Best Golf Boots: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Men's
3. Women's
4. How we test
5. How to choose
6. FAQs
There really is no other game changer when it comes to winter golf than that of the golf boot. It is footwear designed to keep your feet warm and dry whilst delivering great grip and comfort for a round in less than perfect conditions. But what makes the best golf boots so great?
Well, actually, it's all the things that make a good hiking boot really. In fact, we believe if you’re about to fork out on a decent pair of walking boots, don’t. Just grab a pair of golf boots and you’ll have an investment that will double up for both dog walking and playing in muddy conditions. Why? Click here to find out in our guide on why golf gear is best for dog walkers.
Golf boots will keep your feet feeling so comfortable and prevent injuries on slippery slopes. Plus they also offer the added benefit of decent traction when it comes to swinging the club on a sticky fairway. If the higher ankle fit of a boot just isn't for you check out our best waterproof golf shoes guide or our look at the best golf shoes for wide feet guide. But if a boot is what you are after, read on...
The Quick List
One of the best-looking and performing golf boots we've tested with the premium materials and a clever lacing system standing out in our testing.
A lack of support in the heel, plus divisive aesthetics could put some off, but the impressive waterproofing abilities and brilliant traction in the sole ensure it delivers in plenty of other key areas.
They are comfy, warm and, importantly, fully waterproof. Some may be put off by the aesthetics but, with all the other boxes being ticked, they certainly deliver as a winter boot.
This is a stunning boot that performs as good as it looks. Most importantly, it’s really comfortable, will keep your feet warm and dry and provides generous traction for winter golf.
The Adicross GTX Spikeless shoe better resembles a hiking boot than a traditional shoe, making it the perfect choice for trudging through wet rough, muddy fairways and on rainy days.
This is an on-trend, eye-catching boot that is beautifully styled, but most importantly is really comfortable to wear and keeps feet warm and dry.
Best Golf Boots
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Men's Golf Boots
Duca Del Cosma is a brand that boasts five different boot models for men and a further seven for women, which makes them one of the market leaders when it comes to winter golf shoes.
Aesthetically, the golf boot can be an acquired taste for some golfers. Often, it's substance over style with this sort of shoe (you can see this with some of the examples listed below), but the Bologna is probably one of the best examples of a good-looking golf boot, although beauty is always in the eye of the beholder and it will not be the taste of everyone.
While the choice of a spikeless outsole is interesting considering the conditions you'll likely be wearing these boots in, we feel that the Bologna is one of the most sophisticated, cultured golf boots on the market. and in terms of comining looks and performance we feel this is one of the best golf boots we've tested.
- Read our full review of the Duca Del Cosma Bologna Men's Golf Boot
Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% Shield Shoe
Certainly a leading player in the best golf boot market, the Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% Shield is a strong all-around product.
Looks-wise, these boots have split opinion among consumers but we think this is one of the best-looking winter golf shoes on the market right now - especially when you consider how difficult it is to make a golf boot look as stylish as its summer rival. The iron grey colorway that we tested did not look out of place with any outfit and they also hid mud and dirt well too - a significant plus point, especially in the winter.
A lack of support in the heel, plus divisive aesthetics could put some off, but the impressive waterproofing abilities and brilliant traction in the sole ensure it delivers in plenty of other key areas.
Overall, these boots are one of the best we've tested this year and while they may not be for everyone in terms of aesthetics, if you are looking for a statement piece on the course this winter, you probably don’t need to look any further.
- Read our full review of the Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% Shield
Puma DRYLBL Golf Boots
This golf boot is perfect for those wet cold days of winter, especially on courses where the rough might be longer. Puma have some great shoes on the market and have been very popular with their modern aesthetics. The golf boot doesn’t follow that trend, you can see that this boot is designed to do a job and looks are secondary.
Overall these boots tick a lot of boxes and could be one of the best winter golf boots on the market. They keep you dry, comfy and warm which are all the key areas. The only down point for me was the aesthetics but we think this is a really solid option for a winter golf boot/shoe.
- Read our full Puma DRYLBL Golf Boots Review
Women's Golf Boots
The Duca Del Cosma Olivia golf boot is just one of several new models from the Italian brand’s extensive collection of shoes and boots, all of which are designed to keep feet warm and dry in winter conditions. The Italian brand leave no stone unturned when it comes to ensuring women have a wide choice of styles to keep for winter golf and we loved the Olivia when we tested it.
This is a stunning looking boot that performs as good as it looks. Available in black or brown, the style is understated, so speaks for itself, but most importantly, it’s really comfortable, will keep your feet warm and dry and provides generous traction for winter golf. Definitely one of the best women's golf boots on the market.
- Read our full Duca del Cosma Olivia Boot Review
Adidas Women's Adicross GTX Spikeless Golf Shoe
A brilliant winter shoe. The Adicross GTX Spikeless shoe better resembles a hiking boot than a traditional shoe, making it the perfect choice for trudging through wet rough, muddy fairways and on rainy days. These shoes will definitely keep your feet warm and dry even in the worst weather.
There are some absolute advantages to owning a pair of golf shoes that are designed like boots and made from a waterproof, breathable fabric like these, especially if you play a lot of golf through the cold and wet winter months. The high back design prevents any water from being able to slip down the sides of your shoes and soak your socks, while the Gore tex lining works wonders at keeping your feet bone dry.
This offering from adidas should definitely be on your shortlist if you play in wet and muddy conditions.
- Read our full Adidas Women's Adicross GTX Spikeless Golf Shoe Review
Duca Del Cosma Palazzo Golf Boot
Featuring an outer cow leather that is exceptionally soft, the Duca Del Cosma Palazzo also has a faux fur lining around the top of the collar and inside the tongue which immediately gives these boots a stylish and a cosy appearance. Importantly, they are true to size, ultra-lightweight and comfortable to wear straight out of the box over 18 holes.
- Read our full Duca Del Cosma Palazzo Golf Boot Review
How we test golf boots
Our golf shoe testing methodology revolves around putting models to the test over a number of rounds and in different conditions. 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 actually look on the golf course. Each of the boots listed above has been personally used by a member of the Golf Monthly team while our writer Dan Parker heads up all golf shoe testing.
This is the best way of testing a golf boot is to use it in the real world over a number of weeks. That allows us to see how they perform when variables like weather, ground conditions, different stances and lies all change.
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, 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.
How to choose a golf boot
Golf boots come in many different shapes and have a ton of different features. From waterproofing outer shells to different grip styles, there is a lot to consider when purchasing your next pair of golf boots. For that reason, we’ve put together a list of handy tips that you need to consider when purchasing your next pair of golf boots. Check them out below
Spiked or spikeless?
The best golf boots come in spiked or spikeless designs and there are pros and cons of each. 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 boot.
Waterproofing
If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain then a waterproof boot is a must. The best designs will keep your feet bone dry however if you play golf in glorious sunshine most of the time, then you may view other factors as more significant. Many players choose to have one pair for winter and another, lighter pair for summer to keep them fresh and suit different requirements. For that reason you may want to copy them and get yourself a light summer pair of golf shoes but a pair of sturdy boots for winter.
Getting the right fit
When picking out golf boots, getting the right fit is important because otherwise, blisters can build up. Or your feet may slide around inside, which limits your stability. When trying a pair on for the first time, listen for the 'whoosh' sound when you slide your feet in - that's the sound of all the air leaving the shoe to confirm it is the correct size, but do a walking test to be sure. They shouldn't pinch anywhere, nor should your feet be moving around inside.
It is also worth considering getting different laces when looking to get the right-fit golf shoe. Normal laces are good for most but for some golfers, BOA laced shoes provide more convenient fastening and shouldn’t loosen during the course of a round, but are usually a tad more expensive.
Comfort and support
Similar to getting the right fit, you need to get a boot that is going to give you ample comfort and support during your round. As you’ll be walking a long way in these shoes, it is vital that you get a pair that will give your ankles, feet and knees the best level of support possible. Look for shoes that have padded-out soles and are cushioned on the inside, to give your feet a spongey ride. You'll also want to ensure that the boots don't come up too high around your ankles and offer excellent support to your achilles while you walk.
Styling
Thankfully there are ton of different golf shoe designs out there, not just the traditional classic-looking shoes made by brands. As we have seen from the boots above, there are some trendy modern styles that can be used off the golf course too. Therefore, it is important to think about what your shoes look like and what style suits you. Whatever you like or dislike, there is something for everyone these days.
Golf boots come in all shapes sizes. There are so many different options out there to consider and while the best golf boots are some of the top products on the market, there are plenty of other golf shoes you should try before you buy. For example, take a look at our guides on the best golf sneakers, the best winter golf shoes or even the best golf shoes for under $100.
FAQs
Can you wear your golf boots to go hiking?
Yes, you can! You may want to ensure that your golf boots don't have spikes on them when you go hiking though, as that may become annoying or slippery when walking on gravel paths or concrete. If you want to double up and use your golf boot as a hiking boot, spikeless offerings are your best bet.
Can you play golf in a pair of boots?
Yes, you can play golf in a pair of boots. You may feel a little more locked in when you swing through your shot, compared to if you were playing with a standard pair of golf shoes. But golf boots offer more support, comfort and rigidity to your ankle than a classic golf shoe might. For that reason, they can be excellent for players looking for more support around the course.
Will wearing boots restrict my swing?
Not necessarily. While some golfers may be skeptical that a golf boot might restrict their swing, preventing them from twisting their ankles through the shot, boots can help to give support and strength to your ankles and keep your feet locked in.
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