Alison Root
New Balance has a reputation for designing and making athletic golf shoes that provide excellent comfort and performance-enhancing features. From its original track shoes to its cross trainers, the brand is a market leader when producing athletic shoes and has recently turned its attention to the golf market. At first, New Balance entered the golf game with just a few offerings, but today, there are plenty of models to choose from, with each offering a different feel and ride depending on your needs as a golfer.
When it comes to finding a good pair of golf shoes, there are two critical factors that many golfers look out for. They are comfort and stability. Particularly if you're looking for the most comfortable or the best walking golf shoes, you cannot put a price on a supportive pair of shoes that give you great traction on the turf. But advancements in technology have seen brands like New Balance create shoes that use special materials that give additional support in their soles. Additionally, New Balance has always been very good at designing shoes to fit almost any foot shape, paying particular attention to folks who need a slightly wider size.
So, if you're looking for a top-quality pair of golf shoes, keep reading, as in this guide we will be taking you through a list of some of the best New Balance shoes currently on the market. If you'd like to check out some other brands of golf shoes, you might want to consider checking out our guides on the best Ecco golf shoes, the best Nike shoes, or the best from Skechers Golf, a brand that's certainly known for comfort.
The Quick List
If New Balance starts to design more golf shoes, that can only be a good thing. The 997 is an impressive all-rounder that has a unique look and, of course, that recognizable logo on the side.
The SL provides excellent aesthetics that aids versatility. Producing a comfortable feel when out on the course, there is a surprising amount of grip.
There's four color options to choose from, it's very lightweight, highly breathable, and therefore an ideal shoe for summer conditions. It also delivers stability and versatility.
A versatile and comfortable casual spikeless shoe that should appeal to plenty of golfers who prefer a casual style on and off the course. The versatility of this shoe can't be understated further enhancing the value.
The 327’s are a cool looking shoe, combining retro styling with great performance, that has come to be expected from New Balance. They are surprisingly lightweight and comfortable, and the grip was noticeable too.
Best New Balance Golf Shoes
Best spiked
Given New Balance’s reputation for manufacturing stylish athletic and performance footwear, it was only a matter of time before I got asked whether they were trainers. They’re a little heavier than my own 574 trainers, but they certainly pass as such. There are plenty of sporty-looking golf shoes on the market now, but this model still has a unique look in what has become a very popular and crowded category.
First and foremost, they offer decent grip. I’ve probably played in more stable golf shoes, but overall I feel like the FastTwist 3.0 removable Pulsar cleats gave me enough traction. They also gave good stability and comfort too although it should be acknowledged that they do get warm and the breathability can be worked on. Lastly there are a few colors to choose from, including the special Masters-themed design above.
- Read our full New Balance 997 Golf Shoe Review
Best spikeless
To begin with, the SL is inspired by New Balance's 997H shoes, which the brand claim is: "Made for those with an appreciation for style and a desire for comfort." When we took the model out of the box, we felt the look oozed class and style, with the sneaker-style aesthetic making them some of the best casual golf shoes on the market.
New Balance offer the 997 SL in 'standard' width, as well as 'wide' and 'x-wide' and, if you do have wider feet, we would recommend going for one of the wider options, as the overall fit was slightly snug, albeit not too the point where it was uncomfortable.
Performance-wise, there is a lot to like about the 997 SL, but we felt there could be more support around the balls of the feet. Importantly, for a spikeless golf shoe, there was a fair amount of grip in both wet and dry conditions, which allowed us to fully commit to every shot. In terms of comfort, the padding around the ankle and the heel kept me locked in whilst walking the course and taking my shots as well.
- Read our full New Balance 997 SL Golf Shoe Review
Best women's model
New Balance entered the golf market a decade ago, so are still relatively new in this space, so I was keen to find out how this women's spikeless shoe stacked up against the more established golf shoe brands.
It did not come as too much of a surprise that this golf shoe could easily be mistaken for a running shoe. It has a low profile with trainer-like styling, and compared with other women’s spikeless golf shoes, the design stands out because the bulk of the upper looks and feels like suede.
For comfort, there’s a slightly dropped midsole and a CUSH+ insole. In fact, because I was comparing this model to other spikeless golf shoes that have a much deeper outsole and more obvious comfort benefits like Ecco’s Biom C4, adidas’ Tour360 24 and FootJoy’s Pro/SLX, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of these shoes over 18 holes, as they are lightweight and highly breathable so provided an easy walk!
There’s lots of nubs on the sole and I found the grip more than satisfactory, and I like the extra support at the heel counter.
- Read our full New Balance 574 Greens V2 Golf Shoe Review
Most versatile
Next we have the 480 SL shoes which are incredible versatile. The shoes really look great everywhere and never felt out of place at the pub, on the course or at the shops. The trainer aesthetic and silhouette blends with other trainers you see out on the street.
It is worth noting these are not standard sneakers with the word golf slapped on them, no these are purpose-built golf shoes. I could tell this straight away with the 480 SL, especially with how impressive the outsole is. It uses multiple different-sized and shaped nubs to offer traction laterally during the swing and plenty of grip while you're walking.
I will admit, the toe box can feel a little snug so I recommend maybe going up half a size in this shoe, just to give yourself a little more room. That being said the cushioning underfoot was impressive. The Cush+ insole New Balance has opted for here offers the right amount fo cushioning while walking the nearly 13,000 steps you complete while playing a round of golf, and it feels responsive underfoot during the golf swing too.
- Read our full New Balance 480 SL Golf Shoe Review
Best looking
If you have seen New Balance shoes before, chances are you would've seen someone wearing the 327 shoes. The standard model is everywhere at the moment so to capitalize on that momentum the brand released a golf version, and at first glance, there is little to tell between them. In fact because they look so alike, I think these might be the best looking golf shoes on the market at the moment.
That being said New Balance have been sure to add features specific to golf such as the waterproof microfibre upper, along with the Ndurance spikeless rubber outsole that is flexible and offers great grip wherever you find yourself out on the course. In spikeless shoes of this design, grip can often be compromised but when driving and hitting shots, I thought they performed very well indeed. Additionally, in terms of comfort these were good, and I put them on to play 18 holes straight out if the box with no issues. I do recommend perhaps going up half a size in these shoes to get the right fit, but even doing so the shoes remained flattering and didn't elongate my foot.
Overall if you want a golf shoe that works on and off the golf course very well, in as much as you are basically getting two shoes for one, then the 327's are well worth trying. I will definitely be playing in these through the summer and on the dryer winter days, but when it gets very wet, I will likely change back to a more robust winter shoe with spikes.
- Read our full New Balance 327 Women’s Golf Shoe Review
How we test golf shoes
Golf Monthly has a comprehensive process when it comes to testing golf shoes as well as other products. Our methodology based on putting golf shoes into play on a number of rounds, in as many different weather conditions as possible, to see how each model performs. Sometimes we even play multiple rounds in one day in the same shoe, too. This process gives us a clear understanding of which shoes are more comfortable than others, whilst also making note of things like grip, stability, versatility, looks and overall performance.
In addition, before the testing begins, we often attend product launches and have discussions with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology. That way we know what the technology is supposed to do, and can test for whether it does so. Golf Monthly writer Dan Parker heads up reviews on golf shoes, but every member of the Golf Monthly team has great experience testing the best golf equipment. For example Dan gets supported by Women's Golf Editor Alison Root for women's golf shoe reviews. The final point to make here is that manufacturers cannot buy a good review because we tell it how it is for all golf product reviews, not just golf shoes.
What to consider when buying golf shoes
There is a lot to consider when buying a new pair of golf shoes so we have put together some key points for you to think about below.
Spiked or spikeless?
New Balance makes spiked (or cleated) and spikeless designs and there are pros and cons to each kind of shoe. 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. As a result have a think about which you would prefer.
Waterproofing
Golf is a sport played outside and as such the weather can change several times over the few hours out on the course. Additionally some areas of the globe get more rain than others so this will therefore impact shoe choice. If you play in the rain a lot, or live somewhere that gets a lot of rain, it makes sense to get a pair with waterproof capabilities. This will keep your feet bone dry whereas if you get a lot of sun, there are more important factors to consider in this section.
Getting the right fit/comfort
Obviously getting the right size of shoe is important and it has to feel right, otherwise it can be an uncomfortable experience with rubbing and blisters. 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.
When it comes to getting the correct fit, it is also worth considering using different laces. 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. At the end of the day, getting the right fit will mean you have the most comfortable golf shoe for you, and this will allow you to perform and focus on your golf.
Styling
New Balance definitely come in at the more sneaker/casual end of the golf shoe design spectrum but speaking more generally, the current market has every fashion sense catered for. If you want a traditional looking shoe you can get a pair, or maybe a more modern design is your style. Whatever you are after, there are lots of brands to look at so think about what shoes you like the look of and what style suits you.
Budget
Golf shoes come in at different price points so it is a question of you thinking about how much you want to spend on a model and picking accordingly. Given how many models of shoe there are out on the market, there is a model for every price point.
FAQs
Do golf shoes really make a difference?
Yes golf shoes can really help make a difference especially in wet or muddy conditions. The grip that a golf shoe can provide can help you swing more fluidly through your golf shot and play more consistent shots.
Does New Balance make good golf shoes?
The short answer is yes. New Balance has continued to develop its technology and shoe-making techniques and implemented those into golf shoes. As a result, New Balance shoes offer comfort, stability, waterproof protection and a distinct and unique style.
Do PGA pros wear spikeless golf shoes?
Yes many tour professionals wear spikeless golf shoes. This is because they often play on well manicured golf courses in warmer climates that don't require them to wear spiked golf shoes. For that reason, they can wear spikeless shoes that give them enough traction on the turf to play good shots.
