The best golf shoes you may not be the best golf shoes for me, or perhaps they are? The point is, we all have slightly different priorities when it comes to investing in a pair of quality golf shoes, and it’s important to be picky, particularly as they are not something you want to be replacing every year.
In this buyer’s guide to picking the right golf shoes for you, we highlight some key considerations you should bear in mind when choosing your perfect pair of shoes and suggest some excellent models that you might want to consider.
Spiked or spikeless – the biggest players in the golf footwear game typically offer an even split between spiked and spikeless models, both of which have their relative strengths. Spiked shoes tend to provide better traction in tough underfoot conditions, while spikeless shoes offer greater versatility, and are ever-improving in the grip department, making them increasingly popular.
Best spiked: FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon Golf Shoes – $200 / £190 RRP
The HyperFlex is a comfortable trainer-style model, but it still has the benefits of a year-round shoe. It has a 100% waterproof knit upper that is breathable, comfortable, and, vitally, has a stain-protected, easy-to-clean upper. Hyperflex sees FootJoy take the use of carbon fiber to another level, developing a power plate on the sole to help golfers with stability and ground leverage. A padded heel adds comfort and support.
Mulligan: Adidas ZG23 Golf Shoes – $200 / £160
Best spikeless: Ecco S-Three Golf Shoes – $220 / £195 RRP
We rate this as one of the best spikeless golf shoes out there and Ecco goes the extra mile when it comes to comfort and style. The S-Three’s midsole uses Zonal Fluidform technology to create different levels of softness across the foot, delivering cushioning for walking, and lateral stability for swinging. The S-Three features a soft and durable leather Gore-Tex upper which is breathable and 100% waterproof. The S-Three also comes in six colorways.
Mulligan: G/Fore MG4X2 Cross Golf Shoes – $225 / £190
Comfort – with a round of golf lasting in excess of four hours, it’s important your feet feel as fresh as possible by the time you reach the 18th, otherwise that 3-footer to break your best score might just lip out because you didn’t take the time to read it properly. Look for a balance of underfoot comfort with sufficient heel and ankle support to get the most out of your new shoes.
Best for comfort: Nike Air Max 270 G Golf Shoes – $150 / £130 RRP
It looks like it’s been designed for the basketball court, but the Nike Air Max 270G is a superb golf shoe. The flexible-yet-substantial upper will keep you dry and, as you would expect from an Air product, the comfort is considerable with a giant ‘Air’ unit combined with a foam midsole. It’s a great price for a multi-purpose shoe when you consider a non-golf Air Max will cost at least the same amount, and we love the choice of colors.
Mulligan: Payntr X 002 Golf Shoes – $190 / £150 RRP
Fashion – traditional or modern, classic or maverick, there is no right answer. Style is subjective and it must work for you. Looking the part can go a long way to feeling the part, so finding a design that makes you feel great has to be worthwhile.
Best style: Duca Del Cosma Churchill Golf Shoes – $239 / £200 RRP?
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Churchill is one of our favorites and a Today’s Golfer Editor’s Choice Awards winner. It’s easy to see classic-style shoes and assume they will be hard-wearing or uncomfortable, but the Churchill is a delight for the feet. The finest Italian Nappa leather upper is joined to Duca Del Cosma’s Airplay XI outsole to give you a shoe that fits beautifully, provides maximum stability and looks great on or off the course.
Mulligan: FootJoy Fuel Golf Shoes – $135 / £ 130.00 RRP?
Waterproofing – unfortunately, there is no getting away from it, and whether playing on water-soaked fairways or in heavy downpours, keeping your feet dry and comfortable is a must if you want to play your best golf.
Best waterproof: Ecco Biom G5 Golf Shoes – $270 / £220 RRP
The G5 is a sensational waterproof shoe delivering comfort and athletic performance. It brings fashion to the Biom family, while its premium leather upper and Gore-Tex membrane ensure the model is both breathable and 100% waterproof. As you’d expect for the premium price, this is a very comfortable and supportive golf shoe that offers superb traction. We love the fit, especially in the BOA model.
Mulligan: Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 Golf Shoes – $205 / £180 RRP
Breathable – with most of our rounds hopefully being played under sunny skies, it’s worth ensuring your new shoes are lightweight and breathable. Even in cooler conditions, your feet can overheat as activity increases which can equally lead to discomfort.
Best breathable: Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 Golf Shoes – $160 / £140 RRP?
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The HOVR Drive 2 incorporates comfort and performance for golf in all conditions. The microfiber upper means the shoe is lightweight but it’s impressively supportive, and breathable. A 3D-printed toe guard gives added durability, which is great for players who drag their feet through the golf swing. The HOVR Drive 2 is fully waterproof and comes with a one-year waterproof warranty.?
Mulligan: Puma Ignite Articulate Golf Shoes – $140 / £180 RRP
