Best Golf Shoes To Wear At The Driving Range 2024
We highlight some of the best golf shoes to wear for your next trip to the range.
Best Golf Shoes To Wear At The Driving Range: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Top pick
3. Most versatile
4. Best unique design
5. Best for grip
6. Best looking
7. Best value
8. Best for wide feet
9. Best summer shoe
10. Best unique colors
11. How we test
12. How to choose
13. FAQs
Driving ranges have seen a huge increase in popularity over the last few years. With the post-Covid golf boom still very much apparent. Ranges around the world are now becoming much more intuitive, accessible and have a range of technology available that can provide you with data about how well you're hitting each shot.
While, in most cases, there is no dress code for a driving range, it is still important to wear an appropriate pair of shoes to make sure you have plenty of grip when swinging the golf club to prevent injuries and simulate on-course scenarios. While most will wear a causal pair of trainers to the driving range, the increase in popularity of spikeless, casual golf shoes means these golf shoes are a great option to wear to the range.
This type of golf shoe still has a casual, sporty look to it, but offers much more grip and support than a normal shoe might. They are obviously much more appropriate for a golf course than a casual trainer too, so buying a pair of golf shoes that work great at the range and on the golf course means you're getting more for your money with your next golf shoe investment. Of course, if you don't have a pair of the best golf shoes yet, going to the driving range in a standard pair of sneakers or trainers is absolutely fine too. Below, we've listed some of our favorite golf shoes that we think are ideal for wearing down at the driving range as well as on the golf course.
The Quick List
Top pick
While it won’t win any awards for stability, that’s not what this shoe is designed for. For us, it’s one of the most comfortable and versatile casual golf shoes currently on the market.
Most versatile
An excellent sneaker-style golf shoe that offers the ample comfort and stability. The versatility of the Air Max 270 G golf shoe is hard to beat.
Best unique design
This performed very well in most areas like comfort and stability. The aesthetics look cool and aid versatility, whilst there are loads of colors to choose from.
Best for grip
The FootJoy Fuel Sport has a lightweight and stable feel that should give you a huge confidence boost on the golf course. The colors stand out nicely too.
Best looking
A shoe with stunning looks that performs very well on the course. The GrandPro AM is a comfortable wear that delivers good grip and has plenty of off-course versatility.
Best value
UA have taken inspiration from the brand's most successful running shoes, while delivering the performance expected from a tour quality golf shoe.
Load the next 3 models
Best for wide feet
A standout spikeless golf shoe. We love Ecco's move to an even more athletic look whilst sticking to its roots of comfort and breathability.
Best summer shoe
A brilliant lightweight golf shoe to use during the summer months. The classic Nike design and range of colorways will suit a lot of golfers out there.
Best uniqie colors
This lives up to its claim of being the ultimate crossover shoe. It takes a lot of the best bits of the MG4+ golf shoe and then really turns up the fashion dial.
Best Golf Shoes To Wear At The Driving Range
Top pick
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Aesthetically, we instantly noticed an identical likeness to the Ultraboost running shoe, which is something that will no doubt go down well with admirers of the original sneakers. The materials are very similar too. It uses a Primeknit mesh upper - which is breathable and water resistant - as well as the sock-like material around the tongue of the shoe. There is plenty of padding around the ankle and there have also been some reinforcements around the toe area. The comfort from the Ultraboost is off the charts. Anyone who has worn the running sneakers will appreciate the softness and cushioning underfoot, and that has translated to this golf shoe.
Although not fully waterproof, it is water resistant, the Ultraboost has incredible breathability, with the mesh upper giving a supreme sense of comfort when we tested out on the course. What's more, we especially liked how the Ultraboost is not pretending to be something it's not. It’s not a shoe to play your 36-hole club championships in, but it is perfect for a casual round. With a silhouette so similar to that of the sneaker, they blend into pretty much any environment. We’ve worn them to work, to the gym and then straight to the golf course. Alongside the Cole Haan ZeroGrand Overtake, True Linkswear FS-01 and Air Jordan 1 Low G, they are the most versatile golf shoes we’ve ever worn.
- Read our full Adidas Ultraboost Golf Shoe Review
Most versatile
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Perhaps one of the best golf sneakers in the game, the Air Max 270 G shoe is a sporty and stylish option that can be worn both on and off the course. It comes in three different colorways with each delivering a clean and crisp aesthetic, that looks great paired up with some of the best golf trousers or even a pair of the best golf shorts.
The shoe certainly appeals to a younger audience, and do look great worn on and off the course, but there is no mistaking that the Air Max 270s are great for those looking for more comfort too. These shoes fit fairly snug so you may want to order a size up if you want a non-restrictive feel. As you'd expect from a sporty-looking pair of sneakers from Nike, they are also extremely breathable and offer up plenty of ventilation, thanks to the mesh covering that wraps around your foot in the 270's upper. It's worth noting too that this is water-resistant and very easy to clean which is water-resistant and easy to clean.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Akin to many of the best spikeless golf shoes out there, the Air Max 270 delivers plenty of traction on the turf thanks to the rubber ridges and bumps on the sole of the shoe. We felt pretty stable in damp conditions and that also adds to the versatility of the shoe, which we felt could be worn in almost any situation, from the course to the shops.
- Read our full Nike Air Max 270 G Golf Shoes Review
Best unique design
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The G/FORE G.112 golf shoes are a versatile and comfortable golf sneaker that offer up superb aesthetics as well as plenty of performance. Having put these to the test on the golf course, we really enjoyed what this package delivered with the G.112's being some of the best casual golf shoes on the market. Similar to many of the best G/FORE golf shoes they boast a unique design that sets them apart from many of the other fantastic options on this list. The leather upper combines seamlessly with the spongey midsole to deliver a fantastic looking shoe that we think will look great worn in social settings as well as the golf course.
The shoe's outsole also offers plenty of traction in damp and dry ground. We think it'd be a great sneaker to wear in the summer, with the internal mesh lining offering up plenty of ventilation. And don't worry if you do get caught in the rain either! This shoe is 100% waterproof, akin to many of the best waterproof golf shoes in the game right now.
Lastly, the highlight here was perhaps the comfort on offer. The interior is cushioned and feels superb, with your feet being supported by plenty of padding that will prevent any rubbing or annoying blisters. The built-in mesh lining on this shoe also means they offer plenty of ventilation, making the G.112's a great option to wear during the summer months.
- Read our full G/FORE G.112 Golf Shoes Review
Best for grip
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The main standout of the FootJoy Fuel Sport is the grip. Although it doesn't offer as strong a grip as some of the options on our guide to the best spiked golf shoes, its grip on firm ground is pretty impressive with the shoe's Performance Infinity Outsole and Stability Bridge working wonders over an array of lies and conditions. This shoe is also waterproof, so while it is a spikeless golf shoe, it will work well on wet and muddy terrain too.
In our testing, we used these on a day where there was heavy rainfall just prior to going out on the course and, despite being very wet underfoot, we didn't experience any slips at any point during the round. There is a lot to like about the Fuel, with the overall comfort and stability something which will provide confidence both on the course and on the driving range. This is because our foot remained firmly locked in place throughout 18 holes and during sessions on the range too, with the lightweight cushioning from the Stratolite Foam working its magic when hitting full shots and walking between them. The sporty look and cool profile also gives these shoes a versatile look that looks great around the the clubhouse.
- Read our full FootJoy Fuel Sport 2023 Golf Shoe Review
Best looking
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
As Cole Haan are one of the lesser-known brands in the market, we've had many playing partners asking us what these shoes are when we've been wearing them out on the course. That's how visually stunning these shoes are, and if you're the type of player who likes to wear golf gear that's a little less well known. These are perhaps some of the best golf sneakers in the game, simply for their versatility and stunning aesthetics. We felt really comfortable wearing these both on and off the golf course and they also kept our feet both warm and dry on the golf course thanks to their 100 percent waterproof outer.
Equally, having tested these shoes out on the golf course, we think they are one of the best spikeless golf shoes in the game, offering up ample traction and support on wet ground, thanks to the many rubber lugs that line this shoe's sole. We also really loved how comfortable they were to wear with the padded and thick sole being a great addition and support to your feet during a long day on the golf course. The GrandPro AM comes in three color options and I had it in the white, with the lovely yellow detailing and sole. The all-black also looks superb.
- Read our full Cole Haan GrandPro AM Golf Shoes Review
Best value
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
While Under Armour refers to themselves as ‘The golf brand for athletes’ it’s no surprise that the brand has created this outstanding crossover shoe. What we mean here, is in testing we noticed we could easily use this shoe at home, to the gym, walk 18 holes, have a drink in the bar and stop to pick up groceries on the way home.
We enjoyed the sleek athletic style, with the upper really offering breathability and comfort all day. The Storm Flat Knit Collar around the ankle provides a locked-in feel while also being extremely comfortable.
We felt very stable even when swinging hard in the Charged Phantom SL however we should say that whilst the shoe performed really well in dry to damp conditions, we would recommend a spiked model if you play more golf in wetter conditions. Finally style wise we enjoyed the blue color we tested above, but there are three other colors to choose from as well, each of which really look great.
- Read our full Under Armour Charged Phantom SL Golf Shoe Review
Best for wide feet
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
One of the most technology-packed spikeless golf shoes we've tested this year, the Ecco Biom C4 seriously impressed us with its overall comfort, grip, style and breathability. It's built nicely on the foundations of the excellent Biom H4, which carries over into 2022, but the new sneaker style on show here as won our hearts from a style perspective and the performance is there to match too.
The Biom C4 uses Ecco's Exhaust Grid technology that scoops fresh air towards the sole of the foot to keep it cool. This, combined with Gore-Tex surround and breathable Ortholite insole makes this the most breathable shoe we've tested in 2022 by some stretch. Another excellent touch from Ecco is that the insole is removable to allow for more width in the shoe. This will make the Biom C4 suitable for those with wider feet and there was still the same amount of comfort and cushioning with the first insole removed.
It's certainly a step in the more athletic direction for Ecco, and we think this aesthetic move will attract golfers of all ages towards some of the best Ecco golf shoes. They are certainly one of the most comfortable golf shoes in the game right now and we think they are also some of the best-looking shoes released this year. Their sporty profile and excellent design makes them a top option to wear both on the golf course and on the driving range!
- Read our full Ecco Biom C4 Golf Shoe Review
Best summer shoe
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
One of the best summer golf shoes available, the Nike Roshe G Next Nature offers bags of comfort in a supremely lightweight and breathable package. It boasts a classic style and comes in five cool colorways that will appeal to all kinds of players including those that want to stand out and those that want a more understated look on the course. during our testing sessions with these shoes, we found they delivered bags of comfort and were very spongey underfoot. Combine that with their lightweight mesh upper and these really are one of the most comfortable golf shoes around!
On first looks, the grip on these shoes doesn't look to be that comprehensive, but in fact it really delivered. We didn't slip once when wearing these shoes, even when testing them in wetter conditions. They are a very versatile shoe aswell, with the Roshes looking great paired with any outfit and be worn in your day-to-day too, not just on the golf course. The one thing to note is these are primarily a summer golf shoe and do not perform well at all in the rain. But they aren't meant to, and are designed to keep your feet cool and ventilated in warmer days on the course. If you do want a waterproof sneaker, then check out our guide to the best winter golf shoes.
- Read our Full Nike Roshe G Next Nature Golf Shoe Review
Best unique colors
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
A relative newcomer with tons of style and attitude that will help you stand out from the crowd, the MG4x2 is one of the the best G/FORE golf shoes in the game right now and gives evidence to just how good the good the brand are at producing eye-catching designs that are very comfy too! We’ve previously seen this with models like the Gallivanter and MG4+, and the brand’s flair is evident once again in the new spikeless MG4x2 shoes.
This is a cross-trainer shoe, a multi-functional model designed for both on and off the course and is a fantastic sneaker that is perfect to wear on the driving range and golf course. A lot of golf shoes struggle to find the balance between on and off-course versatility; many end up failing on one or sometimes both tasks with either the style or performance being compromised. Not so with the MG4x2 shoes.
On the course, the Sawtooth sole design offers one of the most compelling spikeless outsoles on the market even in wet and soft underfoot conditions. They also feature a molded heel cup that prevents the heel from slipping, so your feet always feel really secure, even when hitting off artificial surfaces on the range. Meanwhile, the upper is both breathable and waterproof, meaning your feet will stay dry from rain and not get too hot when temperatures rise. Ultimately, these are one of the best spikeless golf shoes in the game, thanks to their excellent ventilation and cushioning when walking around the golf course.
- Read our full G/FORE MG4x2 Golf Shoes Review
How we test
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. This is the best way of testing a golf shoe as using it in the real world over a number of weeks allows us to see how they perform when variables change like weather, ground conditions, different stances and lies, and so on.
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, and 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 golf shoes
There is a lot to consider when purchasing your next pair of spikeless golf shoes. Modern golf shoes feature a ton of technology that can make picking the right golf shoe for you a difficult decision. But that's why we're here to help. Below we have set out a list of key considerations that you need to keep in mind when purchasing your next pair of spikeless golf shoes.
1. Comfort
As you would expect, comfort is king when it comes to golf shoes. An uncomfortable golf shoe is useless so it is worth trying some models on before you buy so you know what you like the feel of. For example, some models have specific foam technologies or specific sole designs that are designed to house your feet in comfort all day when out on the golf course.
2. Grip/Stability/Traction
Spikeless shoe design has improved massively in these factors. Previously, spiked models were the only way to ensure grip and stability in difficult lies or when the weather makes ground conditions slippery. This is no longer the case because most of the models above have specifically designed traction patterns and lugs to make sure your feet don't slip.
3. Looks
This is entirely subjective but you need to make sure you like the look of your golf shoes and there is a model above for all different types of fashion sense. If you want a traditional design then something like the FootJoy Pro/SL will work well, whereas if you want to stand out a bit more.
4. Waterproofing
Most golf shoes these days offer a degree of waterproof protection but some are better than others so if you see yourself playing in the rain, be sure to check out some of the models featured in our best waterproof golf shoes guide.
5. Sizes
Be wary of different sizes because many brands like Payntr and Nike offer shoes that can come up quite small or large if you have got the wrong size. As such it is worth checking out brand websites to see how the shoes convert to size guides from around the world.
6. Price
The last factor to consider is price. With the models above we have tried to find shoes at all different price points so if you want a cheap model, you can get one. Or if you want to spend more, you can do that too. Importantly there is something for everyone.
While there are some fantastic spikeless golf shoes on the market, you should also check out some of our other guides on the best waterproof golf shoes, best golf shoes for comfort, and our guide to the best spiked golf shoes.
FAQs
What shoes do you wear to the driving range?
Any sporty style sneaker or trainer is appropriate. However, as we have outlined here, wearing a spikeless, casual golf shoe is a great option for the driving range as it gives you a solid amount of grip and plenty of ankle and foot support throughout the swing. While sneakers and trainers work fine, they are not built specially like golf shoe to support your feet through the swing.
What should you not wear to the driving range?
Avoid wearing sandals or suit shoes to the driving range. Both of these types of shoes will offer little to no grip while also not supporting your ankle through the golf swing.
Can I wear headphones at the driving range?
Yes you can wear headphones to the driving range and they are a particularly good way to stay focused if you're practicing in a particularly noisey area of the range.
Use these Nike coupon codes to save when you shop for shoes, apparel and great golf gear.
adidas coupon codes to get all kinds of branded golf gear for less, including hats, polos, trainers, bags & balls.
These Under Armour coupon codes could help you pick up sports & golf gear such as trainers, clothing & accessories for less.
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 buyer's guides, specializing in golf shoe, golf bag and golf cart 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 is currently playing:
Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2
Fairway: TaylorMade Stealth 2 15°, Ping G425 Max 21°
Hybrid: Ping G425
Irons: Cobra King Tec Utility, Ping i230 (5-PW)
Wedges: Ping Glide Forged Pro
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X
Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
-
PGA Tour Players Set To Discover Quantitative Cost Of Loyalty As Equity Shares Handed Out This Week: Report
Players who didn't jump ship to LIV Golf will reportedly find out how much their loyalty was worth this week
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
Why You May See Players Hitting From The Water At This Week's DP World Tour Event
There’s water not far from the 18th green at Taiheiyo Club’s Gotemba Course – but players who end up in it could have the chance to chip out
By Mike Hall Published