Best Golf Shoes 2026

Deciding which are the best golf shoes for your game can be a trickier task than you first think. Ultimately, it is essential to find shoes that not only keep us comfortable on the course, but also provide the stability and support needed to swing with confidence and freedom.

With so many brands and models on the market, choosing the right pair of golf shoes can be a challenge. Do you opt for spiked or spikeless, or perhaps a sneaker-style design that works just as well off the course as it does on it? Alongside grip, comfort is a key consideration, but prioritising comfort alone can sometimes mean compromising on waterproof protection. That’s why it’s important to weigh up all of these factors carefully before investing your hard-earned cash.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best golf shoes currently on the market, with leading models from brands such as adidas, Puma, FootJoy and Nike all tested by the Golf Monthly team. By splitting our picks into spiked and spikeless categories, there should be a suitable option for every type of golfer.

The Quick List

Best Golf Shoes

Top pick

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The spikeless version of the latest Clone line truly does it all. It utilizes the same innovative upper material to provide a highly adaptive, snug fit that eliminates pinching while accommodating different foot shapes. This material offers a unique balance of flexibility and support, making the shoe worth trying just for the sensation of the fit alone. Visually, this model is a significant upgrade over the previous Drive Pro, featuring a more refined aesthetic with textured finishes and subtle design flourishes that elevate the overall look.

Performance remains seriously strong, with Under Armour has retained the successful outsole from the 2024 model, blending rubber nubs with strategically placed TPU for excellent lateral support and ground penetration. While the shoe's construction does limit breathability in very high temperatures, its impressive stability and comfort make it a versatile choice. Despite the trade-off in airflow, the Clone SL is a high-performing option that deservedly takes our top pick label for 2026.

• Read our full Under Armour Drive Pro Clone SL Shoe Review

Best spiked

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The Drive Pro Clone is a shoe so good that it takes the first two spots in this guide.

The spiked version of the shoe stands out as the premier spiked shoe of 2026, largely due to its innovative auxetic upper that adapts to the unique contours of any foot. As mentioned above for the spikeless version, the material offers a rare combination of the flexibility found in knit shoes with the secure, locked-in stability required for high-performance play. With a refined, leather-like aesthetic that significantly improves upon previous models, it provides a custom-feeling fit that is comfortable for golfers of all foot shapes right out of the box.

On the performance front, the shoe continues to utilize the exceptional S3 support system, delivering industry-leading traction and grip throughout the swing. While the underfoot cushioning leans more toward a firm balance than cloud-like softness like with the likes of the Under Armour Phantom Fore shoes and FootJoy Quantum, the overall walking experience remains highly supportive. The only minor drawback is a slight lack of breathability, but other than that, this show is pretty flawless and is a top-tier choice for the golfers of all ages and abilities.

• Read our full Under Armour Drive Pro Clone Shoe Review

Best for wide feet

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The Biom C5 pleasingly builds on the legacy of the C4, delivering an exceptional blend of walking comfort and the stability required to keep you secured as you swing. It features a noticeably improved heel lockdown compared to its predecessor, giving golfers the confidence to swing aggressively while feeling completely secure and supported throughout the round.

Visually, the shoe maintains its premium athletic appeal, updated with 'exhaust grid scoops' that work alongside Gore-Tex Surround technology to ensure total waterproofing without sacrificing breathability. While the traction is reliable in most conditions, it may not quite match the 'class-leading; grip of some specialized competitors. Thankfully, the high-quality leather construction and luxurious fit make the C5 an outstanding long-term investment for those have comfort and durability atop of their features list when they are looking for new golf shoes.

• Read our full Ecco Biom C5 Golf Shoe Review

Best value

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The S2G SL is a highly versatile crossover shoe designed to embrace modern fashion and a growing leniency in golf apparel rules, providing a design that works seamlessly on the golf course and in social settings away from it.

Drawing inspiration from running shoe silhouettes, it offers a modern, sporty look that performs exceptionally well for both active play and casual wear. With its cool, understated aesthetic and a wide array of available colorways, this model serves as a practical yet stylish choice for golfers seeking a single shoe that looks just as natural at the pub as it does on the links.

When it comes to comfort, again it ticks every box as it's a much wider fit than most other adidas golf shoes, so it does indeed fit true to size and is one of the best golf shoes for wide feet. Also, adidas have used their Lightstrike technology through the midsole, something which we see in some of the spiked models in this list too. The final point we must make is the cost easily falls into the best budget golf shoes category.

• Read our full adidas S2G SL Golf Shoe Review

Most comfortable

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I’ll cut to the chase with the FootJoy Quantum. As with the HyperFlex they’re not the best-looking shoes in this guide, but when it comes to comfort they’re in a league of their own. The headline feature is FootJoy’s Cloud-Like Comfort, delivered via the Ortholite Impression FitBed, which offers instant step-in comfort and gradually moulds to the shape of your foot to create a more customised fit over time.

Beyond the FitBed, FootJoy has loaded the Quantum with cushioning underfoot, along with SofFoam technology in and around the heel. During testing this translated into an exceptionally cushioned ride, with the comfort noticeable both while walking the course and throughout the swing.

That focus on comfort does mean you don’t quite get the same levels of stability and traction as some of the top spiked shoes in this guide, but that’s to be expected from a model that sits between a traditional performance golf shoe and a sneaker-style design. If you walk most of your rounds and primarily play in summer conditions, the Quantum should be an excellent fit.

• Read our full FootJoy Quantum Golf Shoe Review

Most versatile

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New Balance's iconic 997H lifestyle runner aesthetic has hit the fairways and we think it looks absolutely superb. Combining casual street style with good on-course performance, it delivers a comfortable, lightweight walking experience highlighted by plush padding around the heel and ankle that ensures a securely locked-in feel without any initial rubbing. The combination of an Abzorb midsole and a CUSH+ insole keeps your feet well-cushioned for the majority of the round, though some golfers may notice a slight lack of targeted support underneath the ball of the foot over the course of walking 18 holes.

It's often thought you sacrifice performance by opting for one of the best golf sneaker style shoes, but the Ndurance rubber outsole here offers impressive traction in a variety of conditions, with strategically placed rubber nubs to keeping you stable during the swing. Boasting improved temperature control and a highly breathable upper, these shoes are an ideal option for warm-weather summer golf or quick trips to the driving range, though the suede detailing means it is best kept away from muddy conditions. The price is also a big green tick in our testing box - at a very reasonable price point of around $100, you get plenty of value for money, especially when you consider these shoes can be worn both on and off the golf course. We would, however, recommend ordering a half-size larger than your standard fit.

• Read our full New Balance 997 SL Golf Shoe Review

Best insole

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The 2026 edition of the G.112 delivers a beautifully refined look that balances a slick casual look and strong on-course performance despite the sneaker silhouette.

During testing we found these shoes to be incredibly lightweight but they will also keep you secure, locking you in tightly for the swing while offering enough give to eliminate any painful rubbing or blisters. As always with the best G/FORE golf shoes, the star of the show is their signature nubbed, massaging insole. The unique textured surface gives your feet a gentle, continuous massage as you walk, providing immense relief from fatigue over a long 18-hole round.

The low-profile spikeless outsole provides dependable traction on both dry and damp turf, meaning they are an excellent, highly versatile summer shoe option for golfers looking for one of the best spikeless golf shoes on the market.

• Read our full G/FORE G.112 2026 Golf Shoe Review

Best looking

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The FootJoy Packard is one of, if not the fanciest pair of golf shoes money can buy, featuring a premium leather construction that elevates its classic silhouette into something truly special. The aesthetic is defined by high-end details, most notably a nubuck leather center panel with bison texturing and refined accents around the toe. These sophisticated touches ensure the shoe is a visual standout, providing a polished look that is guaranteed to turn heads and earn compliments from the very first tee.

Performance-wise, the Packard is as functional as it is stylish, offering a stable and secure platform for the swing. While it provides a slightly firmer feel than typical athletic models, it maintains excellent comfort levels throughout a full round of walking. The outsole is engineered for strong multi-directional traction, providing the necessary grip to handle wet conditions and uneven lies with ease. For those who prefer a traditional, brogue-style golf shoe, this model remains the gold standard.

• Read our full FootJoy Premiere Series Packard Golf Shoe Review

Best firm feel

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Given that Rory McIlroy wears them week in, week out on the PGA Tour, you’re most likely to already be familiar with these shoes. And after testing them ourselves it’s easy to see why.

Comfort means different things to different golfers. When it comes to running shoes I prefer the softest sole possible, but with golf shoes my preference leans towards a slightly firmer feel that still delivers plenty of comfort and stability. In that respect, few shoes do it better than the Nike Victory Tour 4.

Nike went straight to the pros to dial in the blueprint for the Victory Tour 4, and the structural upgrades speak for themselves. This shoe features a clever Dynamic Fit system for extra lockdown support, alongside a super-plush Cushlon midsole that gives you all the pillowy walking comfort you want without sacrificing a rock-solid base to swing from. The spiked traction on these is an absolute standout and was a highlight during testing, allowing us to swing with maximum speed without a hint of slipping. If you are looking to treat your feet to a high-end, high-performance tour shoe, this belongs right at the top of your list.

• Read our full Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 4 Golf Shoe Review

Most underrated

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With so many models to choose from selecting an overall top pick was no easy task, but the Payntr 87 SC ultimately stood out. After extensive testing we found very little to fault in what is a truly outstanding all-round golf shoe.

Worn by the likes of Jason Day, Sam Burns and European Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose, it feels only right to start with the looks. We were big fans of the refined, understated aesthetic, complemented by subtle detailing such as the golf-inspired elements and clean overall silhouette. This isn’t a loud or attention-seeking shoe by any means, but its classy styling comfortably holds its own against some of the cleanest designs on the market, including the Adidas MC80, FootJoy Premiere Series Field or the G/FORE Gallivan2r G/Lock.

Impressive as the looks are though, the standout feature for us was the grip which can genuinely go toe-to-toe with any shoe currently available. That performance is driven by two key design elements. First is the full-length carbon fibre propulsion plate, positioned just above the outsole. This proved to be a real difference-maker, allowing us to harness the ground extremely effectively through the swing, with a noticeable rebound underfoot both during ball striking and while walking the course. The second is the use of seven SoftSpikes Tour Flex Pro spikes, which further enhance traction and stability.

The foot feels securely locked in across the tongue and heel without ever feeling restrictive, delivering that reassuring, tour-style locked-in sensation many golfers look for.

• Read our full Payntr Eighty Seven SC Golf Shoe Review

Best outsole

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The iconic FootJoy Pro/SL franchise receives its most radical overhaul since 2016, swapping out traditional luxury leather for a modernized synthetic material build. While the revamped aesthetic may prove polarizing for traditionalists, the technical performance remains top-tier. Featuring a new 'Z-Tec' upper, the shoe strikes a perfect balance between reliable, solid targeted stability and the natural flexibility needed to swing with confidence on the course.

Performance remains the shoe's greatest strength, highlighted by an exceptional spikeless outsole that provides elite traction even in wet and slippery conditions. This grip is so reliable that it closely mimics the feel of a spiked shoe, though it does come with a firmer underfoot sensation, particularly in the forefoot area. While the Pro/SL remains a high-performing and supportive option, golfers who prioritize maximum cushioning above all else might find softer alternatives, such as the FootJoy Quantum we mentioned above, more to their liking.

• Read our full FootJoy Pro/SL 2026 Golf Shoe Review

Best arch support

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Skechers latest release s an impressive all-rounder that marries the brand's legendary, out-of-the-box comfort with elite performance on the course. Like so many Skechers shoes, the highlight here is the hands-free Slip-In technology, which utilizes a rigid rear framework to let you slide right into the shoe without the heel cup folding down. This stiffness is masterfully balanced by an ultra-plush internal Heel Pillow that completely locks the foot in while preventing any painful rubbing or blisters.

The main drawback lies in the aesthetics, as the shoe remains stylistically challenged compared to its sleeker, trendier market rivals. The otherwise clean silhouette is heavily cluttered by excessive, unnecessary branding. However, the performance during testing left me thinking I can live with the stylistic downsides. It stands out as one of the best Skechers golf shoes - and also one of the best value golf shoes - available this year.

• Read our full Skechers Go Golf Blade Tour Slip-In Golf Shoe Review

How we test golf shoes

How Golf Monthly tests products is based on putting models to a thorough test over a number of rounds and in different weather conditions. By doing it this way we gain a much better idea of the overall performance of the product in terms of factors like comfort, grip, stability, waterproofing and how they actually look on the golf course.

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It’s important to stress that every shoe listed above has been personally tested by a member of the Golf Monthly team. The category itself is overseen by footwear expert Dan Parker, who has been reviewing and testing golf shoes for many years and has built up extensive experience across the market. While Dan tests the vast majority of models, fellow gear team members such as Sam De’Ath and Joe Ferguson also contribute, drawing on their own testing knowledge and expertise.

Crucially, all of our testers play golf very regularly, allowing them to wear each shoe over extended periods rather than during short, controlled sessions. We believe this approach provides the most accurate assessment of a golf shoe, as real-world testing over several weeks reveals how models perform as conditions change, from weather and ground firmness to different stances, lies and walking demands.

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We place particular emphasis on verifying brand claims. So if a manufacturer states a shoe is waterproof, we test that claim regardless of the weather, even pouring water over the shoe in dry conditions if necessary to see how it truly performs. Traction and stability are also assessed across a range of lies and ground conditions, as a golf shoe must perform just as well on sand, mud and rough as it does on the fairway or green.

Finally, at Golf Monthly, 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, as all our reviews are made by golfers, for golfers.

How to choose the best golf shoe

Getting the right fit

Prioritizing getting a shoe that properly fits your feet is essential to prevent painful blisters and eliminate your feet slipping around in your shoe as you swing, both of which will quickly derail your stability and your scorecard.

When deciding how you want your shoe to fit, you can stick with the familiarity of traditional laces or upgrade to a BOA dial-in system. BOA setups provide a highly convenient, consistent wrap that won't slacken mid-round, representing a premium performance feature that is well worth the slightly higher investment.

Waterproofing

Matching your footwear to your local climate is essential for on-course comfort. While frequent rain demands a fully waterproof golf shoe to guarantee dry feet, fair-weather golfers will benefit much more from prioritizing lightweight breathability.

If you can afford, we recommend opting for two pairs of golf shoes that you can rotate accordingly depending on conditions. For example, pairing a robust pair of the best waterproof golf shoes for winter with a lightweight, ventilated option for summer. This will mean you're prepared for whatever conditions are thrown at you, but will also increase the lifespan of each pair.

Spiked or spikeless?

The choice between spiked and spikeless golf shoes is a fairly simple one. Spikeless shoes are perfect for dry days and casual transitions, though they offer slightly less traction on wet grass. However, the modern designs mean they can be worn both on and off the golf course. Spiked shoes deliver maximum stability, especially in inclement weather, but lack off-course practicality and feature a slightly higher profile.

Styling

Much like modern golf fashion, golf shoe aesthetics have evolved rapidly, expanding well beyond traditional boundaries the sport has had for decades to include highly versatile, modern profiles that look great. While selecting a style ultimately hinges on personal preference, the sheer variety in today's market guarantees that there is an option tailored precisely to your taste.

For more golf shoe buying advice, check out our guides on the best winter golf shoes, best casual golf shoes or best golf shoes for seniors.

FAQs

Why wear golf shoes?

Golf shoes are essential because they’re specifically designed to handle the demands golfers face on the course. They are uniquely engineered to provide the ground traction needed to anchor a powerful golf swing, a level of grip that standard sneakers and trainers cannot match. Additionally, while regular sneakers absorb water like a sponge, purpose-built golf footwear often offer advanced waterproof protection to keep your feet completely dry in wet conditions, making them a vital investment for anyone looking to enjoy the game.

What are the best shoes for playing golf?

Every shoe on this list delivers a blend of comfort, durability, and on-course performance. Because golf footwear is uniquely engineered to support the mechanics of your swing and withstand diverse terrain, investing in a proper, purpose-built pair is well worth the money to ensure a comfortable walk on the course and to put you in the best position possible to shoot a good score.

How do I choose golf shoes?

To find the perfect golf shoe, start by weighing the pure grip of a spiked shoe against the casual convenience of a spikeless model (they still provide great traction). Next, determine whether your local climate demands a fully waterproof upper. Once you settle on a style that fits your on-course wardrobe and confirm your precise size, your options will instantly narrow, leaving you perfectly positioned to make a smart, confident purchase.

Do Pro golfers use spikeless shoes?

The majority of Tour professionals tend to wear spikeless golf shoes, largely because they play most of their golf in warm, dry conditions on immaculately manicured courses. That said, many players will switch to spiked shoes when conditions turn more challenging (particularly in wet or inclement weather) to gain extra traction and stability.