Spikeless golf shoes have exploded in popularity in recent years after the original fears of golfers losing traction whilst using them slowly proving to be wrong. Instead, nowadays some of the best spikeless shoes are right up there with some of the most stable golf shoes on the market and that includes spiked models!
There was a time when spikeless shoes were reserved for dry conditions and driving range sessions. But technology has moved on and now the best spikeless golf shoes can go toe-to-toe with many of the best spiked models across a range of conditions.
Today’s spikeless sole designs can deliver impressive stability and grip both during the swing and while walking the course, meaning if you haven't tried a pair because of concerns about grip then I'd recommend for you to ignore those doubts - many of the best players in the mens and womens game now regularly wear shoes without spikes.
They also offer one advantage over the best spiked golf shoes - greater versatility. Influenced by sneaker design, many spikeless models look much like a running shoe or trainer and can be worn both on and off the course.
WATCH: Dan Parker tests over 25 pairs of the best golf shoes to crown his 2025 winner!
To help you in your quest to find the right spikeless golf shoes for you we’ve tested numerous pairs over many rounds, reviewing them for comfort, performance and looks. From here we’ve selected our favourites and featured them below. If after reading this guide you’re still undecided about which shoes to buy, we also have comprehensive guides to both the most comfortable golf shoes, and the best waterproof golf shoes too.
The Quick List
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.
The Biom H5 golf shoes from Ecco are all about comfort and they deliver in boatloads. The modern, eye-catching style is paired with a featherweight feel for a pleasant walking experience.
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.
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.
Providing class-leading comfort under foot, the Quantum is constructed of a soft, premium upper and is triumph in comfort!
The most versatile shoe on this list, the Pegasus '89 shoes look awesome both on and off the course whilst also performing very well during your round of golf.
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Without doubt one of the strongest options on this list, the Adizero ZG shoes feature one of the best spikeless outsoles we've ever seen to help reduce leg and foot fatigue.
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 Spikeless Golf Shoes
Top pick
The Drive Pro SL is our top pick because it excels in three of the most important areas - comfort, stability and grip.
Any decent golf shoe needs to be comfortable over the course of a round, and we found the Drive Pro SL to be just that. It’s lightweight, some 12oz lighter than many of its competitors in fact, and combines this with a new midsole design constructed with energy returning foam that we loved for its soft feel underfoot.
We were impressed with the level of stability and support the shoe offered too. It features what Under Armour calls its Swing Support System or S3. Taking a holistic approach, UA has designed the aforementioned midsole, outsole and lacing system to work together to deliver improved support and traction. And it works. Our feet felt planted and supported during our swing and while walking between shots, aided by the TPU and rubber nubs on the outsole, which provided impressive levels of grip.
- Read our full Under Armour Drive Pro SL Golf Shoe Review
Best for walking
Last year's Biom H4 was a favourite of mine, as was 2022's Biom C4, and i was excited to get my hands on the new H5 shoes as a result. The look on offer here is a real differentiation from some of the other best spikeless golf shoes I've tested this year and combines Ecco's typically classic silhouette with an up-to-date twist thanks to the unique outsole.
These aren't the grippiest of spikeless golf shoes, I'll warn. Ecco's 'Terra Traction System' is far from class-leading but still provided solid traction during testing. The outsole is a little simplistic when compared to the likes of he FootJoy Pro/SLX Carbon or Under Armour Drive Pro SL. These are a very comfortable, lightweight and valid option for players who play in only fair weather or in the summer months, but I wouldn't recommend them as a year-round golf shoe.
As always with the best ecco golf shoes, the comfort levels here are off the scale. The seam-knit sock construction at the top of the foot is a delight and when combined with the premium quality of the upper leather and the levels of cushioning on the sole, you get an enjoyable shoe to wear. They're also boasting a style that is wearable rather easily both on and off the golf course which I always appreciate.
- Read our full Ecco Biom H5 Golf Shoe Review
Best value
If you are after an affordable spikeless golf shoe, then the Adidas S2g SL model is worthy of your attention. The brand with the three stripes has a solid reputation for making some of the best budget golf shoes and once again it's delivered.
The running shoe aesthetic makes it a great fit for summer golf and casual rounds and we loved how the lightweight, responsive design made for such a versatile shoe as we transitioned from the course to the clubhouse and beyond. It achieves its comfort by using the same Lightstrike technology that impressed us in both its Tour360 24 and ZG23 golf shoes.
Elsewhere the blend of leather and synthetic materials on the upper helps to keep the weight down while still providing ample support during the swing, though we did find that it wasn’t as breathable as more vented shoes.
- Read our full adidas S2G SL Golf Shoe Review
Best looking
What do you get if you combine the traditional design of the G/FORE Gallivanter with the modern approach of the G/FORE MG4+ ? The G/FORE Gallivan2r. It’s a classically styled shoe that incorporates plenty of technology to create what we feel is one of the best looking golf shoes on the market as well as one of the more comfortable.
First, those stunning looks. The clean upper is constructed using TPU materials, which makes it easy to clean as well as being waterproof and breathable. This is a shoe you can wear across a range of conditions.
The outsole features an integrated rubber cleat system complete with 13 individual cleats that impressed us greatly with just how much grip they offered across a range of weather and course conditions. Inside the shoe there’s a dimpled insole, a 3D moulded heel cup and a padded heel area that combine to make the Gallivan2r both comfortable and stable - the insole is so effective it feels as though your foot is getting an on-course massage!
- Read our full G/FORE Gallivan2r Golf Shoe Review
Most comfortable
If out-and-out comfort is your priority, then we’d highly recommend Footjoy’s Quantum model. It’s billed as possessing ‘cloud-like comfort’ and after rigorously testing the shoe we’re inclined to agree.
It’s the brand’s SofFoam technology that’s used both in and around the heel that deserves much of the credit. It results in an impressively cushioned ride, and we enjoyed the benefits during the swing and walking between shots. We really did feel as though we were floating, with the generous midsole absorbing plenty of energy regardless of the terrain underfoot. The shoe’s comfort is further enhanced by the inclusion of an Ortholite Impression FitBed that moulds to your foot over time.
Perhaps the shoes only downside is the comparative lack of support, which can be an issue with softer shoes that place a premium on comfort.
- Read our full FootJoy Quantum Golf Shoe Review
Best golf sneaker
5 star review alert! 5 star review alert! Yes, the Nike Air Pegasus '89 golf shoes received one of the few 5 star reviews from us in 2024 and there are plenty of reasons why. The first place to start is the looks - they're absolutely awesome. We love this recent trend of popular sneaker designs being made into golf shoes and the Pegasus from Nike is one of our favorites in this category.
Nike have done an amazing job of matching the appealing looks with excellent on-course performance and comfort. The underfoot cushioning was remarkably soft, while we also enjoyed the hidden Zoom Air unit in the heel which contributes to that springy feeling when walking down the fairway.
The traction delivered from the rubber outsole gives you multidirectional grip and performed well in both dry and damp conditions out on the golf course. Much like the Ecco Biom H5 shoes, I wouldn't recommend these as a year-round shoe to be worn when you're battling the elements, mainly because of the suede elements on the shoe. The shoes may still be 100% waterproof, but I would recommend getting a spray protector for the suede areas.
These are a fantastic summer shoe because in addition to being great for golf, you can wear them off the course too. In fact they are our favorite Nike spikeless golf shoe at the moment.
- Read our full Nike Air Pegasus '89 Golf Shoe Review
Most lightweight
Perhaps one of the most comfortable golf shoes in the game right now, is the adidas Adizero ZG. The Adizero brand has more been reserved for adidas's running shoes which have been groundbreaking within that industry, but we now see the Adizero return to golf after our first but albeit brief introduction back in 2013.
The new outsole is the star of the show, easily matching the grip and security we normally get from conventional spiked golf shoes. The aggressive lugs on the perimeter do most of the heavy lifting in terms of lateral grip and our testing showed that this is a shoe that provides ample grip in all possible conditions.
These are one of the best golf shoes for walking thanks to how lightweight they feel. The materials are soft to the touch and the moulded heel cushion (inspired by the running shoe) provides targeted padding to a key area of comfort. My feet always felt locked in in the right areas throughout the swing, which helped me focus on the important things during my round - the golf shots!
- Read our full Adidas Adizero ZG Golf Shoe Review
Best for off course
The rise of the golf shoe that can be worn off the course as well as on it shows no signs of slowing down, and if this degree of versatility appeals, then Ecco’s Street 720 is worth a closer look.
As the name suggests, this is a golf shoe that can handle sidewalks as well as fairways and it’s styled as such, looking far more like a tennis shoe than one designed for golf. We reviewed the plain white version and liked the modern silhouette and premium materials used throughout. There’s even Gore-Tex featured here, so you get protection against the elements while still being breathable.
Pounding the pavement, we found it as comfortable as they come. This translates on the course too, and we liked how the sturdy build dealt with damp and wet conditions. As for grip and stability it’s best described as ‘fine’ - neither a real standout or one that caused us issues. In fact, our only real gripe was that we found the shoes pretty tricky to clean.
- Read our full Ecco Street 720 Golf Shoe Review
How we test spikeless golf shoes
As with any product we test, we rely on a comprehensive approach that ensures all the models under review are put through their paces in a range of different conditions. 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.
Dan Parker tests out spikeless golf shoes
We're always very thorough with our product testing and our shoe reviews are no different. Each shoe is testing across multiple rounds of golf across different courses and in different weather and underfoot conditions to get the best and fairest review possible.
Golf shoes often have a unique selling point, be that the traction on offer, comfort levels or waterproofing. We always make sure to test these aspects of the shoe to see if it really lives up to the hype that the brand claims it will. For comfortable sneaker-style shoes for example, I'll wear them both on and off the course to get a true idea of how comfort levels differ over time. If a shoe claims to be waterproof, I'll try and play in them when the rain comes down (which, here in England, is often..) or even pour some water on them from a tap or bottle to see if they really are combative to moisture.
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.
Conor Keenan tests out spikeless golf shoes
It's worth us saying that we pride ourselves on our reviews because of the trust we have built up over well over a decade of reviewing the best golf clubs, bags, shoes and more here at Golf Monthly. The fact we know our readership values our informative, bias free reviews is something we appreciate and want to preserve for the future. This means no brand ever gets preferential treatment over another, nor can a manufacturer simply 'buy' a good review. Instead, our testers call it how they see it based on their extensive knowledge of the sport, the products and equipment that come with it as well as our commitment to delivering you informed buying advice.
What to consider when buying spikeless golf shoes
Choosing a spikeless golf shoe is no easy task given just how many models there are on the market. We hope that our selection above has helped you to narrow down your choices but if you’re still undecided we’ve listed a number of key considerations that should help you find the right shoe for you.
1. Spiked or spikeless
Given the nature of this guide we’re assuming that you’re looking for one of the best spikeless shoes. But perhaps it’s worth asking yourself if this is the right choice?
There are pros and cons to both spiked and spikeless models. We’ve tested both styles extensively and as a rule, spiked shoes do offer superior grip and stability. That said, spikeless technology is constantly improving and the difference between the two is reducing all the time - still if you’re after wet-weather, winter shoes, then we’d always suggest spikes.
Where spikeless excel is in their versatility and their comfort. Using sneaker technology makes many of them as comfortable as your favoured tennis or running shoe. The athletic shoe styling combined with the lack of spikes also means they can be worn off the course.
2. Comfort
Given that a round of golf takes hours rather than minutes, comfort is a vital component of any decent golf shoe. The best advice is to try on a few pairs, as comfort isn’t just about the mid and outsole design but also heel support, the materials used and the overall fit. Brands that offer a good range of sizes including half-sizes as well as different widths are advisable if you struggle with finding comfortable footwear.
3. Grip/Stability/Traction
The knock on spikeless golf shoes used to be the lack of grip, traction and stability. But as we said earlier, there have been huge improvements in recent years and we’d now happily recommend many models for all but the wettest of conditions. Again, given the variation of outsole design, if you can try on or better test a shoe then this is advisable.
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
As with sneakers, golf shoe sizing varies between brands and even models. There’s no substitute for trying on a number of pairs to get the right fit for you.
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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