Best Budget Golf Shoes 2024

Golf is an expensive game to play. By the time you've purchased a bag, balls and clubs, you've spent a small fortune, before you've even bought the right golf shoes.
But golf shoes are a critical part of any players game and it can be difficult to find a pair of shoes that perform without a hefty price tag...

To help make golf more affordable, we have tested a lot of shoes and then selected the best budget golf shoes that we can find on the market. While 'budget' here is defined as anything under $100, we understand this is still a decent chunk of money. That's why we've made sure to include some great models at different price points. You might think that budget golf shoes means compromising on brand and performance. Nonetheless, there are some of the best FootJoy golf shoes and even the best adidas golf shoes in this golf shoe guide that deliver high-end performance and a fair price. 

WATCH: Dan Parker tests over 25 pairs of the best golf shoes to crown his 2024 winner!

As you know, different conditions require different shoes. We've included a mixture of spiked and spikeless golf shoes in this list as well. Check our selection of best budget golf shoes below... 

The Quick List

Best Budget Golf Shoes

Top pick

Style only counts if the performance is there to match it. The S2GL is another fantastic hybrid shoe that delivers precisely that, all for under $100. We've said it before and we'll say it again: we love crossover shoes. adidas has followed other manufacturers in adapting existing designs, like Nike's Jordan models, into golf shoes that perform. The S2GL is the latest addition the brands already impressive golf shoe range featured in our best golf shoe picks.

In our testing, the S2GL stood out as one of those shoes you could style as both a golf shoe and a casual trainer for daily life. Comfort? Some of you will be glad to hear it's a much wider fit than other adidas golf shoes, so it does indeed fit true to size. adidas have used their Lightstrike technology through the midsole, something which we see in their spiked golf shoes such as the adidas Tour360 24. 

What we really liked was the build quality and attention to detail of the S2G SL. Constructed of a mixture of synthetic materials and a leather upper to create what is a very premium looking and feeling shoe, there is also plenty of cushioning and energy to return to help produce confidence with each swing.

• Read our full adidas S2G SL Golf Shoe Review

Best sneaker

Next up we have the Pegasus shoe from Nike, one of the most comfortable golf shoes we have tested and also one of the best casual golf shoes on the market. Featuring the perfect blend of retro looks and comfort, these are definitely a model to consider given the price is just over $100 or so. 

In our testing 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. This unit does make your heel slightly higher off the ground which may take a little bit of time to get used to, but this is a minor point.

The rubber traction delivers superb multi directional grip on all types of terrain and the outsole will maintain a good grip in damp conditions. That being said in full downpour conditions, we would recommend going for one of the best waterproof golf shoes instead. While synthetic leather overlays  give the shoes full waterproof protection, there are better models out there for rain deluges. 

Overall these are a fantastic summer shoe because in addition to being great for golf, you can wear them off the course too.

• Read our full Nike Air Pegasus '89 Golf Shoe Review

Best versatility

Titled as ‘the golf brand for athletes’, it's unsurprising that Under Armour has created this outstanding hybrid-crossover golf shoe. But what does that entail? Well, in testing the shoe, we found you can comfortably wear these at home, at the gym, walking 18 holes or even to a bar—it's the perfect combination of style and comfort...

A sleek athletic look is coupled with a breathable upper and a Storm Flat Knit Collar to secure the ankle. The Charged midsole is featured in many Under Armour shoes and helps transfer energy created from pushing against the terrain into your swing. Manufacturers like Nike have also harnessed their Free running technology in golf shoes, and we're a big fan of this crossover. Even with harder swings, we felt very stable in the Charged Phantom SL. Although the shoe tested well in dry to damp conditions, we would recommend a spiked model if you're playing golf in wetter conditions.

If you're looking for a new pair of golf shoes, this is is definitely a model to consider. It's a versatile, performance golf shoe at an an excellent price point. Plus, you'd get your bang for your buck wearing these both on and off the course. 

• Read our full Under Armour Charged Phantom SL Golf Shoe Review

Best waterproof

Although sneaker-style designs are becoming increasingly popular, there's still a place for those classic styles and the FootJoy ProLite is precisely that. Available in several colors, the accents are vibrant and visually appeasing without being too 'loud' or overpowering.

How did they perform? Well from a budegt shoe standpoint very well indeed, especially in terms of waterproofing. Durability comes from a performance synthetic upper, which offers that waterproof protection (it also comes with a one-year waterproof guarantee).

The Duramax Race Trak outsole provides some impressive traction. We barely even noticed that it was a spikeless golf shoe during the swing. As the name suggests, the shoe is lightweight but is robust enough to handle the more powerful swings. Comfort? The thicker insole offers increased cushioning for the underfoot and the mesh liner provides that 'sock-like' feel.

If we're nit-picking, the leather could be better quality and we did notice early signs of cracking. That's besides the point—it's a great golf shoe for under $100. The shoe packs in a lot of technology for a very reasonable price.

• Read our full FootJoy ProLite Golf Shoe Review

Best summer shoe

Whilst many golfers want the traditional spiked shoe for the golf course, there are many golfers who want versatility and value. Enter the Fusion Classic, one of the best Puma golf shoes in the current range. The design lends itself to be used anywhere and the aesthetic means it can be paired with almost any outfit. The subtle Puma Cat logo at the top of the heel adds to this.

Admittedly spiked shoes will offer more grip, especially in the wet, but the spikeless outsole, which gives just as much grip on the pavement as it does the fairways, making them one of the best golf sneakers around and an ideal model for summer. Additionally the balance of flexibility with support from the sole unit provides just the right balance of walking comfort with performance.

In really damp conditions, you may experience a little excess movement, but it’s fair to say these shoes are more of a summer model than they are a year-round contender. This may be a huge negative to you but given the low price and the value on offer from this shoe, it should be a model to consider if you need versatility.

• Read our full Puma Fusion Classic Golf Shoe Review

Best for the office

Another versatile pick is the Daily Pro Hybrid shoe from TravisMathew. Thanks to the casual aesthetic, we think it looks great in the office, out and about, on the course and just about anywhere. The design combines well with the knit upper and we like the fact it comes in six different colors too. 

We enjoyed the traction during our testing as well, thanks to the rubber nubs on the sole. However as much as the shoes did provide good stability, these shoes are not waterproof so that is something to be aware of. 

One big point to make for this shoe is that it does fit quite narrow and as much as the ‘SweetSpot’ cushioning felt extremely comfortable underfoot, the shoes do feel slightly tight over the bridge of the foot so we would recommend going up a size to make sure you get the right fit.

• Read our full TravisMathew Daily Pro Hybrid Golf Shoe Review

Best spiked

Adidas are one of the leaders in what we've called the 'Spiked Golf Shoe Renaissance' with the adidas Tour360 24. Additionally the Tech Response 2.0 is another excellent spiked golf shoe from the brand. The shoe uses textile mesh and synthetic leather which makes for comfortable, airy and lightweight shoe. 

In fact, we found that the shoe is so lightweight, you get minimal fatigue after walking the course. The Cloudfoam sock liner and midsole only compounds the support and cushioning. 

Comfort aside, we find these shoes to look a little clumsy and there's limited colorways. If they delivered some better options in way of style this shoe would tick more boxes. That said, the price is what counts here because you can get a pair comfortably below $100. Speaking of which for more cheap shoes, then read our guide on the best golf shoes under $100 as well. 

• Read our full Adidas Tech Response 2.0 Golf Shoes Review

How we test golf shoes

Our golf shoe testing revolves around us putting the shoes through testing in different conditions and weather. This is so we can gain a better idea of overall performance in terms of factors like grip comfort, grip, stability, waterproofing, and how they look on the golf course. That means that every shoe in this guide has been personally tested by a member of the Golf Monthly team.

We find this is the best way to test golf shoes, as it gives the consumer a feeling for how they perform in the real world. Especially in different variables like weather and ground conditions, as well as different stances and levels of power being put through the shoe. 

By using the shoes we can tell little things like which shoes may be more narrow or wide and which shoes come up a little smaller than others in the same size. This allows us to pass valuable information to the consumer so they can make more informed decisions. 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 a golf shoe

What factors do you need to consider when picking out your next pair of golf shoes? Well below are some of our key points that will help you get the perfect model for you. 

1. Spiked or spikeless?

The models we picked out above include some spikeless and spiked shoes and as you would expect there is a clear difference between the two designs, both with pros and cons. Spiked golf shoes offer better grip and stability but don't sit as low to the ground as spikeless models.

Spikeless golf shoes offer off-course versatility. 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, but most won't offer as much traction as a spiked shoe.

2. Waterproofing

Given we are playing outdoors for a good few hours, the weather can change a lot which means we need golf gear, and golf shoes, to help deal with the rain. As such a waterproof shoe is a must. The top models will keep your feet dry and protected, without being too hot, so they must be breathable as well. 

3. Getting the right fit

It is an obvious point to make but the shoe has to fit correctly and we such we always recommend people try on golf shoes before buying. This is because a poorly fitting shoe can lead to blisters and discomfort, which will distract you from your game. When trying on shoes, make a note of the size of some shoes you own already that fit well, so you can try on that size yourself. Then it gives you an idea on which brands come up slightly narrow or small, so you can then look to try on more sizes to get the right fit. Ultimately the shoes shouldn't pinch anywhere and your feet shouldn't move around when inside either. 

We also recommend considering different laces. Normal laces are fine for most but there are BOA options now which provide more convenient fastening and shouldn’t loosen during the course of a round. It should be noted these are usually a tad more expensive.

4. Styling

As the shoes above show, modern shoe design sees brands create traditional shoes along with modern, sporty designs that can be used off the golf course as well. Therefore have a think about shoes you like the look of and what style of shoe you think suits you. Ultimately the shoe market is so big now that there is a design for everyone these days.

For more golf shoe buying advice, check out our other guides on the best golf shoes for walking, best golf shoes for wide feet, or the best golf shoes for seniors.

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