The Best Golf Shoes, According To Instructors And Equipment Experts

Sizes: 8 to 13 | Upper material: Waterproof synthetic | Spiked: Yes | Closure: Laces | Colors: 2

“The best overall shoe for golf in the game is the Nike Next% Tour 3,” says Lief Smith of The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course. Catching your eye with a stylish and athletic look, it’s just as capable on the course thanks to a deep heel cup that holds your foot in place and an excellent spike configuration. Together, the stability of the heel and those spikes “allow for some major torque, so you can unleash those punishing high draws and not worry about your foot slipping in the shoe or your traction sliding around the turf,” says Smith. 

The Next% Tour 3’s waterproof upper is flexible, yet it holds your foot in place, and excellent underfoot cushioning gives an energetic response that’s akin to a running shoe. In fact, Nike’s running shoes largely informed the design here, including in the forefoot plates, which help load energy on your downswing that’s released upon contact and follow-through. These plates, along with the heel, also enhance stability during rotation. The style tends to run a bit narrow, and it isn’t all that breathable due to the waterproof upper, so wider-footed golfers and those that play in hot, humid weather may want to take a swing at a different pair. But for most golfers looking for comfort, support and traction, this is a great choice.

Sizes: 5 to 13.5 | Upper material: Leather, Gore-Tex and mesh | Spiked: No | Closure: Laces | Colors: 3

The Ecco Biom C5 is designed around the midsole, with an injection-molded foam that forms into a soft layer seamlessly bonded to the shoe’s upper. (No surprise, then, that Ecco calls it “Fluidform.”) This allows for excellent cushioning underfoot and natural movement thanks to the snug fit that locks your foot in place. “Ecco has a good understanding of ergonomics,” says Smith, who has worn the Biom C4, this shoe’s predecessor, for years. “These shoes feel great on the foot—they are a leader in comfort.” And they’re waterproof yet breathable due to the upper’s combination of leather, Gore-Tex and a mesh-style liner.

While the Biom line excels in terms of comfort, Smith says his C4s fell short of the green when it came to durability. That said, the C5 boasts a more durable and scuff-resistant sock-style collar, and the reinforced golf-specific leather upper is easier to maintain. Underfoot, the non-spiked sole features a variable tread pattern, offering plenty of grip to keep you locked in as you swing.

Sizes: 6 to 15 | Upper material: Ripstop synthetic fabric and faux leather | Spiked: No | Closure: Laces | Colors: 8

With those classic Adidas stripes and several colors to choose from, a pair of S2G Spikeless shoes look timelessly sharp when paired with the best golf pants. Still, you buy golf shoes primarily for performance, which is what makes these such a great option for around $100. In fact, several players report wearing them as walking shoes and golf shoes, noting the comfort extends to hard surfaces like sidewalks and pavement. On the course, the widely-spaced lugs give plenty of grip whether you’re hitting from the fairway or the rough.

Keep in mind that grass can easily stain the fabric upper, so you may want to opt for a darker color if stained shoes ruin your fit and flow on the course. Fortunately, Adidas offers this shoe in countless combinations, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the one you prefer. For comfort and style you can enjoy on or off the course that costs about as much as a Saturday tee time, the S2G Spikeless is a smart choice.

Sizes: 3.5 to 17.5 | Upper material: Leather | Spiked: No | Closure: Laces | Colors: 7

The Nike Air Jordan 1 Low G is a head-turner and conversation starter. It comes in seven distinct colors, all of which boast the Air Jordan’s signature styling—a distinctive Nike Swoosh on the side, the iconic Jumpman outline on the tongue and the Wings logo on the heel. And while the style looks timelessly simple, there’s plenty going on under the hood. For example, air trapped beneath your heel helps cushion every step, while the tread pattern is subtle yet grippy in dry conditions.

It’s worth noting that you’ll miss spikes if you’re playing in wet conditions, but if you’re a fair-weather player, it shouldn’t be a problem. That stylish leather also adds some weight, but it’s a sacrifice you may be willing to make if looking good on the course improves your play. Fortunately, the upper comes with a one-year waterproof warranty, which adds peace of mind to the purchase.

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Upper material: Full grain leather | Spiked: Yes | Closure: Laces | Colors: 5

The Footjoy Premiere Series Packard is footwear perfection, sporting that classic Oxford look that never goes out of style. Beyond looks, FootJoy crafts the upper with full grain leather that’s also waterproof, and it feels better the more you wear it. And if you have wider feet, you’ll find comfort in the wide sizes that offer more room and long-term comfort.

Study the bottom of these shoes and you’ll find aggressive spikes set into a tough outsole that provide multi-directional traction, digging into wet and dry surfaces alike. Plus, the two-year waterproof warranty adds peace of mind when you’re playing in inclement weather. And even if you don’t fall in love with the vintage look upon first glance, you will love the durability. “I have worn FootJoys my entire 25-year career,” reflects Heath Wassem of The Golf Performance Academy.