Golf shoes

The best golf shoes balance grip, stability, comfort and waterproofing for the golf you actually play. The right pair quietly supports every swing and keeps your feet comfortable over a five-mile walk, while the wrong one slips, soaks through or leaves you aching by the turn. Every major brand, from FootJoy and adidas to Nike, ECCO, Skechers and Puma, builds shoes for different priorities, so this guide covers what matters, how we test them, and which golf shoe suits you.

Spiked or spikeless

The first decision is spiked or spikeless. Spiked shoes use replaceable cleats for maximum traction and stability, which helps most on wet or hilly courses. Spikeless shoes use a moulded outsole that grips well enough for most conditions and is far more versatile, since you can wear them from the car to the course to the clubhouse. For most golfers a good spikeless pair is the more practical choice, while cleats still hold best when it is wet underfoot.

What makes a good golf shoe

A good golf shoe gives you stability for the swing, traction on the turf, support and comfort for the walk, and waterproofing for wet mornings, all in a fit that stays snug without pinching. Stability keeps your feet planted through impact and handles the torque a swing puts through them, while a cushioned, supportive midsole makes the walk easier. The best shoes balance a solid, planted feel with all-day comfort rather than chasing one at the expense of the other.

Waterproofing and traction

If you play early mornings or in a wet climate, waterproofing is not optional. Look for a proper waterproof membrane and, ideally, a waterproof warranty, which signals true protection rather than basic water resistance. Traction comes from the outsole, and it matters most on slopes and in the wet, where a shoe that slips will cost you shots. Spikeless outsoles have improved hugely, but replaceable cleats still hold best on hilly courses in the rain.

How we test and score golf shoes

We rate every shoe on one fixed standard, so the score is directly comparable from one model to the next. The marks come from research-synthesis: manufacturer specs, independent testing data and the consensus of hands-on reviews, weighted for traction, stability, comfort, waterproofing and how the shoe holds up over time. We rank the performance first and add buying links afterwards, and no brand can pay for a place, so a value spikeless pair and a premium tour shoe are judged on the same terms.

The best golf shoes by type

Match the shoe to how and where you play.

Best spikeless golf shoes

Spikeless shoes are the versatile, everyday choice. The Payntr X 001 F is one of the most stable spikeless shoes on the market and fully waterproof, while premium spikeless options from FootJoy, adidas and ECCO push comfort and style further up the range.

Best spiked golf shoes

If you want maximum traction and stability, a spiked shoe is the answer, especially in the wet or on slopes. The Payntr X 004 RS brings tour-level spiked performance at a keen price, alongside established options like the FootJoy Tour Alpha and adidas TOUR360.

Best waterproof golf shoes

For reliable waterproofing, look for a membrane and a warranty. The Payntr X 001 F uses a superhydrophobic coating that beads water off, and shoes like the Gore-Tex ECCO BIOM range are built for the worst conditions. Any shoe you rely on in the wet should carry a proper warranty, not just a water-resistant label.

Most comfortable golf shoes

If all-day comfort is your priority, look for a plush, supportive midsole. The G/Fore MG4+ uses a triple-density footbed that testers rate among the most comfortable in golf, and comfort-focused brands like Skechers and Nike compete hard here too.

Best golf shoes for walking

If you walk most of your rounds, prioritise cushioning, support and waterproofing over the firmest feel. A comfortable, well-cushioned pair that keeps your feet dry over a long walk does more for your enjoyment than a slightly more stable shoe that leaves you sore.

Best value golf shoes

Value does not mean poor performance. The Payntr range delivers class-leading stability and full waterproofing for noticeably less than the marquee brands, one of the strongest value buys in golf footwear.

The main golf shoe brands

The leading brands each cover spiked and spikeless at every price, and most golfers will find a great fit in more than one. Knowing the landscape helps you shortlist.

• FootJoy is the most-worn brand on tour, with a deep range from the Tour Alpha to the Pro and premium models.
• adidas builds the tour-favourite TOUR360 plus versatile spikeless lines worn by many pros.
• Nike offers stylish, comfortable shoes that cross over from the street to the course.
• ECCO is known for premium leather comfort and serious Gore-Tex waterproofing.
• Skechers leads on plush, all-day comfort at a friendly price.
• Puma, Under Armour and New Balance, plus value specialists like Payntr, round out the market.

Golf shoe types compared

The quickest way to narrow the field is to match a type to how you play, then choose a model within it.

Fit and sizing

Golf shoes should be snug through the midfoot to keep the foot stable, with a little room in the toes because your feet swell over a round. Try them on later in the day if you can, and wear the socks you play in. A shoe that fits well is more stable and comfortable than a technically better shoe in the wrong size, so check width as well as length.

Where to buy golf shoes

Whether you buy in a pro shop or online, the priority is trying the shoe on your own foot. A pro shop lets you walk a pair and check the fit before you buy, while buying online gives you the widest choice and the best prices, especially on last season's models. If you are looking for a wide fit, check the brand's sizing first, since some run narrow, and buy from a retailer with an easy returns policy so you can send back anything that does not fit. However you buy, order the size you actually measure, not the size you wish you were, because the best golf shoe in the world does you no good in the wrong size.

Durability and replacement

A good pair worn regularly lasts a few seasons. Spikeless outsoles wear smooth over time and lose grip, spiked shoes need fresh cleats every so often, and waterproofing gradually fades, especially on leather that is not cared for. Budget for replacement rather than expecting one pair to last forever, and break a new pair in on a few short walks before a big round.