Best Spiked Golf Shoes 2024

Looking for the best spiked golf shoes? We list our top picks

Best Spiked Golf Shoes
(Image credit: Future)

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. 

VIDEO: Watch Dan Parker's verdict on the 11 of the best golf shoes from 2023

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

Best Spiked Golf Shoes

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Best overall

Under Armour Drive Pro Golf Shoe Review

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Sizes: 8-13
Waterproof: Yes
BOA option: No
Colors: 2 (White/Blue, White/Green)

Reasons to buy

+
Exemplary grip
+
Excellent sensation of foot support with flexibility
+
Slightly softer sensation underfoot than previous models

Reasons to avoid

-
Upper materials not as premium as its rivals
-
Looks won't turn heads

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. 

Rory McIlroy Shoes

Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 Golf Shoes Review

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
A complete golf shoe that is undoubtedly one of the best on the market.

Specifications

Size: 6-14
Waterproof: Yes
BOA option: No
Colors: 4 (Black, Red, Blue, Photon Dust, plus several special editions)

Reasons to buy

+
Outstanding comfort and feel
+
Total performance
+
Look absolutely fantastic

Reasons to avoid

-
Laces feel a touch cheap

The Nike Victory Tour 3 shoes come in to replace the older Tour 2's and they take the overall performance of an already great shoe further, getting 5 stars in our review. Firstly Nike have improved on the aesthetics, using a full grain leather for the upper part of the shoe. This gives it a lovely sophisticated look while also feeling soft and supple. The Swoosh and the midsole part of the shoes have been slightly altered to look better and all of these changes culminate in a more refined shoe that looks less like a trainer and more like a golf shoe. 

Another amazing aspect of this shoe is the comfort, it has extra padding in the ankle, combined with an internal strap that shapes to each foot within to really increase comfort. Then the premium materials give this shoe a comfortable fit and put them right at the top of the market. The addition of foam placed towards the heel give these shoes a cushioned feeling and make them feel almost bouncy when walking the course. 

A great factor of this shoe is the grip and stability, these are both very good and the shoes are also 100% waterproof which we think is a must these days for golf shoes. If you really had to pick a negative about this shoe then it is going to be the price as it is priced at the high end, but with everything we found with this shoe it is definitely worth it. 

Brooks Koepka Shoes

Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour Next% 2 Golf Shoe

(Image credit: Future)
One of the best all-round golf shoes delivering comfort, style and stability.

Specifications

Sizes : 5-14
Waterproof: Yes
Colors: 2
Design : 6 spike sole
BOA option?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
High levels of comfort
+
Added spikes for traction
+
Two year waterproof guarantee

Reasons to avoid

-
Sporty look may not be to everyone's taste

These shoes are some of the most comfortable shoes we have tested, we put them to the test at a 72 hole event and we were very impressed. We would rank these as some of the most comfortable golf shoes you can get in golf. 

So what has changed with this shoe over previous models? Well, Nike made big improvements when it comes to performance. They have added in two extra spikes at the front of the foot giving it six total spikes. This helps to deliver great levels of grip for walking and swinging in different lies and varying weather conditions. These shoes are very comfortable while also remaining very stable which is great should you find yourself with an uneven lie. 

The colorway we got to test is a rather bold and lively one, if you were after something more simple then you can get the classic black and white variant. These techy but modern shoes might not suit everyones eye but if you are a fan of Brooks Koepka then you might want to get a hold of the same shoes he wears.

Jon Rahm Shoes

Cuater The Ringer Golf Shoes resting on the green

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
A grippy shoe that feels snug on your feet

Specifications

Sizes: 7-12
Waterproof: Yes
Colors: 3 (Black; White; Navy)
Sole design: Seven-cleat sole
BOA option?: No

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent style 
+
Very comfortable
+
Feet felt very snug
+
Provides good grip on turf

Reasons to avoid

-
The cocooned feel hinders breathability

The Cuater Ringer shoes are some of the best looking and also comfortable shoes you can get in golf. They are worn by some of the best golfers like Jon Rahm and Sam Burns. We really liked the modern and sporty look the Ringer gave off, which is not plastered with logos or brand text, it has a lovely simplicity about it. Should you want a more casual and versatile shoe then these shoes are perfect and also feature on our best casual golf shoes guide

The Ringer shoes are also extremely comfortable while still offering the wearer great stability. We found the fit to be secure feeling from heel all the way into the toe, and the cushioning inside was soft and kept the feet nice and locked in. One slight negative we picked up on when playing in these shoes was the low breathability, this does however, mean that the shoe is completely waterproof. When it comes to grip the shoe had Softspike Pivix studs which offer great traction with turf interaction, locking you in to help rip through shots better. 

Adidas ZG23 Golf Shoe

Adidas ZG23 Golf Shoe Review

(Image credit: Future)
Comfortable and lightweight, this is a shoe that will keep golfers of all swing speeds well supported

Specifications

Sizes: 6.5-12
Waterproof: Yes
Colors: 3 (Cloud White; Lucid Blue; Collegiate Navy)
Sole design: Six-cleat sole
BOA option?: No

Reasons to buy

+
Super soft midsole and upper
+
Lightweight yet incredibly stable
+
Upper wipes clean easily

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most premium-looking shoe

When it came to spiked golf shoes the ZG21 really ranked up there as some of the best, so how have Adidas managed to better them with the ZG23 update? Well we tested the ZG23 out in the California and found the overall developments that Adidas made very impressive. One of the big stand out features of this newer shoe was the Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro tech which is used through the whole of the redesigned midsole. This replaces the more familiar Boost technology that was seen in most recent Adidas models, and we really noticed the cushioning underfoot. This paired with a lovely soft upper construct makes these some of the more comfortable spiked golf shoes you can get. 

Fitted above the sole is the Stability Fin that helps to keep your feet stable when transferring weight through your shot. While there is plenty of new tech added to this shoe, it hasn't weighed it down, the shoes are very lightweight.

On the base of the shoe there is nice coloring to the sole, which is fitted with six spikes, then there are plenty of lugs placed in between to deliver some secondary traction. Adidas used heat mapping from a variety of players of varying ability, this showed them where the most pressure was passing through the sole to help them position the traction in the best places. 

adidas Tour360 24 Golf Shoe

adidas Tour360 24 golf shoe review

(Image credit: Future)
An awesome, stable design that looks fantastic

Specifications

Sizes: 6.5-12
Colors: 4 (Black; White/Navy; All White & White/Blue/Orange)

Reasons to buy

+
Soft, premium leather upper
+
Exceptional grip in all conditions
+
More arch and heel support than before
+
Easily replaceable spikes should increase lifespan

Reasons to avoid

-
Leather upper needs careful looking after

Approaching it's 20th anniversary the top performance shoe from Adidas has had a complete redesign for 2024 from the inside out, with new tech being introduced. 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.

Puma Phantomcat Nitro Golf Shoe

Puma Phantomcat Nitro golf shoe review

(Image credit: Future)
A well rounded spiked golf shoe with a unique traction system

Specifications

Sizes: 7-12
Waterproof: Yes
BOA Option: No
Colors: 3 (Black/Green/White, Black/Silver, White/Silver)

Reasons to buy

+
Low profile spiked outsole offers great grip
+
Pops of color on the outsole
+
Nice touches of detail on the upper
+
Lightweight build

Reasons to avoid

-
Outsole has a tendency to clog with mud

First things first, the Phantomcat Nitro boasts one of the most unique outsoles we've ever seen, with a brand-new Flexspike integrated cleat and flash colors being introduced to the market. It's the first time that we have seen it on Puma's golf shoes and, in our testing, we were impressed with the grip available, especially on the wet and muddy days we tested them on.

The reason for these spikes is to increase surface contact with the ground and improve weight distribution across the foot. Because of the change, Puma's engineers have made the Phantomcat Nitro lighter and, as the sub-heading suggests, lower in profile, something which makes it stand-out amongst the best spiked golf shoes.

Like the best Puma golf shoes, there is plenty of value to be had here and, with Puma injecting a new nitrogen-infused foam into the shoe, it provides great softness and rebound when walking and hitting shots. In testing, we felt that the low profile spiked outsole worked well and will give you all year round wearability, even when the ground is very dry or very wet.

Payntr X 004 RS Golf Shoe

Payntr X 004 RS Golf Shoe resting on the golf courseGolf Monthly Editor's Choice


(Image credit: Future)
One of the most impressive outsoles in the game

Specifications

Sizes : 7-12
Waterproof: 100%
BOA Option: No
Colors: 2 (Black/White, Navy/White)

Reasons to buy

+
Technology-packed outsole provides market-leading grip
+
Soft, premium materials used throughout
+
Heel cup hugs the foot with no rubbing
+
Excellent cushioning and energy return underfoot

Reasons to avoid

-
Laces are quite long

Payntr are a newer emerging brand in the golf world and have now brought out a new model of their previous X 003 which is now the X 004 RS which has one of the best soles we have tested in a long time. It is now the first shoe to use the newer SoftSpike Tour Flex Pro spikes in its outer sole. Each spike has 10 different points of contact when meeting the ground and these shoes have seven spikes per shoe, making them have 140 total points of contact over the two shoes, making sure you will have great traction in the turf.

The outsole has a carbon fiber propulsion plate which has been added to help golfers to utilise ground reaction forces to more effect, and deliver more speed at impact. The grip of this sole was super impressive but still offered you a premium level of comfort with great support while out on the course. They also use a Clarino Trivela microfiber upper that is a leather material, which is soft for comfort and is fully waterproof. 

the heel cup has been built using a different material, it is still very soft which helps to stop any rubbing with the ankle. The brand are very confident in it's technology, so much so that they offer a blister free guarantee. Overall with all the features combined with great comfort and stability, these really are a great shoe on the market.

Most comfortable

The grey Ecco Biom G5 shoe showing off its sporty profile and BOA Fit

(Image credit: Future)
A very reliable BOA golf shoe

Specifications

Sizes: 7.5-12.5
Waterproof: Yes
Color: 3 (Grey; White; White/Blue)
Sole design: Six-cleat sole
BOA option?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Smart, modern styling
+
Excellent traction
+
Stable feel underfoot
+
BOA lace options enhance the fit

Reasons to avoid

-
Some may prefer a softer feel
-
Limited value for money

Ecco have brought out the Biom G5 which have been designed to bring together to very impressive shoes in their range. They have taken the cleated outsole found on the Biom G3 and the very athletic and impressive looks from the Biom H4, these are two already great shoes so the G5 really has some great heritage. Ecco really brought these two shoes together well, and pairing that with the BOA system makes the G5 some of the best shoes on the market. Something we noticed early on in testing was the overall weight of the G5 they are super light, which is a great effort by Ecco with the addition of the outer sole cleats.

There are six cleats in total which are on the out perimeters of the sole to aid in great stability and amazing grip. We really liked the way they were spread out on the sole giving a wide base and locking you into the ground. The G5 still has the Gore-Tex protection making them a great winter golf shoe, and easy to wipe off after a muddy round. The leather upper is robust but also soft enough to be comfortable, combined with the great sole setup, this shoe is very comfortable to wear. 

Skechers Pro 5 Hyper Golf Shoe

Skechers Pro 5 Hyper Golf Shoe with its white and blue colorway on the golf courseEditors Choice 2022

(Image credit: Future)
Best for arch support

Specifications

Sizes: 7.5-13
Waterproof: Yes
Colors: 3 (Black/Red; Grey/Red; Blue/White)
Sole design: Eight-cleat sole
BOA option?: No

Reasons to buy

+
Arch Fit technology offers class-leading cushioning
+
Softspikes are easily replaceable
+
Low profile look with excellent grip

Reasons to avoid

-
Would be nice to have a full-leather upper

The Pro Golf 5 Hyper shoe from Skechers is their flagship model and they take comfort to a whole new world. With the incorporated Arch Fit technology which gives you a podiatrist certified support level on your feet, and the cushioning through the midsole, these shoes a super comfortable. When we got the shoes out on the course we really felt the Arch Fit tech reduced our aches and pains as we went through 18 holes, which makes it a great shoe for plantir fasciitis.

This shoe also has the Hyper Burst and Resamax cushioning from Skechers which works alongside the bounce in your step. This bounce was evident when we tested them on the course and help to decrease how tired our feet felt at the end of the round. The upper material is a breathable mesh layer that helps to keep your feet fresh and cooled on warmer days, which makes this shoe great all year round. 

Best looking

Duca Del Cosma Bernardo Shoe

(Image credit: Future)
Perhaps one of the best looking traditional golf shoes on the market

Specifications

Sizes: 6-13
Waterproof: Yes
Colors: 1 (White)
Sole design: Eight cleat-sole
BOA option?: No

Reasons to buy

+
Stable and supportive
+
Excellent grip
+
Premium, versatile looks

Reasons to avoid

-
Some may want a softer feel underfoot

The Bernardo is a lightweight spiked golf shoe that heads up the performance-focused Pro Spike Collection and has been named in our 2023 Editor's Choice. This luxurious, handcrafted golf shoe is incredibly striking. It may look relatively plain on first inspection, but look closer and the attention to detail is exceptional. Despite its throwback design the Bernardo doesn’t have that heavy feel you might expect from such a traditional-looking shoe. It's still relatively firm underfoot but is also surprisingly lightweight and the snug fit ensures you get instant comfort when you take your first few steps.

The seven-cleat design has been optimized to maximize traction and help achieve a solid, stable stance from different lies. This is something we really noticed during testing and we also liked the fact it is waterproof. Overall whilst some golfers want a sporty look, those that want to add some sophistication to their outfit without sacrificing performance or comfort, the Bernardo is a worthy shoe to consider.

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 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 golf shoes

There are a number of factors to consider when picking out your next pair of golf shoes so to help you narrow down your search and inform your buying decision, below we have put together some key points.

1. Waterproofing

If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain then a waterproof shoe is a must. The best designs will keep your feet bone dry however if you play golf in glorious sunshine most of the time, then you may view other factors as more significant. Many players choose to have one pair for winter and another, lighter pair for summer to keep them fresh and suit different requirements.

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 slide around inside, 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.

When it comes to the right fit it is also worth considering 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.

3. Styling

Thankfully modern golf shoe design has seen many brands not just create 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.

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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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