Best Golf Shoes 2024
Need to upgrade your golf footwear? Here, we take a look at the best golf shoes currently available on the market
Best Golf Shoes: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Spikeless models
3. Spiked models
4. Women's models
5. How we test
6. How to choose
7. FAQs
Golf shoes are one of the most important items any golfer can have. They serve a duel purpose as there is a performance benefit but most of us also want shoes to look good. Primarily though you need shoes to help you play your best, especially in difficult conditions. As such, you could make an argument that having the right shoes is just as important as having the best golf driver or best GPS Golf Watch.
Your feet are the only point of contact you have with the ground as you make your swing, so it's vital that your golf shoes support and grip your foot in place during the swing. If you don't have a stable base you will struggle for consistency.
However, as important as performance is, golf shoes, much like your day-to-day sneakers, are still a fashion statement and provide us with an opportunity to stand out on the golf course with a style that suits your personality. With all this in mind, we certainly ask modern golf shoes to do a lot for us. Luckily for you, we have created this handy guide on which model is best for you.
The golf shoe game has changed a lot over the years. There was a time when most shoes were spiked, then there was a shift towards spikeless shoes. A clear trend we've spotted during our recent testing is the continued popularity of a hybrid golf shoe - a golf shoe that can be worn as easily off the golf course as it can be on it.
These golf shoes can pretty much be worn on the golf course and everywhere in between thanks to the clever designs. They offer great performance, grip, and support on the golf course while looking great and offering all the comfort of a normal sneaker off the course, removing the need for carrying an extra pair of shoes with you to change into after a round.
While the hybrid shoe is especially prominent this year, it's not to say that all the best spikeless golf shoes are casual, sneaker styles. Brands like Payntr, Puma, and Skechers have also released some great performance spikeless golf shoes that pride themselves on being a golf shoe first with excellent spikeless outsoles. These are perfect for good weather golf.
If you play in more changeable weather conditions, or even if you just prefer a spiked golf shoe, we've tested some brilliant new releases from FootJoy and adidas in particular. Both brands are leading players in the spiked category and Footjoy in particular offer a variety of styles from the classic look to more modern, sporty offerings. Spiked golf shoes are more lightweight and athletic than ever before so if you're looking for an all-year-round shoe that provides a real locked-in feeling on the golf course, you'll be spoiled for choice.
VIDEO: Watch Dan Parker's verdict on the 11 of the best golf shoes from 2023
There are many factors to consider when it comes to buying a pair of golf shoes. What kind of styling do you want? How much do you want to spend? Do you want the best spiked golf shoe, a spikeless version, or maybe both? If you are the kind of player who values walking comfort over anything else then our best golf shoes for walking guide will help you, while if you have particularly wide feet then you should check out our best golf shoes for wide feet guide.
As far as what goes into making the best golf shoe, the best models combine excellent comfort and breathability with nice aesthetics so that they can be worn all day. Additionally, the best models protect our feet from bad weather, while offering outstanding grip and stability in all conditions. So with all of this in mind, below we've looked at some of the best golf shoes all of which have been fully tested and reviewed by the Golf Monthly team. We've split this guide up into the best spikeless models, best spiked models, and best women's golf shoes too and you can check out our individual guides for all of those.
If you have a color or style preference then we have guides to the best black golf shoes as well as the best white golf shoes, and we even have a guide for the best shoes for golfers with plantar fasciitis.
The Quick List
A standout spikeless golf shoe. We love Ecco's move to an even more athletic look whilst sticking to its roots of comfort and breathability.
A worthy improvement on an iconic shoe franchise, FootJoy has innovated nicely across this sporty, comfortable and premium shoe to make it even better than its predecessor.
Another classy, well designed and premium golf shoe offering. While it's probably not a shoe for those looking for maximum support through the swing, its nonetheless an incredibly comfortable design.
One of the most well-rounded spiked golf shoes of recent memory, the FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon excels thanks to the superb stability.
This is a premium, thoughtful, comfortable and good looking golf shoe that raises the bar for the Tour360 franchise once again.
The 3 is one of the best golf shoes on the market. In every department the performance is excellent - comfort, grip, protection, looks and Rory uses them.
New technologies have made the ZG23 a comfortable, stable, and lightweight shoe that will keep golfers of all swing speeds fully supported during the swing.
A brilliant golf shoe, the MG4+ has a cutting edge design, with an innovative footbed inner sole that literally massages your feet as you walk.
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Spikeless Models
Specifications
Reasons to buy
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These are right up there with any of the best looking golf shoes on the market as Ecco have built nicely on the foundations of their excellent Biom H4. With a new sneaker style aesthetic and a wide range of color options available, there should be something for everyone's tastes.
The performance matches the looks too, with excellent comfort and breathability present throughout. Ecco has used a super-soft performance leather across the shoe and also Ecco Fluidform technology that creates a balance of cushioning and rebound below the foot, which really enhances the comfort aspect.
Another cool feature of these shoes is the Exhaust Grid technology that scoops fresh air towards the sole of the foot to keep it cool. We love that and feel that it helps to make the Biom C one of the most breathable shoes. Additionally, the removable insole should help expand the lifespan of the golf shoe.
- Read our full Ecco Biom C4 Golf Shoe Review
FootJoy Pro/SLX Carbon Golf Shoe
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FootJoy introduced the first Pro/SL golf shoe to the market eight years ago and the iconic look has stood the test of time. The Pro/SLX Carbon is a great looking shoe with a modern styling aided by new flashes of tech and color which provide a fresh, modern and premium look which we love.
This shoe retains all of the reliable technology associated with Footjoy, but one new aspect which FootJoy have worked on is the spikeless outsoles, which now feature a moulded 3D X-Wing on the outsole. Additionally, the carbon fiber construction redistributes energy to the perimeter of the golf shoe to provide extra grip where golfers need it most. This shoe is quite different to most of the best spikeless golf shoes, but we have to say that we felt it worked superbly in testing.
The comfort really stood out to us, as FootJoy have once again utilised the superb Ortholite Impressions FitBed that we saw on the HyperFlex Carbon from last year. We think this is one of the most comfortable golf shoes money can buy.
- Read our full FootJoy Pro/SLX Carbon Golf Shoe Review
Ecco LT1 Golf Shoe
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We next bring up the new Ecco LT1 which is unquestionably one of the most comfortable golf shoes on the market. Thanks to the combination of Ecco's new midsole foam called Ltyr, and the Fuildform technology which is designed for cushioning, the LT1 was a joy to test. The cushioning felt superb and walking was enjoyable too, and we also enjoyed the seriously lightweight design which further aided the comfort.
From a grip and traction perspective, there are better models in this guide for that because the LT1 is solid, if not spectacular. It will perform well in dry and slightly damp conditions but in really wet weather you would be better off going for one of the spiked models below. We weren't really blown away with the looks of the shoe either but it must be said this is a subjective point. A couple of Golf Monthly team members absolutely loved the aesthetics of this shoe.
All in all we think the LT1 definitely delivers on the brand's claims of setting the bar for lightness and comfort in a shoe. If comfort is king for you, then the lT1 is a model to try.
- Read our full Ecco LT1 Golf Shoe Review
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We love these shoes. The original adidas Codechaos was a great shoe but when it had an all-new look when it was launched in mid-2022 it really blew us away. Codechaos 22 has the similarly bold look of its predecessor but now comes with a new wraparound outsole that adds a unique aesthetic as well as more grip and stability.
The comfort matches the looks as this is one of those golf shoes that you forget you are wearing, such is the nature of the comfort, support and grip on offer. Codechaos 22 features adidas' Boost technology throughout the entire shoe, a technology we have become familiar with in the similarly excellent adidas Tour 360 22 and adidas Rebelcross golf shoes.
The Boost midsole gives instant comfort and the Codechaos 22 shoes took no time at all to break in. It's a perfect shoe for warm weather golf while it also offers enough protection to get you around the course on rainy days. Overall we would have no qualms in saying the Codechaos is one of the best in a wide range of impressive adidas golf shoes.
- Read our full adidas Codechaos 22 Golf Shoe Review
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The stunning Ignite Elevate uses almost the same technology and has a very similar look to the brilliant, spiked Puma Ignite Articulate, making it one of the most comfortable and best-looking spikeless golf shoes of the year. A soft and supportive feeling is provided by the Ignite Foam midsole which is one of the best of its kind and gives plenty of energy return through the swing too.
Additionally, Puma has used a very soft material on the inside of the upper - the place where your toes might occasionally push up towards - which in our testing made our feet feel snugly in place. The last point to make about the overall comfort is that the black section on the shoe is called the Exoshell and, as the laces tighten, it provides 360° support throughout the swing.
It's not just the technology which performs well, but the looks mean it can be used both on and off the course. The only slight downside is that the spikeless outsole, while in dry conditions is excellent, does struggle a little in wet conditions. Overall though, it's an excellent performer and a great spikeless option.
- Read our full Puma Ignite Elevate Golf Shoe Review
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Reasons to buy
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A true golf shoe for on and off the course, the sleek athletic style with a ‘never wet’ knit upper means your feet can breathe while also keeping water out. The Charged midsole that separates the footbed and outsole is something that has been featured in many Under Armour running shoes and provides comfort, as well as the ability to help transfer energy created from pushing against the ground, into your swing.
In testing, the overall feel of the shoe was very stable when we swung the club hard and, thanks to the TPU-infused yarn that is wrapped around the toe of the shoe, it was extremely secure and comfortable. and provided a secure feeling.
Overall, it's another excellent Under Armour golf shoe in the ever-increasing range offered by the brand and, regarding the cost, it is cheaper than some other models currently on the market.
- Read our full Under Armour Charged Phantom SL Golf Shoe Review
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True Linkswear - a relatively fresh brand out of the Pacific Northwest - has truly leaned into the newly adopted casual fashion in golf with its commitment to casual golf shoes that offer comfort, performance, and that all-important wearability off the golf course.
To begin with, the Lux Hybrid is one of the brand's flagship models and it ticked all the boxes when it came to being one of the best golf shoes you can wear on and off the golf course. From the moment you step out of your front door to play golf, you can wear these shoes all day long and with pretty much any outfit thanks to the selection of neutral colors and smart-casual silhouette. More than just the looks, it's as comfortable as any standard sneaker is day-to-day too.
It has a Wanderlux midsole that is soft to the touch but still firm enough underfoot to offer a decent amount of support when swinging the golf club. Lightweight and grippy in an array of conditions, it's fully waterproof despite the knit construction. It really is an excellent model from a stylish brand.
- Read our full True Linskwear Lux Hybrid Golf Shoe Review
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Reasons to buy
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To begin with, the look of the Cole Haan is extremely sporty and also lightweight. Despite the lightweight nature, it is surprisingly strong and stable, with the brand adding a TPU heel cup, as shown via the bright orange on the heel, to give the shoe some real stability when you need it during the swing. We must admit that there are still more stable models on the market.
Comfort-wise, we see GrandFoam midsoles that are soft and full of cushion. They provide an almost memory foam mattress feel that hugs the bottom of the foot when walking along. Certainly, they're up there with one of the most comfortable golf shoes that money can buy.
In our opinion, this would make an excellent summer shoes, especially given that this shoe is water resistant rather than fully waterproof. It can be worn on and off the course and, with a solid outsole providing the grip in the right areas, it would look at home on the course in the summer months.
- Read our full Cole Haan ZeroGrand Overtake Golf Shoe Review
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What Skechers has earned a reputation for – and this applies right across the best Skechers golf shoes – is supreme levels of comfort. This rule applies to the Elite 5 Slip 'In and this pair is definitely one of the best golf shoes for those with wide feet, given that it comes with a removable sole and extra stiff back.
For further comfort, Skechers have even added a Twist-Fit dial system on the side which makes them easy to fasten. What's more, you can’t talk about Skechers without mentioning the removable Arch Fit insole, which provides podiatrist-certified arch support. This, combined with the Heel Pillow, guaranteed a comfortable and ‘locked in’ feel, which is something we also experienced when testing the Pro 5 Hyper shoe.
Visually, this golf shoe might not appeal to everyone, but the superb comfort on offer and the practicality of this clever design will undoubtedly appeal to a lot of golfers.
- Read our full Skechers Go Golf Elite 5 Slip 'In Golf Shoe Review
Spiked Models
Specifications
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The FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon offers unrivalled stability and comfort, all wrapped up in an eye-catching athletic silhouette which made it our choice for the best golf shoe of 2023. What makes this shoe so special? The Ortholite Impression Footbed. It's a delight. As soon as you slip your foot inside the shoe you can feel the technology at work. This footbed has a memory foam feel to it which over a number of rounds will eventually mold to the shape of your foot, making it feel like putting on an old pair of slippers.
Visually the HyperFlex Carbon has stuck to the tried and tested silhouette of its older sibling, but with some new flashes of color that give it a refreshed look and elevate the overall shelf appeal. The sock area at the top gives the shoe an athletic look and feel while offering a nice contrasting texture to the TPU used primarily on the upper. This material is highly breathable (as is the TPU upper) which is a real bonus as this is something not all golf shoes have been able to get right in the past.
The spiked outsole provides an amazing amount of grip while FootJoy has added a carbon fiber wrap to the outsole of the shoe to make it even more stable. This feature is exclusive to the HyperFlex Carbon. With this shoe FootJoy has found the ideal balance between comfort and high performance in a sporty, colorful design.
- Read our full FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon Golf Shoe Review
adidas Tour360 24 Golf Shoe
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The flagship performance golf shoe from adidas is approaching its 20th anniversary and as such the 2024 edition has benefitted from a complete redesign from the inside out, introducing new technology into the familiar, well loved silhouette. Despite the pleasingly familiar looks, a lot has actually changed from the excellent Tour360 22.
That moulded spikes issue has been addressed with removable spikes on the 2024 version, and this shoe is definitely one of the best spiked golf shoes in its class this year. The new 'T-Shape' suede microfiber heel is a three-piece construction combining a soft, anti abrasive sandwiched textile, running from the inside heel to the top of the collar. It is significantly softer than the previous shoe and in testing we could immediately feel the difference. It offers improved comfort and also adds to the durability.
The insole has been reshaped as well, and we could instantly feel more arch and heel support which added to the levels on comfort when combined with the rest of the shoe, making this one of the most comfortable shoes we've tested.
- Read our full adidas Tour360 24 Golf Shoe Review
Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 Golf Shoes
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We loved the Victory Tour 2 shoes but Nike have taken everything that made that shoe great and have improved performance further with the Victory Tour 3, which earned the full five stars in our review.
Nike improved the aesthetics of the Tour 3 in several subtle ways. The swoosh and midsole sections look slightly different and better in our opinion, the new Full-grain leather upper has a supple feel and sophisticated look and overall we think the shoe looks more refined.
We also loved the color we tested but there are also several other colors to choose from. Even better are the special edition designs for events like The Masters, which really are something.
The internal strap on the inside of the shoe contours to your feet and there is extra padding around the ankle, meaning these shoes are up there with anything we've tried when it comes to comfort.
Additionally, Nike have stitched a Zoom Air unit directly to the upper which delivered exceptional feel, while the foam at the heel was nice and cushioned, making them almost bouncy when walking on the course.
We found the grip and stability to be very good and the shoes are 100% waterproof. The shoe comes with a pretty punchy price tag, but we think it is worth it. On that not though, you can often find these shoes with money off sometimes as well (Black Friday, Christmas etc) so we do recommend keeping a look out for sales on them.
- Read our full Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 Golf Shoe Review
Adidas ZG23 Golf Shoe
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This is a great shoe that we really loved in testing. That didn't come as a surprise as the adidas ZG21 of a couple of years ago was one of the most popular spiked golf shoe models of recent memory. Given how impressive the ZG21 was we were excited to try he new ZG23 and it more than lived up to expecttaions.
The ZG23 has improved on what was already an excellent spiked golf shoe. It is just as lightweight and incredibly stable as its predecessor, but the comfort has been ramped up to a new level.
The biggest improvement over the ZG21 is due to the new Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro technology which is used throughout a newly revamped midsole. This is the same technology adidas have used in their running and basketball shoes to great effect. This Lightstrike is a standout feature in the whole shoe market this year and adidas have done a great job with it.
We were hugely impressed with the comfort and the overall softness on offer in this midsole, which paired with the softness of the upper ensures the ZG23 is right up there with any of the most comfortable spiked golf shoes available right now.
- Read our full Adidas ZG23 Golf Shoe Review
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A shoe that has been worn on tour by Rickie Fowler among others, articulation geometry is behind the somewhat quirky name of this latest spiked shoe from Puma. It's an impressive shoe that we really enjoyed testing out on the course.
The shoe moves with your foot while still providing a strong level of support. The styling is subtle but smart and Puma’s Ignite Foam (mentioned above in the Ignite Elevate shoe) provides a good amount of comfort and energy return in the midsole.
Instead of a traditional shoe tongue this shoe comes with a single construction that provides plenty of support around the whole foot, enhancing the comfort further. There is then a 'cage' which wraps around any foot shape for added support. Much like with the FootJoy Tour Alpha, the shoe really creates a 'locked-in' feeling once the laces are tightened.
In terms of looks and performance combined this is one of our favorite spiked shoes of recent years and it won't break the bank either as it comes in at a lower price than much of the competition.
- Read our full Puma Ignite Articulate Golf Shoe Review
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Reasons to buy
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This is a modern yet sophisticated spiked shoe that performs in all weathers while prividing great comfort. The fit and feel are exceptional, as is the traction on offer, while the BOA options enhance the overall experience for the added investment, which is admittedly already towards the very top of the price spectrum.
The Ecco Biom G5 brings together the best elements of two previous Biom shoes into one feature-packed model. It combines the cleated outsole of the Biom G3 with the athletic look of the impressive Biom H4 and marries the best of both worlds.
The first thing you’ll notice with the Biom G5 is how lightweight it is. On our scales in size 10 it came in 18 grams lighter than the Biom H4, which no mean feat given the addition of the spikes on the outsole. There are only six spikes versus the eight we saw on the Biom G3 and these are positioned at the very edge of the outsole to provide perimeter stability as well as excellent grip.
this shoe can handle even the worst weather conditions, as the Gore-Tex protection and wipe-clean characteristics of the leather upper make this a robust winter shoe option, while the the six spike design with semi-flexible anti-clogging legs combined with the MTN outsole means the level of traction you experience is through the roof.
- Read our full Ecco Biom G5 Golf Shoe Review
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Payntr are an emerging name in the golf world and recently debuted with the X 003 spikeless golf shoe, which we think is a stunning shoe that delivers excellent traction and comfort around the golf course. Now comes their first entry to the best spiked golf shoe market, the X 004 RS which boasts one of the best soles on a golf shoe we've tested in a long while.
The outsole features a carbon fibre propulsion plate which is there to help golfers take advantage of ground reaction forces and deliver more speed to the golf ball.
Another feature is the all-new SoftSpikes Tour Flex Pro spikes in the outsole. Each of these spikes has 10 different points of contact with the ground and, with seven spikes per shoe, making 140 points of contact with the ground which provides exceptional grip even in the wettest conditions.
In testing the sole seriously impressed. The grip was strong and delivered a premium level of comfort and support on the sole of the shoe. The Clarino Trivela microfibre upper is a leather material that is extremely soft but offers plenty of waterproofing.
The heel cup is built from a slightly different material but it is very soft and we found that it really helped prevent any rubbing on the ankle, which is great for preventing blisters from forming on your achilles, which can ruin a round very quickly. The brand are so confident in this technology that they offer a 'blister-free' guarantee!
- Read our full Payntr X 004 RS Golf Shoe review
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Duca Del Cosma make some of the most stylish golf shoes on the market and in comparison to a lot of the brand's shoes the Bernardo is quite understated in its color scheme. The high quality material and handcrafted design is nonetheless as striking as always though.
It may look relatively plain on first inspection, but look closer and the attention to detail is exceptional - whether it's the brogue-style pattern on the upper, the logos and graphics scattered around or the opulent scent of the materials.
The Bernardo doesn’t have that heavy feel you might expect from such a traditional-looking shoe. It's relatively firm underfoot but surprisingly lightweight and the snug fit ensures you get instant comfort when you take your first few steps. The other thing golfers will appreciate visually is the all-white upper, which means you can match the Bernardo to pretty much any outfit while the vibrant red on the outsole provides the shelf appeal.
We loved this shoe so much that we included it in our Editor's Choice awards for 2023.
- Read our full Duca Del Cosma Bernardo Golf Shoe Review
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We're big fans of Skechers golf shoes and we loved their flagship model from 2022, the Pro Golf 5 Hyper shoe which has been worn on Tour by US Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick. This shoe takes comfort to the next level by incorporating Skechers Arch Fit technology which provides podiatrist-certified support to your feet along with cushioning across the midsole. Arch Fit technology also helps to reduce aches and pains in your feet as you navigate your way around 18 holes and when we tested this shoe we thought that this technology made the Pro Golf 5 one of the most comfortable golf shoes on this list.
Skechers Hyper Burst and Resamax cushioning work in tandem to offer excellent rebound in your step, while the shoe is made of a breathable upper mesh that keeps your feet cool and fresh during your round. The Softspikes provides excellent grip on the turf and the added bonus is that they are easy to replace which prolongs the life of the shoe.
- Read our full Skechers Pro 5 Hyper Golf Shoe Review
Women's Golf Shoes
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If it’s a sporty feel you’re after that delivers performance on the course, look no further than the Payntr X-003.
These shoes have some clever technical advantages. The 3-dimensional traction the sole provides resists instability as they almost screw themselves into the ground when swinging the club. We found that in our testing the traction technology that’s gone into the shoes mean you are actually more stable through the ball.
Additionally, the graphite Pebax propulsion plate allows golfers to more effectively harness ground forces. Comfort levels are high thanks to a Single Density PMX Foam Midsole which absorbs shock as you walk. We would compare this feeling to when you have a new pair of running shoes which provide maximum under foot support.
They’re fairly bulky in design which partly explains the stability they offer, but this isn’t a negative as it merely adds to the aesthetic. Like a fashion trainer they have a lot of laces and a chunky sole to house all that tech, but at just over 300g a shoe they’re far from heavy. We feel that this a great looking sporty shoe and ideal for use in any weather conditions.
- Read our full Payntr X-003 Women's Spikeless Golf Shoes Review
G/FORE Women's MG4+ Golf Shoes
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Our verdict on the G/Fore MG4+ after testing was that this is a brilliant golf shoe, cutting edge in design, with an innovative footbed inner sole that literally massages your feet as you walk and brings a whole new feeling to comfort on the course.
G/Fore shoes offer a real 'wow' factor that is evident as soon as you slide them on.The MG4+ features an amazing massaging footbed inner sole, which is unlike any golf shoe you will have experienced before. It will have you bouncing up the fairway like you’re walking on air.
The best way to describe it is that if you’ve ever used one of those bumpy foot massage tools you’ll know that great feeling of rolling it under your foot, relieving stress and tension. Putting ‘nubs’ on the inner sole of the golf shoe gives the same amazing feeling, it basically massages the sole of your feet as you walk for 18 holes.
The performance benefits don’t stop there though. This shoe has been designed to give your foot total swing support while allowing you to feel grounded and stable. Performance-orientated golf shoes can be a little ‘sturdy’ and firm in feel but we found that the G/Fore MG4+ fitted like a glove from my very first round. No need for breaking them in and there was no rubbing, making them one of the best women's golf shoes for this year.
- Read our full G/FORE Women's MG4+ Golf Shoe Review
Puma Women's Ignite Blaze Pro Shoes
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The Ignite Blaze shoes are 100% waterproof and will provide full protection even on the rainiest of days.In addition, they provide great traction thanks to six well-placed spikes on the outsole. While this shoe perhaps isn’t quite as stable as some of the other models on the list, if you want a nice combination of comfort, grip and breathability we would recommend this is as a great option.
Puma market these shoes as being for women who take their golf seriously, but we think they're much more than that as in testing we found them to be up there with the most comfortable models we’ve ever worn, making them suitable for all women golfers, whether they take their game seriously or just enjoy the occasional pleasure round.
- Read our full Puma Ignite Blaze Pro Shoe Review
How we test golf shoes
Our golf shoe testing methodology is based on putting models to a thorough test over a number of rounds and in different weather conditions. By doing it this way we gain a much better idea of the overall performance of the product in terms of factors like comfort, grip, stability, waterproofing and how they actually look on the golf course. It is important to stress that each of the shoes listed above has been personally used by a member of the Golf Monthly team. We believe that this is the best way of testing a golf shoe as using it in the real world over a number of weeks allows us to see how they perform when variables change like the weather, ground conditions, different stances and lies, and so on.
This also gives us information on the little details too. So for example, some brands may come up smaller or larger than others. Other models might start to rub a bit too much after 36 holes, while we can also identify which designs can be used off the golf course and for the drive home.
Finally, at Golf Monthly we are very comprehensive in our tests to the point where we will regularly attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology. That isn't to say manufacturers can buy a good review, as all our reviews are made by golfers, for golfers.
How to choose the best golf shoe
There are a number of factors to consider when picking out your next pair of golf shoes so to help you narrow down your search and inform your buying decision, below we have put together some key points.
Getting the right fit
When picking out golf shoes getting the right fit is important because otherwise, blisters can build up which is an instant round killer. Alternatively, your feet may slide around inside, which limits your stability.
When it comes to the right fit it is also worth considering different laces. Normal laces are good for most but for some golfers, BOA-laced shoes provide more convenient fastening and shouldn’t loosen during the course of a round, but are usually a tad more expensive.
When trying a pair on for the first time, listen for the 'whoosh' sound when you slide your feet in - that's the sound of all the air leaving the shoe to confirm it is the correct size, but do a walking test to be sure. They shouldn't pinch anywhere, nor should your feet be moving around inside.
Spiked or spikeless?
The best golf shoes above are split into spiked (or cleated) and spikeless designs and there are pros and cons of each. Spikeless golf shoes offer off-course versatility. They are perfect for driving in the car to the golf course, playing a round, and then driving home again because they are usually light and comfortable, but most won't offer as much traction as a spiked shoe. Spiked golf shoes offer better grip and stability but don't sit as low to the ground as spikeless models.
Styling
Thankfully modern golf shoe design has seen many brands not just create traditional, classic-looking shoes, but also modern styles that can be used off the golf course too. Therefore it is important to think about what your shoes look like and what style suits you. Whatever you like or dislike, there is something for everyone these days.
Waterproofing
If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain then a waterproof shoe is a must. The best designs will keep your feet bone dry however if you play golf in glorious sunshine most of the time, then you may view other factors as more significant.
Many players choose to have one pair for winter and another, lighter pair for summer to keep them fresh and suit different requirements.
FAQs
Why wear golf shoes?
Golf shoes are needed for golf because they have been designed to deal with all the things golfers face on the course. This takes the form of being as comfortable as possible because they have to be worn and walked in, all day. They also have to provide grip and traction as golfers make their swings whereas normal shoes don't do this as well. Golf shoes tend to be waterproof as well whereas regular trainers often aren't.
What are the best shoes for playing golf?
All of the shoes in our list will provide with an enjoyable, comfortable and performance enhancing experience on course. Golf shoes are specifically designed to support the movements of golfers and the conditions of a golf course, so make sure to invest in a proper pair of golf shoes.
How do I choose golf shoes?
There are a number of factors to consider. First ask yourself whether you want a spiked shoe for extra grip or a spikeless shoe for a more casual and a low profile look. Then consider whether it needs to be fully waterproof, what color and style you like and also work out your exact shoe size. Once you have answered these questions you'll have narrowed down your search and you'll be able to find the perfect shoe for your game.
Do Pro golfers use spikeless shoes?
The majority of golfers on Tour will wear spikleess shoes. This is because they play mostly in dry, warm conditions on highly manicured golf courses. However, you'll see many Tour players switch to spiked golf shoes if they are playing in inclement weather. Some players, like Collin Morikawa with the adidas ZG21, always opt to wear a spiked shoe
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Dan has been with Golf Monthly team since 2021. He graduated with a Masters degree in International Journalism from the University of Sussex and looks after equipment reviews and buyer's guides, specializing in golf shoe, golf bag and golf cart reviews. Dan has now tested and reviewed over 30 pairs of golf shoes and is an expert in the field. A left-handed golfer, his handicap index is currently 6.5 and he plays at Fulford Heath Golf Club in the West Midlands.
Dan is currently playing:
Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2
Fairway: TaylorMade Stealth 2 15°, Ping G425 Max 21°
Hybrid: Ping G425
Irons: Cobra King Tec Utility, Ping i230 (5-PW)
Wedges: Ping Glide Forged Pro
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X
Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
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LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman Meets PGA Tour Investor Steve Cohen At New York Mets Baseball Game
LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman, was spotted at a New York Mets baseball game alongside Cohen, who owns the team and is also part of the PGA Tour's new group of investors
By Matt Cradock Published
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LIV Golf Final Leaderboard At International Series Macau - John Catlin Beats LIV's David Puig In Playoff
Catlin defeated Puig at the second playoff hole, with a number of LIV golfers finishing inside the top 10 in Macau
By Matt Cradock Published