There has never been more options on the market for golf shoes. No matter what aspect of performance you value above all else, there will be something out there that fits the bill. Spiked, spikeless, waterproof, textile, casual, traditional - whatever you are after there will be a model for you. Here, however, we will be focusing on the rise of the golf sneaker. As versatile as they come, these offer golfers sneaker-like looks and feel with the performance of the best golf shoes. These shoes are designed to be worn on and off the course and offer as much comfort and style off the course as they do on it. They also add a relaxing vibe to a game that has been guilty of being stuffy and exclusive in the past. Of course, there is nothing wrong with preferring a traditional look, but more and more brands are catering for a wide array of styles and we are in full support. Check out some of our picks for the best golf sneakers below.
WATCH: Dan Parker tests over 25 pairs of the best golf shoes to crown his 2024 winner!
The Quick List
An excellent sneaker-style golf shoe that offers the ample comfort and stability. The versatility of the Air Max 270 G golf shoe is hard to beat.
UA have taken inspiration from the brand's most successful running shoes, while delivering the performance expected from a tour quality golf shoe.
A shoe with stunning looks that performs very well on the course. The GrandPro AM is a comfortable wear that delivers good grip and has plenty of off-course versatility.
This performed very well in most areas like comfort and stability. The aesthetics look cool and aid versatility, whilst there are loads of colors to choose from.
Stunning looks and incredible on/off course versatility is all packaged up in a comfortable and grippy golf shoe that will keep sneaker enthusiasts and golfers alike very happy indeed.
Blending urban streetwear styles with golf, Puma has developed a versatile golf shoe that provides fantastic comfort and support to your feet and ankles.
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The G-Style is waterproof and comes with a one-year waterproof warranty. It also provides decent grip and a clean style that will work both on and off the course.
A stand-out casual spikeless golf shoe that any sneaker fan should have in their locker. The grip and comfort surprised us out of the box.
Best Golf Sneakers
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Top pick
Perhaps one of the best golf sneakers in the game, the Air Max 270 G shoe is a sporty and stylish option that can be worn both on and off the course. It comes in three different colorways with each delivering a clean and crisp aesthetic, that looks great paired up with some of the best golf trousers.
The shoe certainly appeals to a younger audience, but there is no mistaking that it is great for those looking for more comfort too. It does fit fairly snug so you may want to order a size up if you want a non-restrictive fit. It is extremely breathable and offers up plenty of ventilation thanks to the mesh covering around the upper, which is water-resistant and easy to clean.
Akin to many of the best spikeless golf shoes out there, the Air Max 270 delivers plenty of traction on the turf thanks to the rubber ridges and bumps on the sole of the shoe. We felt pretty stable in damp conditions and that also adds to the versatility of the shoe, which we felt could be worn in almost any situation, from the course to the shops.
- Read our full Nike Air Max 270 G Golf Shoes Review
Best value
This shoe is the definition of a golf sneaker. What we mean here, is in testing we noticed we could easily use this shoe at home, to the gym, walk 18 holes, have a drink in the bar and stop to pick up groceries on the way home.
The sleek, athletic style works just about anywhere, and the upper offers breathability and comfort all day. In particular, we loved the Storm Flat Knit Collar around the ankle which provides a locked-in feel while also being extremely comfortable.
We felt very stable even when swinging hard in the Charged Phantom SL however we should say that whilst the shoe performed really well in dry to damp conditions, we would recommend a spiked model if you play more golf in wetter conditions. Finally style wise we enjoyed the blue color we tested above, but there are three other colors to choose from as well, each of which really look great.
- Read our full Under Armour Charged Phantom SL Golf Shoe Review
Best looking
A seriously classy looking sneaker-like golf shoe that offers bags of versatility both on and off the golf course, the Cole Haan GrandPro AM shoe is a real winner in terms of style and we certainly felt comfortable wearing these away from the golf course. We actually wore them plenty of times away from the course, from doing the food shop to going to the pub, and that was the beauty of these shoes. Buy them and you'll get a lot of use out of them. Akin to many of the best waterproof golf shoes, these sneakers are fully waterproof and will keep your feet warm and dry in some of the most adverse conditions, too, and they were very easy to wipe clean if you did manage to get them mucky.
We tested them on a particularly rainy day and we got some good traction from the many small rubber lugs on the bottom of the shoe. We'd advise going for one of the best winter golf shoes if you're planning on playing through harsher conditions. But we really enjoyed the traction on offer here with our feet barely slipping when things got wet underfoot. They were very comfortable to wear and did the job, but the real use for these shoes will be on the course during the drier summer months, and we feel the thick sole will offer plenty of support to your knees. Overall, they are one of the most stylish golf shoes we've tested this year.
- Read our full Cole Haan GrandPro AM Golf Shoes Review
Best unique design
The G/FORE G.112 golf shoes are a versatile and comfortable golf sneaker that offer up superb aesthetics as well as plenty of performance. Similar to many of the best G/FORE golf shoes they boast a unique design that sets them apart from many of the other fantastic options on this list. The leather upper combines seamlessly with the spongey midsole to deliver a fantastic looking shoe that we think will look great worn in social settings as well as the golf course.
The shoe's outsole also offers plenty of traction in damp and dry ground. We think it'd be a great sneaker to wear in the summer, with the internal mesh lining offering up plenty of ventilation. And don't worry if you do get caught in the rain either! This shoe is 100% waterproof, akin to many of the best waterproof golf shoes in the game right now.
Lastly, the highlight here was perhaps the comfort on offer. The interior is cushioned and feels superb, with your feet being supported by plenty of padding that will prevent any rubbing or annoying blisters. The built-in mesh lining on this shoe also means they offer plenty of ventilation, making the G.112's a great option to wear during the summer months.
- Read our full G/FORE G.112 Golf Shoes Review
Best summer shoe
We absolutely love these shoes because our testing showed them to be a worthy addition to this guide thanks to the blend of comfort and retro looks. They don't look like golf shoes at all which is a big win when it comes to casual shoes.
Comfort was top-notch as well thanks to the underfoot cushioning as well as the hidden Zoom Air unit towards the heel. Admittedly it gave a springy feeling when walking but it does make you feel slightly higher than other golf shoes so this does take a bit of time to get used to.
The grip was solid thanks to the rubber traction outsole and it will perform well in damp conditions but for proper deluges we would recommend a spiked shoe instead. Additionally, while synthetic leather overlays give the shoes full waterproof protection, we would recommend spraying some protector on the suede areas before you start using them.
These are a fantastic summer shoe because in addition to being great for golf, you can wear them off the course too.
- Read our full Nike Air Pegasus '89 Golf Shoe Review
Most comfortable
These are a statement shoe for those players wanting to complete a streetwear look on the course. Admittedly these shoes will not be everyone's cup of tea and we did get several comments when we first tested them out.
But aesthetics aside, our testing procedures showed us that Puma have put an awful lot of technology into these shoes, making them one of the most comfortable spikeless golf shoes on the market. The chunky sole provides exceptional level of cushioning as you walk around the course, while the mesh sock-liner prevents the risk of blisters arising on your feet.
The GS-Fast comes with a wide rubber outsole that is littered with a ton of small rubber studs. That means these shoes are better used as a summer golf shoe but still performed very well in slightly soft autumnal conditions with their grippy outsole providing solid traction on the turf. They are also completely waterproof and are very easy to wipe down after your round.
- Read our full Puma GS-Fast Golf Shoe Review
Best waterproofing
One of the best-looking golf shoes on the market right now, the Mizuno G-Style Golf Shoe is a stunning option for a variety of golfers looking for a shoe they can wear both on and off the golf course. They offer bags of versatility and when we got our hands on them, we loved that we felt really comfortable wearing them around the town as well as on the golf course. That was also helped by how comfy they are, being one of the most comfortable golf shoes around. The soft touch Kuraray synthetic leather upper makes for a very relaxed yet smart combination that is also lightweight.
They are probably more suited to summer golf conditions. However, the grip on these shoes helps these shoes retain traction on wetter and slippery surfaces. They felt solid around the course and that is down to the rubber sole that features a ton of grippy lugs on its wide footprint. That also makes them one of the best golf shoes for wide feet. Lastly, they also come with a one-year waterproof warranty and we had no issues playing in the rain with these shoes!
- Read our full Mizuno G-Style Golf Shoe Review
Best low design
A high-quality and stylish pair of golf shoes, the Air Jordan Low G Golf Shoes are built from genuine leather to deliver extreme comfort on the course. Their classic look pays tribute to the original Air Jordans, first released in the early 80s. But these have been re-designed for golf and feature encapsulated air in the heel cushions that make every step a joy.
While the outsole has been adjusted to suit added grip on the golf course, it's still incredibly low profile. The adjustments on the outsole include a forefoot pivot circle, which offers extra traction on one of the most vital areas of the foot. We found no problems with grip in dry and damp conditions. That being said we certainly wouldn't wear these shoes in properly wet conditions, but the grip in damp morning conditions was impressive.
While these shoes are designed for use in warmer conditions, they do also come with a 1 year waterproof warranty, which is a great addition as you can never predict when the heavens will open on the course. Ultimately, these shoes exist to look really good on - and off - the golf course with the comfort we had while walking was an added bonus. With that in mind, these are brilliant casual spikeless golf shoes
- Read our full Nike Air Jordan Low 1 G 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 the sneakers perform when variables change like weather, ground conditions, different stances and lies, and so on. We think this also gives us information on the little details as well like which brands come up small or large, which models start to rub a bit too much after 36 holes, which designs can be used off the golf course and for the drive home?
As these shoes are sneakers, we also used many of them in other settings around the clubhouse, or on our way to the course. That also gave us a good indication of their versatility and how well they can be styled with everyday clothing.
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 though, as all our reviews are made by golfers, for golfers. If you're looking to find out more about the methodology behind our golf shoe testing process, take a look at our how we test guide, which also provides information on how we rank each product.
Here at Golf Monthly, golf shoe testing is headed up by Staff Writer Dan Parker along with the entire Golf Monthly team.
How to choose golf shoes
There are a number of factors to consider when picking out your next pair of golf sneakers, particularly if you have wider feet than others. Let's take a look at them.
Comfort
Once you know the right size to go for, comfort is the next factor to be aware of. If a shoe isn't comfortable, you aren't going to wear it so we recommend trying on different models before you buy.
When trying shoes on, listen for a 'whoosh' sound which should indicate air leaving the shoe which usually suggests a good fit. Walk around in the shoes too so you can feel any pinching and whether your feet are moving around inside them. A correctly fitted shoe should do neither of these things.
This is important because if your feet slide around inside, or you get rubbing and blisters, you won't want to wear them again and they could damage your feet and hinder your performance.
Support
Similarly, when purchasing a pair of golf sneakers you need to make sure you buy the shoe that provides you with the most support. This is especially vital if you're planning on playing regularly in these shoes with it being very easy to twist and turn your ankle while walking on an undulating course.
Likewise, it is also very easy to put additional strain or stress on your knees or hips, if you're not wearing a well-supported pair of shoes. For that reason, you need to consider buying sneakers that keep your feet well locked into the shoe, provide good ankle support and superior cushioning underfoot.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is always important in a good golf shoe. Us golfers are outside all day sometimes and that means the occasional bit of rain is inevitable, and your shoes need to be able to deal with this. Therefore always check if a model is waterproof. While golf sneakers are mostly designed for summer use, you will find some that are waterproof, as the weather can be very unpredictable, it might be a wise decision to purchase a shoe that will always keep your feet dry. It's also worth noting that some shoes are 'water-resistant' and they will survive in a short shower, but will struggle to keep the water out in significant rain.
Grip
Golf sneakers are designed to be worn during the summer months as their lack of spikes means they are not great for use in wet or muddy terrain. But it is still always important to buy the shoe that gives you the best grip. Grip is so important as the better connection you have with the ground, the greater your performance on the course will be. Plus with a spikeless golf shoe you'll get greater versatility to wear the shoe not just on the course but off it as well.
Spiked golf shoes offer better grip and stability but don't sit as low to the ground as spikeless models.
Spikeless golf shoes offer off-course versatility but might not offer as much traction. Have a think about which factor is most important to you here.
As you have seen in this guide, most of the best casual golf shoes are spikeless, so check out our best spiked golf shoes guide for a comprehensive look at some spiked options.
Budget
Finally be aware of your budget because you can find a casual golf shoe at any price point. Sneakers can be some of the more expensive models on the market because they combine greater style elements from some of the biggest and best apparel brands on the market. But as they are made of slightly less material compared to a spiked golf shoe, you can find some great deals on golf sneakers on the market if you shop around.
FAQs
Are sneakers OK to wear when playing golf?
There was once a time when it would have been frowned upon to wear sneakers at a golf club, but now it seems as attitudes towards apparel are changing, so are the clothes that golfers are wearing. While there may be some clubs may still have more traditionalist rules on the type of shoes you can wear, it is generally okay to wear sneakers when playing golf.
What sneakers are good for golf?
Sneakers aren't ideal to play golf in, in fact some golf courses won't allow them. That's where these golf sneakers are ideal as they are styled well but also perform like a good golf shoe. The benefits of a specific golf sneaker is the outsole, which will give you much more grip on course that a regular sneaker outsole.
Do professional golfers wear spikeless golf shoes?
Yes, a lot of PGA and DP World Tour golfers wear spikeless golf shoes. As they are regularly playing in warm climates on the most well manicured golf courses, Tour pros are able to wear spikeless shoes that will still give them ample grip when playing their shots.
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