Spikeless Golf Shoe Buyer Guide

For the keen golfer, a solid, comfortable pair of golf shoes is a must-have. While traditional, spiked golf shoes tend to be uncomfortable and heavy we have Fred Couples to thank for bringing about the common use of spikeless golf shoes. The evolution from spike to spikeless is a welcome change by many golfers seeking comfortable without compromising stability and traction (1). 

Spikeless shoes have come a long way and there are countless models and options all claiming to be the top-rated shoe. We know how hard it can be to choose the right ones so in the following article we have highlighted what to look for when making your decision along with detailed reviews covering the best brands and options available. 

🏆 Quick Look at the Best Spikeless Golf Shoes 🏆

 

While the following reviews are for men’s shoes please bear in mind that these brands also have golf shoes for women too! Head over to our women’s golf shoes article and you’ll find the female equivalent to this article. 

Best Spikeless Golf Shoes

1. Callaway Men’s Balboa Shoe

This pair of shoes meets all the requirements for a comfortable and durable shoe. It comes in a 100 % mesh fabric which enhances the breathability of the shoe to suit sweaty and hot conditions. It has a sock liner and a mesh liner for heat management.

The shoes are lightweight for comfort something that’s especially important when spending hours on a golf course. They have a rubber sole which helps you to gain the right grip without involving the pressure points of the feet while you move around. Since the terrain can be irregular, these shoes provide proper stability in different conditions.

The spikeless outsole has multi-directional traction lugs. The midsole offers support which contributes to the stability and comfort of these shoes. From the reviews, it is clear that these are incredibly soft and comfortable and for that reason are the best golf shoes. 

2. Puma Men’s Ignite Spikeless Golf Shoe

The Puma Golf Men’s Ignite Spikeless Pro Golf-Shoes are produced in a wide variety of colors and patterns. A very attractive and stylish golf shoe featuring lace up fronts.

The price of these shoes changes with the color style and pattern so be sure to check out which one you prefer.

Puma is a global brand that is well known for its athletic wear. These shoes have been designed for the golf course but can also be worn for everyday activities.

Featuring energy-return foam these shoes will provide great stability while taking your shots.

Made from synthetic leather and featuring a rubberized sole these shoes are extremely lightweight.  Puma Golf Men’s Ignite Spikeless Pro Golf-Shoes has really great traction which really helps out on the golf course.

3. Adidas Men’s Adicross

Featuring a leather finish, the Adidas Men’s Adicross front lace-ups are a very stylish design. The shoe features the Adidas stripes and are a good shoe to both wear and look at.

The upper surface of the shoe is a water-resistant Climastorm material. In addition, there is a lightweight Cloudfoam sock liner for ultimate comfort.

With a flexible spikeless outsole, these shoes aren’t limited to use on the golf course. They are also very durable for all weather conditions.

In addition to hundreds of glowing reviews, Adidas provides a 90-day comfort guarantee for your purchase of the Adidas Men’s Adicross.

4. Skechers Performance Men’s Go Golf Tour Elite Golf Shoe

The Skechers performance Men’s Go Golf Tour Elite Golf Shoe is available in a variety of colors and varies in price depending upon the model.

Very stylish, these shoes have a lace upfront as well as padded cuffs. With a rubber sole and synthetic exterior, these shoes boast water resistance and are extremely lightweight.

Skechers are well known for their comfort in shoes and the Skechers performance Men’s Go Golf Tour Elite Golf Shoe is no exception. With hundreds of positive reviews, these shoes are a great buy.

5. Nike Golf Men’s FI Impact Golf Shoe

The Nike FI Impact Golf shoe is endorsed by Tiger Woods and is an exceptional golf shoe. Nike is a very reputable sportswear brand and are forerunners with technological advancements in their products.

Both the sole and shoe are made of synthetic materials with a lace upfront. These shoes boast breathable mesh on the top of the shoe as well as a TPU overlay to waterproof the shoe.

Featuring increased traction on the outer sole, there are grooves and rubber pods for improved grip.

These shoes are very lightweight and fit comfortably around the foot. In addition, they are available in a very large range of colors.

On top of this Nike provide a one-year manufacturers warranty against the waterproofing material. The Nike FI Impact Golf shoe is an excellent purchase and has excellent reviews from Amazon customers.

6. PUMA Golf Men’s Ignite Spikeless PRO Golf Shoe

The right material combination translates to a long-lasting pair of shoes. This pair from Puma is designed to serve you for a long time, thanks to the high-quality design. It comes in a leather and synthetic blend which is known for its superior quality. It is easy to care for, and the quality remains with regular use.

The shoes feature high-quality soles made from rubber. This selection ensures you get the right grip and stability as you play. Also, the rubber sole adds to the durability of the shoes which is a crucial factor. The Ignite foam adds on to the comfort of the shoe so you can wear it for a long time without feeling pressure on the joints.

Since you are likely to wear your golf shoes for some hours, it is essential to find a pair that can serve you for the intended time without discomfort. This pair is designed for breathability, so you remain dry and fresh all through your golf session. The upper is waterproof to ensure you can use them in wet conditions without worrying about affecting the quality.

7. Skechers Men’s Go Drive 2 Relaxed Fit Golf

This shoe features a water-resistant design to ensure your feet remain dry in wet conditions. It has a soft fabric lining which helps to wick away moisture and heat away from your feet. The inside of this shoe has a high-rebound cushioning to ensure you are comfortable regardless of how long you wear the shoes. Also, this helps to ease off any pressure your feet are likely to face.

The upper of this shoe is made from faux leather for a smooth yet durable finish. This material is easy to care for and retains its quality for a considerable time. Another design feature of these shoes is the side perforations accents. It not only enhances the style but also bring about a cooling effect for comfortable wear. Also, the padded collar and tongue make it convenient to slip on and off.

Like most spikeless golf shoes, the sole of this one is made from rubber. It ensures comfort, the right grip and durability. The traction plate adds on to the stability of this shoe in various conditions. With the lace-up design, you get a comfortable fit around the top of your feet.

8. New Balance Men’s Minimus SL Golf Shoe

One of the qualities to look for when buying a pair of golf shoes is the weight. The ideal golf shoe should be lightweight to allow comfort as you move around while playing golf. This particular one from New Balance is designed to provide you with comfort for long hours without strain. 

When it comes to the design, this shoe takes it to a whole new level. It has a synthetic and microfiber leather blend to last a long time with minimal care. The upper has water repellant properties to suit use in different conditions. Additionally, the shoe has a Fantom Fit support for extra comfort.

The stability of the shoe also matters. This shoe has a rubber sole which prevents slipping. Also, rubber has a higher durability level compared to other sole designs. As per the reviews, the shoe is low maintenance and retains its quality for a long time. More to this, it provides comfort like promised.

9. Nike Men’s Explorer 2 Golf Shoe

This leather and synthetic golf shoe from Nike is an excellent example of durability and comfort. It has a rubber sole which enhances grip for comfortable wear all day. Also, rubber soles are known to last a long time with regular use.

With this shoe, you can enjoy playing golf in different conditions. The upper of this shoe is water repellant to ensure you remain dry throughout your game. This style also contributes to the durability of the shoe.

The shoe has full-length Phylon which provides a lightweight design for comfort. Additionally, the design contributes to the stable feel the shoe regardless of the terrain and weather condition. One more thing, this shoe has a pull tab on the tongue which assists you to slip them on and off quickly. 

10. Adidas Men’s Crossknit Boost Golf Shoes

If you spend many hours playing golf, you might want to consider a highly breathable shoe. You are likely to sweat and feel the heat in your feet while playing and this can be quite uncomfortable. This shoe from Adidas is designed to provide comfort while ensuring you remain dry. 

It has a circle knit upper material which provides stretch comfort while wicking moisture and heat away from your feet. This material and the design of the shoe make it useful for daily use. The fabric of the upper is strong and durable. The inside of the shoe features boosting foam for the midsole which provides great cushioning for comfort.

The shoe offers great support and has a rubber sole which is designed to last while giving you great grip. The sole is designed with Adiwear traction for high stability and grip when walking or running. Additionally, the 3-stripe reinforcement with an external heel counter adds on to the durability. Also, it protects your feet from any pressure that might arise as you play. 

11. ECCO Men’s MEN’S GOLF Casual Hybrid

One of the challenges most people face is maintaining their golf shoes. The easiest solution is to find an easy-care material such as leather. This shoe is made from 100% leather and has a casual feel to it. This makes it suitable for golf as well as everyday wear.

The grip of the shoe is one of the most important features to look for when selecting an ideal pair of golf shoes. This one comes with a rubber sole which is known for its excellent grip quality and durability. Also, the bottom is thick enough to provide support while ensuring you remain stable and comfortable. It is lightweight so you can use for long hours in any weather condition.

The shoes are comfortable to wear and remove. They feature a lace-up closure which makes it convenient to custom fit around the top of the foot. The design has a padded collar which not only makes it easy to wear the shoe but also contributes to the comfort of wearing the shoes for long periods of time. 

12. FootJoy Men’s Contour Casual Shoe

FootJoy is a leading golf shoe manufacturer and it’s no surprise with their traditional style and design.

These shoes are water-resistant as they are made of leather and feature lace upfronts. The FootJoy Contour Casuals are breathable and durable as well as having a padded tongue and collar for ultimate comfort.

Like many leather shoes, these will stretch and provide more comfort over time. Customer reviews cannot be overlooked and these shoes come with very high ratings.

The FootJoy Contour Casuals are available in a wide variety of stitches and styles and appear like a casual shoe but boast the comfort of contours.

Key Features to Consider

Whether you walk the course with your push cart or drive it in a motorized cart, you’ll still need a comfortable, quality pair of golf shoes. 

There are many styles and designs in golf shoes so personal preference is a big part of it! If you prefer to walk the grounds then for long distances there should be a few key things to consider.

Waterproof Material

If the grounds are damp, wet or dewy thin-soled shoes will absorb the moisture and soak through. This gets quite uncomfortable, especially during colder times of the year. In addition to dewy grass, you’ll also need to be prepared for wet weather – along with your golf umbrella you’ll also want waterproof shoes. 

For seniors, this is particularly concerning as a health risk but of course, it is not limited to seniors. The first thing to consider would be a waterproof lining in the insole in addition to the top cover. This will prevent moisture from soaking through shoes from the top or bottom.

Gore-Tex membrane is the best material and most common to seal shoes. As well as being a waterproofing material it is also breathable, something important if you are walking a course. The best golf shoes on the market will be made of this material.

Grip

This is another key consideration for obvious reasons. Spiked or spikeless your golf shoe needs to have a solid grip and traction.

With the stability from a solid gripping sole, your swing will be more controlled and long drives will be consistently achieved.

While spiked shoes were the only option previously, spikeless shoes now come with synthetic cleats or dimples which provide maximum grip but don’t stand to damage the greens.

Weight

If you are walking the round then the lighter your shoes the easier it will be. Conserving energy for your golf swing is the most important factor.

Material

A wide variety of materials and fabrics have been used for golf shoes and it is a very personal choice. Perhaps you have a few pairs for different seasons, courses and games.

Traditionally, leather has been used for golf shoes as the material can stretch and adjust to your feet. The problem with leather is that it isn’t quite so waterproof.

The issue with synthetic material is that it does not stretch and adjust to the feet. So while they may be cheaper and lighter the comfort may not be best. In addition, synthetic material is not as breathable as others.

Keep an eye out for a cushioned insole for extra comfortable golf shoes. Gone are the days of metal spikes and plastic spikes so that’s one less thing to worry about. 

Are Golf Shoes Part of the Golf Dress Code?

While there may be a few courses that have strict shoe requirements this is an extreme rarity. You can play in whatever you find comfortable so long as they don’t damage the turf.

Not a Requirement but Highly Recommended

The thing that draws golf shoes apart, is that they are designed to keep your feet stable during a golf swing.

A well-fitted pair will stop any movement within the shoe which will provide more stability for your swing.

If we examine a golf swing, the power exerts pressure on your feet downward, lateral and rotationally.

So with the right shoes that are designed to minimize effects from these forces, you will gain more stability and therefore a more controlled shot.

Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing the best spikeless golf shoes, first and foremost you’ll want something comfortable. Especially if you prefer to walk the course. Following on from comfort you’ll need shoes boasting stability as well as waterproof material. While technology advances we will endeavor to keep adding new, quality brands.

Given the modernization, there are many spikeless shoes that can be worn as casual shoes, while we don’t recommend using them as running shoes we do agree on other uses. As we mentioned, these are a guide and finding the perfect shoe is different from person to person. If you have a preferred shoe that we have missed, leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to look into it for the next update! 

 

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References

1. Brentley Romine, No spikes, no problem: Spikeless golf footwear evolves, improves and performs. https://golfweek.com/2018/05/17/no-spikes-no-problem-spikeless-golf-footwear-evolves-improves-and-performs/