Best Waterproof Golf Shoes 2024
Need to keep your feet nice and dry on the course? Look no further than the best waterproof golf shoes
Few things can ruin a round of golf quicker than getting caught in a downpour, especially if you don't have the right gear. If you're playing outside of the summer months, golf courses tend to be a little more wet and soft under foot and there is obviously more chance of bad weather moving in during your round. One of the worst experiences you can have on a golf course is having to play with wet, soggy feet, which is why it is vital, particularly if you're planning on playing year-round golf, to ensure you have a waterproof pair of golf shoes. Some of the best golf shoes will help keep your feet warm and dry which can translate to better performance and - most importantly - a more enjoyable golf experience.
WATCH: Dan Parker tests over 25 pairs of the best golf shoes to crown his 2024 winner!
So what determines a good waterproof golf shoe? Lots of factors really, but the good thing is that the technology that goes into the modern golf shoe is far removed from how things used to be. Traditionally the best all-weather shoes on the market came with a cleated or spiked sole design to help give you better grip during the winter months, but times have changed and now some of the best spikeless golf shoes also offer serious stability and traction in slippy conditions. There are much more options available in style now too, including some stunning options that are sure to catch the attention of a range of golfers.
But the key factor, aside from being waterproof, is comfort. The average golfer spends up to five hours per round wearing their shoes, which is an awfully long time if they don't feel comfortable. You're definitely going to want to buy a pair that fit nicely and deliver maximum comfort because your game - and your feet! - will suffer otherwise.
With all of this in mind, we have compiled a list below of what we think are the best waterproof golf shoes on the market right now. While shoes are a very important factor to consider if you're planning on playing through the rain, you should also really think about getting some weather-proof apparel too. For that reason, make sure to check out our guides to the best golf waterproofs, best golf rain gear and best waterproof golf bags.
The Quick List
Top spiked
This is a premium quality, extremely comfortable and very good looking golf shoe that raises the bar for the Tour360 franchise once again.
Best comfort
Offering outstanding comfort and stability straight out of the box, the Next% 2 shoe is one of the best all-round golf shoes you'll find, while the fresh, modern styling really caught our eye.
Best BOA model
While it's probably not a shoe for those looking for maximum support through the swing, its nonetheless an incredibly comfortable, premium and classy design.
Top spikeless
The SLX/Carbon from FootJoy has further innovated this iconic shoe franchise. With a sporty, comfortable design which also offered good traction, it is better than its predecessor.
Best value
For the golfer who values style and comfort on the golf course, at the driving range or anywhere else for that matter, few golf shoes can match the new S2G SL.
Best grip
A shoe that delivers on all levels of performance thanks to a well designed new traction system. The materials and looks don't scream premium but the tech and performance make up for that.
Load the next 2 products
Used by Fitzpatrick
A comfortable offering from Skechers that boasts all year round wearability thanks to the outsole. It may not Skechers' best looking golf shoe, but it's a shoe that offers exemplary support and cushioning.
Best lightweight
A well rounded golf shoe with a unique traction system. New technology in the heel makes for a comfortable walk while the bright colors and touches of detail across the upper make for a stylish golf shoe.
Best Waterproof Golf Shoes
Why you can trust Golf Monthly
Best overall spiked
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The latest model in the Adidas Tour 360 line is our choice for the top spiked waterproof golf shoe for this year. With its 20th anniversary approaching this new model has had a complete redesign, with new tech being introduced to go with the iconic looks.
There was a bit of a spike issue with the 2022 model but this has been addressed by adidas with the introduction of removable spikes for this new version. This version also feels a lot softer than previous models and we could immediately feel this during our testing. This softness comes from the new T-shape microfiber heel, as well as the lightstrike and jet boost midsole. The insole of the shoe has also been reshaped to good effect and instantly we could feel more support in the arch and heel, which added even more to the impressive levels of comfort on offer.
This shoe is 100% waterproof and the overall grip in the wet is very locked in and up there with the very best on the market.
- Read our full adidas Tour360 24 Golf Shoe Review
Best for comfort
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Worn by five times Major winner Brooks Koepka, the Next% 2 is the next generation of golf shoe in Nike's Infinity Tour line. It scored very highly in our testing and as well as featuring here it also made it onto our lists for best golf shoes for walking and best spiked golf shoes respectively.
What is so special about them? Well, for one thing they are arguably the most comfortable golf shoe currently on the market. We tested the shoes on a 72 hole event, straight out of the box, with zero issues. There is no breaking in needed, they're supremely comfortably right from the get go. The Air Zoom unit really adds that 'cloud-like' feeling under your foot, while the cushioned upper also feels excellent. Another benefit is that these are all-year round shoes that come with a 2-year waterproof guarantee.
The sporty look of the shoe will probably divide opinion if the reaction in the Golf Monthly office is anything to go by, but our tester loved it. The combination of green and multi-colored sections on the bottom really stand out and highlight the impressive technology on the shoe. One final point worth mentioning is that it has additional spikes in the forefoot, raising the total of spikes to six, which is two more than the previous Infinity Tour Next%. As a result the traction during testing was outstanding.
- Read our full Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour Next% 2 Golf Shoe Review
Best BOA model
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The new Ecco LT1 features a sporty aesthetic with curved lines and flowing design elements, which when combined with the supreme comfort on offer makes it one of best Ecco golf shoes we've tested. We tested the BOA option but there are also standard lace shoes with a variety of colors too.
Ecco has used a new midsole foam called Ecco Ltyr alongside its renowned Fluidform technology to provide more cushioning and more rebound than ever before, and the comfort levels are off the charts. It certainly impressed us in testing, as the cushioning felt superb which made walking the course and enjoyable experience. The seriously lightweight design further aided the comfort and it was like walking on air.
Although this shoe is waterproof, the outsole is solid but not spectacular and we would definitely go for the Ecco Biom G5 if you regularly play in a lot of rain or wet weather conditions. Nevertheless, this is an excellent shoe for dry or damp conditions, but in the worst of weather it may come up a little short compared to some of the competition.
- Read our full Ecco LT1 Golf Shoe Review
Best overall spikeless
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
It's hard to believe that it's been eight years since FootJoy introduced the first Pro/SL golf shoe to the market. Throughout that time, the iconic look has been retained and has aged very well. It's a similar story with the new Pro/SLX Carbon, albeit with new flashes of tech and color providing a fresh, modern, premium look which we love.
Comfort is the first word that comes to mind after testing these shoes. FootJoy have utilised the superb Ortholite Impressions FitBed that we saw on the HyperFlex Carbon from last year to make the Pro/SLX Carbon one of the most comfortable golf shoes money can buy. The Impressions FitBed really moulds to the foot the more you wear them to give you that worn-in feel that makes them feel like a comfortable pair of slippers.
Footjoy has retained most of the technology from previous models but one change that has been made is to the spikeless outsoles, which now see a moulded 3D X-Wing on the outsole. This carbon fiber construction redistributes energy to the perimeter of the golf shoe to engage grip in the areas where golfers need it most. This makes this shoe very different to most of the best spikeless golf shoes, but we have to say that it worked superbly in testing.
This shoe is 100% waterproof and you also get a 1 year warranty for the waterproofing too.
- Read our full FootJoy Pro/SLX Carbon Golf Shoe Review
Best value
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The new S2G SL is the latest shoe in adidas' crossover category and offers golfers a shoe that can be worn from dawn until dusk, on and off the golf course. The S2G SL (there is also a spiked version available) is based off an iconic running shoe design, hence the modern, sporty silhouette.
Aesthetically, we think these shoes look fantastic. As already mentioned, the S2G SL is designed to be worn on and off the course and, from our testing, we can comfortably say it delivers on both fronts. Another plus point is that you have a choice of multiple colorways, so there should be a look and taste for everyone.
Adidas have used their Lightstrike technology through the midsole, something which has been used to great effect in the best adidas golf shoes and which really enhances the comfort on the course. Another big plus point to these shoes is the price, which is surprisingly low considering the quality on offer, making the S2G SL one of the best budget golf shoes we've tested.
- Read our full adidas S2G SL Golf Shoe review
Best grip
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Under Armour's flaghip shoe for 2024 is the Drive Pro, which comes in both spiked and spikeless models. The SL (spikeless) version is one of the best spikeless shoes we've tested this year and the Drive Pro spiked is a fantastic shoe too, especially in wet weather.
The Drive Pro is the shoe of choice for Under Armour brand ambassador Jordan Spieth, and two years of research and development went into the production of it. That research ultimately led to a Swing Support System known as S3. This S3 is an all encompassing system which covers the midsole, traction and even the new lacing system to provide increased performance.
In our testing these shoes really delivered and it's easy to see why Spieth wears them. The tech in the shoe helps to keep your foot nicely planted and well supported, while still allowing your foot to move where it needs too. A new midsole constructed from softer and energy returning foam means the overall comfort has now improved as well.
We enjoyed the new lacing system and spikes too, along with the lightweight feel at just 12oz. One complaint would be that we weren't huge fans of the writing on the side of the shoe, which distracts from what would otherwise be a really great looking shoe. We also have to say that the quality of the upper materials don't quite meet that of some of its direct rivals, which offer softer, more premium materials throughout the upper, but in fairness the Drive Pro does come in at a slightly lower price point and there is no drop off in performance.
- Read our full Under Armour Drive Pro Golf Shoe Review
Used by Matt Fitzpatrick
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Skechers have always been known for comfort and arch support, but since signing Matt Fitzpatrick as an ambassador the brand has also been working on the fashion side of things too and they are fast becoming one of the leading names in the golf shoe market. One of the best Skechers golf shoes is the Blade shoe which is actually the model Fitzpatrick has been using out on Tour.
While it may not feature the Arch Fit technology that Skechers is known for, the arch support is still very good and we had no complaints on that front after extensively testing this shoe. Our favorite feature of this shoe though is definitely the Slip-in design, which is an incredibly rigid heel area that allows you to put weight through it and for the foot to slide in easily. Although the area is rigid, it is complimented by what is called a Heel Pillow, which is an incredibly soft and cushioned area directly where the heel sits.
The result of this is the Blade offers the most comprehensive padding and cushioning in the heel area of any shoe we have tested, which will be music to the ears of golfers who get pain or blisters in this area. The shoe is also 100% waterproof and the hybrid style outsole has both spikeless and spiked elements to really give good traction and allow the golfer to swing aggressively in them.
The writing on the side of the shoe will divide opinion but looks are always subjective anyway. When it comes to performance, this shoe is built to be as comfortable as possible and in our testing it really did deliver and we would also say it is one of the best golf shoes for plantir fasciitis, so if you suffer from that you should consider investing in a pair.
- Read our full Skechers Go Golf Blades GF Slip Ins Golf Shoe Review
Best lightweight
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Phantomcat Nitro from Puma has a unique outsole and represents a significant departure from previous Puma shoes. The Phantomcat Nitro debuts a Flexspike integrated cleat in some typically vibrant colors. These cleats have been specifically engineered to increase surface contact with the ground while enhancing weight distribution across the foot. This new cleat design also gives the Phantomcat Nitro a lower profile when compared to some other spiked shoes on the market. Our testing confirmed that the Flexspikes do offer increased grip, although we did find the green areas of the outsole became clogged with mud and debris pretty quickly, which was a little annoying.
As for comfort, we were impressed. A nitrogen infused foam that has been injected into the heel area enhances comfort and provides plenty rebound as you walk, while the toe area has been reshaped for a squarer fit to provide more room than other Puma shoes. All in all, the Phantomcat Nitro is another solid addition from Puma and takes it rightful place among the best Puma golf shoes. One slight drawback is that you can't replace the integrated spikes, but this is unlikely to be a problem.
- Read our full Puma Phantomcat Nitro Golf Shoe Review
How we test golf shoes
Golf Monthly has a strong testing procedure when it comes to testing golf shoes that consists of putting them to the test over a number of rounds and in a variety of different conditions. We believe this variety is essential, especially when trying to find the best waterproof golf shoes. Only by playing in the wet can we test how well these shoes operate in bad weather, while we can also assess their grip, stability and durability across different terrains.
We are able to do this by just playing the game normally, as during every round of golf we find ourselves dealing with odd positions and in unusual stances, so it is the best way to mimic the standard conditions any normal golfer would play in. Prior to this testing though, we will usually attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology. It is important to stress that manufacturers cannot buy a good review though, because here at Golf Monthly all of our writers tell it how it is for all golf product reviews, not just golf shoes.
How to choose golf shoes
What factors should you consider when trying to find the best waterproof golf shoe for you? Let's take a look.
1. Waterproofing
Obviously, if you are looking for waterproof shoes then being able to keep water out is the most important factor! Most golf shoes these days offer a level of waterproof protection but some, like the models above, are much better than others. So our first piece of advice is to be sure to take an in-depth look at golf shoe specifications to see if the brand says a shoe is 100 percent waterproof, or just water-resistant. It is also worth checking to see if a model has a waterproof guarantee or warranty as well. You will find this on many of the options on our best winter golf shoes list.
2. Comfort
Comfort is also an important factor here as walking around for five hours in shoes that don't feel good is a miserable experience. Golf shoes must be comfortable regardless of the weather conditions you play in, and the most comfortable golf shoes will have specific foam technologies, or sole designs that are built to keep your feet feeling well supported and fresh all day long on the golf course.
3. Grip/Stability/Traction
Obviously when conditions are wet the ground becomes more slippery and therefore your golf shoes need to have a good level of stability and grip. If your feet are slipping on the ground then there is a good chance you won't hit a good shot, not least because you wont have the confidence to fully commit to the golf shot in the first place. As such, it is important to be aware of what research brands have done into traction patterns, lugs and spikes on the golf shoes so you know which models will make sure your feet don't slip. In the past spiked shoes were essential for playing in the wet, but technology has advanced to the point now where many spikeless shoes can perform almost as well as their spiked counterparts.
4. Looks
This is entirely subjective but it is important to make sure you like the look of your golf shoes and to feel good about what you are wearing on the course. Golfers need every little edge they can get, and feeling like a million bucks because you look the part can only help. The good news is that the market is so flooded with different types of shoes now that there is a model above for all different types of fashion sense. You can go for classic finishes like the FootJoy Pro SL or the G/FORE Gallivanter respectively. Or if you want a model to stand out, we also like the Ecco Biom H4 or Under Armour HOVR Drive 2.
5. Budget
The last factor to consider is budget. With most of the models above there are designs at different price points so simply go for a design with a price you are happy to commit to.
While there are many excellent waterproof options on the market right now, why not also check out some of the best options for warmer conditions too, including our guide to the most breathable golf shoes, best golf shoes for walking and best casual golf shoes.
FAQs
Do golf shoes need to be waterproof?
It's not essential you have waterproof golf shoes, but it's very helpful if they are. Waterproof golf shoes will keep you dry if you're suddenly caught in a rain shower or if the ground is wet underfoot. Even if you primarily play in dry conditions, having a waterproof shoe will give you peace of mind that your feet will stay dry if you get caught in a downpour.
Are waterproof golf shoes heavier than normal golf shoes?
Generally, yes. Waterproof golf shoes tend to be made of more robust materials that protect your feet from the elements on the golf course. Compared to a pair of golf shoes that are designed for summer conditions, the best waterproof shoes will be a little more robust and are generally made from leather compared to the mesh materials on some of the best options for breathability.
Should you buy a spiked or spikeless pair of waterproof golf shoes?
Spiked golf shoes will generally tend to offer more grip on wetter terrain, so as a general rule of thumb they are generally a better option for winter golf. But that doesn't mean to say that spikeless golf shoes are not as grippy, with some of the best spikeless golf shoes offering great traction on any terrain. Ultimately, when buying your decision should come down to what you're most comfortable with. Some golfers prefer to use spikeless golf shoes as they offer more versatility, but others may choose to use spiked shoes in the belief that they offer more traction.
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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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