Best Golf Shoes 2026

Deciding which are the best golf shoes for your game can be a trickier task than you first think. Ultimately, it is essential to find shoes that not only keep us comfortable on the course, but also provide the stability and support needed to swing with confidence and freedom.

With so many brands and models on the market, choosing the right pair of golf shoes can be a challenge. Do you opt for spiked or spikeless, or perhaps a sneaker-style design that works just as well off the course as it does on it? Alongside grip, comfort is a key consideration, but prioritising comfort alone can sometimes mean compromising on waterproof protection. That’s why it’s important to weigh up all of these factors carefully before investing your hard-earned cash.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best golf shoes currently on the market, with leading models from brands such as adidas, Puma, FootJoy and Nike all tested by the Golf Monthly team. By splitting our picks into spiked and spikeless categories, there should be a suitable option for every type of golfer.

The Quick List

Best Golf Shoes

Top pick

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The spikeless version of the latest Clone line truly does it all. It utilizes the same innovative upper material to provide a highly adaptive, snug fit that eliminates pinching while accommodating different foot shapes. This material offers a unique balance of flexibility and support, making the shoe worth trying just for the sensation of the fit alone. Visually, this model is a significant upgrade over the previous Drive Pro, featuring a more refined aesthetic with textured finishes and subtle design flourishes that elevate the overall look.

Performance remains seriously strong, with Under Armour has retained the successful outsole from the 2024 model, blending rubber nubs with strategically placed TPU for excellent lateral support and ground penetration. While the shoe's construction does limit breathability in very high temperatures, its impressive stability and comfort make it a versatile choice. Despite the trade-off in airflow, the Clone SL is a high-performing option that deservedly takes our top pick label for 2026.

• Read our full Under Armour Drive Pro Clone SL Shoe Review

Best spiked

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The Drive Pro Clone is a shoe so good that it takes the first two spots in this guide.

The spiked version of the shoe stands out as the premier spiked shoe of 2026, largely due to its innovative auxetic upper that adapts to the unique contours of any foot. As mentioned above for the spikeless version, the material offers a rare combination of the flexibility found in knit shoes with the secure, locked-in stability required for high-performance play. With a refined, leather-like aesthetic that significantly improves upon previous models, it provides a custom-feeling fit that is comfortable for golfers of all foot shapes right out of the box.

On the performance front, the shoe continues to utilize the exceptional S3 support system, delivering industry-leading traction and grip throughout the swing. While the underfoot cushioning leans more toward a firm balance than cloud-like softness like with the likes of the Under Armour Phantom Fore shoes and FootJoy Quantum, the overall walking experience remains highly supportive. The only minor drawback is a slight lack of breathability, but other than that, this show is pretty flawless and is a top-tier choice for the golfers of all ages and abilities.

• Read our full Under Armour Drive Pro Clone Shoe Review

Best spikeless

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The Biom C5 pleasingly builds on the legacy of the C4, delivering an exceptional blend of walking comfort and the stability required to keep you secured as you swing. It features a noticeably improved heel lockdown compared to its predecessor, giving golfers the confidence to swing aggressively while feeling completely secure and supported throughout the round.

Visually, the shoe maintains its premium athletic appeal, updated with 'exhaust grid scoops' that work alongside Gore-Tex Surround technology to ensure total waterproofing without sacrificing breathability. While the traction is reliable in most conditions, it may not quite match the 'class-leading; grip of some specialized competitors. Thankfully, the high-quality leather construction and luxurious fit make the C5 an outstanding long-term investment for those have comfort and durability atop of their features list when they are looking for new golf shoes.

• Read our full Ecco Biom C5 Golf Shoe Review

Best value

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The S2G SL is a highly versatile crossover shoe designed to embrace modern fashion and a growing leniency in golf apparel rules, providing a design that works seamlessly on the golf course and in social settings away from it.

Drawing inspiration from running shoe silhouettes, it offers a modern, sporty look that performs exceptionally well for both active play and casual wear. With its cool, understated aesthetic and a wide array of available colorways, this model serves as a practical yet stylish choice for golfers seeking a single shoe that looks just as natural at the pub as it does on the links.

When it comes to comfort, again it ticks every box as it's a much wider fit than most other adidas golf shoes, so it does indeed fit true to size and is one of the best golf shoes for wide feet. Also, adidas have used their Lightstrike technology through the midsole, something which we see in some of the spiked models in this list too. The final point we must make is the cost easily falls into the best budget golf shoes category.

• Read our full adidas S2G SL Golf Shoe Review

Most comfortable

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I’ll cut to the chase with the FootJoy Quantum. As with the HyperFlex they’re not the best-looking shoes in this guide, but when it comes to comfort they’re in a league of their own. The headline feature is FootJoy’s Cloud-Like Comfort, delivered via the Ortholite Impression FitBed, which offers instant step-in comfort and gradually moulds to the shape of your foot to create a more customised fit over time.

Beyond the FitBed, FootJoy has loaded the Quantum with cushioning underfoot, along with SofFoam technology in and around the heel. During testing this translated into an exceptionally cushioned ride, with the comfort noticeable both while walking the course and throughout the swing.

That focus on comfort does mean you don’t quite get the same levels of stability and traction as some of the top spiked shoes in this guide, but that’s to be expected from a model that sits between a traditional performance golf shoe and a sneaker-style design. If you walk most of your rounds and primarily play in summer conditions, the Quantum should be an excellent fit.

• Read our full FootJoy Quantum Golf Shoe Review

Most versatile

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The Sun Day Red Osprey is currently my top pick for aesthetics, standing out as perhaps the most versatile and one of the best casual golf shoes we have ever tested. It transitions effortlessly from the fairways to the office or any other daily activity, making it a perfect crossover option. The classy looks are complimented by the immense comfort on offer - the shoe fits true to size and utilizes a generous amount of foam in the thick tongue and heel to create a secure feel. When paired with the responsive EVA midsole, the result is a shoe that can be worn comfortably for an entire day without fatigue.

In terms of performance, the Osprey offers great breathability, though it is clearly optimized for drier, summer conditions. While the spikeless outsole provides reliable traction for most rounds, those playing in significant wet or slick conditions would be better served by a pair of the best spiked golf shoes. Additionally, because the shoe is water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, it is best suited for fair-weather play. However, if you are looking for an incredibly comfortable, high-performing summer shoe that looks fantastic in any setting, the Osprey is a standout choice.

• Read our full Sun Day Red Osprey Golf Shoe Review

Best insole

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The G/FORE MG4+ O2 is the spikeless evolution of the highly acclaimed MG4+ and manages to deliver the same level of industry-leading comfort that blew us away during testing late last year. A standout feature is the signature massaging insole, which ensures an exceptionally plush and airy walking experience. Furthermore, the molded external heel counter provides essential stability, keeping the foot securely locked in place throughout the swing to ensure you don't lose power or balance.

While some golfers still worry that spikeless designs compromise on traction, the MG4+ O2 dispels those concerns with its advanced TPU sole. Utilizing what G/FORE calls "Heel-to-toe Sawtooth Traction," the shoe provides flawless grip even in damp or slippery conditions, proving that you don't need traditional spikes to achieve professional-grade stability.

All of this performance wrapped up in a slick, modern style means the MG4+ O2 shoes are an excellent option for anyone looking to equip themselves with one of the best spikeless golf shoes on the market.

• Read our full G/FORE MG4+ O2 Golf Shoe Review

Best looking

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The FootJoy Packard is one of, if not the fanciest pair of golf shoes money can buy, featuring a premium leather construction that elevates its classic silhouette into something truly special. The aesthetic is defined by high-end details, most notably a nubuck leather center panel with bison texturing and refined accents around the toe. These sophisticated touches ensure the shoe is a visual standout, providing a polished look that is guaranteed to turn heads and earn compliments from the very first tee.

Performance-wise, the Packard is as functional as it is stylish, offering a stable and secure platform for the swing. While it provides a slightly firmer feel than typical athletic models, it maintains excellent comfort levels throughout a full round of walking. The outsole is engineered for strong multi-directional traction, providing the necessary grip to handle wet conditions and uneven lies with ease. For those who prefer a traditional, brogue-style golf shoe, this model remains the gold standard.

• Read our full FootJoy Premiere Series Packard Golf Shoe Review

Best firm feel

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Given that Rory McIlroy wears them week in, week out on the PGA Tour, you’re most likely to already be familiar with these shoes. And after testing them ourselves it’s easy to see why.

Comfort means different things to different golfers. When it comes to running shoes I prefer the softest sole possible, but with golf shoes my preference leans towards a slightly firmer feel that still delivers plenty of comfort and stability. In that respect, few shoes do it better than the Nike Victory Tour 4.

Nike says athlete feedback played a key role in shaping this latest version, resulting in an improved frame and fit. Key features include the Dynamic Fit system for enhanced support and a Cushlon midsole that balances comfort with stability. Extra padding around the ankle and an internal strap on the inside of the shoe help it contour naturally to the foot, keeping everything secure and comfortable throughout the round.

Traction is equally impressive, with the spiked outsole delivering plenty of grip that really stood out during testing. All of this combines to make the Victory Tour 4 one of the best premium golf shoes currently available.

• Read our full Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 4 Golf Shoe Review

Most underrated

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With so many models to choose from selecting an overall top pick was no easy task, but the Payntr 87 SC ultimately stood out. After extensive testing we found very little to fault in what is a truly outstanding all-round golf shoe.

Worn by the likes of Jason Day and European Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose, it feels only right to start with the looks. We were big fans of the refined, understated aesthetic, complemented by subtle detailing such as the golf-inspired elements and clean overall silhouette. This isn’t a loud or attention-seeking shoe by any means, but its classy styling comfortably holds its own against some of the cleanest designs on the market, including the Adidas MC80, FootJoy Premiere Series Field or the G/FORE Gallivan2r G/Lock.

Impressive as the looks are though, the standout feature for us was the grip which can genuinely go toe-to-toe with any shoe currently available. That performance is driven by two key design elements. First is the full-length carbon fibre propulsion plate, positioned just above the outsole. This proved to be a real difference-maker, allowing us to harness the ground extremely effectively through the swing, with a noticeable rebound underfoot both during ball striking and while walking the course. The second is the use of seven SoftSpikes Tour Flex Pro spikes, which further enhance traction and stability.

The foot feels securely locked in across the tongue and heel without ever feeling restrictive, delivering that reassuring, tour-style locked-in sensation many golfers look for.

Overall, this is a shoe that is genuinely difficult to criticise, and that’s why the Payntr 87 SC earns the title of our top pick for 2026.

• Read our full Payntr Eighty Seven SC Golf Shoe Review

Best outsole

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The FootJoy Pro/SL has been one of the notable shoe franchises in golf since 2016, but the latest version introduces radical changes that may prove polarizing. Shifting from traditional luxury leather to synthetic materials, the aesthetic has been completely overhauled, marking a change-up from its predecessors. Despite the subjective nature of the new look, the 'Z-Tec' upper provides excellent performance benefits like targeted stability where needed while maintaining enough flexibility to effectively harness power during the swing.

Performance remains the shoe's greatest strength, highlighted by an exceptional spikeless outsole that provides elite traction even in wet and slippery conditions. This grip is so reliable that it closely mimics the feel of a spiked shoe, though it does come with a firmer underfoot sensation, particularly in the forefoot area. While the Pro/SL remains a high-performing and supportive option, golfers who prioritize maximum cushioning above all else might find softer alternatives, such as the FootJoy Quantum we mentioned above, more to their liking.

• Read our full FootJoy Pro/SL 2026 Golf Shoe Review

Best arch support

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Another classic-looking shoe that easily passes the eye test is the Skechers Go Golf Prestige, a model that offers excellent arch support for golfers who struggle with flat feet and as a result find walking 18 holes a challenge.

The Arch Fit system is a genuine game-changer for flat-footed players like myself. It gently lifts and supports the arch to help reduce foot fatigue and general aches and pains over the course of a round. This is complemented by Skechers’ excellent Slip-In technology and heel pillow feature, which add comfort both when putting the shoes on in the locker room and while walking the course. It’s genuinely one of the softest heel experiences I’ve tested in a golf shoe, and if heel discomfort has been an issue for you in the past then the Go Golf Prestige could be the answer.

This is yet another impressive offering from Skechers, a brand that has significantly raised its game in the golf shoe market in recent years. We were impressed enough to include the Go Golf Prestige in our 2025 Editor's Choice awards, and it stands out as one of the best Skechers golf shoes - and also one of the best value golf shoes - available this year.

• Read our full Skechers Go Golf Prestige Golf Shoe Review

How we test golf shoes

How Golf Monthly tests products 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.

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It’s important to stress that every shoe listed above has been personally tested by a member of the Golf Monthly team. The category itself is overseen by footwear expert Dan Parker, who has been reviewing and testing golf shoes for many years and has built up extensive experience across the market. While Dan tests the vast majority of models, fellow gear team members such as Sam De’Ath and Joe Ferguson also contribute, drawing on their own testing knowledge and expertise.

Crucially, all of our testers play golf very regularly, allowing them to wear each shoe over extended periods rather than during short, controlled sessions. We believe this approach provides the most accurate assessment of a golf shoe, as real-world testing over several weeks reveals how models perform as conditions change, from weather and ground firmness to different stances, lies and walking demands.

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This testing process also allows us to assess the finer details. For example, we’re able to identify whether certain brands or models tend to fit smaller or larger than expected, or if particular shoes begin to cause rubbing or discomfort after extended use, such as over 36 holes. It also helps us determine which designs are suitable for wear off the course, including for the drive home.

We place particular emphasis on verifying brand claims. So if a manufacturer states a shoe is waterproof, we test that claim regardless of the weather, even pouring water over the shoe in dry conditions if necessary to see how it truly performs. Traction and stability are also assessed across a range of lies and ground conditions, as a golf shoe must perform just as well on sand, mud and rough as it does on the fairway or green.

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

Getting the right fit

When choosing golf shoes, getting the right fit is crucial. A poor fit can quickly lead to blisters (which is an instant round killer) or it might allow your feet to move around inside the shoe, which can seriously compromise stability.

It’s also worth considering the fastening system. Traditional laces will suit most golfers, but BOA-laced shoes offer a more convenient, dial-in fit that won’t loosen over the course of a round. The trade-off is that BOA systems tend to come at a slightly higher price point.

Waterproofing

If you live somewhere that sees a lot of rain then a waterproof golf shoe is a must. The best designs will keep your feet bone dry, but if you tend to play most of your golf in warm, dry conditions, you may place greater importance on other factors.

As a result, many golfers opt to own two pairs of shoes; a fully waterproof option for winter and a lighter, more breathable pair for summer. This allows the golfer to stay comfortable while matching the conditions throughout the year.

Spiked or spikeless?

The best golf shoes above are split into spiked (or cleated) and spikeless designs, with each offering its own set of advantages. Spikeless golf shoes are prized for their off-course versatility, making them ideal for driving to the club, playing a round and then heading home again. They’re typically lighter and more comfortable, though most won’t provide the same level of traction as spiked models. Spiked golf shoes, on the other hand, deliver superior grip and stability, particularly in wet or uneven conditions. The trade-off is that they generally don’t sit as low to the ground as spikeless options and are less practical away from the course

Styling

Modern golf shoe design has come a long way, with brands now offering far more than just traditional, classic silhouettes. Today’s market includes a wide range of modern styles that work just as well off the course as they do on it, making styling an important factor to consider when choosing your next pair. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, but whether you favour a classic look or something more contemporary, there’s now a golf shoe to suit every taste.

For more golf shoe buying advice, check out our guides on the best winter golf shoes, best casual golf shoes or best golf shoes for seniors.

FAQs

Why wear golf shoes?

Golf shoes are essential because they’re specifically designed to handle the demands golfers face on the course. They prioritise comfort as they’re worn for long periods and often walked in for an entire round, while also providing the grip and traction needed to support a stable, powerful swing. This is something regular shoes simply can’t offer. Most golf shoes are also waterproof, helping keep your feet dry in wet conditions, whereas everyday trainers often lack the same level of protection.

What are the best shoes for playing golf?

All of the shoes in our list are designed to deliver a comfortable, enjoyable and performance-enhancing experience on the course. Golf shoes are purpose-built to support the movements of the swing and cope with the varied conditions found on a golf course, so investing in a proper pair is well worth it.

How do I choose golf shoes?

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right golf shoe. Start by deciding whether you want a spiked model for maximum grip or a spikeless option for a more casual, low-profile look. From there, think about whether full waterproofing is important. Then which color and style you prefer, and make sure you know your exact shoe size. Once you’ve answered those questions, you’ll have narrowed your search significantly and be well placed to find the perfect shoe for your game.

Do Pro golfers use spikeless shoes?

The majority of Tour professionals tend to wear spikeless golf shoes, largely because they play most of their golf in warm, dry conditions on immaculately manicured courses. That said, many players will switch to spiked shoes when conditions turn more challenging (particularly in wet or inclement weather) to gain extra traction and stability.