During a round of 18 holes, a golfer will, on average, walk approximately five miles and spend around four to five hours on their feet. For that reason, its important to get golf shoes that are comfortable to support your feet, but also perform well no matter the conditions.
This is your guide for finding the right pair for you. Golf is hard enough as it is without having to deal with painful feet or blisters - these shoe options will let you focus solely on your golf game by providing the highest level of support and comfort possible.
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There is plenty of things to consider when picking the right golf shoe for your game, but comfort might be the most important of them all. The shoes we have tested and included in this buying guide combine both comfort and fit with exceptional performance, making them some of the best golf shoes available on the market today.
Adding to that, breathability and lightness are also two important factors to consider especially if you are the type of golfer who walks more than one round in a day, or wants a pair of golf shoes that are versatile enough to use both on and off the golf course. It can get warm on the golf course, so it is important to get shoes that will allow your feet to breath as they carry you around the course.
Acknowledging all of this, we test a lot of golf shoes so in this guide we'll be walking you through what we think are some of the best golf shoes for walking available right now. And while you're here, why not also check out our guides to the most comfortable golf shoes, best golf shoes for wide feet and best golf shoes for plantar fasciitis.
The Quick List
A standout spikeless golf shoe. We love Ecco's move to an even more athletic look whilst sticking to its roots of comfort and breathability.
UA have taken inspiration from the brand's most successful running shoes, while delivering the performance expected from a tour quality golf shoe.
One of the best examples of a hybrid golf shoe currently on the market, the True Linkswear Lux Hybrid straddles the line of on/off course wearability.
This is a well-priced, great performing and ultimately eye-catching spikeless golf shoe. The tried-and-tested Boost midsole provides an effortless walk.
What this shoe lacks in terms of aesthetics, it makes up for in comfort and practicality. If you struggle with sore feet and/or back, put this on your must-try list.
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.
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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.
A spiked shoe to compete with the very best. The improvements on last year's model are minimal, but it provides excellent traction, support and a sharp look.
An outstanding shoe, the NEXT% 2 delivers comfort, style and performance. The comfort and stability on offer out of the box is outstanding and the modern styling looks great.
Best Golf Shoes For Walking
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Spikeless models
Comfort, grip, style and breathability - four things that definitely make up a good golf shoe for walking are all stables of the Ecco Biom C4 golf shoe which is packed with the latest shoe technology. It is built nicely on the foundations of the excellent Biom H4, but the new sneaker-style has won our hearts from a style perspective and the performance is there to match. Said style is simple and not overly eye-catching, which will disappoint some shoe fanatics, but the performance of this shoe speaks for itself as one of the best spikeless golf shoes available.
The Biom C4 uses Ecco's Exhaust Grid technology that scoops fresh air towards the sole of the foot to keep it cool. This, combined with Gore-Tex surround and breathable Ortholite insole makes this by far one of the most breathable shoe we've tested.
The inside sole of the shoe is removable, too and we found comfort levels remained high when it is removed, meaning the Biom C4 can provide comfort even for those with wide feet. The Biom C4 shoe is part of the more athletic direction Ecco are exploring with their golf shoes and we think this aesthetic move will attract golfers of all ages into some of the best Ecco golf shoes on the market.
- Read our full Ecco Biom C4 Golf Shoe Review
Under Armour Charged Phantom SL Golf Shoe
The Phantom SL Golf Shoe has quickly become one of the best Under Armour golf shoes they offer. The trainer-like design and simple but classy looks are available in four striking colorways, but we particularly loved the blue and white color and design that gave the shoe a slick sporty look.
These shoes may not be best for winter golf given the spikeless sole, but they work beautifully in the summer by combining comfort with performance. The casual look means you can wear these on and off the golf course, too. The athletic design kept our feet cool and comfy, while the Storm Flat Knit Collar around the ankle provided a locked-in feel while we played our shots. Under Armour’s offering is certainly one of the most comfortable golf shoes out there right now, but should not be considered if you’re looking for a shoe you can wear all year round – check out our guide for the best winter golf shoes for more there.
The midsole that separates the footbed and outsole is something that has featured in many Under Armour running shoes and provides comfort, as well as the ability to help transfer energy created from pushing against the ground, into your swing. Stability is not an issue here either and we loved the locked-in feeling the shoe delivered. Grip-wise, the Charged Phantom felt tacky on the dry surfaces we tested it on, with the rubber nubs on the sole preventing rotational movement when we swung through the golf ball with these shoes.
- Read our full Under Armour Charged Phantom SL Golf Shoe
True Linkswear Lux Hybrid Golf Shoe
With the growing popularity of the hybrid golf shoe - pairs that you can wear on and off the golf course, the True Linkswear Lux Hybrid shoe strikes a nice balance between on-course performance and adaptability off it. Akin to many of the best golf sneakers this shoe comes with a sleek athletic look, that will look great in any setting, not just your local clubhouse. The shoes are also 100% waterproof, which is ideal if you play in an area of the world with plenty of rain.
This is one of the most comfortable golf shoes on the market thanks in part to its Wanderlux midsole that is up there with some of the best midsole technology in the game right now. It is soft to the touch but very firm underfoot and that helps to offer a lot of support during your golf swing. These shoes are super light too, being one of the lightest spikeless golf shoes we've tested lately, and they genuinely felt like we weren't wearing any shoes! It did lack a little in the way of support because of that and its low profile.
These shoes worked well on firm ground too - often a surface in which spikeless golf shoes can become a little slippy and unstable underfoot, while they perform as well in terms of breathability as some of the most breathable golf shoes out there. The one criticism we had was the performance in wetter, muddier conditions, which we found to be subpar.
- Read our full True Linkswear Lux Hybrid Golf Shoe Review
adidas Codechaos 22 Golf Shoes
Perhaps one of the bolder golf shoes on this list, the adidas Codechaos 22 is an excellent shoe that any player who likes to make a statement on the course should consider buying. Its futuristic design is very similar to the previous Codechaos model released in 2020, and will certainly be a hit among many golfers and junior players. It is one of the most comfortable golf shoes on the market and features a new wraparound outsole design that adds unique looks as well as more grip and stability to the golf shoe.
We took it out for a spin on the course and we really enjoyed the comfort on offer here, with the spongey BOOST midsole giving instant comfort - a common feature in the best Adidas golf shoes. Our feet moulded into the shoes very quickly, too, so no need to worry about rubbing and the potential for blisters in your opening few rounds with this shoe.
You forget you're wearing these shoes on your feet when on the course, which is the ultimate compliment for how comfy they are. Don't worry either about your feet getting wet in these shoes, as their waterproof upper matches up well to some of the best waterproof golf shoes on the market.
- Read our full adidas Codechaos 22 Golf Shoe Review
Skechers Go Golf Elite 5 Slip 'In Shoe
What Skechers has earned a reputation for – and this applies right across the best Skechers golf shoes – is supreme levels of comfort. This rule applies to the Elite 5 Slip 'In and this pair is definitely one of most comfortable golf shoes that we've worn. With the Skechers Go Golf Elite 5 Slip 'In shoes, and courtesy of an extra stiff back, there is no need for a shoe horn or a delicate touch needed so you don't damage the heel of your shoe – they slip on just like a pair of comfy slippers – and they feel just as good.
Meanwhile, the Twist-Fit dial system located on the side makes them easy to fasten. Again, we can see the appeal for those who suffer with a stiff back in the morning. The easy access and Twist-fit dial make these shoes one of the best golf shoes for senior players.
You can’t talk about Skechers without mentioning the removable Arch Fit insole, which provides podiatrist-certified arch support. Combined with the Heel Pillow, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and ‘locked in’ feel, which is something we also experienced when testing the Pro 5 Hyper shoe worn by Matt Fitzpatrick.
Although Sketchers may not be the 'coolest' brand in the world, nor do these have the premium looks some golfers will require at that price point, the Go Golf Elite 5 Slip 'in Shoes are at the top end of the table in terms of comfort.
- Read our full Skechers Go Golf Elite 5 Slip 'In golf shoe review
Spiked models
The Nike Victory Tour 3 shoes are arguably the best golf shoes on the market right now, and a noticeable improvement on the previous 2 design. Why? Well looks wise Nike improved the aesthetics in several subtle ways - the new Full-grain leather upper has a supple feel and sophisticated look. The swoosh and midsole sections look slightly different and we think the shoe looks more refined. Worn by Rory McIlroy, these Nike shoes are consistently one of the best spiked golf shoes available on the market.
Extra padding around the ankle and in addition to an internal strap on the inside of the shoe which contours to your feet mean comfort levels are superb. The Zoom Air unit is also stitched directly to the upper which gave us exceptional comfort and feel, whilst the foam at the heel felt almost bouncy when walking on the course.
These are arguably Nike's signature shoe, and are clearly one of the best golf shoes Nike produce. Grip and stability was also good, and the shoes are 100% waterproof as well. Let's face it, there is a reason Rory McIlroy wears them, and whilst they come with a premium price tag, we think the cost is worth the performance.
- Read our full Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 Golf Shoe Review
FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon Golf Shoe
The new HyperFlex range comes in three men's models - HyperFlex, HyperFlex BOA, and HyperFlex Carbon, with the Carbon version containing a carbon fibre 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.
As soon as our feet touched the inside of these shoes in testing, we could feel the Ortholite Impression Footbed technology at work. We felt comfortable, locked in and confident hitting from a range of different lies and angles. It only took a few rounds for our feet to mould into the footbed, too, making these one of the best FootJoy golf shoes available this year.
FootJoy has included some new splashes of color that elevate the overall shelf appeal, while different colorways are available for those who like both white golf shoes and black golf shoes. 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
Puma Ignite Articulate Golf Shoe
The Ignite Articulate is one of the best spiked golf shoes on the market and one of the best Puma golf shoes in their growing range. It boasts a stunning athletic design that will appeal to a range of golfers. Filled to the brim with technology, the shoe compliments your feet through each swing, hugging them without feeling too intrusive.
Walking felt elegant with the energy return from the springy, spongey Ignite Foam midsole, whilst eight tornado grips line the outsole of the shoe to keep you grounded while hitting your shot. They come in a traction pattern that helps to compliment the movement of your feet through the golf swing and that gave us a lot of confidence that we could strike through the golf ball with full power. They work well on the course, and are excellent golf shoes for the driving range too.
There isn't a traditional shoe tongue here either. That is replaced with a single construction that provides plenty of support around the whole foot. 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.
- Read our full Puma Ignite Articulate Golf Shoe Review
Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour Next% 2 Golf Shoe
Nike's golf line needs no introduction and this new shoe builds on its already impressive range...
The Infinity Tour Next% 2 (used by Brooks Koepka no less) is a winner for us at Golf Monthly. We tested the shoes on a 72 hole event straight out of the box and found them to be some of the most comfortable golf shoes we'd tried.
The Air Zoom unit is made up of a cushioned insole and updated midsole foam which delivers supreme comfort and stability, while the flyweave upper layer is super comfortable too. Nike offer a two-year waterproof warranty for those who need protection from the elements, meaning these shoes can be worn in the winter and the summer.
The fashion of the shoe may divide opinion (we love it), but traction and stability of the shoe is right up there as well thanks to additional spikes in the forefoot, raising the total of spikes to six, which is two more than the previous Infinity Tour Next%. This provided excellent traction while walking and swinging from different lies and means this is one of the best spiked golf shoes money can buy this year.
- Read our full Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour Next% 2 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 they actually look on the golf course. Each of the shoes listed above has been personally used by a member of the Golf Monthly team.
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.
Our Golf Monthly team is made up of golf fanatics, tasked with creating product reviews by golfers, for golfers. No manufacturer gets preferential treatment from us, nor can any brand 'buy' a good review. The only way a brand can achieve a glowing review is if they create a fantastic product - thankfully there are plenty of those on the market in this era of golf.
How to choose golf shoes
As you spend a lot of time on your feet on the golf course, its vital that you get the right shoes that will help keep your feet well supported and comfortable on the golf course. That can make your buying decision a tricky one, but we've set out below several key points that'll help you to make the most informed buying decision.
1. Comfort
What is the point of a golf shoe that your feet aren't comfortable in? There is enough technology in footwear in this day and age that you should feel comfortable in your golf shoes without losing stability or grip while swinging.
2. Grip/Stability/Traction
All three of these things are important because they allow you to commit to golf swings and play with confidence. If a pair doesn't deliver on these then you may slip, causing a bad shot or even worse, a bad injury. As a result, many of the models above, in both spiked and spikeless designs, have specifically designed traction patterns and lugs to make sure your feet don't slip. For wet weather golf, we recommend some of the products found on our guide to the best winter golf shoes.
3. Looks
As mentioned already in this buying guide - look good, feel good, play good. It's not just a cliche either, if you feel good on the course then you're putting yourself in the best position to succeed. If you want a traditional design then something like the FootJoy Pro/SL will work well, whereas if you want to stand out a bit more, the adidas Codechaos is something to consider. There are plenty of options out there now, with high top golf shoes, golf sneakers and golf boots all to choose from - check out our buying guides for more.
4. Waterproofing
If you are going to be walking in all weathers then you need a waterproof model too. Thankfully most of the models above and those on our guide to the best waterproof golf shoes provide 100% waterproof protection and we also recommend checking out specific brands that have long waterproof warranty's.
5. Sizes
Do some research on sizing. We try and include it as much as we can in our reviews, but not every size 9 feels like a size 9. Some brands fit a little bigger, some smaller. Some of you will require a buying guide for golf shoes for wide feet - and we have you sorted
6. Budget
Be aware of how much you want to spend because there is a model above for people at different price points. Shoes typically price above $100 these days, but we have our buying guide for the best golf shoes under $100 for those looking for a bargain.
For more advice take a look at our guides on the best golf shoes for plantar fasciitis, our best women's golf shoes guide and our guide to the best budget golf shoes too.
FAQs
Are golf shoes okay for walking?
Yes definitely. Modern golf shoes are designed to be as comfortable and supportive across 18 holes of golf. Most golfers will cover anywhere from 3 to 6 miles playing a game of golf, so pretty much all golf shoes will be suitable for other walks too.
What are the most comfortable golf shoes made from?
The most comfortable golf shoes are often made with soft, full-grain leather uppers and come with plenty of support and padding in the midsole. Our guide on the most comfortable golf shoes goes into more depth on the most comfortable golf shoes currently on the market.
What's the difference between a winter and a summer golf shoe?
Most golf shoes are made to be used all-year-round, but we do find that there are some shoes that are more suited to winter or summer golf. Depending on the climate and temperatures you regularly play in your buying preference will lean to one of these categories. Winter golf shoes tend to be more suitable for wet, muddy conditions, featuring spikes, waterproof designs and are generally a little more robust than summer shoes. Dissimilarly, shoes that are better for summer golf will tend to be a bit lighter, offer better breathability and ventilation and lastly will not generally feature spiked soles.
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