Best G/FORE Golf Shoes: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Spikeless
3. Spiked
4. Women's
5. How we test
6. How to choose
7. FAQs
G/FORE have made a sizeable impression on the golf shoe market in recent years and have quickly become a go-to shoe for golfers looking for eye-catching designs, as well as high-performing footwear. Covering styles from classic brogues to on and off-course training shoe styles, the brand has dipped its toe into a wide range of silhouettes. Bold color options have also made G/FORE highly distinguishable and some of the best golf shoes on the market, enabling players to express themselves even more on the course.
One feature that makes the shoes in the G/FORE range stand out from their competitors is the massaging insole that is featured in all of their golf shoes. It consists of a number of small nubs on the sole plate of the shoe that massage your foot as you walk along the course. As a result of this, it makes the range of shoes available here some of the best golf shoes for walking on the market. We'll go into a little more detail on why below - but, in a nutshell, our testing has concluded that it will make your feet feel less fatigued after a round of golf.
We've become big fans of G/FORE and have been able to test a lot of styles in both their men's and women's range. We've listed our personal favorites below, which feature a broad array of some of the excellent styles and colorways the brand has to offer. Why not also check out other brands on the market too, like the best Nike golf shoes, the best adidas golf shoes, and the best Footjoy golf shoes.
The Quick List
One of the best looking golf shoes we've ever laid our eyes on and an immediate classic in its category. The Gallivan2r is everything that is great about the G/FORE brand blended into one classy, sporty and deceptively comfortable spikeless shoe.
This performed very well in most areas like comfort and stability. The aesthetics look cool and aid versatility, and there are loads of colors to choose from.
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.
For those golfers in search of a spikeless shoe with a simple, modern aesthetic, the G/Drive shoe from G/FORE also offers excellent on-course performance.
The MG4+ is a very comfortable shoe that looks the part and one that will definitely be worn on rotation throughout the summer months and beyond.
Stylish, comfortable, and a little bit different. If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd then the Gallivanter range from G/FORE is well worth considering.
The G/FORE G/LOCK Gallivanter may have just set the benchmark for a premium leather golf shoe, as it's the perfect golf shoe for a golfing purist who wants a touch of color to brighten up their look on the course.
A brilliant golf shoe, the MG4+ has a cutting edge design, with an innovative footbed inner sole that literally massages your feet as you walk.
In the women's version of the Gallivanter, we were impressed with this stylish shoe that performed brilliantly when it came to playing on the course.
Best G/FORE Golf Shoes
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Spikeless
First things first, the Gallivan2r is one of the best looking golf shoes we have seen in the past 10 years. Out of the box, we believe it blends everything that's great about the classic design of the G/FORE Gallivanter with the sportiness of the G/FORE MG4+ to spawn an immediate classic.
Technologically, the company have opted for TPU upper materials rather than the full grain leather on some of its other shoes, but where this model is rather unique is with the outsole. It has an integrated rubber cleat system, 13 on each shoe, which are all set at the same height. However, although these perform well in all weather conditions, there are more grippier golf shoes available on the market.
Despite this, there is an awful lot to like about the Gallivan2r and, along with the gorgeous looks, it will easily fall into one of the most comfortable golf shoes category. Featuring a dimpled insole, it also possesses a 3D molded heel cup that did a great job at comfortably keeping the foot in place, whilst padding around the heel/Achilles area meant there were no signs of rubbing out on the course.
- Read our full G/FORE Gallivan2r Golf Shoe Review
G/FORE G.112 Golf Shoes
One of the best casual golf shoes on the market right now, the G/FORE G.112 golf shoe is a versatile sneaker that delivers a very premium look and feel. G/FORE are well known for pushing the boat out when designing and producing some of the coolest and innovative golf shoes and there's no difference here.
Off the bat, we loved the smart feel the G.112 offers. The raised outsole was a real winner in our eyes and it combined nicely with the leather upper, which boasts a smart look and feel. Admittedly, we did have some minor reservations on the spiked rubber wrap that extends upwards on to the outside of each shoe and, although it grew on us over time, we thought the design could be kept more simple.
Away from aesthetics and to performance. Firstly, there is plenty of traction from the outsole and, towards the heel, the spikes become slightly wider and are more square, helping to deliver greater rigidity and traction in the swing. Performing well in dry and wet conditions, the shoes are 100% waterproof and we did enjoy the comfort they delivered, with the G.112 taking no time to break in.
- Read our full G/FORE G.112 Golf Shoes Review
G/FORE MG4x2 Golf Shoes
Personally, we think the MG4x2 is one of the best golf shoes when it comes to on and off course style and performance. This is a cross-trainer shoe that is a multi-functional model designed for both on and off the course.
We thought that the sole design, during testing, offered one of the most compelling spikeless outsoles on the market, even in wet and soft underfoot conditions. Throughout our years of testing, we find that the best spikeless golf shoes are good in damp or wet conditions, but the Sawtooth sole stands out here. Another excellent point to note was the moulded heel cup that keeps your feet from slipping and sliding around in the shoe.
Finally, the MG4x2 also comes with a breathable and waterproof upper that will keep your feet both cool and dry from rain. The MG4x2 shoes are about as far away from a traditional pair as you can get and, for that reason, they’re not going to appeal to everyone. However, if you are looking for something bolder, sporty and comfortable, G/FORE’s MG4x2 golf shoes certainly tick that box.
- Read our full G/FORE MG4x2 Golf Shoe Review
G/FORE G/Drive Golf Shoes
Golf shoe styling has moved on a lot in recent times. From particularly traditional designs to new sporty shoes that boast a lot of flair, manufacturers are constantly breaking the mold, designing stylish and eye-catching shoes. In regards to the G/Drive golf shoe, we see G/FORE providing users with blended sleek designs and modern, unique styling.
Where this model stands out amongst other spikeless shoes is in the cable BOA lacing system. As you can see it consists of two dials that sit to the side of the tongue that you can loosen and tighten to suit your preferred fit. These sit amongst the best BOA golf shoes on the market and we were impressed by how well they helped pull the top of the shoe onto our feet for a snug but very comfortable fit.
Looks-wise, the blue and white ‘Twilight’ version we tested on the golf course combines a fairly traditional color combination with some ultra modern flashes, like the large heel area and the trademark G/FORE skull and crossbones branding on the tongue. One final thing worth pointing out is, having heard that G/FORE shoes can come up a little snug, we'd recommend going half a size up from normal.
- Read our full G/FORE G/Drive Twilight Golf Shoe Review
G/FORE MG4+ Shoes
Comfortable from start to finish, the G/FORE MG4+ golf shoe performed about as well as we could have hoped on a debut outing and beyond, making for another excellent addition to the fantastic G/FORE range. Although this is a spikeless golf shoe, there was never a situation where a lack of grip from the non-slip outsole was noticeable, even on a variety of slopey lies.
This is also thanks, in part, to the stability delivered by the heel cup at the back of the shoe, seen on some of the other G/FORE sneakers on this list, that really locks the foot in place without sacrificing any comfort. You'll also notice the thick sole on this shoe delivers excellent comfort as you walk around the golf course or up the high street. Slipping these shoes on during our first round, we were taken aback by the slightly bizarre feeling of the nubbed footbed on this shoe. Admittedly this was a weird sensation at first and felt like our feet were being massaged as we played, but it didn't take long to get accustomed to the feeling, which was something we really enjoyed!
Elsewhere, the premium upper is fully waterproof, meaning it really is an all-rounder in terms of performance and well worthy of its lofty rating. What's more, there are seven color options for men that include a camo variant, as well as three 'block' colorways if you prefer a more two-tone effect on your golf shoes.
- Read our full G/FORE MG4+ Golf Shoe Review
Yes, you read that correctly, there are 16 different colors and styles of the brilliant G/FORE Gallivanter golf shoe. Before we get into all of the color and material options, let's talk about the shoe itself. The Gallivanter is about as classic a golf shoe silhouette as you can get. It boasts a low profile that represents a brogue-style of shoe and, while it certainly looks the part, it performs too!
Firstly, these are an extremely comfortable pair of golf shoes. As you’d expect from one the best golf shoes, the traction levels are seriously impressive. The premium leather feels as good as it looks and the textured pebble grain finish is eye catching and easier to clean than we thought. The shoes come with a cushioned footbed that has lots of small raised 'nubs' which provide a wonderful massage to the soles of your feet.
The beauty of the Gallivanter is that you can mix this classic silhouette with some really eye catching colors. Fancy something really traditional? There's the Onyx Black color. Fancy something bolder? Try the camo print outsole. There's a style for everyone here. Other variations include the a un-bossed version with the G/FORE skull printed across the shoe, the Camo Knit or the Cap Toe.
- Read our full G/FORE Gallivanter Golf Shoe Review
Spiked
You may wonder how the G/LOCK Gallivanter compares to the standard Gallivanter... Well, despite the fact that both look identical, G/FORE have teamed up with SoftSpikes to create their first ever cleated shoe responding to tour player feedback.
Put simply, the G/LOCK looks exceptional and performs well in all conditions. Although the colorways may divide opinion, we thought they looked great in the hero colorway - Snow. What's more, the fit is, importantly, comfortable, with the shoe sitting fairly low to the ankle and therefore not rubbing or digging in when walking.
On the sole of the shoe, we see 10 spikes strategically placed and, as you may have guessed, it provides more traction over the Gallivanter. Importantly, the golf shoe performed well in different conditions, noticeably the wetter and softer ground you get in winter.
- Read our full G/FORE G/LOCK Gallivanter Golf Shoe Review
Women's
Slide these shoes on and you’ll discover the real ‘wow’ factor of the G/FORE - an amazing massaging footbed inner sole, unlike any golf shoe you will have experienced before, that literally leaves you bouncing up the fairway like you’re walking on air.
Comfort-wise, it almost felt the shoe was literally massaging the sole of our feet as we walked 18 holes and the performance benefits don't stop there! This shoe has been designed to give your foot total swing support. We felt really grounded and stable, as though the shoe was gripping the turf, as we made our swing.
In the past we’ve found performance-orientated golf shoes a little ‘sturdy’ and firm in feel but the G/FORE MG4+ fitted like a glove from our very first round. Crucially, there was no need to break them in and no rubbing.
- Read our full G/FORE Women's MG4+ Golf Shoe Review
G/FORE Women's Gallivanter Shoes
As you can tell we are big fans of the men's Gallivanter golf shoes and the same can be said of the women's model too. The stunning full grain pebble leather makes them ooze refinement and will set off any outfit in a seriously classy manner. Traditionalists will love the excellent profile of this shoe too, which just screams class, but G/FORE have, interestingly, added a modern look to these shoes, with the bright colors and excellent patterns on the shoes' sole.
We also loved the feel when walking. The triple-density memory foam sole gives your feet a massage as you glide about the fairways. This is because it has an incredible deep pattern on it which practically acts as a reflexology session and, importantly, this sole is also removable and washable too.
One last point, and one that we've repeated throughout, is that G/FORE shoes can come up quite small so we would recommend going up at least a half size, but we were so impressed with these shoes that we decided to put them in our guide to the best women's golf shoes.
- Read our full G/Fore Women's Gallivanter Shoes Review
How We Test Golf Shoes
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. Each of the shoes listed above has been personally used by a member of the Golf Monthly team and golf shoe testing is headed up by Golf Monthly Staff Writer Dan Parker.
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, 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 G/Fore 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, the adidas Codechaos or Spieth 5 from Under Armour are good choices.
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 a lot models like the Inesis, Ecco or G/FORE are perfect for all-weather play.
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 and our guide to the best spiked golf shoes.
FAQs
Do G/FORE golf shoes run small?
Well over half of the Golf Monthly team has now been able to try at least one pair of G/FORE golf shoes and we'd all agree they come up slightly small. We'd recommend going half a size up if you want out of the box comfort. It's worth noting that G/FORE shoes still do break in well once they've been worn for a couple of rounds.
Are G/FORE shoes comfortable?
We think G/FORE golf shoes represent some of the most comfortable golf shoes currently on the market. The massaging insole in certainly a standout feature that leaves your feet less fatigued after walking 18 holes.
Is it better to wear a spiked golf shoe or spikeless?
That depends on your preference as a golfer and the conditions you're playing in. Generally though, spiked golf shoes are much better for softer conditions under-foot during the winter. They provide more grip on wet ground and help deliver greater grip on the turf. Spikeless golf shoes are much better for hotter conditions when the ground is dry.
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