Best Spiked Golf Shoes 2024
Looking for the best spiked golf shoes? We list our top picks
Best Spiked Golf Shoes: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Best overall
3. Rory McIlroy shoes
4. Brooks Koepka shoes
5. Jon Rahm shoes
6. Most comfortable
7. Best looking
8. How we test
9. How to choose
10. FAQs
There was a time when the best golf shoes in the game were unquestionably spiked. Now more and more tour professionals are wearing spikeless golf shoes, but that isn't to say the best spiked options don't offer best-in-class traction in all kinds of conditions when you're out on the course. In fact, some of the top models on the market right now are spiked golf shoes.
Ultimately the type of golf shoes you chose to wear depends on what kind of conditions and courses you regularly play. The best pairs of spiked shoes in this list offer grip and stability on wet surfaces, bunkers and just about any stance golf throws at you. These shoes are ideal for winter golf when the ground is a little more softer underfoot. But don't think spiked shoes are only to be used when the ground is wet. Many of the best modern spiked shoes come with a very low-profile, meaning you don't feel the spikes on dry ground and they also leave very minimal damage to greens.
VIDEO: Watch Dan Parker's verdict on the 11 of the best golf shoes from 2023
So, to help you narrow your search for the best spiked golf shoe, we have listed below some of the best models currently on the market. We've selected a range of brands and price-points to hopefully suit every golfer out there. This guide focusses only on men's spiked shoes, but check out our guide on the best women's golf shoes too. Alternatively if you would rather get a spikeless pair, check out our guide on the best spikeless golf shoes. We also have guides on the best golf shoes for walking and the best golf shoes for winter as well.
The Quick List
The HyperFlex Carbon excels thanks to the superb stability it offers as well as the class-leading midsole that provides instant and long-lasting comfort.
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.
An outstanding shoe, the NEXT% from Nike looks great, felt very comfortable throughout testing, and they deliver in just about every way you would want.
The combination of the athletic style, comfort, feel and waterproofing makes The Ringer one of our favorite golf shoes currently on the market.
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.
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Coupled with premium materials and a sleek silhouette, this is a seriously impressive golf shoe and a great spiked debut for the brand.
A modern yet sophisticated cleated shoe that will be comfortable and perform in all weathers. The fit and feel are exceptional, as is the traction.
The Pro 5 Hyper is a technology packed spiked golf shoe that delivers on Skechers renowned comfort thanks to some excellent proprietary technology.
Excellent grip, plenty of support and a new, sleeker look, Under Armour has upped its game once again with the HOVR Drive 2 spiked golf shoe.
Not only is it beautifully crafted and lightweight, but the Bernardo golf shoe offers ample support and the walking comfort to match.
Best Spiked Golf Shoes
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Best overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
In the latest Hyperflex shoe line from FootJoy the one sitting atop the tree is the Carbon, chiefly because it features a carbon fiber construction which makes it incredibly lightweight. Having tested it on the course, these are certainly one of the best golf shoes for walking, and were so light, it felt like we weren't even playing in a pair of shoes.
But what really elevates this golf shoe further up in the golf shoe market is the Ortholite Impression Footbed. It delivered outstanding comfort in testing and the locked feeling when walking, and during the swing, set this shoe apart. After only a few rounds, the footbed had actually molded to our feet, adding to the comfort on offer here.
Aesthetically the Carbon is a clear attempt to go a bit bolder and brighter too with splashes of color throughout, which we really like. It is worth noting that the waterproof upper on this shoe is very easy to clean, making it one of the best winter golf shoes if you manage to get them mucky on the course.
- Read our full FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon Golf Shoe Review
Rory McIlroy Shoes
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Replacing the Victory Tour 2 shoes, the newer 3 model takes total performance even further, getting 5 stars in our review. This is for a variety of reasons, first of which is the improved aesthetic. The full-grain leather gives a sophisticated look and supple feel, whilst the swoosh and midsole sections have been altered slightly as well. The result is a shoe that looks more refined and less like a kind of golf trainer in our opinion.
The second reason this spiked shoe tested so well was the comfort. With the combination of the extra padding around the ankle, and the internal strap which contours to each foot within, and finally the premium materials, the comfortable feeling of wearing these shoes is right at the top of the market. Additionally the foam towards the heel felt very cushiony, almost bouncy when walking on the course.
Other factors to mention include the grip and stability, both of which were very good, and the 100% waterproofing is a must really these days. The only real negative here is the price because it does come at the top end, however we think the shoes are worth it.
- Read our full Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 Golf Shoe Review
Brooks Koepka Shoes
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
An exciting addition to the Nike golf shoe family, the new Infinity Tour Next% are one of the most comfortable shoes we've tried on in recent memory. We had the pleasure of testing them out over several rounds and were really impressed with the level of support and padding on offer here. The soft cushioning around the heel really felt supportive and even when taking them out of the box, the comfort around the foot was sublime, akin to many of the most comfortable golf shoes on the market.
These shoes up a very sporty golf shoe offering up a modern aesthetic that has a very premium design. They also come in several different colorways including the cool yellow option that you might have seen Brooks Koepka wearing at The Masters.
These shoes are also very lightweight but this wasn't at the expense of stability because the two spikes on the forefoot and two on the heel deliver exceptional grip, especially when combined with the traction pattern on the outsole. The shoes are also waterproof and deliver excellent ventilation to your feet making them an excellent option to wear on the course in both summer and winter conditions.
- Read our full Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% Shoes Review
Jon Rahm Shoes
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Reasons to buy
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Worn by PGA Tour players Jon Rahm and Sam Burns, the Cuater Ringer shoes are one of the best-looking and most comfortable golf sneakers money can buy. We loved the sporty and modern design of the Ringer, which isn't plastered with brand logos or text. If you're looking for a more casual golf shoe, then we definitely recommend considering the Cuater Ringer trainers, which also feature on our best casual golf shoes guide.
The Ringer is also brilliant for comfort and stability. The fit is secure from heel to toe and we found the cushioning inside the shoe also to be very soft and kept our feet locked in place, even in slippery conditions. The one drawback we noticed was that the shoe didn't offer that much breathability. However, that means the shoe is waterproof and its outsole material will keep your feet dry on wetter days. As for its grip, the shoe features Softspikes Pivix cleats which give great traction on the turf, locking into the grass while you play your shots.
- Read our full Cuater The Ringer Golf Shoes Review
Adidas ZG23 Golf Shoe
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The adidas ZG21 was easily one of the best spiked golf shoes when it launched in 2021, but the brand are back with an update in their ZG23 offering. We got to test this golf shoe out in California and we were very impressed with the developments the brand have made. The standout feature of the new shoe is the Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro technology used throughout the revamped midsole. Lightstrike replaces the familiar Boost technology seen in recent adidas golf shoes and it definitely makes a noticeable improvement in the comfort under foot on offer. Pair that with the soft upper and this is by far one of the most comfortable spiked golf shoes around.
Above the sole, the shoe comes with a new Stability Fin that helped to keep our feet stable as our weight shifted through the swing. And while you might think that all this technology would weigh the shoe down a bit, we were actually very impressed with how ultra-lightweight this offering was.
Flipping the shoe over will reveal the cool colored sole, that is laden with six traditional spikes, as well as plenty of lugs that deliver a lot of secondary traction. Using heat mapping technology from a range of golfers of all abilities, adidas have added in grip here to where they found those players needed the most traction. That really did give us a lot of confidence that we could easily rip through each shot.
- Read our full Adidas ZG23 Golf Shoe Review
adidas Tour360 24 Golf Shoe
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Reasons to avoid
The flagship performance golf shoe from adidas is approaching its 20th anniversary and as a result the 2024 edition has benefitted from a complete redesign from the inside out, introducing new technology into the familiar silhouette. Despite the pleasingly familiar looks, a lot has actually changed from the excellent Tour360 22. The spikes were moulded into the outsole to offer more grip, but they weren't replaceable and the materials used in the heel area also needed some tweaking.
That has been rectified and therefore the 24 model 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. We also noticed more arch and heel support thanks to the reshaping of the insole, which therefore added to the comfort of this shoe.
This is also an incredibly stable golf shoe thanks to the new Torsion Bridge and 360Wrap, both of which combine to give a superb feel of support surrounding the entire foot throughout the swing. Overall the Tour360 24 offers a premium look and feel, excellent comfort and stability, whilst the attention to detail makes it one of the best anywhere on the market.
- Read our full adidas Tour360 24 Golf Shoe Review
Payntr X 004 RS Golf Shoe
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Reasons to buy
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Payntr are one of the emerging brands in the golf game and recently debuted with the X 003 spikeless golf shoe, a stunning shoe that delivered excellent traction and comfort around the golf course. They're now back to issue their first entry to the best spiked golf shoe market, with the X 004 RS boasting one of the best soles on a golf shoe we've tested in a long while. It is the first golf shoe to use 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, the 140 points of contact with the ground certainly keep you well gripped to the turf.
The outsole also features a carbon fibre propulsion plate which has been put in place to help golfers take advantage of ground reaction forces to more effectively deliver more speed to the golf ball. And the sole seriously impressed. The grip was strong and the sole delivered a premium level of comfort and support on the sole of the shoe. The shoe also uses a Clarino Trivela microfibre upper that is a leather material that is soft but offers plenty of waterproofing too.
The heel cup is built from a slightly different material, but it is very soft and helps to stop any rubbing on your ankle, a great help to stop blisters from forming on your achilles. In fact, the brand are so confident in this technology that they offer a 'blister-free' guarantee!' Ultimately, with those features combined, these shoes are a strong addition to this list that also look very good on the golf course.
- Read our full Payntr X 004 RS Golf Shoe review
Most comfortable
Specifications
Reasons to buy
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The Ecco Biom G5 aims to bring together the best elements of two previous Biom shoes into one feature-packed model. Notably, the cleated outsole of its predecessor, the Biom G3, and the athletic look of the impressive Biom H4. We have to say, Ecco has done a great job and the addition of the BOA lacing system in the pair we tested is the cherry on top. The first thing you’ll notice with the Biom G5 is the weight, or the lack of it, with the Biom G5 weighing 18 grams lighter than the H4. That is no mean feat given the addition of the cleats on the outsole.
Talking of the cleats, there are six in this model, which are positioned at the very edge of the outsole to provide perimeter stability as well as excellent grip. We liked the way they were spread out here around the sole of the shoe, giving us a wider base and helping us to stay locked into the ground as we ripped through each shot. It still features Ecco's Gore-Tex protection which makes it one of the best winter golf shoes but it is also very easy to wipe down after a muddy round of golf. The leather upper is robust but soft to your feet, combining with the excellent sole on this shoe to deliver a very comfortable ride. What's more, the modern, athletic take on a heritage shoe will appeal to a wide range of ages and visual tastes among the three colorways available.
- Read our full Ecco Biom G5 Shoe Review
Skechers Pro 5 Hyper Golf Shoe
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Skechers' flagship model, the Pro Golf 5 Hyper shoe takes comfort to the next level by incorporating Skechers Arch Fit technology that provides podiatrist certified support to your feet, with cushioning across the midsole. We thought this made the shoe one of the most comfortable golf shoes on this list having put it to the test on the golf course. That Arch Fit technology really helped to reduce aches and pains in our feet as we navigated our way around the golf course and that may make it one of the best golf shoes for plantir fasciitis you navigate your way around 18-holes.
The shoe also boasts Skechers Hyper Burst and Resamax cushioning which works in tandem to offer excellent rebound in your step. That bouncy feeling was evident on the course, with our feet not tiring after 18 holes, thanks to the responsiveness on offer here. It is also made of a breathable mesh upper that helps to keep your feet cool and fresh during your round. For that reason, this would twin nicely as a great winter or summer golf shoe. It also provides excellent grip on the turf through its Softspikes which deliver a low profile to the ground and are also very easy to replace and prolong the life of the shoe.
- Read our full Skechers Pro 5 Hyper Golf Shoe Review
Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 Golf Shoe
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The new Hovr Drive 2 addresses the specific needs of golfers, supporting your feet during the very specific movement of the golf swing. As much as we may not think it, the golf swing is a highly athletic movement and we all need the right equipment and grip on our feet to aid those movements. While golf shoes are a key component in that, you may want to check out our guide to the best Under Armour golf gear for some excellent apparel that will help you swing fluidly through the golf ball.
As such, the Hovr Drive 2 has applied the science of biomechanics in the design on its outsole to develop rotational, horizontal, vertical and internal traction. The most convincing of this traction comes from the new 3D moulded heel cup construction, which effectively creates a vacuum around the heel, locking it in for incredible levels of stability. From our testing sessions that offered a ton of support, ensuring our feet didn't move around inside the shoe and allowed us to play shots with full confidence that we could really rip through the golf ball.
Alongside working on the four dimensional traction in the Hovr Drive 2, Under Armour has introduced a new upper silhouette which is much sleeker than previous models giving it a sporty look akin to some of the best golf sneakers. The upper has been brought closer to the foot to help increase the locked-in feeling created by the heel cup and outsole while making for a more dynamic looking silhouette.
- Read our full Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 Golf Shoe Review
Best looking
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Bernardo is a lightweight spiked golf shoe that heads up the performance-focused Pro Spike Collection and has been named in our 2023 Editor's Choice. This luxurious, handcrafted golf shoe is incredibly striking. It may look relatively plain on first inspection, but look closer and the attention to detail is exceptional. Despite its throwback design the Bernardo doesn’t have that heavy feel you might expect from such a traditional-looking shoe. It's still relatively firm underfoot but is also surprisingly lightweight and the snug fit ensures you get instant comfort when you take your first few steps.
The seven-cleat design has been optimized to maximize traction and help achieve a solid, stable stance from different lies. This is something we really noticed during testing and we also liked the fact it is waterproof. Overall whilst some golfers want a sporty look, those that want to add some sophistication to their outfit without sacrificing performance or comfort, the Bernardo is a worthy shoe to consider.
- Read our full Duca Del Cosma Bernardo Shoe review
Puma Ignite Articulate Golf Shoe
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Articulation geometry is behind the somewhat quirky name of the latest spiked shoe from Puma. The new technology allows the shoe to move with your foot while still providing a strong level of support. In testing, we found it works brilliantly and the shoes were a pleasure to play in. The styling is subtle but smart and Puma’s Ignite Foam provides a good amount of comfort and energy return in the midsole making it a great option if you're the type of player who likes to feel a little spring around the course.
There isn't a traditional shoe tongue either and it is replaced with a single construction that provides plenty of support around the whole foot. Visually, these shoes match up to some of the best golf sneakers, delivering a very sporty aesthetic. There is then a 'cage' - pictured in black across the shoe - 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. Grip was not a problem either, with the eight-cleat sole design holding up nicely in both rainy and dry conditions. The Tornado cleats found on the sole add a lot of traction and complemented the shoe's locked-in feeling very nicely.
- Read our full Puma Ignite Articulate Golf Shoe Review
How We Test Golf Shoes
Our golf shoe testing methodology revolves around putting models to the test over a number of rounds and in different conditions. This is so we can gain a better idea of overall performance in terms of factors like grip comfort, grip, stability, waterproofing and how each shoe looks on the golf course. 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 weather, ground conditions, different stances and lies, and so on.
We think this also gives us information on the little details as well like which brands come up small or large, which models start to rub a bit too much after 36 holes, which designs can be used off the golf course and for the drive home? 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 though, as all our reviews are made by golfers, for golfers.
How to choose golf shoes
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.
1. 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.
2. Getting the right fit
When picking out golf shoes getting the right fit is important because otherwise blisters can build up. Or your feet may slide around inside, which limits your stability. 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.
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.
3. 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.
4. Grip
Grip is an important thing to consider especially if you're buying a golf shoe that you intend to use in the winter months when the ground is softer. When you play a shot you need to ensure your feet are firmly planted on the ground. This helps you transfer your weight through the golf ball and ensures you can firstly get a good connection on each shot and secondly have the confidence to really rip through the ball and send it flying.
For that reason, you need to assess the grip on each golf shoe you're buying to ensure you're getting the product that matches up to what you need specifically. Some golfers may want less traction than others, while others may want the spikes on their shoes to be spread out in a different way to others. Be sure to think about where the grips are placed on each shoe and how close you sit to the ground when wearing each shoe.
5. Waterproofing
Because no one wants to play a full 18-holes with soggy feet, right?! Having wet feet on the golf course is a total downer and can seriously ruin your round for your performance and enjoyment. Avoid that by ensuring you get a watertight pair of golf shoes that'll keep your feet warm and dry throughout your round. It is worth bearing in mind getting a pair of shoes that offer great ventilation and breathability too, to ensure your feet don't sweat too much on the course.
Find our more about some of the best golf shoe offerings on the market right now at some of our guides to the best G/FORE golf shoes, best New Balance golf shoes and best Asics golf shoes.
FAQs
What is a spiked golf shoe?
A spiked golf shoe has a number of golf spikes either screwed in or embedded to the outsole. Like cleats on football boots, they help keep the shoe gripped to the turf, which is especially important during the golf swing.
Do Pro golfers wear spiked golf shoes?
Yes, a lot of them do. Spiked golf shoes offer the most underfoot traction as well as a lot of support around the ankle. At the speeds many of the best Tour pros swing at, they need this extra grip and support to play their best golf.
Are spiked golf shoes better than spikeless golf shoes?
Not necessarily, that generally comes down to personal preference. Spiked golf shoes, on the whole, tend to be more suitable for winter conditions allowing golfers to play on softer, wetter terrain. They generally tend to offer more grip than spikeless shoes in those conditions, but spikeless shoes are perhaps better for summer golfing conditions where the ground is a little firmer.
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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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