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...
Although the price of golf equipment in general rising in the last few years, so have the number of footwear options. What this has led to is the best golf shoes on the market rising in price, but also giving way to a new and improved 'budget' section of shoes. With more people playing in the amateur ranks than ever before, manufacturers know not all players want to shell out $200 on a pair of shoes, particularly if they are casual players who don't play religiously throughout the year.
In yesteryear, a 'budget' golf shoe would typically prove pretty average in terms of both quality and performance, but these standards have really risen in recent years. They've improved that much that some of the options we've added to this list are some of our favorite golf shoes, period!
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 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
The S2G from adidas is a well executed hybrid golf shoe that offers outstanding value for money. This is thanks to the versatility, looks and overall performance.
One of our favorite golf sneakers anywhere, the Pegasus looks great, feels extremely comfortable, and it has immense on/off course versatility.
UA have taken inspiration from the brand's most successful running shoes and created a head-turner of a golf shoe. Slick and modern, we love the looks of the Phantom.
The FootJoy ProLite golf shoe is stylish, lightweight, fully waterproof and as you would expect with inclusion in this guide, very reasonably priced given the technology on offer.
If you need a summer shoe then the Fusion Classic is a model to consider. They offer clear versatility, comfort right out of the box, and the grip was solid as well.
A shoe that would not look out of place at work, the Daily Pro Hybrid felt extremely comfortable to walk in and work with a variety of outfits. Order a size up as can be narrow.
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Under Armour has done a superb job balancing price, performance and comfort here to create a spiked golf shoe that has undeniable value.
Best Budget Golf Shoes
Top pick
For under $100, not only are you getting one of the best spikeless golf shoes on the market, you're getting one of the best looking golf shoes on the market as well! 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 to the golf shoe range that Adidas have put so much effort into over the last few years as they revolutionize their golf fashion.
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.
Both the attention to detail and build quality of this shoe is top-notch as well. A leather upper is combined with synthetic materials that give off both a premium look and feel whilst there is loads of cushioning and energy return as you walk.
- Read our full adidas S2G SL Golf Shoe Review
Best sneaker
Remember we said we love crossover shoes? Here's another pair for you - the Nike Pegasus '89, one of the most comfortable golf shoes we've tested recently and a great shout for one of the best casual golf shoes as well. Comfort, looks and an affordable price make this a shoe hard to say no to, especially when you consider both the performance and the fact they can easily be worn on and off the course.
Underfoot, these feel like you're walking on pillows. The hidden Zoom Air unit in the heel helps with this comfort, contributing to the springy feeling as you walk off the tee box. Your heel will be slightly higher off the ground than you may be used to as a result, but I got used to this pretty quickly during testing.
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.
- 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...
The first thing worth noting is the comfort on offer here - it's excellent. Phantom features an array of technology, such as a SpeedForm 2.0 sockliner for underfoot support and HOVR cushioning for stability which meant I felt secure on a range of surfaces and inclines during testing. I also felt really locked into the ground which is a massive thing I look for with spikeless shoes. It's worth noting that the knit collar, albeit excellent for keeping your foot secure as you walk and swing, does mean it's a difficult shoe to get on.
To the naked eye it's hard to see how the rubber nubs on the sole are going to keep the user stable during the golf swing but the grip was great both in wet and dry conditions. There is also a one year waterproof warranty that comes with the Phantom shoes, however I'd personally consider these more as a summer golf shoe. Nevertheless, this is 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 Phantom 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.
These might not be as 'cool' an option as some other pairs on this list, but it's always difficult to argue against the quality Footjoy products deliver. The ProLite shoes don't vary too much from the traditional golf shoe look but provide some vibrant and visually appealing looks without being too obnoxious.
Considering these are considered a 'budget' golf shoe, the performance was very good. They're fully waterproof which is a big plus and showed good durability during our multiple rounds of testing. This durability comes courtesy of the 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. The shoe packs in a lot of technology for a very reasonable price.
- Read our full FootJoy ProLite Golf Shoe Review
Best summer shoe
Sometime simplicity can be king, as proven here with the Puma Fusion Classic Golf Shoe which has quickly become one of the best Puma golf shoes in the range. Pairing these shoes with an outfit either on and off the golf course could not be easier thanks to the simplistic design.
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. There is a really nice balance between comfort, support and performance with these shoes as well.
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. We think these are more of a smart/casual shoe in terms of off-course wear, perfect for the work office or a nice evening out in a restaurant.
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. They should very much be considered as one of the best summer golf shoes rather than an year-round option.
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
My top spiked golf shoe pick in this guide is the Under Armour Drive Fade because it offers excellent performance. Whilst there are better looking shoes out there, it has a classic UA silhouette that many will like, especially in the grey design I tested with a pop of color throughout.
Looks aside the grip was outstanding. The same S3 spikes featured on the top of the range Drive Pro shoes are present here which actually meant the Fade competed in terms of performance, despite coming in with a lower price. The result is excellent traction.
The shoes do have a firmer feel which is the norm for Under Armour, but by no means are they uncomfortable because the fit was superb and I felt locked in during the swing. I should say the materials used are synthetic and have a firm feel to them, as opposed to leather shoes which soften up nicely. However this is to be expected for a shoe at this price point, and it is worth saying the material is 100% waterproof as well. All in all there is a lot of golf shoe for your money here.
- Read our full Under Armour Drive Fade Golf Shoe 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.
FAQs
Are expensive golf shoes worth it?
More expensive golf shoes will provide a few extras. Many of them will use soft, more expensive full-grain leather and incorporate more technology to add comfort in the midsole. Cheaper shoes will still offer plenty of comfort, grip and style, but more expensive golf shoes will come with some extra luxuries.
