Best Spiked Golf Shoes 2026
After thorough testing, we run through our favorite spiked golf shoes currently on the market.
Conor Keenan
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 the best golf shoes with spikes 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.
Best Spiked Golf Shoes 2026
The Quick List
A class-leading golf shoe that features a unique material to provide an adaptive fit suitable for any foot shape and any golfer. It's a fit and a sensation like no other I've felt in a golf shoe before, and one that needs to be experienced to truly understand.
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.
FootJoy has somehow made the Premiere Series Packard even better than before. It cleverly marries classic golf shoe design language and high-end materials together.
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.
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.
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.
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Our best traction pick, the Tour360 is a premium golf shoe that offers stunning looks, comfort, cutting-edge technology and raises the franchise bar again.
Top pick
First up I've selected the latest Drive Pro Clone shoe as my top pick because aside from a small breathability point, it might be the best golf shoe you can opt for in 2026. It features a new auxetic material which shapes itself to each individual foot and I must admit it really didn't take me long in testing to notice just how good this performance is. I would recommend trying them on just to feel the material sensation around your foot. I should admit they aren't the softest feeling shoes underfoot but for me they did offer a supreme balance of comfort and cushioning whilst walking.
but given its a spiked shoe it has to deliver in grip and traction too, and I am pleased to say it does. I was pleased to see Under Armour stick with the S3 support system on the outsole in particular because I thought it was one of the best outsoles around, giving exemplary grip. Additionally these shoes are 100% waterproof which is a non-negotiable for me for a spiked pair, especially as they get the most use in the winter months when its wet and ground conditions can be unpredictable.
The look of the shoe has improved over the previous Drive Pro, and whilst the breathability is not as good as other models in this guide, I still think the Clone is a shoe every person needs to experience just to feel that comfortable sensation.
- Read our full Under Armour Drive Pro Clone Shoe Review
Best firm feel
Rory McIlroy's choice of footwear as he slipped on the Green Jacket for the last couple of tournaments, the popular Victory Tour 4 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 spiked 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 the various different colors it comes in, whilst you can often get special edition versions as well. Of course it is waterproof as well so it truly is an all-round performer.
- Read our full Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 4 Golf Shoe Review
Best looking
Not many brands, if any do the 'classic' golf shoe look better than FootJoy and the Packard shoes from the Premiere Series range is yet another example of that. In short this new version truly is a work of art and not only do they look stunning but they ooze both class and quality.
The changes over the previous model were not revolutionary looks-wise, but smaller detail changes have been made. For example there's some neat lizard leather detailing across the saddle, hand-selected, premium full-grain leather across the upper and premier EVA midsole comfort through the midsole.
But the key area the shoe has improved is comfort. Previous models weren't uncomfortable I should say, but took a bit of time to break in. There are no such problems here thanks to extra padding on the tongue, and importantly around the heel. Whilst they aren't super soft underfoot, I think they certainly offer the right amount of support and power through the swing.
It also features a new outsole which is exemplary. The new ArcTrax outsole benefits from nine spikes and offers perfect grip on the golf course while still remaining brilliantly low profile. As a result of all this, I think this is the best Premiere Series shoe to date.
- Read our full FootJoy Premiere Series Packard 2026 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 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
Due to it's 20th anniversary a couple of years ago, the top performance shoe from Adidas had a complete redesign when it came out a while ago. 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 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.
