There was a time when the best golf shoes in the game were unquestionably spiked. Now more and more tour professionals are wearing spikeless golf shoes, but that isn't to say the best spiked options don't offer best-in-class traction in all kinds of conditions when you're out on the course. In fact, some of the top models on the market right now are spiked golf shoes.
Ultimately the type of golf shoes you chose to wear depends on what kind of conditions and courses you regularly play. The best pairs of spiked shoes in this list offer grip and stability on wet surfaces, bunkers and just about any stance golf throws at you. These shoes are ideal for winter golf when the ground is a little more softer underfoot. But don't think spiked shoes are only to be used when the ground is wet. Many of the best modern spiked shoes come with a very low-profile, meaning you don't feel the spikes on dry ground and they also leave very minimal damage to greens.
WATCH: Dan Parker tests over 25 pairs of the best golf shoes to crown his 2025 winner!
So, to help you narrow your search for the best spiked golf shoe, we have listed below some of the best models currently on the market. We've selected a range of brands and price-points to hopefully suit every golfer out there. This guide focusses only on men's spiked shoes, but check out our guide on the best women's golf shoes too. Alternatively if you would rather get a spikeless pair, check out our guide on the best spikeless golf shoes. We also have guides on the best golf shoes for walking and the best golf shoes for winter as well.
The Quick List
Our top spiked shoe of 2025 is the Payntr Eighty Seven SC. They deliver a slick, sophisticated look and excellent traction, especially for those with faster club head speeds.
A golf shoe that offers outstanding support throughout the foot, the Drive Pro has been upgraded with new technologies. Grip is excellent as well.
The shoe of choice for grand slam major winner Rory McIlroy, the Victory Tour 4 shoes deliver in every area you want them to - comfort, grip, protection, durability and looks.
Comfortable, full of support and great levels of grip mean the 2025 version of FootJoy's Hyperflex shoe is one of the best golf shoes on the market. The looks may leave some players wanting more, however.
Arguably one of the best looking golf shoes on the market, the Premiere Series Packard LX is as premium a golf shoe as you'll find on the market.
It may not be the softest or best-looking shoe out there, but Under Armour has done a superb job balancing price, performance and comfort here to create a shoe that will suit a wide range of golfers.
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A valuable addition to G/FORE's growing selection of spiked golf shoes, the MG4+ O2 G/Lock shoes fit beautifully whilst providing exceptional comfort for all 18 holes.
One of, if not the best golf shoe Puma have ever made. The Royale golf shoes combine classy styling with on course performance and value for money, ticking every box you want ticked when on the search for a pair of new golf shoes to purchase.
Maybe the most luxurious golf shoe on the market, Tiger Woods brand 'Sun Day Red' have not disappointed with their first proper golf shoe launch, the Pioneer Cypress.
Our best overall pick, the Tour360 is a premium golf shoe that offers stunning looks, comfort, cutting-edge technology and raises the franchise bar again.
Best Spiked Golf Shoes
Top pick
Considering our top pick for 2025 are the shoe of choice for Malbon's Jason Day, it's maybe a little surprising that he opts for such a subdued but classy looking golf shoe given how brash some of his outfits have been in recent times. At the same time though, when we consider how good these shoes look, maybe it isn't as surprising...
I'd argue this shoe is just as good looking as some of the best 'classic' styles on the market like the G/FORE Gallivan2r G/Lock, FootJoy Premiere Series Field or the Adidas MC80.
Ample grip and traction is on offer here thanks to two main design elements. First the carbon fibre propulsion plate situated just above the outsole is the real stand-out performer of this shoe. Running the full length of the shoe, this is a piece of carbon that allowed us to effectively harness the ground during the swing and the rebound felt through the outsole was excellent, when hitting shots and generally walking.
Secondly, the Soft Spikes Tour Flex Pro spikes (yes, a bit of a mouthful) add to that 'locked in' sense you feel as you move through your golf swing.
- Read our full Payntr Eighty Seven SC Golf Shoe Review
Most support
Under Armour's flagship 2024 design is the Drive Pro which features a lot of technology in its design. Two years of research and development led to what it's calling a Swing Support System - otherwise known as S3. S3 covers everything from traction and the midsole all the way up to a new lacing system developed by the Under Armour team. Indeed in our testing the S3 system worked faultlessly to keep the foot planted on the ground while offering the foot the support it needed to move in the shoe while also supporting it in key areas.
A noticeable improvement from the previous HOVR model is the the new midsole which utilizes softer, energy returning foam on the medial side of the foot and paired that with firmer, more supportive materials on the lateral side of the foot to support it through the movement of the swing.
Add to this the new lacing system and spikes, along with the lightweight feel at just 12oz, the Pro performed very well in testing. Although it should be acknowledged that we weren't huge fans of the writing on the side of the shoe, which distracts from what could be a really great looking shoe. Additionally the quality of the upper materials don't quite meet that of its direct rivals, which offer softer, more premium materials throughout the upper. That being said it does come in at a slightly lower price point compared to other premium designs.
- Read our full Under Armour Drive Pro Golf Shoe Review
Best firm feel
Rory McIlroy's choice of footwear as he slipped on the Green Jacket and completed the career grand slam at The Masters in April, the popular Victory Tour golf shoes may have just become a lot more popular.
The forth iteration of the shoe boasts and new frame for a better shape and fit - chiefly the Dynamic Fit system for more support and the Cushlon midsole for comfort and stability. Extra padding around the ankle and an internal strap on the inside of the shoe allow for optimum enjoyment during your round as the shoe contours to the shape of your feet. There's also plenty of grip on offer thanks to the spikes on the outsole. This was noticeable during testing and only added to the reasons why this is one of the best premium golf shoes on the market.
Although they aren't the softest shoe under foot, comfort has a different definition for different people. I, for one, prefer a slightly firmer golf shoe and this is a shoe that can give me that firmer feel whilst also delivering plenty of comfort. They also look great in keeping with previous version of this shoe.
- Read our full Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 4 Golf Shoe Review
Best all rounder
A contender for golf shoe of the year, period, the Hyperflex from Footjoy are all about pure performance. The FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon was my favorite shoe of 2023 and FootJoy haven't ripped up the playbook with the latest iteration, providing simple but slightly upgraded looks whilst adding to the comfort and traction on offer.
The aesthetic on offer here doesn't fit everyone's eye but I personally think it's a slick one. You could argue some buyers will want FootJoy to go a little further when it comes to looks but at the same time, that isn't what this shoe is about.
During testing my feet sat beautifully in the shoes and felt well supported, yet comfortable, every time I put them on to play. Through the swing, it flexed in the areas I needed it to while supporting it in key areas through the swing too. The PowerPlate on the sole helps boost energy transfer during the swing to enhance speed. The TPU Saddle on the upper also helps promote speed and power, taking any energy from your foot moving upwards in the shoe and transferring it back into the ground.
This is a shoe for all year-round wear and are packed full of high tech, perfect for avid golfers who get a lot of rounds of golf in throughout the year.
- Read our full FootJoy HyperFlex Golf Shoe Review
Best looking
Not many brands, if any do the 'classic' golf shoe look better than Footjoy and the Packard LX shoes from their Premiere Series range is yet another example of that.
When I tested these shoes earlier this year, I felt like a million bucks the moment I slipped them on. I even got compliments as I walked to the first tee box! Not only do they look stunning, they ooze both class and quality. My first thing I noticed while wearing them was the small added details like the the nubuck leather pattern running through the middle of the full grain leather upper, a feature Footjoy have branded their 'bison texturing'. The texturing on the toe area in particular looks and feels incredibly premium.
The impressive outsole provided lots of stability through the golf swing thanks to the multidirectional traction which kept me stabilized even in wetter weather. If you're after a shoe in this classic, brogue style I wouldn't point you in any other direction than the latest Premiere Series.
- Read our full FootJoy Premiere Series Packard LX Golf Shoe Review
Best value
Available for less than $100, the Drive Fade shoes from Under Armour are one of the best budget golf shoes on the market. A simple silhouette is available in a range of colorways to help you spice your look up a bit, whilst the grip on offer from the outsole and the same S3 spikes used on the Drive Pro shoes is fantastic - it's clear Under Armour have spared no expense in this department. Did I mention they're waterproof as well?
Given the price, it's to be expected that a few more synthetic materials will be used here and that is indeed the case, meaning the feeling of the shoe isn't as soft as the leather and more premium options in this guide. As with most Under Armour shoes, these have quite a firm feel but I believe this to be a brand tactic to go for out and out performance over maximum comfort. That being said they aren't uncomfortable and the fit is superb. My feet felt really locked in during the swing and I felt supported to.
All in all there is a lot of golf shoe for your money here. Solid looks, excellent performance and a price point that the casual and budget-conscious golfer can appreciate. There is also a spikeless version if that is more your scene as well.
- Read our full Under Armour Drive Fade Golf Shoe Review
Best insole
The insole in the MG4+ shoes if worth the purchase alone, providing extraordinary levels of comfort during your walk on the golf course. G/FORE's signature insole features small nubs that give your foot a massage as you walk along. If, like me, you feet can start to ache and tire near the end of rounds, I would simply start wiggling my toes around in the shoe whilst moving my foot around the shoe for a massaging sensation, a feeling you don't get from any other brand of shoe.
The 10 spikes added to the outsole also help provide fantastic levels of grip through your swing. The performance was consistently excellent no matter the conditions as these shoes were tested in both dry and wet conditions. The only slight criticism we'd make is the 'clunky' design of the large midsole that may not be to everyone's taste. However, six unique colorways also gives you plenty of creative options to jazz up your look.
- Read our full G/FORE MG4+ O2 G/Lock Golf Shoe Review
Most underrated
It's easy to let Puma pass you by when you think of the best golf shoe brands, but their latest release in the 'classic' shoe market is one that should not be missed - we loved the performance of the Royale shoes we awarded them five stars in our review. Let me tell you why...
Firstly, look at them. They're a simple but classy style that reminds us of the FootJoy Premiere or the Sun Day Red Cypress Pioneer shoes, but are available for half the price. I appreciate the refined branding on the side of the shoe, with Puma selflessly deciding to sacrifice their trademark logo featured across the body created and opting for faint perforations rather than a large eye-catching print or color instead. This lower profile design adds a lot of class in my opinion.
In terms of the build quality, the premium full-grain leather does most of the talking and compliments the low profile design. The Flexsole outsole is impressive as well, providing ample grip and complimenting the excellent PROFOAM midsole that delivers lovely cushioning and a real sensation of energy return in every stride. We really struggle to critique this shoe, especially at an RRP of just £114.99, hence our five star review!
- Read our full Puma Royale Golf Shoe Review
Most premium
Stunning to look at, the Pioneer Cypress is also one of the most technology-filled golf shoes I've ever tested. Designed with a lot of input from 15 time major champion Tiger Woods, you can bet that he has very exacting requirements when it comes to his golf shoe. Sun Day Red's first premium golf shoe is an absolute beauty - The stitching, the full grain leather, the embossed logo on the heel, the logos under the outsole, the perforations in the soft leather all come together to create a shoe that looks, feels and even smells like every cent of your $250 investment.
The outsole is one of the more impressive spiked outsoles I've tested, offering ample grip without raising the user too far off the ground.
The Pioneer Cypress also comes as standard with two insoles, one being a standard smooth footbed that you see on 99 percent of golf shoes and the other a nubbed insole that massages your foot as you walk along, much like we see in the best G/FORE golf shoes. This adds just another feather in the cap of one of the most premium pairs of golf shoes we've ever tested.
- Read our full Sun Day Red Pioneer Cypress Golf Shoe Review
Best traction
Approaching it's 20th anniversary, the top performance shoe from Adidas has had a complete redesign for 2024 from the inside out. Although the overall looks are rather similar the changes made are more out of view. So they have started by changing the studs to now be replaceable which was a bit of a problem that people had with the previous model, and they have also changed the materials in the heel to increase stability and comfort.
The new T-Shaped suede heel is made of three pieces, combining soft, anti abrasive sandwiched textile that runs from the inside of the heel to the top of the collar. This is a lot softer than the previous model and you could really feel this when it came to testing them. When testing we also noticed they had increased the arch and heel support which is in part due to the re shaping of the insole, therefore increasing overall comfort as well.
This shoe is incredibly stable mainly in thanks to the new Torsion Bridge and 360wrap, which combine to give great feel and support which surrounds the entire foot when swinging. Overall the Tour 360 combines great looks with incredible performance to make it one of the best spiked shoes you can get on the market.
- Read our full adidas Tour360 24 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 each shoe looks on the golf course. This allows us to see how shoes perform in changing conditions and when variables change - such as weather, stance, 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 golf shoes
When it comes to golf shoes, there are several factors to consider when picking out a model. As such we have discussed them below.
1. Waterproofing
If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain then a waterproof shoe is a must. Top models offer 100% waterproof protection but if you play in a lot of hot weather than other factors may be more important to you. Ultimately we often recommend having a pair for summer and one for winter to be prepared for any weather and any time of year.
2. 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 move around inside the shoe, which limits your stability. 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.
We also recommend thinking about laces. Most prefer normal laces but BOA laced shoes have become more popular, and offer good convenient fastening. This is especially useful if you want to fasten the shoes quickly, or you can't bend over easily.
3. Styling
Thankfully golf shoe design has evolved as such that brands create classic-looking, traditional shoes, along with sporty, modern styles as well. As such, have a think about the designs you like the look of and what suits you, because there is a model for everyone these days.
4. Grip
Grip is an important thing to consider especially if you're buying a golf shoe that you intend to use in the winter months when the ground is softer. When you play a shot you need to ensure your feet are firmly planted on the ground. This helps you transfer your weight through the golf ball and ensures you can firstly get a good connection on each shot and secondly have the confidence to really rip through the ball and send it flying.
For that reason, you need to assess the grip on each golf shoe you're buying to ensure you're getting the product that matches up to what you need specifically. Some golfers may want less traction than others, while others may want the spikes on their shoes to be spread out in a different way to others. Be sure to think about where the grips are placed on each shoe and how close you sit to the ground when wearing each shoe.
5. Waterproofing
Because no one wants to play a full 18-holes with soggy feet, right?! Having wet feet on the golf course is a total downer and can seriously ruin your round for your performance and enjoyment. Avoid that by ensuring you get a watertight pair of golf shoes that'll keep your feet warm and dry throughout your round. It is worth bearing in mind getting a pair of shoes that offer great ventilation and breathability too, to ensure your feet don't sweat too much on the course.
Find our more about some of the best golf shoe offerings on the market right now at some of our guides to the best G/FORE golf shoes, best New Balance golf shoes and best Asics golf shoes.
FAQs
What is a spiked golf shoe?
A spiked golf shoe has a number of golf spikes either screwed in or embedded to the outsole. Like cleats on football boots, they help keep the shoe gripped to the turf, which is especially important during the golf swing.
Do Pro golfers wear spiked golf shoes?
Yes, a lot of them do. Spiked golf shoes offer the most underfoot traction as well as a lot of support around the ankle. At the speeds many of the best Tour pros swing at, they need this extra grip and support to play their best golf.
Are spiked golf shoes better than spikeless golf shoes?
Not necessarily, that generally comes down to personal preference. Spiked golf shoes, on the whole, tend to be more suitable for winter conditions allowing golfers to play on softer, wetter terrain. They generally tend to offer more grip than spikeless shoes in those conditions, but spikeless shoes are perhaps better for summer golfing conditions where the ground is a little firmer.
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