7 Best Golf Shoes in 2023

Choosing the right pair of golf shoes

To ensure your comfort and performance on the course next time, you need to consider the following features:

• Traction: spiked or spikeless?
• Upper material: leather, synthetic, knit
• Moisture protection: water-resistant, water-repellent, waterproof
• Fit regulation: laces vs. BOA
• Style: traditional or athletic?

Spiked or spikeless ?

While spiked golf shoes come closest to the original metal cleats, they are not a must nowadays. The more contemporary spikeless alternatives have also earned a spot among the golfing community.

There is no straightforward answer to which one is better, each one comes with a set of pros and cons. The choice depends on what features you value the most:

Because spikeless golf shoes are still a relatively new design, they tend to draw more attention and interest from the players. To find out more about this category, see our guide on spikeless golf shoes.

Choosing the right upper material

Once being the only material used on golf shoes, leather is still loved today for its exquisite appeal, natural waterproofing, and longevity. The use of synthetic materials added a slew of breathable and lighter options to the market. Finally, the knit trend has not passed by golf shoes either.

Go for synthetic golf shoes if you want a middle-ground of all listed features.

Waterproofing in golf shoes

Since golf is an outdoor sport, there is a high chance of dealing with rainy weather. If you see yourself playing in wet conditions, consider getting a shoe with one of these protective features:

*Some waterproof golf shoes employ a high-performance Gore-Tex lining that provides full waterproof protection without sacrificing breathability too much. Some brands also offer shoes with a waterproof warranty.

Laces vs. BOA

The good old laces didn’t seem to be enough for the shoe brands. Today we can see the cutting-edge BOA closure system slipping into the realm of golf. But with the heavier price tag of these BOA models, is it worth the upgrade?

Bottom line: The BOA definitely offers a host of upgrades compared to a standard lasing system. But it also comes at a higher price point. Thus, it can be recommended to the more professional players or those who want to stay on top of the newest tech.

Otherwise, laces are still a solid option, especially if you are just starting out with golf.

Traditional or athletic: pick your style

To keep up with modern times, golf shoe manufacturers have been shifting away from the classic look towards the more athletic, sneaker-like designs. Traditions, on the other hand, are still being kept to live as the sport's legacy.

You have the option to choose what resonates best with your game and style:

Frequently Asked Questions

Are golf shoes necessary?

Yes, if you are going to play golf regularly.

It’s okay to wear your regular pair of shoes for a trial game or if you play the sport very rarely. But to illustrate the difference between a regular sneaker and a dedicated golf shoe, let’s compare a silhouette which comes in both casual and golf-ready options: the Nike Roshe.

Nike Roshe (casual sneaker)	Nike Roshe G (spikeless golf shoe)	Nike Roshe G Tour (spiked golf shoe)
Protection
Regular mesh upper	Gusseted tongue prevents debris from getting inside the shoe	Synthetic leather with a waterproof quality keeps you dry in wet grass and rainy weather
Traction/Stability
Flat outsole with thin treads is slippery on grass.	Sharper lugs get even more aggressive in the circular pods These pods help to stabilize the player as they are placed at the pressure points of a golf swing	Strategically placed spikes grip all golf course surfaces, both even and hilly Wider base with outriggers increases contact area and surefootedness during a swing

What shoes to wear golfing if you don't have golf shoes?

As some golf courses can be strict about their dresscode, it’s better to check with them beforehand. But in most cases, an athletic low-top shoe should suffice. You can wear any of the following:

• sneakers
• tennis shoes
• running or walking shoes

It’s not recommended to use slip-on footwear or the one that easily loses hold when twisted. Before the game, mimic a golf swing in your pair to make sure the fit stays tight.

Heels and metal cleats are prohibited.

Do golf shoes need a break-in period?

The right-sized pair should not require any breaking in.

The best golf shoe models are designed to accommodate your foot shape from the start. If it doesn’t happen, try going a half-a-size or a size up, consider getting a different width is it is available, or simply go for another model.

In some individual cases, the shoe might cause discomfort during the first wear. Here are some firs-aid tips to soften the material without going through the ordeal:

• Wear an extra thick sock or an anti-blister sock to have an additional cushion. 
• Putting a shoe tree breaks in the shoe faster than usual. 
• Athletes also attest to blister balms. They reduce friction and prevent excessive rubbing. 
• A padding roll can also be wrapped in the areas that are prone to blisters. This item is thick enough to protect the skin and expand the material. 
• Some golfers also use blister patches. They are designed like a band-aid, only thicker.

When is it time to buy a new pair of golf shoes?

In general, golf shoes are meant to last for a long time. However, they are not intended to last forever. There's no exact timeline for each pair's life span. It depends on how often it is worn, the course conditions it is used on, and how it is maintained. Here are some of the indications that a new one is already needed:

• Water that seeped on the insides of the shoe is quite hard to reverse. However, it depends on water damage. For minor ones, then the insoles can be substituted, but for extreme cases, a replacement is a better option.
• When a previously grippy shoe is losing its spark, then looking into a new one should be a priority. Traction, as we know, is essential. And, frequenting slips are definitely a no-no. 
• Comfortable footwear that suddenly causes foot pain should be taken a look at. 
• Spikeless pairs that lose nubs might be hard to fix. Cleated golf shoes, on the other hand, can be replaced.