Golf shoes are probably one of the most under-rated items in terms of importance, with it easy to overlook just how essential shoes are in order to be able to play our best golf. Think about it, our feet are the only point of contact we have with the ground as we make our swing. Therefore, it's vital that we find a pair of golf shoes that not only provide comfort, but stability, grip and great looks as we tackle the golf course.
Because there are so many brands on the market, it can be difficult to pinpoint a specific model. For example, are you after a spiked or spikeless pair, or perhaps a sneaker-style that can be worn both on and off the golf course. Along with the grip, you obviously want the comfort but, if a shoe is comfortable, you may be sacrificing its waterproof protection so it's crucial that you take all of this into consideration before investing your hard-earned cash.
WATCH: Dan Parker runs through the best golf shoes of 2025
Also a quick point for those of you unaware, spiked shoes features spikes or cleats on the bottom of the shoe which aid grip and stability, whilst spikeless shoes don't have these. As a result they won't offer as much traction, but instead have an outsole which sits closer to the ground. These shoes usually offer better off-course versatility as well. Both types of shoe then look to deliver on the factors mentioned above - comfort, waterproofing, looks and so on.
In this piece, we have taken a look through the best golf shoes currently on the market, with the likes of Puma, adidas, Nike and FootJoy all tested by the Golf Monthly team. Splitting this section into spiked and spikeless, there should be a model for you.
The Quick List
A sophisticated spiked golf shoe that has taken everything great about Payntr shoes from the past and wrapped it up in a far more suave aesthetic. Those faster swing speed golfers will certainly feel the benefit from the superb traction.
The star of the show in the spiked department is the FootJoy Hyperflex, a shoe that provides plenty of comfort, traction and support for both walking and during your swing. Although not the prettiest shoe, they're hard to beat in terms of performance.
Similarly to the Hyperflex, the Adizero ZG shoes from adidas aren't the prettiest on the market but the incredible grip and comfort on offer means they take the title for our top spikeless golf shoe for 2025.
You could make the case for Under Armour producing some of the best value for money apparel in the entire golf market and the quality of their Drive Fade golf shoes is just another example of that.
Providing class-leading comfort under foot, the Quantum is constructed of a soft, premium upper and is fully waterproof. The stability is slightly compromised here.
The Street 720 isn't just a versatile option, but also fully waterproof and incredibly soft underfoot. Set at a great price point, there's plenty of value to be had in this model.
Load the next 6 models
The Gallivan2r is everything that is great about the G/FORE brand blended into one classy, sporty and deceptively comfortable spikeless shoe, featuring their now synonymous ribbed insole that massages your feet as you walk.
I mean... just look at them. The Premiere Series Packard golf shoes from FootJoy were an absolute no brainer of a pick for the best looking spiked golf shoe of 2025, combining a stunning, classic look with plenty of on-course performance.
The shoe of choice for grand slam major winner Rory McIlroy, the Victory Tour 4 shoes deliver in every area you want them to - comfort, grip, protection, durability and looks.
One of, if not the best golf shoe Puma have ever made. The Royale golf shoes combine classy styling with on course performance and value for money, ticking every box you want ticked when on the search for a pair of new golf shoes to purchase.
Under Armour has once again excelled when it comes to building a performance golf shoe that delivers golfers the full experience. Our top spikeless pick at the moment.
Those with flat feet will love the support on offer from Sketchers' Go Golf Prestige golf shoes. The Arch Fit and Slip-In technology are as good as ever while the styling and execution of this shoe will appeal to a wider range of golfers than ever before.
Best Golf Shoes
Top pick
Our top golf shoe pick for 2025 is the 87 SC shoe from Payntr, a design you might have seen on the feet of Jason Day. In fact the name comes from his lucky number and overall this is a complete shoe that we loved in testing.
First we liked the refined looks along with the subtle detailing, such as the golf elements and overall silhouette. This isn’t a loud shoe, but we think the classy styling puts it up against some clean silhouettes like the G/FORE Gallivan2r G/Lock, FootJoy Premiere Series Field or the Adidas MC80.
The star of the show though was the traction, as the SC can battle it out with any shoe on the market in this regard. This is thanks to two main design elements. First the carbon fibre propulsion plate situated just above the outsole is the real stand-out performer of this shoe. Running the full length of the shoe, this is a piece of carbon that allowed us to effectively harness the ground during the swing and the rebound felt through the outsole was excellent, when hitting shots and generally walking. The other element to mention are the seven Soft Spikes Tour Flex Pro spikes which further aids the traction and grip. The foot locks closely but comfortably in place across the tongue area and the heel, giving that classic locked-in sensation.
- Read our full Payntr Eighty Seven SC Golf Shoe Review
Best spiked
Only narrowly missing out on our overall top pick crown, the Hyperflex from Footjoy are all about pure performance. The FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon was my favorite shoe of 2023 and FootJoy haven't ripped up the playbook with the latest iteration, providing simple but slightly upgraded looks whilst adding to the comfort and traction on offer.
Although they may not be the most eye-catching shoe on the market and some shoppers may want something a bit more bold in terms of styling, I appreciate how FootJoy have let the performance of this shoe do the talking. I felt comfort the moment I slipped these shoes on during testing and I felt supported from my very first swing. Through the swing, the shoe flexed in the areas I needed it to while supporting it in key areas through the swing too. The PowerPlate on the sole helps boost energy transfer during the swing to enhance speed. The TPU Saddle on the upper also helps promote speed and power, taking any energy from your foot moving upwards in the shoe and transferring it back into the ground.
This is an excellent, durable, all-rounder of a shoe that can be trusted to perform all 12 months of the year no matter the conditions. I think it speaks volumes that FootJoy athlete Justin Thomas has switched from a classic style of FootJoy shoe to the Hyperflex given the quality of the shoes.
- Read our full FootJoy HyperFlex Golf Shoe Review
Best spikeless
The crown of best spikeless shoe goes to the adidas Adizero ZG, one of the most comfortable golf shoes in the game right now. The new outsole is the star of the show, easily matching the grip and security we normally get from conventional spiked golf shoes. The aggressive lugs on the outside of the outsole are so aggressive they look like studs, but they're ok to wear inside your golf club and provide exceptional lateral grip that we enjoyed during testing.
These shoes are incredibly light as well, making them one of the best golf shoes for walking. The soft material combines with a moulded heel cushionm, inspired by some of adidas' best running shoes, to target your heel for extra padding and comfort. I felt locked in to both the shoe and the ground throughout the swing which gave me piece of mind, even in wet conditions.
Like the Hyperflex, they miss out on the top spot as the looks may not wow every customer, but if you're looking for a durable spikeless shoe that won't look or perform out of place in wet or trickier conditions I think it would be difficult to find a better shoe in 2025.
- Read our full Adidas Adizero ZG Golf Shoe Review
Best value
Our pick for the best value golf shoe of 2025 was an easy one - the Drive Fade shoes from Under Armour offer excellent performance, slick looks and a price tag that means you won't have to break the bank for a proper pair of golf shoes.
I'll begin by mentioning the fantastic traction on offer thanks to the same S3 spikes featured on the top of the range Drive Pro shoes are present here which actually meant the Fade competed in terms of performance, despite coming in with a lower price.
Given the price tag, you won't have as many boxes ticked here as maybe you'd like when we compare them to more premium models, but that comes with the territory. The comfort, for example, is a firmer feel but by no means uncomfortable but rather in line with the rest of the Under Armour shoe range (outside of the Phantom Fore shoes). What is worth noting and commending is that these shoes are 100% waterproof and can be worn all year round as a result. All in all there is a lot of golf shoe for your money here.
- Read our full Under Armour Drive Fade Golf Shoe Review
Most comfortable
To begin with, the overall comfort of the Quantum is incredible and really backs up FootJoy's claims of 'Cloud Like Comfort'. How, you may ask? Well, it primarily comes from the Ortholite Impression FitBed, which provides step-in comfort and moulds over time to the shape of your foot for what eventually becomes a 'customized' fit.
Along with the FitBed, FootJoy has provided the shoe with plenty of cushioning underfoot, as well as SofFoam technology in and around the heel. In testing, it provided an unbelievably cushioned ride and we could feel it working as we walked along the terrain and throughout the golf swing.
Admittedly, with the focus on comfort, the stability has been slightly compromised but, thanks to the incredible cushioning, the Quantum really is a top performer. Looks wise, I'd say the Quantum straddles the line between traditional athletic golf shoe and a sneaker style and as such I think it is a touch here nor there. But that being said many will enjoy the styling.
- Read our full FootJoy Quantum Golf Shoe Review
Most versatile
Everyone loves a pair of versatile golf shoes and, for this section, we have opted for the Ecco Street 720s, which are 'designed to be worn all day and night, it offers big city vibes with a birdie mentality.'
Looks-wise, the modern design can be worn with pretty much anything. What's more, we think that Ecco has done the right thing by eliminating almost all the branding and keeping it subtle. That’s not to say these are a dull-looking shoe, there are some neat design touches that make for a modern and versatile silhouette.
Performance-wise, we wouldn't recommend wearing this in winter as we found the Street 720s marked easily and were difficult to clean. However, thanks to plenty of cushioning and a Gore-Tex construction, it is very breathable and fully waterproof.
- Read our full Ecco Street 720 Golf Shoe Review
Best insole
Straight off the bat, the Gallivan2r is unanimously one of the best looking golf shoes we have seen in the past decade! This shoe blends everything that's great about the classic design of the G/FORE Gallivanter and the sportiness of the G/FORE MG4+ to spawn an immediate classic.
There's an awful lot to like about this shoe other than just the stunning aesthetic though. Ample comfort comes from a dimpled insole and 3D molded heel cup that helped keep our foot in place when swinging the club on the course, whilst the padding around the heel area meant there were no signs of rubbing, which is always important as blisters are a sure fire way to ruin a round of golf.
Where we think this model sets itself up to be unique though is with the outsole. It has an integrated rubber cleat system, featuring 13 on each shoe, all of which are set at the same height. We would say that they certainly provided a decent amount of grip, but there are definitely more grippier models on the market. Finally, it's worth pointing out that the brand have opted for TPU upper materials rather than the full grain leather we see on some of the best G/Fore golf shoes, so consequently the Gallivan2r is fully waterproof.
- Read our full G/FORE Gallivan2r Golf Shoe Review
Best looking
The moment I slipped into the Packard LX shoes from FootJoy, I felt like a million dollars. Not only are they absolutely stunning to look at, but the premium leather build for this classic style shoe made me feel very special. They'll certainly catch the eye and garner you a few compliments on the first tee.
The nubuck leather pattern running through the middle of the full grain leather upper, a feature Footjoy have branded their 'bison texturing', is just one of multiple premiere (no pun intended) features that make this shoe feel so special. I also loved the texturing around the toe area.
They perform as well as they look on the golf course as well, with the firmer feel still providing plenty of comfort as I walked the links during testing. The outsole provided multidirectional traction and keep me stable on shots from uneven lies, even in wet weather. If you're after a shoe in this classic, brogue style I wouldn't point you in any other direction than the latest Premiere Series.
- Read our full FootJoy Premiere Series Packard LX Golf Shoe Review
Best firm feel
You're likely familiar with these shoes given Rory McIlroy sports them on a weekly basis on the PGA Tour and after our testing with them, it's easy to see why.
The word comfort can mean different things to different people - if I a good trainer for walking and running, I want as soft a sole as possible. I don't have the same preferences for golf shoes, but I know a lot of people that do. Instead, I prefer a slightly firmer but still comfortable feel and no shoe delivers this better than the Victory Tour 4s.
Nike says it took feedback from athletes to create a new frame for a better shape and fit - chiefly the Dynamic Fit system for more support and the Cushlon midsole for comfort and stability. Extra padding around the ankle and an internal strap on the inside of the shoe allow for optimum enjoyment during your round as the shoe contours to the shape of your feet. There's also plenty of grip on offer thanks to the spikes on the outsole. This was noticeable during testing and only added to the reasons why this is one of the best premium golf shoes on the market.
- Read our full Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 4 Golf Shoe Review
Most underrated
It's easy to let Puma pass you by when you think of the best golf shoe brands, but their latest release in the 'classic' shoe market is one that should not be missed - we loved the performance of the Royale shoes we awarded them five stars in our review. Let me tell you why...
Firstly, look at them. They're a simple but classy style that reminds us of the FootJoy Premiere or the Sun Day Red Cypress Pioneer shoes, but are available for half the price. I appreciate the refined branding on the side of the shoe, with Puma selflessly deciding to sacrifice their trademark logo featured across the body created and opting for faint perforations rather than a large eye-catching print or color instead. This lower profile design adds a lot of class in my opinion.
In terms of the build quality, the premium full-grain leather does most of the talking and compliments the low profile design. The Flexsole outsole is impressive as well, providing ample grip and complimenting the excellent PROFOAM midsole that delivers lovely cushioning and a real sensation of energy return in every stride. We really struggle to critique this shoe, especially at an RRP of just £114.99, hence our five star review!
- Read our full Puma Royale Golf Shoe Review
Best outsole
The new Drive Pro SL has been redesigned with extensive help from world-renowned Biomechanist, JJ Rivet, as well as the brand’s most high profile Tour player Jordan Spieth. We had to wait two years for the update to this model but, based on our testing and our experience with the outsole in particular, we would say it was definitely worth the wait!
In terms of the technology, there have been some pretty significant changes made. The main tech story is an all encompassing Swing Support System which covers everything from traction and the HOVR midsole, all the way up to a new lacing system. There is also a new hybrid outsole which provides a firmer feel, plus a redesigned nub system that sees a range of different height nubs to provide more grip and ground penetration.
It didn't take us long in testing to discover that these are amongst the best spikeless shoes on the market. At just 12oz they are one of the more lightweight offerings out there, while the new grip was more than ample for a spikeless shoe. Overall we have to say that the performance was faultless, as the new Swing Support System kept our foot firmly planted on the ground while providing support in the key areas. I should acknowledge though that the upper materials used didn't feel as premium as some other models on the market, however given the performance this is a small sacrifice to make.
- Read our full Under Armour Drive Pro SL Golf Shoe Review
Best arch support
Another classic looking shoe that passes the eye test are the Skechers Go Golf Prestige shoes, a pair that provides lots of arch support for players who struggle with flat feet and have trouble walking 18 holes as a result.
The Arch Fit is a game changer for those with flat feet like myself. It gently lifts the arch of your foot upwards to help reduce foot fatigue and overall aches and pains. This is then complimented by the excellent slip in technology and the heel pillow feature which adds comfort both putting them on in the golf club locker room and whilst walking the golf course. This is truly one of the softest heel experiences I've tested in a golf shoe, and if you find this particular part of your foot painful or problematic in other shoes, then the Skechers could be your answer to more comfort.
This is yet another impressive offering from Skechers who have really upped their game in terms of golf shoes in the last number of years and impressed us so much that they earned a spot on our Editor's Choice awards list for 2025. They are without doubt one of the best Skechers golf shoes and one of the best value golf shoes of the year, too.
- Read our full Skechers Go Golf Prestige Golf 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. It is also worth noting that the entire category is overseen by shoe expert Dan Parker, a writer who has been testing golf shoes for years and has amassed quite the collection. He will usually test the vast majority of golf shoes thoroughly but occasionally another member of the gear team, such as Sam De'Ath or Joe Ferguson, will test shoes as well because of their experience and testing knowledge. Also it helps that all three main testers play golf very regularly indeed which allows them to use shoes over a long period of time.
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 testing procedure 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. We also do very specific testing on brand claims - for example if a brand claims the shoe is waterproof we test for that despite the weather. If it is sunny then we pour water on the shoe to test how waterproof it actually is. We also make sure we test traction and stability claims in different lies and ground conditions because a shoe has to work as much on sand, mud, rough as it does on the fairway and 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
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.
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.
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.
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 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 spikeless 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.
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