Most Breathable Golf Shoes 2024

Playing golf on a hot summer's day is one of life's simple joys. With the sun on your back and your golf clubs in hand, nothing much else matters. 

However, what certainly is not so enjoyable is returning to the clubhouse with sodden, smelly feet that have been suffocated in a pair of unbreathable shoes. Not all of the best golf shoes are fully breathable, so you have to be careful which ones you pick and choose. The modern, seam-sealed, fully waterproof war horses that get us through the wet winter months are fantastic but, come the summer, they can be cumbersome and get rather sweaty.

WATCH: Dan Parker tests over 25 pairs of the best golf shoes to crown his 2024 winner!

That's why moving to a very lightweight - often mesh - golf shoe in the warmer months can leave your feet dry and comfortable on even the hottest summer days. Of course, you don't get as much waterproof protection from these shoes, but hopefully you won't need it at the height of summer or if you're on a golf holiday somewhere warm. 

So, what are the best breathable golf shoes on the market? Well, we've been out on the fairways testing some of the best options going and have collated a list of the best spikeless golf shoes and best spiked golf shoes that are both highly breathable and ideal to wear in warm weather. 

Along with the best breathable shoes, why not also check out our guide to the best casual golf shoes if you're looking for something to wear on or off the golf course, as well as our guide on the best golf shoes for walking.

The Quick List

Most Breathable Golf Shoes

Top pick

True Linkswear are known for producing some of the most comfortable golf shoes on the market, with the All Day Knit 3 providing all the qualities needed to shine in the breathable category. 

To begin with, it weights just 10oz and is constructed of a soft, one-piece knit upper. What's more, there is a sock-liner opening that allowed our feet to slide in and out easily in testing. Along with the the upper, the brand have kept their Wanderlux insole which, as we know from the True Lux Hybrid and True FS-01, gives this shoe excellent breathability.

Admittedly, there are better shoes on the market in terms of grip and getting the locked-in feel. That's not to say, though, that the shoe struggles here, it's just that there are better shoes for that purpose on the market. Overall, however, the looks and breathability are up there with some of the best that money can buy.

• Read our full True Linkswear All Day Knit 3 Golf Shoe Review

Most versatile

Next up we have the adidas Ultraboost golf shoes, which have fast become favorites with the Golf Monthly team. Similar aesthetically to the Ultraboost running shoe, these look fantastic and the obvious versatility is clear to see, much like the True Linkswear FS-01 and Air Jordan 1 Low G shoes.

The shoe uses a Primeknit mesh upper - which is breathable and water resistant - as well as the sock-like material around the tongue of the shoe. Thankfully there is plenty of padding around the ankle along with the toe area reinforcements, both of which help make this one of the most comfortable golf shoes we have tested. 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.

• Read our full Adidas Ultraboost Golf Shoe Review

Best for wider feet

One of the most technology-packed spikeless golf shoes we've tested, 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, but the new sneaker-style has won our hearts from a style perspective, and the performance is there to match.

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 a breathable Ortholite insole, makes this one of the most breathable shoe we've tested by some stretch. 

Another excellent touch from Ecco is that the insole is removable to allow for more width in the shoe, which makes the Biom C4 one of the best golf shoes for 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 an Ecco shoe, but we think this aesthetic will attract golfers of all ages to the brand.

• Read our full Ecco Biom C4 Golf Shoe Review

Best summer shoe

Implemented with the same technology that you would find in the Tiger Woods 13 shoes, the Free Golf NN has a trainer-like style and low-profile that gives it a really sporty feel. Overall, it's difficult to find fault with the aesthetics, as these easily make their way into the best Nike golf shoes category.

Nike Free shoes came onto the market around the start of the 2000s, with Nike introducing their running technology into their golf shoes. During our testing, we found the experience of this model seamless, as there was incredible comfort out of the box, as well as a lightweight feel and ample support.

Providing great breathability, the stability comes from what Nike calls 'brio cables', which help secure the shoe's upper to the outsole for additional strength and support. Grip-wise, we found that damp conditions weren't an issue either, with wet traction rubber patterns in a variety of shapes and angles providing extra grip.

• Read our full Nike Free Golf NN Shoes Review

Best value

Out of the box, we loved the look of the Under Armour Phantom Golf Shoe, as the knitted upper and rigid plastic on the heel provided a sporty, premium feel that could easily be worn on and off the course.

It wasn't just the looks, though, where it shone, as the Phantom performed just like the best Under Armour golf shoes should. It features an array of technology, like a SpeedForm 2.0 sockliner and HOVR cushioning, which not only gave us stability, but also a locked-in feel that was very breathable.

Admittedly, the knit collar is slightly tight round the ankle, but once loosened, will become easier to slip on and off. What we did like is that the membrane of the Phantom is waterproof, with Under Armour providing a one-year waterproof warranty but, personally, we would opt to use these more in the summer months as they go well with both shorts and pants.

• Read our full Under Armour Phantom Golf Shoe Review

Best lightweight

Cole Haan are best known for their work producing running trainers and athletic footwear, but they are now branching out into the golf market, with their latest release, the ZeroGrand. It is one of the most lightweight offerings we've tested and is perfect for summer golf. Aesthetically, this shoe seriously has a lot of shelf appeal. That is partly due to the premium materials the brand have used to create the trainer, which will match some of the best golf sneakers on the market for visuals.

The best thing about the ZeroGrand though is the comfort. They weigh next to nothing, whilst the upper and materials surrounding your feet are breathable and offer excellent moisture-wicking properties that'll keep your feet cool on the hottest of days. They also come with a midsole that feels almost like a memory foam mattress to walk on which is called a Grandfoam midsole plate. We found it to be soft and bouncy on the course, and we felt it really hugged the bottom of our feet when walking - a fantastic sensation to say the least.

Overall this shoe is a great addition to those who are seeking a more easy-going look, something you might find from some of the best casual golf shoes on the market. The only downside here is this shoe is only water-resistant and not waterproof.

• Read our full Cole Haan ZeroGrand Overtake Golf Shoe Review

Most comfortable

For the first time in their history, J. Lindeberg have introduced a new golf shoe to the market, with the Vent 500 providing excellent style that is clearly a J. Lindeberg product.

Firstly, the outsole is chunky, but this didn't affect performance, as the Vent 500 is suitably solid and stable underfoot. Also, the Ortholite+ insole was really comfortable, offering a perfect amount of cushioning and energy return underfoot, as well as great breathability.

The stand-out of these shoes was the TPU outsole, which was one of the best we've tested on a spikeless golf shoe. Opting for TPU instead of rubber gave a brilliant sensation of grip underfoot, all without sacrificing the comfort and low-profile nature. The only slight downside is that the firmness and loftiness of the TPU nubs on the outsole do have their drawbacks in the dryer conditions of summer.

• Read our full J. Lindeberg Vent 500 Golf Shoe Review

Best waterproofing

The Payntr X 006 RS Golf Shoe is one of the best spiked golf shoes in the game right now, offering excellent visuals and superb comfort. They were a real winner when we put them to the test out on the golf course, immediately noticing the comfort on offer. 

The Clarino Tongue offered plenty of stretch support that also cushioned our feet as we walked and committed to our shots. We think these shoes are one of the best golf shoes for wide feet on the market, with the Ventilated Dual Density PMX Foam, Patel Footbed and Open Cell Foam all combining brilliantly. These aspects help to provide a longer life span than some of the other best golf shoes money can buy, as the shoe moulded itself perfectly to the shape of our foot over multiple rounds, but not to the extent where the protection, fit and comfort were compromised. 

The overall protection and breathability, though, was where we were most impressed. They kept our feet nicely dry on the golf course, even when the rain started to pour. Overall, these are supremely comfortable and breathable shoes, and the minimalist styling is something that we really loved. 

• Read our full Payntr X 006 RS Golf Shoes Review

Best spiked

We adored the original Ringer golf shoes and, with The Ringer 2, it's a similar story, as the clean modern-classic look is fully waterproof, with excellent levels of traction for a range of conditions.

Look and fit-wise, the fit is much shallower than we had thought and not half as wide around the heel area as first appeared. This will obviously divide opinion, as will the looks, which we enjoyed because of the simplicity, whereas some will want a shoe that is a bit brighter and louder.

Admittedly, this golf shoe felt a little tight across the mid-section of the tester's foot when slipping them on for the first time so, if you have wider feet, this is something to bear in mind. Aside from that, the SweetSpot cushioning system offered superb comfort underfoot and for those keen enough to walk 36 holes in a day, this shoe would rival all of the best golf shoes for walking.

• Read our full TravisMathew The Ringer 2 Golf Shoe Review

How we test golf shoes

The Golf Monthly team know a seriously comfortable and supportive shoe when we try one. The golf shoes above represent the cream of the crop when it comes to breathability and ventilation on the golf course, to help stop your feet from feeling hot and sweaty during your round. Using our extensive testing methodology, we look to wear each shoe over several rounds of golf to determine the comfort, grip, durability and breathability the shoe possesses. We also attend product launches with the respective brand's R&D experts to get a better understanding of the technology in each shoe and how the features built into each shoe can benefit you on the course. 

How to choose golf shoes

As you know, there are plenty of factors to consider when purchasing a new pair of golf shoes and to help you narrow your search, we run through the top ones below. 

Comfort

Arguably the most important factor to consider in shoes is the comfort. When walking on the golf course, a comfortable pair lets us focus on our games, whereas an uncomfortable shoe can cause pain and discomfort. As a result we recommend trying on different shoes to see what kind of feel you like, and it will give you an idea on sizing in select brands because sometimes they are different. Also be aware of some models that have specific foam technologies, or specific sole designs that are designed to house your feet in all day comfort. 

Grip/Stability/Traction

Given the feet touch the ground during the swing, and using the ground is so important, then grip and stability is a hugely important factor. If a pair doesn't deliver on these then you may slip, causing a bad shot or even worse, a bad injury. As a result, many of the models above, in both spiked and spikeless designs, have specifically designed traction patterns and lugs to make sure your feet don't slip. It is worth acknowledging that from our testing the spiked models will provide best-in-class traction, but spikeless designs are catching up somewhat.

Looks

The look of a shoe is entirely subjective but it is obvious to say that you need to like the look of your shoe. As a result we have included lots of different styles and designs above so there is a style for everyone.

Waterproofing

If you are going to be walking in all weather conditions then you need a waterproof model too. Thankfully most of the models above provide 100% waterproof protection and we also recommend checking out specific brands that have long waterproof warranty's. This aspect is especially important for breathable shoes if they are made from mesh fabrics because if you wear those in wet conditions and they aren't waterproof, then that will be a bad experience. 

Sizes

Tying in with the comfort point above, getting the right size for you is vital, and as a result you should try different shoes on and different sizes because this will tell you which brands come up smaller, which are larger, or maybe models that are more narrow or wide. 

Budget

Finally have a think about how much you are willing to spend on a golf shoe because there are models in this guide that have different price points. That being said, whilst our list has covered a range of price points, to really get an idea of a good budget golf shoe, check out our guide on the best budget golf shoes. 

For more advice on some of the best golf shoes on the market check out our guides to the best waterproof golf shoes, best winter golf shoes and best golf shoes for seniors.

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