Most Breathable Golf Shoes 2026
Check out some of the most breathable golf shoes on the market for ultimate comfort in hot conditions
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.
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.
Most Breathable Golf Shoes 2026
The Quick List
These shoe fitted like a glove during testing, boasting great breathability and premium materials that provide a premium walking experience with ample comfort.
The SL provides excellent aesthetics that aids versatility. Producing a comfortable feel when out on the course, there is a surprising amount of grip.
A fantastic spikeless shoe offering impressive next-level comfort, with the lightweight, running trainer-style making this shoe a great choice for those summer rounds.
Arguably one of the most comfortable shoes we've tested, the Phantom Fore shoes provide immense comfort, excellent value for money and impressed us so much they earned a spot on our Editor's Choice awards list.
A visually impactful debut golf shoe from J.Lindeberg that excelled on the course in the comfort, looks and grip it offered.
Top pick
Frst up I have selected the Biom C5 from Ecco. I was a huge fan of the previous C4 so I had high expectations here, and the shoe delivered. It provides an exceptional blend of comfort, especially when walking, and stability. 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, the latter of which is excellent.
While the traction is reliable in most conditions, it may not quite match the 'class-leading; grip of spiked models but this is basically a given for spikeless shoes. Thankfully, the high-quality leather construction and luxurious fit make the C5 an outstanding long-term investment for those who have comfort and durability atop of their features list.
- Read our full Ecco Biom C5 Golf Shoe Review
Most versatile
Next up we have the 997 Sl shoes from New Balance, which might arguably be the most versatile golf shoe on the market today. To start it is inspired New Balance's 997H shoes, which the brand claim is: "Made for those with an appreciation for style and a desire for comfort." The same can be said of the golf version. Taking the shoe out of the box, its classic sneaker-style aesthetic oozed style, making them some of the best casual golf shoes on the market.
It is worth immediately saying 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.
Elsewhere in terms of performance, there is a lot to like here. There is noticeable support as well as grip which is great to see in a spikeless shoe. The comfort around the ankle and heel was excellent and in my testing the shoes offered good temperature control and breathability for my feet.
- Read our full New Balance 997 SL 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
From a value perspective, the Under Armour Phantom Fore shoes are some of the best on the market because the performance is so good, and yet the price is at the lower end of the spectrum. So how did they test for us?
Well these are some of the most comfortable golf shoes we've tested. In testing they felt great to the point where they perform just as well on the course as off it. This comfort comes from the knit collar and tongue for a sock-like fit. In previous models this design element made them hard to get on or off but this isn't an issue with the latest version. The Supportive TPU heel counter and accompanying heel pull mean it's dead easy to slide them both on and off, too. Additionally the breathability is top notch for a shoe like this largely because of the materials used.
Thanks to the soft, molded TPU-coated foam upper with knit collar and NeverWet-treated knit, coupled with the lightweight waterproof membrane, means you're protected from those unexpected showers. Additionally they also provide ample grip throughout the golf swing and during testing we never lost our balance or slipped once.
Finally, the looks are wonderful. I got the all white colorway and loved them, especially with how they combined with the coloring of the undersole.
- Read our full Under Armour Phantom Fore Golf Shoe Review
Best grip
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.
Finally there are several cool colors to choose from and as we mentioned above, we really like the unique styling of this shoe.
- Read our full J. Lindeberg Vent 500 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. Specifically for shoes, Staff Writer Dan Parker oversees all golf shoe testing and has become an expert in the field. He is often ably assisted by many members of the Golf Monthly team as well.
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.
FAQs
Why is it important to have a breathable pair of golf shoes?
Generally speaking, the hotter your feet get on the golf course, the more likely they are to sweat. And that can be a nightmare for any golfer, as if you've ever played in wet shoes, having saturated and damp feet or socks can inhibit your performance. Your feet will start to slide around as you play each shot and that can hinder your stability and prevent you from powering through each golf shot. For that reason, it's a great idea to ensure your golf shoes are breathable and offer great ventilation to your feet!
What makes a golf shoe breathable?
Any golf shoe that uses Gore-Tex will be extremely breathable. Gore-Tex is a material that allows sweat and heat to escape from the shoe without letting water in. Lightweight shoes tend to be more breathable too, as lighter materials mean your feet will sweat less.
How can I protect myself from high temperatures on the golf course?
Playing in warmer climates can sometimes be dangerous so it is wise to always take precautions when you step out onto the course, to ensure you play well, enjoy your round and don't suffer from heat stroke. Hats are an essential on any sunny day as are sunglasses. Meanwhile it is important to stay hydrated too so bring plenty of water with you. You'll also want to ensure you have covered yourself in suncream too, as sun burns don't look good and can be very painful.
