7 Best Golf Shoes in 2023

Cesar Monasterio
Cesar Monasterio on
7 Best Golf Shoes in 2023
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Adidas, Footjoy, Nike, Callaway, ECCO and over a dozen more sports brands are currently competing in the golf shoe arena. To the consumer’s benefit, this translates to a few hundred golf trainers that cater to every taste and style.

We cut through all the marketing fuzz buzz to find out which models truly shine on the golf course. Having reviewed over 80 models, we offer our top picks of golf shoes in different categories.

Spiked or spikeless, premium or budget-friendly, you can choose what fits your needs the most.

Best golf shoes overall

Adidas ZG23
93
Superb!

What makes it the best?

Dubbed by a seasoned gear tester "pound-for-pound one of the best spiked golf shoes of the year," the ZG23 upgrades every swing from modest to explosive. More lug-filled than ever, this cleated kick from Adidas digs into the terrain effortlessly, making the process of hitting that ball equal parts graceful and powerful. It might be nondescript at best looks-wise, but its overall performance is simply electrifying.

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black Pros

  • Comfier than the OG
  • Quick break-in
  • Sport Flexagon Energy 3 Women's Shoes
  • BOSS Sneakers mit Logo-Print
  • Works well on man-made surfaces
  • Incredibly light
  • True to size

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black Cons

  • Aesthetically unremarkable
  • Gets dirty easily
Full review of Adidas ZG23

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black | Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Core Black/Dark Silver Metallic/Silver Metallic (GW1178)
Ftwwht Dksimt Silvmt (GW1177)
Footwear White/Core Black/Semi Solar Red (HP2223)
Ftwr White/Collegiate Navy/Solar Gold (HP2224)
adidas mens zg23 shoes golf ftwr white collegiate navy bright red 10 5 ftwr white collegiate navy bright red 6257 60

Best spikeless golf shoes

What makes it the best?

"More is more" is definitely the mantra of the Pro SL Carbon. Jam-packed with technologies and features, it is quite hard to decipher how everything fits in one shoe. However, each works hand in hand giving the golfer the push that he needs to level up his game. Comfort, like with the other Footjoy pieces, remains an overwhelming quality that golfers noticed.

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black Pros

  • Comfortable to use
  • Stable and supportive
  • Excellent traction
  • Responsive cushioning
  • Grippy outsole
  • Lightweight
  • Leather upper
  • Spikeless sole
  • Fresh and modern style
  • Soft foam layer

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black Cons

  • Tends to pinch the toes
  • Causes blisters
Full review of Footjoy Pro SL Carbon

Today's best price

Men
Women

Best traditional golf shoes

Footjoy Traditions
92
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The Footjoy Traditions unexpectedly fuses the classic style of a saddle shoe and the comfort of a sneaker. Tried and tested in various conditions, it lives up to a high standard for waterproofing and traction. To every tester’s surprise, all of that is offered under the average price tag of golf shoes.

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black Pros

  • You want a shoe with stretchable Skech Knit Mesh fabric for easy wearing
  • Comfortable for walking 18 holes
  • Well-fitting from the start
  • Waterproofing warranty
  • Great traction
  • Replaceable spikes
  • Feels light on the foot
  • Great deal
  • Easy to clean

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black Cons

  • Leather tends to crack
  • Sneakers PREMIATA Stevend 4313D White
Full review of Footjoy Traditions

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
WHITE/BROWN (57905)
White/Light Navy (57901)
Grey/Blue (57902)
White/Charcoal Camo (57928)
White/Rose (97919)
White Navy (57899)
Black (57904)
White (57903)
Blanc Blanc Bleu Marine (57927)

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black | Best golf shoes for summer

What makes it the best?

What more can you ask of the CodeChaos 22 when the things it has to offer equal or even surpass the greatness of the OG model? sneakers Reebok talla 43 Adidas is a real treat for the feet, making swings feel as sure as ever while captivating everyone on the green with its striking design. It's pricey, yes, but for everything it can do for you post-purchase, we'd say it's quite worth it!

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black Pros

  • 10/10 grip
  • Amazing comfort
  • Incredible stability
  • Lightweight
  • Supportive heel
  • zapatillas de running Saucony talla 36
  • Quite ventilated
  • Attention-grabbing
  • Made with recycled materials

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black Cons

  • Expensive
  • Cleaning its outsole takes time
  • Restrictive toe box
Full review of Adidas CodeChaos 22

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
adidas men s codechaos 22 golf shoe core black ftwr white grey five 12 5 core black ftwr white grey five f2b3 60
Cloud White/Core Black/Beam Yellow (GX2616)
White (GX3932)
adidas men s codechaos 22 golf shoe grey three core black beam green 10 5 grey three core black beam green a654 60
adidas men s codechaos 22 sneaker ftwr white core black crystal white 10 5 ftwr white core black crystal white 584d 60
Clear Brown/Brown/Light Purple (GX4118)
Ftwr White/Grey Six/Solar Red (GV9418)
Black (GX2619)
More colors

Best sneaker-inspired golf shoes

What makes it the best?

Described by a seasoned golfer as a "chef's kiss" for its combination of plushness and tenacity, the Ultraboost Golf doesn't hold back power throughout each swing. It's one of those spikeless kicks that you won't feel the need to remove after walking the entire 18-hole round. And when it comes to looks, this shoe from Adidas is a real keeper.

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black Pros

  • Matchless comfort
  • Old Skool Tapered low-top sneakers
  • Remarkably sticky
  • Exceptionally breathable
  • Versatile performance
  • Quite flexible
  • Lightweight
  • Lovely sneaker-like style

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black Cons

  • Grey Neon Mens Shoes DJ6885-001
  • Questionable stability
  • wearing the ® 2750 Beads and Eyelets sneakers
Full review of Adidas Ultraboost Golf

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (GV6919)
adidas men s ultraboost golf shoe lucid lemon lucid lemon core black 12 lucid lemon lucid lemon core black ed39 60
Grey Two/Grey Two/Court Green (GV6922)
Blue (IE2137)

Golf shoes with the best value

What makes it the best?

Where it arguably matters the most, a.k.a. grip, the S2G SL from Adidas bags the most applause. It'll plant your feet all throughout the course while making sure they stay pampered from the teeing zone to the putting green. It's just unfortunate that waterproofing isn't its strongest suit, with many not recommending it where wetness is present.

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black Pros

  • Praiseworthy traction
  • Extremely comfy
  • No break-in period
  • Quite light
  • Good sideways support
  • Highly durable
  • 10/10 workmanship
  • Ravishing aesthetics

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black Cons

  • Disappointing water protection
  • Easily gets dirty
Full review of Axel Arigato Women's Sneakers in Dusty Pink

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Grey Four/Core Black/Grey Six (GV9793)
White (GV9792)
adidas men s s2g spikeless golf shoes altered blue crew navy footwear white 9 5 altered blue crew navy footwear white 69e2 60

Comparison of the 7 best golf shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways

Choosing the right pair of golf shoes

Warning.png

Signs of wearing the wrong golf shoe

Sandals KRISBUT 1176-4-9 Black:

  • feeling unstable when making a swing or while walking on hilly terrain
  • PUMA King Top FG Men's Soccer Cleats Shoes in White Black
  • Jack & Jones Premium sneaker in wit

To ensure your comfort and performance on the course next time, you need to consider the following features:

  • zapatillas de running ASICS talla 38.5?
  • Upper material: leather, synthetic, knit
  • Moisture protection: water-resistant, water-repellent, waterproof
  • Geox Kids cinch cord snow boots
  • Style: traditional or athletic?

Spiked or spikeless ?

While spiked golf shoes come closest to the original metal cleats, they are not a must nowadays. The more contemporary spikeless alternatives have also earned a spot among the golfing community.

There is no straightforward answer to which one is better, each one comes with a set of pros and cons. The choice depends on what features you value the most:

× ADIDAS ORIGINALS DEERUPT RUNNER CORE BLACK CORE BLACK RUNNING WHITE

Spiked.png

were originally made of metal but because of the damage they cause on the course, current spikes are made of ceramics or plastic

x Aleali May Air 14 Low sneakers Neutrals

Spikeless.png

were introduced in 2010; have a flat outsole with rubber nubs or dimples; golf companies are still experimenting with this design

Advantages:

More grippy and stable

when the terrain gets wet, spiked pairs can help avoid slip, especially when performing a swing or walking up and down the hills

A detail shot of the tongue Shoe Surgeon branding on his Air Jordan 1 Banned

John Varvatos suede boot

Replaceable spikes

adds on to the shoe’s longevity

Can be worn off the course

the style and construction is closer to a regular sneaker

Disadvantages:

Heavier

which may not be ideal for those who prefer walking through the 18 holes

Less grippy

on wet and upland conditions

 Cannot be worn off the course

Roots Runner Roman sneakers

No replaceable spikes

once the rubber tread gets damaged the entire shoe needs to be replaced

Because spikeless golf shoes are still a relatively new design, they tend to draw more other and interest from the Cortaers. To find out more about this category, see our guide on spikeless golf shoes.

Choosing the right upper material

Once being the only material used on golf shoes, leather is still loved today for its exquisite appeal, natural waterproofing, and longevity. The use of synthetic materials added a slew of breathable and lighter options to the market. Finally, the knit trend has not passed by golf shoes either.

Leather golf shoes

leather-golf-shoes.png

Frankie animal-print low-top sneakers

synthetic-golf-shoes.png

Knit golf shoes

knit-golf-shoes.png

Breathability

incr.png

Flexibility

incr.png

Durability

decr.png

Moisture protection

decr.png

Dirt-resistance

decr.png

Go for Ugg Classic Short womens boot in Rock Rose if you want a middle-ground of all listed features.

Waterproofing in golf shoes

Since golf is an outdoor sport, there is a high chance of dealing with rainy weather. If you see yourself Cortaing in wet conditions, consider getting a shoe with one of these protective features:

Water-resistant

for light rain, morning dew, and wet grass

Water-repellent

Rum Star Hike sneakers

Waterproof*

for heavy rain, snow, and stepping into water

Protection

incr.png

Breathability

decr.png

*Kyrie 2 sneakers Gore-Tex lining that provides full waterproof protection without sacrificing breathability too much. Some brands also offer shoes with a waterproof warranty.

Laces vs. BOA

The good old laces didn’t seem to be enough for the shoe brands. Today we can see the cutting-edge BOA closure system slipping into the realm of golf. But with the heavier price tag of these BOA models, is it worth the upgrade?

Laced golf shoes

laces-golf-shoes.png

VERSACE SANDALS WITH LOGO

boa-golf-shoes.png

Advantages:
  • cheaper
  • easier to replace
  • faster to tighten and loosen
  • keeps the hold permanently
  • doesn’t get in the way of adidas
  • resistant to water, mud, ice
Disadvantages:
  • less durable
  • Adidas Faito J Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers FV2770
  • takes time to adjust the fit
  • Gcds Sneakers con stampa camouflage Blu
  • more expensive

Bottom line: The BOA definitely offers a host of upgrades compared to a standard lasing system. But it also comes at a higher price point. Thus, it can be recommended to the more professional Cortaers or those who want to stay on top of the newest tech.

Otherwise, laces are still a solid option, especially if you are just starting out with golf.

Traditional or athletic: pick your style

To keep up with modern times, golf shoe manufacturers have been shifting away from the classic look towards the more athletic, sneaker-like designs. Traditions, on the other hand, are still being kept to live as the sport's legacy.

You have the option to choose what resonates best with your game and style:

Hiking Boots TOGOSHI TG-19-05-000280 601

traditional-golf.png

NIKE AMX90 Shoes

athletic-golf.png

  • Alexander McQueen Rubber Hybrid Sandal
  • have a similar look to dress shoes, can be identified as oxfords or saddles
  • typically come in natural leather
  • Ankle boots ELISABETTA FRANCHI SA-62F-07E2-V529 Mou 368
  • have a casual and street-ready style, look more like sneakers or running shoes; trends are most welcomed in this category
  • feature all kinds of materials - natural, synthetic, and knits

Frequently Asked Questions

Are golf shoes necessary?

Yes, if you are going to Corta golf regularly.

It’s okay to wear your regular pair of shoes for a trial game or if you Corta the sport very rarely. But to illustrate the difference between a regular sneaker and a dedicated golf shoe, let’s compare a silhouette which comes in both casual and golf-ready options: the Nike Roshe.

Nike Roshe

(casual sneaker)

Nike Roshe G

(spikeless golf shoe)

Nike Roshe G Tour

(spiked golf shoe)

Protection

incr.png

Nike Roshe.png nike20roshe20g 16335163 720 nike20roshe20g20tour 16335164 720
Regular mesh upper LJR Sneaker White Black462214 WHGP7 9001 Synthetic leather with a waterproof quality keeps you dry in wet grass and rainy weather

Traction/Stability

incr.png

nike20roshe20sole 16335165 720 Nike Roshe G sole.png nike20roshe20g20tour20sole 12535855 720
Flat outsole with thin treads is slippery on grass.

Sharper lugs get even more aggressive in the circular pods

These pods help to stabilize the Cortaer as they are placed at the pressure points of a golf swing

Strategically placed spikes grip all golf course surfaces, both even and hilly

Wider base with outriggers increases contact area and surefootedness during a swing

What shoes to wear golfing if you don't have golf shoes?

As some golf courses can be strict about their dresscode, it’s better to check with them beforehand. But in most cases, an athletic low-top shoe should suffice. You can wear any of the following:

It’s not recommended to use slip-on footwear or the one that easily loses hold when twisted. Before the game, mimic a golf swing in your pair to make sure the fit stays tight.

Heels and metal cleats are prohibited.

Do golf shoes need a break-in period?

The right-sized pair should not require any breaking in.

The best golf shoe models are designed to accommodate your foot shape from the start. If it doesn’t happen, try going a half-a-size or a size up, consider getting a different width is it is available, or simply go for another model.

In some individual cases, the shoe might cause discomfort during the first wear. Here are some firs-aid tips to soften the material without going through the ordeal:

  • Wear an extra thick sock or an anti-blister sock to have an additional cushion. 
  • Putting a shoe tree breaks in the shoe faster than usual. 
  • Athletes also attest to blister balms. They reduce friction and prevent excessive rubbing. 
  • A padding roll can also be wrapped in the areas that are prone to blisters. This item is thick enough to protect the skin and expand the material. 
  • Some golfers also use blister patches. They are designed like a band-aid, only thicker.

When is it time to buy a new pair of golf shoes?

In general, golf shoes are meant to last for a long time. However, they are not intended to last forever. There's no exact timeline for each pair's life span. It depends on how often it is worn, the course conditions it is used on, and how it is maintained. Here are some of the indications that a new one is already needed:

  • Water that seeped on the insides of the shoe is quite hard to reverse. However, it depends on water damage. For minor ones, then the insoles can be substituted, but for extreme cases, a replacement is a better option.
  • When a previously grippy shoe is losing its spark, then looking into a new one should be a priority. Traction, as we know, is essential. And, frequenting slips are definitely a no-no. 
  • Comfortable footwear that suddenly causes foot pain should be taken a look at. 
  • Spikeless pairs that lose nubs might be hard to fix. Cleated golf shoes, on the other hand, can be replaced.

How we test golf shoes

Before giving the final verdict, we consider all available golf shoe models on the market. We then buy all the shoes that we want to test and that we find relevant with our own hard-earned money. We review both coveted and less-known brands equally to offer an unbiased overview.

We spend 7 hours per shoe on average, in which we study all the nooks and crannies to understand what real benefits each trainer gives us. We use the shoes on 18-hole courses as well as the driving range and the putting area. 

Not only that, we also dissect each golf shoe to understand the smallest details of how they work. We measure more than 30 properties like stiffness, softness using a durometer and even durability of the upper and the outsole to give you the best possible review that's quantified and compared to other golf shoes on the market. 

Author
Cesar Monasterio
Cesar Monasterio

Cesar Monasterio is considered one of the best Argentine golfers of his generation. He is one of only 13 Cortaers to have victories on all three European golf circuits: European Tour, Challenge Tour, and Legends Tour. In 2014 he won the English Senior Open and was voted Rookie of the Year on the Legends Tour. Mr Monasterio represented his country in the 1995 World Cup. Still active and competing with a strong focus, he is the president of the Argentine Professional Golf Tour and the coach of several prestigious golfers. Finally, he is a specialist golf "Blacksmith" repairing golf clubs precisely at the workshop set in his house for this fine purpose.