Eight shoes to keep you grounded and in control of your swing.
Photographs by Josh Dickinson
We love walking the fairways in a stylish pair of golf shoes as much as anyone, but don’t let looks distract you from finding shoes that fit. We’re talking more than the correct size. If you want to play your best, find shoes that favour your style of play. Do you over rotate during the swing? You may need a shoe with more perimeter structure. Always walk? A cushioned midsole is a must. “Players on tour know how important fit is,” says Lydia Ko, the women’s world No.1. “Your feet are the only thing that’s connected to the ground. It’s such a critical piece of equipment golfers often overlook.” According to a FootJoy study, 70 percent of golfers are wearing the wrong size shoe. One of those golfers turned out to be Justin Thomas. In testing FootJoy’s Premiere Series, he noticed looseness and instability in his right heel. FootJoy examined his sizing and discovered his right foot is smaller than his left, so Thomas now plays in a size 8.5 in the right foot and a 9 in the left. He says a bad fit “can lead to foot fatigue, discomfort and loss of power because you’re not using the ground effectively”. When searching for a new pair, prioritise fit and then style. Try these eight on for size.
Clockwise from top
FootJoy HyperFlex
The HyperFlex, already popular with walkers for its feathery weight, is now more stable. A plastic
section wraps around the mid-foot as you tighten the laces. One version also has a carbon plate for even more structure.
Ecco Classic Hybrid
The first classic shoe Ecco has made in years has an old-school-looking upper and a new outsole. The
traction bars are larger than in previous Ecco models and have been rotated at the toe, a high-wear area, to increase traction.
Callaway Coronado V3
Feedback from tour pros on earlier versions led Callaway to reinforce the heel and perimeter. Now the shoe offers ample support when weight shifts to the edges of the feet during the swing. The microfibre leather upper is also waterproof.
Clockwise from top left
Adidas ZG23
The midsole’s perimeter is firmer than the centre to increase lateral support. Collin Morikawa asked Adidas to make this shoe so comfortable that he would forget he’s wearing it and so clean-looking he wouldn’t notice it at address.
Asics Gel-preshot
The flexible grooves in the outsole are angled so that your foot can move and rotate naturally through
the swing. The outsole’s perimeter has larger lugs to provide a stable base. The gel under the heel ensures a more comfortable walk.
Puma Ignite Elevate
The new outsole pattern offers double the points of traction than previous Ignite models. Each lug protrudes farther out and is less round than in past years, allowing the lugs to dig deeper into the
turf during the swing.
Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3
Pressurised air in a sturdy pocket enhances comfort, and the plate and foam underneath it provide structure and energy return. You’ll be able to use the ground effectively and have a comfortable walk.
Skechers Go Golf Elite 5 Slip-ins
You really shouldn’t slide your shoes on or off without untying them, but Skechers knows you do it anyway, so this shoe has a heavily structured heel that allows you to easily slip in and out. [Available in Australia October 2023]
