Best High-Top Golf Shoes 2024

Our guide to the best high-top golf shoes on the market right now

Best High-Top Golf Shoes
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
Best High-Top Golf Shoes: Quick Menu

Although intended to aid performance, golf shoes have become as much of a fashion statement as anything else nowadays, especially among recreational players. But even in the professional game, we see a fairly wide variety of styles gracing our TV screens. Not all of the best golf shoes have to look the same and these high-top sneakers are some of the most stand-out designs currently on the market. 

As golf becomes a much more modern and laid back sport, one style of shoe that has broken through in the market is the high-top. More commonly regarded as a type of sneaker, some brands have released a golf shoe version of this popular street-style piece of footwear. The high-top can come in several different styles. Some are designed to give you a unique and sporty look on the course while others are could be referred to as winter boots. They are perhaps a little more robust and are perfect for winter golf conditions, which will help keep your feet warm and dry in wet conditions. 

There are some who won't favour this look and prefer something more traditional like what's contained in our guide to the best spiked golf shoes, but for those out there with a desire for something a little more flamboyant, read on. Incidentally, we also have guides to the most comfortable golf shoes and the best golf shoes that might be of interest.

The Quick List

Best High-Top Golf Shoes

Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Duca Del Cosma Palazzo Golf Boot

Duca Del Cosma Palazzo Boot and their furry instep and tongue

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
Perhaps the warmest boot on this list

Specifications

Sizes: 3-9
Waterproof: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Practical and comfortable for winter golf
+
Warm and waterproof

Reasons to avoid

-
Faux fur styling won't appeal to everyone

The Duca Del Cosma Palazzo golf boot is just one of several new models from the Italian brand’s extensive collection of shoes and boots, all of which are designed to keep feet warm and dry. The outer cow leather is exceptionally soft and this combined with the faux fur lining around the top of the collar and inside the tongue immediately gives these boots a stylish and a cosy appearance. When you slip them on, they fit nice and snug, especially around the ankle and feel like a comfy pair of slippers.

The faux fur might not appeal to everyone and did collect flecks of mud, although the fur was easy to clean and very warming. Similarly, the white rim around the bottom of the boot did get very dirty, but then I knew these boots were too nice to wear for playing golf!All in all, this is a fantastic winter boot that is available in three colour options. It combines modern styling and good performance to make winter golf more pleasurable. 

Puma DRYLBL Golf Boots

Puma DRYLBL Golf Boots

(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
Not necessarily pretty but a very effective winter golf boot from Puma

Specifications

Sizes: 7-12
Waterproof: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Very grippy even when very wet
+
Very comfortable and supportive to wear
+
Highly Waterproof all over the boot

Reasons to avoid

-
Not too aesthetically pleasing

This golf boot is perfect for those wet cold days of winter, especially on courses where the rough might be longer. Puma have some great shoes on the market and have been very popular with their modern aesthetics. The golf boot doesn’t follow that trend, you can see that this boot is designed to do a job and looks are secondary. 

Overall these boots tick a lot of boxes and could be one of the best winter golf boots on the market. They keep you dry, comfy and warm which are all the key areas. The only down point for me was the aesthetics but we think this is a really solid option for a winter golf boot/shoe.

Duca Del Cosma Bologna Golf Boot

Duca Del Cosma Bologna golf shoe review

(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
A fashionable golf boot that delivers out on the course

Specifications

Sizes: 6-12
Waterproof: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Quick Lacing System is easy and convenient to use
+
Comfortable, supportive midsole
+
Made using recycled materials

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as breathable in warm conditions

Duca Del Cosma is a brand that boasts five different boot models for men and a further seven for women, which makes them one of the market leaders when it comes to winter golf shoes

Aesthetically, the golf boot can be an acquired taste for some golfers. Often, it's substance over style with this sort of shoe (you can see this with some of the examples listed below), but the Bologna is probably one of the best examples of a good-looking golf boot, although beauty is always in the eye of the beholder and it will not be the taste of everyone. 

While the choice of a spikeless outsole is interesting considering the conditions you'll likely be wearing these boots in, we feel that the Bologna is one of the most sophisticated, cultured golf boots on the market. and in terms of combining looks and performance we feel this is one of the best golf boots we've tested.

Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% Shield Shoe

Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% Shield Shoe Review

(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
A strong all around boot with impressive waterproof properties

Specifications

Sizes: 4-14
Waterproof: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Highly impressive waterproofing abilities
+
Sturdy materials ensure warmth
+
Comfortable sole and excellent traction

Reasons to avoid

-
Lack of forgiveness in the heel
-
Aesthetically divisive

Certainly a leading player in the best golf boot market, the Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% Shield is a strong all-around product. 

Looks-wise, these boots have split opinion among consumers but we think this is one of the best-looking winter golf shoes on the market right now - especially when you consider how difficult it is to make a golf boot look as stylish as its summer rival. The iron grey colorway that we tested did not look out of place with any outfit and they also hid mud and dirt well too - a significant plus point, especially in the winter.

A lack of support in the heel, plus divisive aesthetics could put some off, but the impressive waterproofing abilities and brilliant traction in the sole ensure it delivers in plenty of other key areas.

Overall, these boots are one of the best we've tested this year and while they may not be for everyone in terms of aesthetics, if you are looking for a statement piece on the course this winter, you probably don’t need to look any further.

Duca del Cosma Olivia Boot

Duca Del Cosma Olivia Women's Waterproof Golf Boots

(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
Another classic offering by Italian brand Duca Del Cosma

Specifications

Sizes: 3-9
Waterproof: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Beautiful design
+
Comfortable fit
+
Waterproof and warm

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be a slightly narrow fit for some golfers

The Duca Del Cosma Olivia golf boot is just one of several new models from the Italian brand’s extensive collection of shoes and boots, all of which are designed to keep feet warm and dry in winter conditions. The Italian brand leave no stone unturned when it comes to ensuring women have a wide choice of styles to keep for winter golf and we loved the Olivia when we tested it.

This is a stunning looking boot that performs as good as it looks. Available in black or brown, the style is understated, so speaks for itself, but most importantly, it’s really comfortable, will keep your feet warm and dry and provides generous traction for winter golf. Definitely one of the best women's golf boots on the market.

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. 

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?  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. 

How to choose a golf shoe

There are a number of factors to consider when picking out your next pair of golf shoes especially if you have wider feet than others. Let's take a look at them.

1. 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 you are 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 so neither of these things. This is important because if your feet slide around inside, or you get rubbing and blisters, you won't wear them again and they could damage your feet and performance.

2. Spiked or spikeless?

Next up is to decide between spiked and spikeless. There is a mix of styles above but you should know that they have pros and cons.

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.

3. 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. Some shoes are 'water-resistant' where they will survive in a short shower but will struggle to keep the water out in significant rain.

4. Budget

Finally be aware of your budget because you can find a casual golf shoe at any price point. Some golf shoes come in at some hefty prices and sometimes its best to avoid the top order models as there are many value options on the market that come in at much better prices.

For that reason why not also check out our guides to the best budget golf shoes, best winter golf shoes and best waterproof golf shoes, for some excellent options that will rival many of the models on this list. 

FAQs

Do golf shoes need to be waterproof?

It's not essential you have waterproof golf shoes, but it's very helpful if they are. Waterproof golf shoes will keep you dry if you're suddenly caught in a rain shower or if the ground is wet underfoot. Even if you primarily play in dry conditions, have a waterproof shoe will give you peace of mind that your feet will stay dry. 

Are waterproof golf shoes heavier than normal golf shoes?

Generally, yes. Waterproof golf shoes tend to be made of more robust materials that protect your feet from the elements on the golf course. Compared to a pair of golf shoes that are designed for summer conditions, the best waterproof shoes will be a little more robust and are generally made from leather compared to the mesh materials on some of the best options for breathability.

Should you buy a spiked or spikeless pair of waterproof golf shoes?

Spiked golf shoes will generally tend to offer more grip on wetter terrain, so are generally a better option for winter golf. But that doesn't mean to say that spikeless golf shoes are not as grippy, with some of the best spikeless golf shoes offering great traction on any terrain. Ultimately, your buying decision will come down to what you're most comfortable with. Some players prefer to use spikeless golf shoes as they offer more versatility, but others may choose to use spiked shoes as they help to deliver, generally, more traction. 

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Dan Parker
Staff Writer

Dan has been with Golf Monthly team since 2021. He graduated with a Masters degree in International Journalism from the University of Sussex and looks after equipment reviews and buyer's guides, specializing in golf shoe, golf bag and golf cart reviews. Dan has now tested and reviewed over 30 pairs of golf shoes and is an expert in the field. A left-handed golfer, his handicap index is currently 6.5 and he plays at Fulford Heath Golf Club in the West Midlands. 


Dan is currently playing: 


Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 

Fairway: TaylorMade Stealth 2 15°, Ping G425 Max 21°

Hybrid: Ping G425 

Irons: Cobra King Tec Utility, Ping i230 (5-PW) 

Wedges: Ping Glide Forged Pro

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X

Ball: TaylorMade TP5x

With contributions from