Best Golf Shoes 2025

When we think of the importance of some of our golf gear, not many players would have golf shoes too high on the list - driver, putter, irons, golf bag and more would likely be placed ahead of golf shoes, but it's very easy to overlook the importance of a reliable pair of shoes. The majority of our speed and power we generate is through the ground and consequently, through our feet, meaning it's crucial to find a pair of shoes that not only keep us comfortable on the links but give us the stability and support to swing freely.

Because there are so many brands on the market, it can be difficult to pinpoint a specific model. For example, are you after a spiked or spikeless pair, or perhaps a sneaker-style that can be worn both on and off the golf course. Along with the grip, you obviously want the comfort but, if a shoe is comfortable, you may be sacrificing its waterproof protection so it's crucial that you take all of this into consideration before investing your hard-earned cash.

WATCH: Dan Parker runs through the best golf shoes of 2025

Also a quick point for those of you unaware, spiked shoes features spikes or cleats on the bottom of the shoe which aid grip and stability, whilst spikeless shoes don't have these. As a result they won't offer as much traction, but instead have an outsole which sits closer to the ground. These shoes usually offer better off-course versatility as well. Both types of shoe then look to deliver on the factors mentioned above - comfort, waterproofing, looks and so on.

In this piece, we have taken a look through the best golf shoes currently on the market, with the likes of Puma, adidas, Nike and FootJoy all tested by the Golf Monthly team. Splitting this section into spiked and spikeless, there should be a model for you.

The Quick List

Best Golf Shoes

Top pick

Given how many models there are to choose from in 2025, it wasn't an easy decision to choose the 87 SC shoes from Payntr as our top pick but we really struggled to find fault in these excellent golf shoes.

Worn by the likes of Jason Day and Euro Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose, we'll start by complimenting the looks on offer here. We loved the refined looks along with the subtle detailing, such as the golf elements and overall silhouette. This isn’t a loud shoe, but we think the classy styling puts it up against some clean silhouettes like the G/FORE Gallivan2r G/Lock, FootJoy Premiere Series Field or the Adidas MC80.

Despite the looks, we think the top feature was the grip on offer in which we feel the 87 SC shoes can battle it out with any other model on the market. This is thanks to two main design elements. First the carbon fibre propulsion plate situated just above the outsole is the real stand-out performer of this shoe. Running the full length of the shoe, this is a piece of carbon that allowed us to effectively harness the ground during the swing and the rebound felt through the outsole was excellent, when hitting shots and generally walking. The other element to mention are the seven Soft Spikes Tour Flex Pro spikes which further aids the traction and grip. The foot locks closely but comfortably in place across the tongue area and the heel, giving that classic locked-in sensation.

This is a shoe in which it is genuinely to find fault in, thus earning it the title of our top pick for 2025.

• Read our full Payntr Eighty Seven SC Golf Shoe Review

Best spiked

It was tough choice for the top pick, with FootJoy's Hyperflex narrowly missing out on the top spot. Nevertheless, these shoes are all about performance and are mightily impressive in that regard. We absolutely loved the 2023 FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon and were pleasing to see FootJoy hadn't ripped out the manual to start again with the 2025 version.

These aren't the prettiest or most eye-catching shoe money can buy, but they aren't exactly ugly - in fact, I think I enjoy the look of the white, orange and black colorway more than most. Some shoppers might want something a bit more eye-catching when searching for a top golf shoe, but what the Hyperflex lacks in looks they make up for in performance. I felt comfort the moment I slipped these shoes on during testing and I felt supported from my very first swing. Through the swing, the shoe flexed in the areas I needed it to while supporting it in key areas through the swing too. The PowerPlate on the sole helps boost energy transfer during the swing to enhance speed. The TPU Saddle on the upper also helps promote speed and power, taking any energy from your foot moving upwards in the shoe and transferring it back into the ground.

This is the definition of an 'all-rounder' golf shoe - they're durable, grippy, comfortable and versatile enough to handle any weather conditions thrown at them. I think it speaks volumes that FootJoy athlete Justin Thomas has switched from a classic style of FootJoy shoe to the Hyperflex given the quality of the shoes.

• Read our full FootJoy HyperFlex Golf Shoe Review

Best spikeless

Our pick for top spikeless shoe of 2025 goes to the impressive adidas Adizero ZG shoes for a number of reasons. Firstly, these are one of the most comfortable golf shoes money can buy. Secondly, on-course performance is borderline astonishing considering these are spikeless golf shoes - the new outsole is brilliant and matches the grip and security we normally get from conventional spiked golf shoes. The aggressive lugs on the outside of the outsole are so aggressive they look like studs, but they're ok to wear inside your golf club and provide exceptional lateral grip that we enjoyed during testing.

These are some of the best lightweight shoes you can buy, too. The soft material compliments a moulded heel cushion that inspired by some of adidas' top running shoes to target your heel for extra padding, comfort and stability. As someone who is prone to blisters from golf shoes and previous adidas shoes, I felt both secure and comfortable in these during testing. Throughout the swing I felt locked into the ground, allowing me to swing at full pelt whilst also enjoying the rebound and comfort as I walked between shots and holes.

Like the Hyperflex, they miss out on the top spot as the looks may not wow every customer, but if you're looking for a durable spikeless shoe that are versatile against any elements and are one of the best golf shoes for walking, look no further than the Adizero ZG.

• Read our full Adidas Adizero ZG Golf Shoe Review
  

Best value

Golf is only becoming more and more expensive, making value options in terms of apparel even more appreciated - not only by us, but by the entire golf community. If you're in need of a functional, stylish pair of shoes that won't break the bank, we'd highly recommend the Drive Fade shoes from Under Armour.

Since they began making golf shoes in 2016, Under Armour have delivered some of the best golf shoes with more than modest price tags. Tester Conor Keenan loved the performance of both the Under Armour Phantom Fore shoes as well as the Under Armour Forge 96 shoes, but those looking a spiked option should opt for the Drive Fade due to the brilliant traction on offer.

The modest price tag does mean these won't tick every box that needs ticked compared to other models in this guide, but that comes with the territory. The most important thing is that all of the most important boxes are ticked - grip, comfort, looks, durability and price. It's also worth noting and commending that these shoes are 100% waterproof and can be worn all year round as a result.

• Read our full Under Armour Drive Fade Golf Shoe Review

Most comfortable

I'll cut to the chase with the FootJoy Quantum shoes - much like the Hyperflex, these aren't the best looking shoes in this guide, but the comfort on offer is second-to-none. The selling point of this shoe is FootJoy's 'Cloud Like Comfort', and they deliver this via their Ortholite Impression FitBed, which provides step-in comfort and moulds over time to the shape of your foot for what eventually becomes a 'customized' fit.

Along with the FitBed, FootJoy has provided the shoe with plenty of cushioning underfoot, as well as SofFoam technology in and around the heel. In testing, it provided an unbelievably cushioned ride and we could feel it working as we walked along the terrain and throughout the golf swing.

Given the focus on comfort, you won't get quite the same levels of stability and traction compared to the top spiked shoes but that's to be expected for a shoe that straddles the line between traditional athletic golf shoe and a sneaker style shoe. If you tend to walk most of your rounds and typically stick to summer golf, these should prove a great fit.

• Read our full FootJoy Quantum Golf Shoe Review

Most versatile

Versatile golf shoes that you can wear both on and off the course feel like a bit of a cheat code - in my head at least, I feel like I'm getting two pairs of shoes for the price of one! The Ecco Street 720s are my favorite example of such a shoes, with the brand specifically stating this a shoe which 'designed to be worn all day and night, it offers big city vibes with a birdie mentality.'

The modern aesthetic is easy to pair with any outfit, be that for the course or the pub on a Saturday evening. What's more, we think that Ecco has done the right thing by eliminating almost all the branding and keeping it subtle. That’s not to say these are a dull-looking shoe, there are some neat design touches that make for a modern and versatile silhouette.

In terms of performance, these are one of the most comfortable spikeless shoes you can buy. I wouldn't class these as a shoe you can wear all 12 months of the year on the golf course given they can be tricky to clean and don't offer as much grip as the best spiked shoes, but the level of grip for a spikeless shoe remains impressive. The Gore-Tex construction also means your feet will stay dry in wet conditions which can prove invaluable for when those unexpected showers roll in whilst you're out on the course.

• Read our full Ecco Street 720 Golf Shoe Review

Best insole

Straight off the bat, the Gallivan2r is unanimously one of the best looking golf shoes we have seen in the past decade! This shoe blends everything that's great about the classic design of the G/FORE Gallivanter and the sportiness of the G/FORE MG4+ to spawn an immediate classic.

If you haven't experienced the comfort of G/FORE's unique ribbed insole, I'd simply ask you why not? They massage your feet as you walk, which is a weird but brilliant experience at first. Once you're used to it, you'll almost feel a sense of disappointment any time you pull on a shoe without them! Complimenting the ribbed insole is a 3D molded heel cup that helped keep our foot in place when swinging the club on the course, whilst the padding around the heel area meant there were no signs of rubbing, which is always important as blisters are a sure fire way to ruin a round of golf.

Despite these shoes not having any spikes, the grip is fantastic thanks to the outsole which integrates a rubber cleat system - 13 on each shoe to be exact. Finally, it's worth pointing out that the brand have opted for TPU upper materials rather than the full grain leather we see on some of the best G/Fore golf shoes, so consequently the Gallivan2r is fully waterproof.

• Read our full G/FORE Gallivan2r Golf Shoe Review

Best looking

The moment I slipped into the Packard LX shoes from FootJoy, I felt like a million dollars. Not only are they absolutely stunning to look at, but the premium leather build for this classic style shoe made me feel very special. They'll certainly catch the eye and garner you a few compliments on the first tee.

The nubuck leather pattern running through the middle of the full grain leather upper, a feature Footjoy have branded their 'bison texturing', is just one of multiple premiere (no pun intended) features that make this shoe feel so special. I also loved the texturing around the toe area.

They perform as well as they look on the golf course as well, with the firmer feel still providing plenty of comfort as I walked the links during testing. The outsole provided multidirectional traction and keep me stable on shots from uneven lies, even in wet weather. If you're after a shoe in this classic, brogue style I wouldn't point you in any other direction than the latest Premiere Series.

• Read our full FootJoy Premiere Series Packard LX Golf Shoe Review

Best firm feel

You're likely familiar with these shoes given Rory McIlroy sports them on a weekly basis on the PGA Tour and after our testing with them, it's easy to see why.

The word comfort can mean different things to different people - if I a good trainer for walking and running, I want as soft a sole as possible. I don't have the same preferences for golf shoes, but I know a lot of people that do. Instead, I prefer a slightly firmer but still comfortable feel and no shoe delivers this better than the Victory Tour 4s.

Nike says it took feedback from athletes to create a new frame for a better shape and fit - chiefly the Dynamic Fit system for more support and the Cushlon midsole for comfort and stability. Extra padding around the ankle and an internal strap on the inside of the shoe allow for optimum enjoyment during your round as the shoe contours to the shape of your feet. There's also plenty of grip on offer thanks to the spikes on the outsole. This was noticeable during testing and only added to the reasons why this is one of the best premium golf shoes on the market.

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

Most underrated

When you think of brands that deliver the best golf shoes, it's easy for Puma to slip our mind. However, I think their Royale shoe may well be their best release to date and a shoe that can help them establish themselves as a major player in this market. We loved this shoe so much that we gave a perfect 5 star rating in our review!

To begin the praise, firstly, just look at them! They're a simple but classy style that reminds us of the FootJoy Premiere or the Sun Day Red Cypress Pioneer shoes, but are available for half the price. I appreciate the refined branding on the side of the shoe, with Puma selflessly deciding to sacrifice their trademark logo featured across the body created and opting for faint perforations rather than a large eye-catching print or color instead. This lower profile design adds a lot of class in my opinion.

In terms of the build quality, the premium full-grain leather does most of the talking and compliments the low profile design. The Flexsole outsole is impressive as well, providing ample grip and complimenting the excellent PROFOAM midsole that delivers lovely cushioning and a real sensation of energy return in every stride. We really struggle to critique this shoe, especially at an RRP of just £114.99, hence our five star review!

• Read our full Puma Royale Golf Shoe Review

Best outsole

The new Drive Pro SL has been redesigned with extensive help from world-renowned Biomechanist, JJ Rivet, as well as the brand’s most high profile Tour player Jordan Spieth.

In terms of the technology, there have been some pretty significant changes made. The main tech story is an all encompassing Swing Support System which covers everything from traction and the HOVR midsole, all the way up to a new lacing system. There is also a new hybrid outsole which provides a firmer feel, plus a redesigned nub system that sees a range of different height nubs to provide more grip and ground penetration.

It didn't take us long in testing to discover that these are amongst the best spikeless shoes on the market. At just 12oz they are one of the more lightweight offerings out there, while the new grip was more than ample for a spikeless shoe. Overall we have to say that the performance was faultless, as the new Swing Support System kept our foot firmly planted on the ground while providing support in the key areas. I should acknowledge though that the upper materials used didn't feel as premium as some other models on the market, however given the performance this is a small sacrifice to make.

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

Best arch support

Another classic looking shoe that passes the eye test are the Skechers Go Golf Prestige shoes, a pair that provides lots of arch support for players who struggle with flat feet and have trouble walking 18 holes as a result.

The Arch Fit is a game changer for those with flat feet like myself. It gently lifts the arch of your foot upwards to help reduce foot fatigue and overall aches and pains. This is then complimented by the excellent slip in technology and the heel pillow feature which adds comfort both putting them on in the golf club locker room and whilst walking the golf course. This is truly one of the softest heel experiences I've tested in a golf shoe, and if you find this particular part of your foot painful or problematic in other shoes, then the Skechers could be your answer to more comfort.

This is yet another impressive offering from Skechers who have really upped their game in terms of golf shoes in the last number of years and impressed us so much that they earned a spot on our Editor's Choice awards list for 2025. They are without doubt one of the best Skechers golf shoes and one of the best value golf shoes of the year, too.

• Read our full Skechers Go Golf Prestige Golf Shoe Review

How we test golf shoes

Our golf shoe testing methodology 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.

It is important to stress that each of the shoes listed above has been personally used by a member of the Golf Monthly team. It is also worth noting that the entire category is overseen by shoe expert Dan Parker, a writer who has been testing golf shoes for years and has amassed quite the collection. He will usually test the vast majority of golf shoes thoroughly but occasionally another member of the gear team, such as Sam De'Ath or Joe Ferguson, will test shoes as well because of their experience and testing knowledge. Also it helps that all three main testers play golf very regularly indeed which allows them to use shoes over a long period of time.

We believe that 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 the weather, ground conditions, different stances and lies, and so on.

This testing procedure also gives us information on the little details too. So for example, some brands may come up smaller or larger than others. Other models might start to rub a bit too much after 36 holes, while we can also identify which designs can be used off the golf course and for the drive home. We also do very specific testing on brand claims - for example if a brand claims the shoe is waterproof we test for that despite the weather. If it is sunny then we pour water on the shoe to test how waterproof it actually is. We also make sure we test traction and stability claims in different lies and ground conditions because a shoe has to work as much on sand, mud, rough as it does on the fairway and green.

Image 1 of 3

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

When picking out golf shoes getting the right fit is important because otherwise, blisters can build up which is an instant round killer. Alternatively, your feet may slide around inside, which limits your stability.

When it comes to the right fit it is also worth considering 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.

Waterproofing

If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain then a waterproof shoe 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.

Spiked or spikeless?

The best golf shoes above are split into spiked (or cleated) and spikeless designs and there are pros and cons of each. 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. Spiked golf shoes offer better grip and stability but don't sit as low to the ground as spikeless models.

Styling

Thankfully modern golf shoe design has seen many brands not just create traditional, classic-looking shoes, but also 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.

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