Best Golf Shoes 2026

When we think about the importance of our golf equipment, shoes rarely rank near the top of the list. Drivers, putters, irons and even golf bags are usually given greater priority, making it easy to overlook just how vital a good pair of golf shoes can be. In reality, much of the speed and power we generate in the swing comes from the ground up, passing directly through our feet. That makes it 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.

For those who may be unfamiliar, spiked golf shoes feature cleats on the sole that are designed to improve grip and stability during the swing, while spikeless models do away with traditional spikes altogether. As a result, spikeless shoes generally offer slightly less traction, but instead sit closer to the ground and tend to provide greater versatility off the course thanks to their more casual outsole design. Both styles aim to deliver on the same key fundamentals, including comfort, waterproof protection, looks and overall performance.

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

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 spiked

It was a close call for our top spot and FootJoy’s HyperFlex missed out by the narrowest of margins, but these shoes are hugely impressive. We were big fans of the 2023 FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon, so it was pleasing to see that FootJoy hasn’t torn up the rulebook with the 2025 update, instead refining what was already a very strong platform.

They may not be the most stylish or eye-catching shoes money can buy, but they’re far from unattractive. In fact, the white, orange and black colorway really grew on us during testing. Some golfers may prefer something a little more fashion-led when searching for a premium golf shoe, but what the HyperFlex lacks in outright aesthetics it more than makes up for in performance.

Comfort was immediate from the moment we slipped them on, and that supportive feel carried through from the very first swing. The shoe flexes naturally where you need it to, while remaining stable and supportive through key areas of the swing. Underfoot, the PowerPlate works to improve energy transfer and help boost speed, while the TPU Saddle on the upper limits unwanted foot movement and channels that energy back into the ground for added power and stability.

In short, this is the definition of an all-rounder. The HyperFlex is durable, grippy, comfortable and versatile enough to cope with whatever conditions you face on the course. It also speaks volumes that FootJoy athlete Justin Thomas has made the switch from a more traditional FootJoy silhouette to the HyperFlex, a strong endorsement of just how good these shoes are.

• Read our full FootJoy HyperFlex Golf Shoe Review

Best spikeless

Our pick for the best spikeless golf shoe of this year goes to the outstanding adidas Adizero ZG. First and foremost, these are among the most comfortable golf shoes money can buy. Just as impressively, their on-course performance is borderline astonishing for a spikeless model. The redesigned outsole is excellent, delivering levels of grip and security that rival many traditional spiked shoes.

The aggressive lugs around the edge of the outsole are so pronounced they almost resemble studs, yet they remain clubhouse-friendly and provide exceptional lateral grip, something we particularly appreciated during testing.

The Adizero ZG also excels as a lightweight option. The soft upper material is complemented by a moulded heel cushion inspired by adidas’ leading running shoes, offering targeted heel padding for added comfort, stability and support. As someone who is prone to blisters from golf shoes (even from previous adidas models) I felt both secure and comfortable throughout testing.

During the swing the shoes kept me firmly connected to the ground, allowing me to swing freely and aggressively, while still enjoying plenty of rebound and comfort when walking between shots and holes.

Like the FootJoy HyperFlex, the Adizero ZG narrowly misses out on our overall top spot, largely because the styling may not appeal to everyone. That said, if you’re looking for a durable, weather-resistant spikeless shoe that excels for walking and performs in all conditions, the Adizero ZG is an outstanding choice.

• Read our full Adidas Adizero ZG Golf Shoe Review
  

Best value

As the cost of playing golf continues to rise, value-for-money apparel has become more important than ever. Not just to us, but to the wider golf community. If you’re looking for a functional, stylish pair of golf shoes that won’t break the bank the Under Armour Drive Fade is an easy recommendation.

Since entering the golf shoe market in 2016, Under Armour has consistently delivered strong-performing models at sensible price points. Our tester, Conor Keenan, was impressed by the performance of both the Under Armour Phantom Fore shoes as well as the Under Armour Forge 96 shoes, but for those specifically seeking a spiked option, the Drive Fade stands out thanks to the excellent traction on offer.

Naturally, the more affordable price tag means these shoes don’t quite match the feature set of some premium models in this guide, but that’s to be expected. Crucially, all of the key boxes are ticked; grip, comfort, looks, durability and value. It’s also worth highlighting that the Drive Fade is fully waterproof, making it a reliable option for year-round use.

• Read our full Under Armour Drive Fade Golf Shoe Review

Most comfortable

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

Versatile golf shoes that work both on and off the course feel like a bit of a cheat code, at least in my head, as it’s hard not to feel like you’re getting two pairs of shoes for the price of one. The Ecco Street 720 is one of the best examples of this approach, with the brand describing it as a shoe “designed to be worn all day and night, offering big city vibes with a birdie mentality.”

The modern aesthetic makes it easy to pair with almost any outfit, whether you’re heading out for a round or popping to the pub on a Saturday evening. We’re also big fans of Ecco’s decision to keep branding to a minimum by opting for a more subtle look. That doesn’t mean the Street 720 is dull, though. Far from it. There are plenty of neat design touches that come together to create a clean, modern and highly versatile silhouette.

On the performance side, these are among the most comfortable spikeless golf shoes you can buy. They are not a model we’d recommend for year-round play, however, as they can be trickier to clean and don’t offer the same outright traction as the best spiked shoes. That said, grip levels remain impressive for a spikeless design and the Gore-Tex construction ensures your feet stay dry when the weather turns, which is a real bonus when those unexpected showers roll in mid-round.

• Read our full Ecco Street 720 Golf Shoe Review

Best insole

Straight off the bat, the G/FORE Gallivan2r is one of the best-looking golf shoes we’ve seen in the past decade. It perfectly blends the timeless design of the original G/FORE Gallivanter with the sportier edge of the G/FORE MG4+, resulting in what already feels like a modern classic.

If you’ve never experienced the comfort of G/FORE’s distinctive ribbed insole, the question is: why not? It gently massages your feet as you walk — a strange sensation at first, but a brilliant one. Once you’re used to it, it’s hard not to feel disappointed every time you pull on a shoe without it. Supporting that insole is a 3D-moulded heel cup that keeps the foot securely in place through the swing, while generous padding around the heel ensures there’s no rubbing — crucial, as blisters are a sure-fire way to ruin a round.

Despite being a spikeless design, grip is excellent thanks to the integrated rubber cleat system built into the outsole, with 13 cleats on each shoe providing impressive traction. Finally, it’s worth noting that G/FORE has opted for TPU upper materials rather than full-grain leather we see on the best G/Fore golf shoes, meaning the Gallivan2r is fully waterproof and well suited to variable conditions.

• Read our full G/FORE Gallivan2r Golf Shoe Review

Best looking

The moment I slipped into the FootJoy Packard LX I felt like a million dollars. Not only are they absolutely stunning to look at, but the premium leather construction elevates this classic silhouette and gives the shoe a genuinely special feel. They’re guaranteed to catch the eye - and earn you a few compliments! - on the first tee.

One standout feature is the nubuck leather panel running through the center of the full-grain leather upper, a detail FootJoy refers to as bison texturing. It’s just one of several premium touches that set this shoe apart, with the textured detailing around the toe area also adding to its high-end appeal.

Crucially, the Packard LX performs just as well as it looks on the course. While the feel is slightly firmer than more athletic models, comfort level remains excellent when walking the links. The outsole delivers strong multi-directional traction, keeping you stable on uneven lies and in wet conditions. If you’re in the market for a classic, brogue-style golf shoe, it’s hard to recommend anything other than the latest FootJoy Premiere Series.

• Read our full FootJoy Premiere Series Packard LX Golf Shoe Review

Best firm feel

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

When it comes to the very best golf shoe brands Puma can sometimes be overlooked, but the Royale may well change that. It’s arguably the best golf shoe Puma has produced to date and one that could firmly establish the brand as a serious player in this space. We were so impressed during testing that it earned a full five-star rating in our review.

Let’s start with the looks because they’re hard to ignore. The Royale delivers a clean, classy aesthetic that draws comparisons with shoes like the Sun Day Red Cypress Pioneer or the FootJoy Premiere, yet comes in at roughly half the price. We particularly liked the refined approach to branding, with Puma choosing to dial back its traditional logo in favour of subtle perforations rather than bold prints or colors. That low-profile execution adds a real sense of sophistication.

Build quality is equally impressive. The premium full-grain leather upper pairs perfectly with the minimalist design, while the Flexsole outsole provides plenty of grip underfoot. Beneath that, the PROFOAM midsole offers excellent cushioning along with a noticeable sense of energy return in every step.

At an RRP of just £114.99, it’s genuinely difficult to find fault with the Puma Royale and that value proposition goes a long way towards explaining why it walked away with a five-star rating.

• Read our full Puma Royale Golf Shoe Review

Best outsole

The new Under Armour Drive Pro SL has been redesigned with extensive input from world-renowned biomechanist JJ Rivet, alongside the brand’s highest-profile Tour athlete, Jordan Spieth.

From a technology standpoint, there are some significant updates. The headline feature is the all-encompassing Swing Support System, which spans everything from traction and the HOVR midsole right through to a redesigned lacing system. Under Armour has also introduced a new hybrid outsole that delivers a firmer, more stable feel, along with an updated nub configuration featuring varying heights to improve grip and ground penetration.

It didn’t take long during testing to realise that these are among the best spikeless shoes on the market. Weighing just 12oz, they’re one of the lighter options available, while grip levels were more than sufficient for a spikeless model. Overall performance was excellent, with the Swing Support System keeping the foot securely planted while providing support in all the key areas of the swing.

The only minor drawback is that the upper materials don’t feel quite as premium as some rival models, but given the level of performance on offer, that feels like a small compromise.

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

Best arch support

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

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’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.

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.

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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.

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