. These Danish comfort wizards make shoes that feel like they were custom-made for your feet. Sure, they’re not cheap, but neither is foot surgery. I splurged on a pair three years ago, and they’re still my go-to for tournament days.
Value Champions
Here’s where it gets interesting.
You don’t actually need to spend $200+ to get good golf shoes anymore.
Puma’s making some fantastic shoes that won’t destroy your equipment budget. Their Ignite line gives you 90% of what the premium brands offer at about 70% of the price.
Skechers – yes, Skechers – has become a serious player in golf equipment & gear, especially footwear. Stop laughing. Their Go Golf line is legitimately good, especially if you walk a lot of rounds. They’re like wearing your favorite sneakers but with actual golf technology built in.
New Kids on the Block
True Linkswear is doing some interesting things. They started with minimalist designs and have built a cult following among walking golfers.
Their shoes look different because they think differently – it’s like if Tesla made golf shoes.
Paynter is another brand to watch. Founded by a cricket player (of all things), they’re bringing fresh ideas to golf footwear. Their crossover athletic-golf designs are perfect if you’re tired of traditional golf shoe styling but still want serious performance.
The Luxury Lane
If you really want to flex on the first tee, G/FORE makes some head-turning shoes. They’re what happens when fashion meets function on the golf course. Are they necessary? No. Do they look amazing? Absolutely.
Be careful with those super-cheap shoes you see online. I bought a pair once because the price was too good to pass up. They lasted exactly two rounds before the sole started separating like a bad marriage. Sometimes, cheap ends up being expensive.
Types of Golf Shoes
Look, choosing golf shoes used to be simple – you either bought the expensive ones with metal spikes or the really expensive ones with metal spikes. These days? We’ve got options. Let me break this down into real-world terms.
Spiked Golf Shoes
Think of these as your all-weather performers. They’re like having snow tires for your feet. I still reach for my spiked shoes when the forecast looks sketchy or when I’m playing that hilly course across town that turns into a slip-n-slide after any rain.
Last week, I watched a guy in running shoes practically ice skating down a wet slope while I dug in with my spikes and hit one of my best shots of the day—following the rules of golf, of course. The downside? You’ll definitely need to change these before heading into the clubhouse unless you enjoy the death stares from the maintenance staff
Spikeless Golf Shoes
This is what I wear most of the time, and honestly, they’ve come a long way. The first spikeless shoes I tried felt about as grippy as bowling shoes, but modern ones? They’re incredible. Those little rubber nubs and patterns on the bottom provide plenty of grip for dry conditions, and you can walk straight from your car to the first tee to the clubhouse without changing.
I wore mine to the driving range last night, then straight to the grocery store. Try that with traditional spikes, and you’ll need a good chiropractor – and possibly a good lawyer.
Hybrid Golf Shoes
Think of these as the Swiss Army knife of golf footwear. They combine removable cleats with rubber treads, giving you the best of both worlds. I’ve got a pair I save for tournament days when I’m not sure what conditions I’ll face.
My playing partner Dave swears by his hybrids. “It’s like having an adjustable driver for your feet,” he says. And he’s right – they’re versatile enough to handle pretty much anything the course throws at you.
The choice really comes down to when and where you play most of your golf. If you’re a fair-weather golfer who mostly plays on well-maintained courses, spikeless shoes might be all you need. But if you’re out there in all conditions or play courses with dramatic elevation changes, consider keeping a pair of spiked or hybrid golf shoes in your arsenal.
Just remember – whatever style you choose, make sure they fit right. The best golf shoes in the world won’t help your game if they’re pinching your toes or sliding around on your heels.
Trust me on this one – I learned that lesson the hard way during a very long, very uncomfortable club championship.
Key Features to Consider
Let me save you from making the same expensive mistakes I’ve made.
After burning through more pairs of golf shoes than I’d like to admit, I’ve figured out which features actually matter and which ones are just marketing fluff.
Waterproofing and Breathability
Here’s a fun fact I learned the hard way: “water-resistant” and “waterproof” are not the same thing. That difference cost me $150 and some very damp socks.
True waterproof shoes, like those with GORE-TEX, will keep your feet dry through basically anything. I tested this theory thoroughly last month during a sudden downpour on the back nine. My feet stayed dry while my supposedly water-resistant hat turned into a small waterfall.
But here’s the tricky part – you need breathability too. My first pair of waterproof shoes were like tiny saunas for my feet. These days, manufacturers have figured out how to keep water out while letting your feet breathe. The Adidas Tour360 24 nails this balance perfectly – I can play in morning dew or afternoon heat without feeling like I’m wearing plastic bags on my feet.
Support and Stability
You know that wobbly feeling when you’re trying to swing on an uneven lie? Good golf shoes eliminate that. They’re built from the ground up to keep you stable through the entire swing.
I am looking for shoes with the following:
– A wide base that feels planted
– Firm heel support that stops any sliding
– Enough flexibility to walk comfortably
– Cushioning that lasts more than three rounds
The best test? Try making a practice swing with your eyes closed. If you feel even slightly unstable, keep looking.
Comfort Features
This might sound obvious, but comfort is crucial. I once bought shoes that were half a size too small because they were on sale. By hole 12, I was seriously considering playing barefoot.
Modern golf shoes pack some serious technology into their comfort features. Memory foam insoles, anatomical support, and strategic padding have made today’s shoes feel more like athletic gear than traditional golf shoes.
My current favorites have this OrthoLite insole that somehow knows exactly where my feet need support. After 18 holes, my feet feel just as fresh as they did on the first tee. Well, maybe not quite as fresh, but you get the idea.
Remember, these features aren’t just about comfort – they affect your game. When your feet hurt, your swing hurts. When your feet are sliding around, your swing gets loose. And when you’re thinking about your uncomfortable shoes, you’re not thinking about your next shot.
Take it from someone who’s learned the hard way – invest in shoes that have the features you actually need for the conditions you actually play in. Your feet, your scorecard, and your playing partners will thank you.
The Right Shoes Make the Game Better
After all these years playing golf, I’ve learned that your shoes matter way more than most people think. They’re not just something you wear to look the part – they’re a crucial piece of equipment that can make the difference between enjoying your round and wishing you’d stayed home.
I still remember that lightbulb moment during my first round with proper golf shoes. Standing over a tricky downhill lie in the rough, I could actually feel the grip and stability that had been missing all those years in regular sneakers. That shot didn’t change my life, but it changed how I think about golf footwear forever.
These days, we’re spoiled for choice. Whether you’re a dawn patrol regular who needs serious waterproofing, a fair-weather golfer who prioritizes comfort, or a tournament player looking for every possible advantage, there’s a perfect shoe out there for you. The key is being honest about how you actually play, not how you wish you played.
My best advice? Try on everything in your price range. Walk around in them. Make some practice swings. Your feet will tell you what works. And don’t get too hung up on brand names or what the pros are wearing – the best golf shoe is the one that makes you forget about your feet and focus on your game.