Sam Tremlett
As a brand, Nike is unsurpassed in sports. And over the years, many of the world's greatest athletes have worn sports apparel emblazoned with the famous Nike tick. From Rory McIlroy to Serena Williams, their roster of athletes is perhaps the most illustrious on the planet. However, when most people think of Nike they think of the company's most iconic athlete, Micheal Jordan. And Jordan loves golf, which is why the Nike subsidiary brand, Jordan, expanded its Jordan Brand of sneakers into the golf realm a few years ago.
The Jordan Brand is probably the most unique in golf because like Jordan sneakers, they can quickly become collector's items. These limited edition releases certainly appeal to a different demographic of golfers, perhaps a group that hasn’t always been welcome on the golf course.
The best Nike golf shoes are more readily available than Jordan golf shoes but they arguably don't have the same desirability as these offerings. What we have found is that the best golf shoes from Jordan might gain value that goes way beyond their performance or look on the golf course - these are also very capable golf shoes, with imaginative colors and designs that often venture way beyond golf’s stuffy past.
Virtually nothing is off-limits when it comes to Jordan shoes, especially when it comes to styling. Low tops, mid tops, even the best high tops, plenty of color combinations, materials, spikes and spikeless with aggressive soles describe the options. So without further ado, we've put together the below list of some of the best Jordan golf shoes. If these styles aren't to your taste, check out our guides on the best golf shoes for walking, the versatile styles of the best Ecco golf shoes or the best Skechers golf shoes too which are notorious for comfort.
The Quick List
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.
Nike has pushed the boat out with the retro design of the Jordan 1 shoe which features removable studs for both on and off-course wearability.
This is an eye-catching shoe with several design features that really help it to stand out. Stable and comfortable, with a good amount of grip, the it is a really solid offering.
Best Jordan Golf Shoes
Top pick
First up we have one of the best spikeless golf shoes out there - the Air Jordan 1 Low G. Paying tribute to the classic Jordan silhouette, these golf specific shoes have been redesigned. As such they feature encapsulated air in the heel cushions that make every step a joy, and they are made from genuine leather for comfort too.
While the outsole has been adjusted to suit added grip on the golf course, it's still incredibly low. 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 golf shoes.
- Read our full Nike Air Jordan Low 1 G Golf Shoe Review
Best spiked
The unusual thing about the Retro Jordan Low 1 shoes is that they featured a spiked outsole, something we haven't seen with the 1s to this point. However, for those players who like to wear their golf shoes both on and off the course, we have good news - the spikes are removable. This allows for excellent versatility, with excellent grip and traction on the course and the ability to show off this bold design off it.
We tested the blue and white colorway, inspired by the colors of Michael Jordan's alma mater, the University of North Carolina. The Tar Heel-themed shoes certainly caught the eye of some players when we tested these on the course.
A soft foam in the midsole deliver great support and comfort both through the swing and as you walk. These shoes are also fully waterproof, meaning you can wear them all twelve months of the year.
- Read our full Nike Air Jordan 1 Nu Retro G Golf Shoe Review
Best traditional style
Finally we have the ADG 4 shoes. Here Nike has produced a stunning, traditional design that is perfect for those summer rounds. Featuring a supple leather construction, you could be forgiven for thinking breathability is compromised somewhat but this is not the case thanks to holes textured all around its tongue and upper.
Keeping true to traditions, these shoes also have the iconic elephant print pattern on their heel as well as the signature Jordan logo. And while you'll look the part on the course wearing these shoes, their rubber sole has an integrated traction pattern that offers a stable and firm base on the ground. In terms of performance, we found the traction of the sole gave plenty of stability. We tested these shoes on a damp, dreary day when any lack of traction would certainly have shown up but the ADG 4 showed no weakness whatsoever in this area.
Finally we found them to be very comfortable thanks to the Nike React technology. It features a lightweight, durable foam which absorbs just the right amount of pressure to make them a very comfortable shoe even on the toughest of walks.
- Read our full Nike Jordan ADG 4 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?
Specifically in golf shoe testing, shoe expert Dan Parker oversees the section thanks to his years of experience in testing golf shoes. He is also ably assisted by other members of the Golf Monthly team, such as other members of the golf equipment testing team like PGA Professional Joe Ferguson, and former EuroPro/Clutch Pro Tour player Sam De'Ath.
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 golf shoes
Nike Jordan shoes are some of the best and most reliable golf shoes on the market. Each boasts a variety of features that will help you play better and score lower rounds, but which shoe is right for you? As there are a lot of things to consider when purchasing the best golf shoe, from grip to comfort, we've decided to set a few key points out for you below, that will help you make the most informed choice when buying your next pair of golf Jordans.
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. 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. 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.
Waterproofing
If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain, then a waterproof shoe is a must. Some of the best designs will keep your feet bone dry but if you play golf in glorious sunshine most of the time, then you may view other factors as more significant, like breathability. Many players choose to have one pair for winter and a lighter pair for summer as both kinds of shoe suit different requirements.
Getting the right fit
When picking out golf shoes getting the right fit is important because otherwise blisters can build up or your feet may slide around inside, which can limit your stability when playing a shot. 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.
When it comes to the right fit, it is also worth considering using 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.
Styling
Thankfully modern golf shoe design has seen many brands create not just 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.
Budget
Some of the best golf shoes on the market do come with a pretty heavy price tag and it is always wise to shop around before you commit to buying a new pair of golf shoes. But there are also shoes at the other end of the spectrum as well and we have created guides on the best budget golf shoes and best golf shoes under $100.
FAQs
Are Jordan golf shoes worth it?
While Jordan golf shoes sit on the more expensive end of the spectrum, they are certainly worth it. They're without a doubt one of the rarer golf shoes on the market that will stand out on course, and they're also very well made.
Is Jordan owned by Nike?
Yes. Much like the regular street sneakers, Nike is in charge of creating Air Jordan golf shoes.
Do Air Jordan golf shoes run small?
No. From our testing, we've found all Air Jordan golf shoes are true to size. It must be said that Nike shoes can come up narrow but from our testing this is not the case with Jordan shoes.
If you enjoyed this guide on the best Nike Jordan golf shoes, be sure to check out the Golf Monthly website for more guides, such as the best Under Armour golf shoes, best adidas golf shoes or best FootJoy golf shoes.
