Best Spikeless Golf Shoes 2024
We take a look at the best spikeless golf shoes that are currently available on the market
Over recent times, the spikeless shoe market has grown rapidly, thanks to multiple innovations in golf shoe technology. Right now, the best spikeless golf shoes can more than stand up against some of the best spiked designs on the market and you will find many of the leading tour professionals wearing shoes without spikes.
Spikeless shoes are becoming more and more versatile and the designs are such that they are often wearable both on and off the course. Delivering style and functionality, they are, importantly, very comfortable to wear. In years gone by, spikeless shoes would have been scoffed at by the serious golfer for offering far less grip and traction than the best spiked golf shoes but, thanks to creative designs by the major golf manufacturers, the new generation of spikeless footwear provides impressive levels of grip and stability.
WATCH: Dan Parker tests over 25 pairs of the best golf shoes to crown his 2024 winner!
This is why many of the top pros are opting to wear spikeless shoes but, if you are something of a traditionalist and haven’t tried a pair yet, then we would heartily recommend that you should because you will be surprised at how much grip is on offer. We know this because we have tested a lot of shoes currently on the market, including many of the spikeless variety so, when it comes to judging the best golf shoes out on the course (and sometimes off it), in different lies and stances, as well as varying conditions, we're well qualified to judge.
When testing golf shoes we are looking mostly at performance, comfort, styling, waterproofing and stability, as well as various other factors. In this guide, we have taken a look at some of the best spikeless golf shoes, but if you think comfort or waterproofing are your main priorities when it comes to golf shoes, then make sure you check out our guides on the most comfortable golf shoes, and the best waterproof golf shoes too.
The Quick List
Top pick
The new Swing Support System elevates your ability to swing confidently and efficiently, while the lightweight build of the shoe makes for a comfortable walk on the course.
Best for walking
One of the best lightweight designs on the market, the LT1 from Ecco features in both a lace and BOA design with soft, premium materials used throughout.
Best value
The adidas S2G SL is a well executed hybrid golf shoe that offers outstanding value for money thanks to its versatility, quality of build and top-notch comfort.
Best looking
One of the best looking golf shoes we've ever laid our eyes on and an immediate classic in its category. The Gallivan2r is everything that is great about the G/FORE brand blended into one classy, sporty and deceptively comfortable spikeless shoe.
Most Comfortable
Providing class-leading comfort under foot, the Quantum is constructed of a soft, premium upper and is triumph in comfort!
Best sneaker
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.
Load the next 6 models
Best Color Choice
Not only does the Codechaos 25 have an outstanding outsole, but the solid stability and eye-catching looks make it a great all-round golf shoe.
Best heel support
An excellent spikeless option that provides comfort, grip and modern looks. The PAYNTR X 005 F is a great all-round performer that does the basics incredibly well!
Best off course
The Street 720 isn't just a versatile option, but also fully waterproof and incredibly soft underfoot. Set at a great price point, there's plenty of value to be had in this model.
Best brogue style
A Tour-validated golf shoe, the Field mixes traditional style with modern technology beautifully. Arguably the best-looking shoes anywhere, they also deliver on comfort, feel and waterproof protection.
Best from 2023
One of the best-looking trainer-like golf shoes from 2023, the Elevate brings everything that was great about the previous Puma Articulate on a new spikeless outsole.
Best from 2022
A standout spikeless golf shoe. We love Ecco's move to an even more athletic look whilst sticking to its roots of comfort and breathability.
Best Spikeless Golf Shoes
Why you can trust Golf Monthly
Top pick
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Kicking things off with the excellent Under Armour Drive Pro SL, which has been constructed following two years of research and development. The newest tech addition that Under Armour have created is something called a Swing Support System - otherwise known as S3. This new system gives excellent performance because it covers every design element thoroughly, such as the midsole, traction and the new lacing system.
In testing, this system worked faultlessly to keep the foot planted on the ground while offering the support when moving within the shoe. What's more, it delivered big time on comfort thanks to a new midsole that features softer, energy returning foam, whilst a mixture of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) with rubber nubs on the sole of the shoe helped grip and support further.
The final point we must mention are the looks and lightweight nature of the Drive Pro SL. Despite all of this technology, it is around 12oz lighter than its competitors and, although there are better-looking models on the market, Under Armour have kept with their usual minimalist styling.
- Read our full Under Armour Drive Pro SL Golf Shoe Review
Best for walking
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
We love Ecco shoes and our first inclusion from them in this guide is their new LT1 spikeless shoe. It possesses a sporty kind of aesthetic, with curved lines and flowing design elements. If we're being brutally honest, it's a fairly plain looking shoe that some will love and some won't, but what can't be argued is the comfort on offer.
The best Ecco golf shoes are known for their comfort and, thanks to a new midsole foam called Ecco Ltyr and Ecco's renowned Fluidform technology, it's a similar story, as the LT1 possesses more cushioning and rebound than ever before. We were massively impressed with the comfort on offer, with the bouncy, springy and lightweight feel ticking all the right boxes.
Although the LT1 excels in comfort, the outsole does mean that we would recommend wearing these in summer months and not wet weather conditions. It does perform well in damp conditions, but the best spiked golf shoes will do a better job when it comes to rainier, colder climates.
- Read our full Ecco LT1 Golf Shoe Review
Best value
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Adidas are known for producing some of the best budget golf shoes money can buy and, with the S2G SL golf shoe, we are confident in saying that the theme continues, as these are the best value spikeless golf shoes available right now. Why, you may ask? Well because of the combination of the price and performance, not to mention versatility.
To begin with, we loved the lightweight, responsive feel of this shoe, which makes it perfect for those transitions from the golf course, to the clubhouse, to the car, to the shops, to anywhere really. The overall design is based on a running shoe design and, because of the modern, sporty silhouette, it will look good everywhere you go.
Constructed of leather and synthetic materials, we thought the comfort was excellent and it did a great job of supporting our feet through the swing. Like the best adidas golf shoes on the market, the brand have implemented Lightstrike technology which we saw on the Tour360 24 and ZG23 golf shoes. This means that the S2G SL provides plenty of cushioning and energy return, with the budget-friendly price making this an appealing option for those not wanting to break the bank.
- Read our full adidas S2G SL Golf Shoe Review
Best looking
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you value aesthetics and really want to look the part on the golf course, then the Gallivan2r is one of the best looking golf shoes we have ever seen and tested. Put simply, this is a stunning golf shoe that blends the classic design of the G/FORE Gallivanter with the sportiness of the G/FORE MG4+ amazingly well.
Material-wise, some of G/FORE's other shoes are constructed with a full grain leather but, for this shoe, G/Fore has used TPU upper materials. Where this model is rather unique, though, is with the outsole, which boasts an integrated rubber cleat system that has 13 cleats on each shoe that measure the same height. In testing, they performed well in a range of conditions, but there are grippier spikeless models out there.
There is so much to like about the Gallivan2r and, along with the fantastic aesthetics, we would also class it as one of the most comfortable golf shoes. The Gallivan2r features a classic G/FORE dimpled insole and also possesses a 3D moulded heel cup that does a great job of keeping the foot comfortably in place. Also, the padding around the heel area ensured that there were no signs of rubbing, or blistering, out on the course.
- Read our full G/FORE Gallivan2r Golf Shoe Review
Most comfortable
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
To begin with, the tagline for the Quantum is 'Cloud Like Comfort' and, in testing, it certainly delivered, as the shoe is crammed with as much padding as possible!
Featuring SofFoam technology in and around the heel, we thought that it provided an unbelievably cushioned ride and we could feel it working both walking along and through the golf swing. What's more, there was a floaty sensation underfoot and it felt like the shoe was absorbing all of the energy from beneath, protecting the foot from shock on any type of surface.
Aesthetically, it will divide opinion and the support isn't the best on this list; however, thanks to the Ortholite Impression FitBed, which moulds to the shape of the foot overtime, there's arguably no comfier shoe than the FootJoy Quantum.
- Read our full FootJoy Quantum Golf Shoe Review
Best golf sneaker
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
As sneaker designs become more and more popular with golfers, it stands to reason that Nike Air Jordan's were eventually going to make a splash in the market, and they certainly have. It's no secret that Nike golf shoes have a significant presence in the professional game, with Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka two of the biggest names in the Nike stable.
However, it's Tony Finau who is most closely associated with the stylish Air Jordan 1 Low G Golf Shoes, the model we have opted to include in this guide. To begin with, the Low G are built from genuine leather to deliver extreme comfort on the course, with their classic, sneaker-like look paying tribute to the original Air Jordan. First released in the early 80s, these have been re-designed specifically for golf and feature encapsulated air in the heel cushions that make every step a joy.
While the performance of these shoes is more than adequate, if you are a player who values out-and-out support and the best possible traction, we would say that there are definitely better models in this guide. Importantly, the outsole of the Air Jordan 1 Low G has been adjusted to give more grip throughout the swing but, whilst they will deliver in dry or damp conditions, we would not recommend using them in the wet.
- Read our full Nike Air Jordan Low 1 G Golf Shoe Review
Best color choice
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The previous Codechaos was a very eye-catching golf shoe and, in the 25 version, we are happy to report that it's stayed that way. Being a more conventional looking shoe, the wacky colorways mean it still stands out from the crowd.
Performance-wise, the lugs have been placed over a greater surface area than on the previous iteration of the Codechaos, and you can really feel it at work on the golf course. We'd only class a handful of spikeless shoes as 'all year round' shoes and the Codechaos 25 certainly fits that bracket.
Not only is it fully waterproof, but the feeling underfoot through the insole and midsole is certainly firmer than that of other spikeless shoes. It also has Boost cushioning, something we know is very affective in the best adidas golf shoes on the market.
- Read our full adidas Codechaos 25 Golf Shoe Review
Best heel support
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
For the best heel support, we opted for the PAYNTR X 005 F shoe, which is our top pick because of the support that comes from the PMX Fit on the back. In testing, we found that it really hugged the heel when we first slipped these shoes on and didn't cause any rubbing or blisters.
Along with the PMX Fit, there is a Clarino Trivela microfibre upper that delivers an extremely lightweight and flexible feel straight out of the box. In terms of performance out on the course, they were near faultless when it came to comfort, with the foam midsole creating an almost memory-foam mattress feel when walking.
They also delivered good grip for a spikeless shoe, but it must be acknowledged that these shoes are only water-resistant, not totally waterproof. If you play regularly in wet weather conditions, you should be looking at either a spiked shoe or something from this list that has a more defined traction.
- Read our full Payntr X 005 F Spikeless Golf Shoes Review
Best for off course
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Street 720s are ‘designed to be worn all day and night and offers big city vibes with a birdie mentality.’ Certainly, out of the box, it's hard to argue that, with the aesthetic not giving off a golf shoe vibe and being incredibly subtle. It's not dull either, as we found there to be some neat design touches that make for a modern and versatile silhouette.
Comfort-wise, it was exceptional and, thanks to the cushioning and Gore-Tex construction, it was also very breathable and we think will stand the test of time in the poorer weather conditions.
If we had to list a negative, it's that these shoes are hard to clean but, overall, the Ecco Street 720 is one of, if not, the best off-course shoe we’ve tested in recent memory, as the looks and comfort really stand-out.
- Read our full Ecco Street 720 Golf Shoe Review
Best brogue style
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you are a golf traditionalist, you will love this shoe. It has the classic look of the old school spiked golf shoe, but this time around in a supremely comfortable, spikeless design. The look might be classical but, when it comes to performance, they’re very much up-to-date, providing the perfect blend for traditionalist golfers who are wanting modern performance in their shoes.
In testing, the performance matched the looks, as the grip available was more than sufficient. Playing in a mix of dry and wet conditions, we didn't experience slippage, with the comfort yet another area that heightens this offering further. From the first wear out of the box, there was no uncomfortable rubbing and, importantly, these shoes fit true to size.
Like the best FootJoy golf shoes, the Field is available in various sizes, including medium and wide fittings, and the brand even released a spiked version of this golf shoe too! If you look at the professional circuit, this design is becoming increasingly popular, with players like Max Homa and Adam Scott choosing to don the Premiere Series Field shoes in tournament play.
- Read our full FootJoy Premiere Series Field Golf Shoe Review
Best from 2023
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Elevate may look similar to its predecessor, the Puma Ignite Articulate, but there have been developments in design, along with the use of new materials, which make it a fantastic looking, trainer-like golf shoe.
In testing, we found that the upper and midsole felt very soft, especially when walking, this ensured that our feet still felt quite fresh even after 18 holes. Along with the soft upper and midsole, Puma have added an Exoshell back section, which the brand claims delivers 360º of support to your feet.
Having tested multiple Puma golf shoes, we are glad to report that the Elevate kept our feet locked in place without feeling too intrusive. The shoe performed fantastically in dry conditions and the somewhat under-stated design doesn't scream out "golf shoe", so it has that versatility which allows it to be worn on and off the course.
- Read our full Puma Ignite Elevate Golf Shoe Review
Best from 2022
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
While no longer one of the newest shoes on the market, the Ecco Biom C4 can still hold its own against any of the latest releases. This particular model is crammed with technology and it seriously impressed us with its overall comfort, grip, style and breathability.
Building nicely on the foundations of the excellent Biom H4, this sneaker-style shoe really grabbed our attention from a style perspective, and we can confirm that, after extensive testing, the performance was there to match, ensuring this shoe was awarded the full five stars in our review.
We loved everything about this shoe, especially the Exhaust Grid technology that scoops fresh air towards the sole of the foot to keep it cool. This, combined with Gore-Tex surround and breathable Ortholite insole, makes this one of the most breathable golf shoes money can buy. Finally, another excellent touch from Ecco is that the insole is removable which allows for more width in the shoe, making this a great shoe for golfers with wider feet.
- Read our full Ecco Biom C4 Golf Shoe Review
How we test spikeless golf shoes
Our golf shoe testing methodology consists of putting models to the test over a number of rounds and in different conditions so we can gain a better idea of overall performance.
We look at factors like grip comfort, grip, stability, waterproofing and how they actually look on the golf course, with each of the shoes listed above personally used by a member of the Golf Monthly team and golf shoe testing is headed up by our Staff Writer Dan Parker.
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, and 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.
What to consider when buying spikeless golf shoes
There is a lot to consider when purchasing your next pair of spikeless golf shoes and the market is absolutely flooded with options. Modern golf shoes feature a ton of technology that can make picking the right golf shoe for you a difficult decision, but fear not as we're here to help. Below we have set out a list of key considerations that you need to keep in mind when purchasing your next pair of spikeless golf shoes.
1. Spiked or spikeless
If you are reading this guide then you are probably in the market for spikeless golf shoes but, just in case there is any confusion, we quickly wanted to touch on the differences between spiked and spikeless golf shoes because there are pros and cons for each.
From our testing we have deduced that spiked golf shoes (which feature spikes on the outsole) offer better grip and stability but don't sit as low to the ground as spikeless models. More often than not, they also excel in terms of waterproofing, although we are seeing more and more spikeless designs also give 100% waterproof protection.
Spikeless golf shoes tend to feature moulds on the outsole instead of spikes which, as a general rule, don't offer as much traction as spiked models but, again, there have been huge improvements in this area over the last few years and in some cases the difference is now negligible. Spikeless designs offer more off-course versatility too - 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. Some of them are stylish enough that you can wear them in general day to day activities.
2. Comfort
Comfort is king when it comes to golf shoes. An uncomfortable golf shoe is useless and will ruin a round of golf in no time at all, so it is probably worth trying some models on before you buy so you know what you like the feel of. For example, some models have specific foam technologies or specific sole designs that are designed to house your feet in comfort all day when out on the golf course.
3. Grip/Stability/Traction
Spikeless shoe design has improved massively in these factors. Whereas previously, spiked models were the only way to ensure grip and stability in difficult lies or when the weather makes ground conditions slippery, this is no longer the case. Most of the models above have specifically designed traction patterns and lugs to make sure your feet don't slip. Spikeless shoes are perfect for playing in decent weather conditions, while some (but not all) can also handle the wet too.
4. Looks
This is entirely subjective and it will be different for everybody, but whatever your preference you obviously want to make sure you like the look of your golf shoes. We feel that there is a model above for all different types of fashion sense, especially as most shoes come in various color options and not just the ones shown above.
5. Waterproofing
Most golf shoes these days offer a degree of waterproof protection but some are better than others so, if you see yourself playing in the rain a lot, make sure you go for a fully waterproof option that also has good traction to avoid any slippage during your swing.
6. Sizes
Be wary of different sizes because many brands, like Payntr and Nike, offer shoes that can come up quite small or large if you have got the wrong size. As such it is worth checking out brand websites to see how the shoes convert to size guides from around the world.
7. Price
The last factor to consider is price. With the models above we have tried to find shoes at all different price points so if you want a cheap model, you can get one. Or if you want to spend more, you can do that too. Importantly there is something for everyone.
While there are some fantastic spikeless golf shoes on the market, you should also check out some of our other guides on the best casual golf shoes, most breathable golf shoes, and our guide to the best budget golf shoes.
FAQs
Can you wear spikeless golf shoes on a golf course?
Yes. Some of the best spikeless golf shoes offer as much grip as spiked golf shoes, while often being comfier to wear.
Do pros wear spikeless golf shoes?
Yes, in fact professional golfers will wear spikeless golf shoes more often than spiked golf shoes.
Can you wear spikeless golf shoes on concrete?
Yes. Another advantage of wearing spikeless golf shoes is that they feel like a normal shoe when on harder surfaces liked concrete. Unlike spiked golf shoes, spikeless golf shoes can be worn easily on or off the golf course.
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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 buying guides, specializing in golf shoe, golf bag, golf cart and apparel 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's current clubs:
Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2
Fairway: TaylorMade Stealth 2 15°
Hybrid: Ping G425
Irons: Cobra King Tec Utility, Ping i230 (5-PW)
Wedges: Ping Glide Forged Pro
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X
Ball: Titleist AVX
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