The shoe game is nothing if not full of options. Research firm Golf Datatech tracks more shoe models than it does metalwoods, irons or even golf balls. On tour, you can find guys hitting it 350 wearing athletic styles inspired by running shoes, or models that might have made Walter Hagen jealous. When the spikeless-golf-shoe trend really started to take hold, average golfers loved that you could wear your golf shoes places other than on a golf course. But even tour players are now trusting spikeless shoes in competition, proving you don’t need spikes for powerful traction. There are plenty of options in whatever category you choose. Spike or spikeless isn’t the only question you have to ask yourself. Laces or no laces? Leather, textile or rubber upper? Zero heel drop? Wide outsole? … You get the idea.
[Listed alphabetically by brand]
The saddle has a lot of holes in it for your laces, allowing you to customise your fit. This shoe has reinforced structure in the places where golf shoes wear the most, giving them more longevity.
The classic leather upper and heel lining are paired with new technology. The gap at the arch allows your heel and forefoot to move independently of one another during the swing.
ADIDAS TOUR 360 KNIT
The shoe’s upper is made from a lightweight reinforced textile that’s breathable and stretchy yet durable and waterproof. The gap at the arch allows your forefoot and heel to move independently.
BIION PATTERNS
A lightweight, flexible rubber midsole and upper make these shoes form-fitting and responsive, almost like you’re playing barefoot. The upper is available in various patterns with 69 holes for ventilation.
CALLAWAY HIGHLAND
The heel stabiliser and external structuring on the outsole provide stability to these light, running-shoe inspired shoes.
CALLAWAY LAGRANGE
The cutouts in the outsole allow the shoe to move with the natural motion of your foot throughout the swing. The top of the insole is softer for comfort, and the bottom is firmer to provide extra stability.
CALLAWAY SWAMI 2.0
Layers of mesh, the special sockliner with ventilation characteristics, and even the construction of the tongue all help keep your feet cool during hot rounds.
ECCO BIOM HYBRID 3
The new outsole was made to be three things: stable, durable, and easily able to rotate. The yak leather upper is breathable and the added GORE-TEX makes it waterproof.
ECCO GOLF LUX
If you’re into the classics, this shoe is for you. Leather upper with a leather lining, and, in a rarity for Ecco, spikes on the bottom.
ECCO S-DRIVE
Ecco made spikeless shoes cool; now they’re adding control. Multiple traction elements provide more points of contact for more grip where you need it. The angled tongue and laces give a more secure fit.
FOOTJOY CASUAL
The most street-like shoe in FootJoy’s line, these shoes have a waterproof wax suede upper. The traction elements on the outsole provide grip on-course and are unobtrusive off-course.
FOOTJOY FJ 18
The 1857 line gives a nod back to the year FootJoy the company was created. Made of Italian leather, these high-end shoes are offered in several styles including wingtip and saddle.
FOOTJOY PRO SL
Though it’s spikeless, the Pro SL has become one of FootJoy’s most popular shoes on tour, in part because of the wide outsole that keeps more of your foot in contact with the ground, increasing stability.
FOOTJOY SUPERLITES XP
The mesh upper is reinforced to make it more stable. There’s also a waterproof membrane, so you get the lightweight benefits of mesh without the having to worry about playing in wet conditions.
FOOTJOY TOUR-S
There’s stability everywhere. The outsole plate is sturdy yet lightweight, and the nine cleats are set wide apart and surrounded by traction elements. Even the tongue and foam collar help lock your foot in place.
G/FORE BROGUE KILTIE GALLIVANTER
The upper is made from waterproof leathers, and the kiltie is removable. On the inside, there’s a removable foam cushion sockliner and a mesh lining to provide breathability and comfort.
G/FORE CROC CRUISER
If you’re confident enough to wear these stylish, unexpected shoes, you’ll be happy to know they’re not just loafers. The sophisticated traction pattern on the outsole will give you all the grip you need.
G/FORE DISRUPTOR
The classic, cool street shoe vibe makes these shoes a perfect choice if you’re trying to go from work to the course to the bar. The cushioned insole provides lots of comfort. Multiple styles of the Disruptor are available.
G/FORE HIGH TOP DISRUPTOR
The upper is waterproof leather and the spikeless sole is lightweight and flexible. So if you’re looking to give high tops a try, these are easy to walk in and will stand up to the elements.
NEW BALANCE MINIMUS SL
New Balance’s running-shoe heritage can be found in this shoe, especially in the drop in the midsole that creates a more natural foot position.
NEW BALANCE MINIMUS TOUR
The first Minimus model with cleats features a waterproof upper that fuses two materials to make it light, supportive and stitch-free. The rubber sole’s flexibility provides more control.
NIKE LUNAR CONTROL VAPOR
You’ve probably seen these on Rory McIlroy and Jason Day’s feet, to name a few. The membrane in the upper makes these waterproof.
NIKE ROSHE G
Nike took a map of the pressure your foot makes in the ground during the swing, and then put more aggressive traction elements in the places you need them, and less aggressive traction elements where you don’t.
PUMA GRIP FUSION
These shoes are all about comfort. There are layers of foam in the midsole to absorb shock while you walk, making the proposition of going 36 sound doable.
PUMA IGNITE PWRADAPT
The cleats sit in pods that shift as you move. So if you have a sidehill, uphill or downhill lie, they’ll adjust independently of one another to give you more complete contact with the ground. It’s also available with a leather upper, and there is a BOA closure system option.
PUMA IGNITE PWRADAPT HI-TOP
These have the same technology as Puma’s hero shoe this season, the Ignite PWRADAPT, but this is the hi-top version. Style tip: follow Rickie Fowler’s lead and wear joggers or shorts when you’re wearing hi-tops.
PUMA IGNITE PWRSPORT
The TPU (a type of rubber) saddles provide support, as does the TPU frame that you can see on the upper. It’s located in the spots that get the most wear.
SKECHERS GO GOLF ELITE V.3
The shoes were designed to have low drop, common in running shoes. The golf function comes from the extra-stable plate on the bottom, visible through the translucent, spikeless outsole.
TRUE LINKSWEAR GENT KNIT
This is the newest model in the line and will be available in May. The knit upper helps make this shoe very lightweight and breathable. It also has a moisture-wicking upper to help keep your feet dry on dewy mornings.
TRUE LINKSWEAR ORIGINAL
This is a zero-drop shoe, meaning the heel and ball of your foot are on the same level. That fosters a more natural, barefoot-walking feel. But the waterproof leather upper keeps your feet dry.
TRUE LINKSWEAR OUTSIDER
The breathable, antimicrobial insert will keep your feet less sweaty and stink-free. The waterproof upper will keep them dry through rainy rounds and dew-sweeping.
UNDER ARMOUR SPIETH 2
Built with input from Jordan, the upper uses Gore-Tex for waterproofing, synthetic leather for support and a fibre weave for less weight. The wider outsole creates a more stable base for your swing.
UNDER ARMOUR UA FADE RST
The upper is waterproof and breathable. The outsole uses a combination of spikes and traction elements to provide more aggressive grip where it’s needed.
UNDER ARMOUR UA MATCH PLAY
These uppers look like they’re leather, right? They’re actually microfibre, so they’re light-weight, breathable and waterproof. The footbed is made out of cork for a naturally comfortable walk.
UNDER ARMOUR UA PERFORMANCE SL LE
The outsole was built to let your foot move how it wants to during the swing, while still providing high levels of support to eliminate over-rotation.
UNDER ARMOUR UA TEMPO HYBRID II
The rubber-like material that makes up the midsole makes the shoe responsive, comfortable, as well as light.
UNDER ARMOUR UA TEMPO SPORT II
The sock-like structure makes for a snug fit, which is reinforced by the lacing system. Together they work to help the shoe feel like it’s part of your foot.
