The best golf shoes for men might surprise you. Golf style has made massive strides in recent years. Still, for decades, on-course kicks included old-school staples like saddle shoe-like spikes and the occasional sneaker-style golf shoe—shoes befitting the sport’s reputation for rigid traditionalism. But as kettlebell swings replaced post-round cigars for the game’s top athletes, the clothes they wore on the links got lighter, sportier, and more innovative, leading to an entirely new wave of golf shoes that put comfort, performance—even cool factor!—above country club dress codes. Pair that with a new wave of excellent golf shirts and pants, and now folks are getting fits off every time they hit the links.
And yet, even as the game’s swaggering new stars waged a subtle war against the sport’s stodgy sartorial mores, an interesting phenomenon was beginning to take shape among its younger fans. Instead of emulating the poly-blend performance wares rocked by the pros, a wave of brands started embracing a “return to old” approach. Thanks to a handful of next-gen enthusiasts, classic-leaning golf shoes have begun to take hold again. The best part is, classic style doesn’t mean classic discomfort—even the dressiest of golf shoes are more comfortable than they’ve ever been.
Since performance and style are so widely enmeshed within the sport, just about every golf shoe you encounter will be outfitted with comfortable soles, efficient tread patterns, high-quality uppers, and little details that make all the difference. This means that, more than ever, golf shoes are almost exclusively a style preference. Sure, materials matter, and the endless spiked vs. spineless conversation will continue on, but in the end, you just need to find a shoe you love, make sure it’s comfortable, and score that hole in one.
The Best Golf Shoes, According to GQ
- Best Overall Golf Shoes: Adidas Tour360 24, $200
- Best Spiked Golf Shoes: Footjoy Premier Series Field, $200
- Best Budget Golf Shoes: Ecco Golf Biom Hybrid, $100
- Best Comfortable Golf Shoes: Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NRG, $190
- Best Saddle-Shoe Style Golf Shoe: Puma Avant, $160
- Best Waterproof Golf Shoe: G/Fore G18, $250
- Best All-Terrain Golf Shoe: Payntr X 002 LE, $200
- Best Golf Shoe for Post-Game Drinks: Malbon Course, $298
- Best Pro-Approved Golf Shoes: Under Armour Drive Pro, $170
- Best Sneakerhead-Approved Golf Shoes: ADG 4 x Eastside, $205
- Best Golf Shoes for an All-Day Golfing Marathon: Asics Gel-Kayano Ace 2, $170
- Best Golf Shoes for Finding Your Ball in the Woods: True Linkswear All Day Knit, $145
- Best Golf Shoes That Are Also for the Gym: Nobull Goretex Ripstop, $189
Best Overall Golf Shoes: Adidas Tour360 24
The Adidas Tour360 24 is an excellent choice for serious golfers or players who love the blend of classic golf style and absolute top-tier performance. It’s made with premium waterproof leather, is outfitted with Adidas’s proprietary 360Wrap technology for extra stability around the midfoot, and finishes with Boost cushioning for all-day comfort. Adidas has always been known in the golf world for blending tradition with tech, making these shoes perfect for those who want a stable platform underfoot, long-lasting comfort, and a Tour-ready shoe on the course.
Best Spiked Golf Shoes: Footjoy Premier Series Field
Footjoy is probably the most recognizable shoe brand in golf, and that’s still the case today. Each year, they produce banger after banger, launching both old-school silhouettes and more modern performance options. The Premier Series Field combines the classic golf shoe look we love with modern comfort and grip. These shoes are made from top-notch leather and have a VersaTrax+ outsole for superior grip, even when things get wet. The shoe is finished with an OrthoLite EcoPlush FitBed insole, making these ideal for players who love a traditional style without giving up on performance and comfort for long walks on the links.
Best Budget Golf Shoes: Ecco Golf Biom Hybrid
Ecco is a brand most known for its walking shoes, so it’s not shocking at all to see them make some stellar golf shoes that are tailor-made for golfers who love to get out and walk in nature (and swing some clubs, too). The Golf Biom Hybrid uses BIOM Natural Motion technology to support your foot’s natural shape, promoting stability and comfort across all terrain and long distances, so go ahead and play 36 holes, you won’t regret it. The durable, breathable Yak leather upper and hybrid outsole provide excellent traction and longevity. The product description is full of Ecco jargon, but in the end, you just need to know that these will be some of the most comfortable golf shoes you can buy.
Best Comfortable Golf Shoes: Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NRG
Here we have our first shoe truly inspired by the world of sneakers, specifically Nike’s running shoes, the Alphafly 3. One look at the Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NRG and you’ll see they’re all speed and comfort, just like the running shoes. With Nike’s Air Zoom technology, including the dual Air Zoom units in the forefoot, you get responsive cushioning and support throughout each stride. The Flyknit upper gives a secure, breathable fit, and the spiked hybrid outsole offers excellent traction. The shiny, reflective details and sleek colorways give these a much sportier feel than many shoes on this list, but that’s why we love them.
Best Saddle-Shoe Style Golf Shoe: Puma Avant
Puma Avant is another vintage-inspired choice with modern functionality and tech. It features IGNITE foam for energy return and PWRFrame for stability, two carryovers from Puma’s running and fitness lineups. The saddle-shoe style is iconic, but the shoe in no way falls behind its contemporaries when it comes to performance. The Avant is super comfortable, and an excellent pick for golfers who want to make a style statement while still reaping the benefits of solid support and cushioning.
Best Waterproof Golf Shoe: G/Fore G18
G/Fore’s G18 is where luxury style meets performance. Made from premium waterproof TPU with a cushioned interior lining, these shoes provide a high-end experience, day in and day out. The hybrid outsole is comprised of three styles of tread, offering versatility and traction that most spineless shoes don’t have. We love these for walking, too—they’re outfitted with a rocker sole, which is usually employed by walking and running shoes, so knocking out a five-mile walk should be no biggie.
Best All-Terrain Golf Shoe: Payntr X 002 LE
Much like the G/Fore’s above, the Payntr X 002 LE is all about innovation, sporty style, and modern performance. With a multi-density outsole for traction and a responsive cushioning system, these shoes are built for any course, any environment, and any way you choose to traverse it. Payntr, a newer brand in golf footwear, puts a premium on elevated tech and design, which is apparent with the X 002 LE.
Best Golf Shoe for Post-Game Drinks: Malbon Course
Malbon’s Course shoe is the brand’s first foray into making their own golf shoes, blending their penchant for high fashion with all the function a golfer expects and needs for tricky days on the course. Made from premium materials and a unique design that marries Stan Smiths and dressy brogues, these will make a statement, no matter what the rest of your outfit looks like. Malbon, recently most known for their sponsorship of the PGA’s Jason Day, is still testing the water with its shoes, but we think these are a great start and can’t wait to see what is next from the LA brand.
Best Pro-Approved Golf Shoes: Under Armour Drive Pro
Under Armour’s Drive Pro is the go-to for Jordan Spieth, which probably means they’re worth buying in itself. But if Spieth’s co-sign isn’t enough, here’s a few nitty gritty details: UA S3 spikes—designed with Softspikes tech, provide excellent multi-directional traction, UA HOVR foam and supportive Charged Cushioning keep you comfortable and stable throughout your swing, and the shoe’s lockdown ensures a comfortable, secure fit round after round.
Best Sneakerhead-Approved Golf Shoes: ADG 4 x Eastside
The Eastside x Air Jordan ADG 4 takes the style sensibility pioneered by Air Jordans and the Jordan brand and pairs it with weatherproofing and golf soles. A premium leather upper and Zoom Air cushioning, guarantee that you’re set up with the comfort and performance you need, while also keeping your feet dry and firmly planted on the turf. While it’s super common to see actual Air Jordan silhouettes upcycled into golf shoes, we think these are the best for actually playing golf in, if that’s your thing.
Best Golf Shoes for an All-Day Golfing Marathon: Asics Gel-Kayano Ace 2
The Asics Gel Kayano Ace 2 is all about keeping you comfy and stable on the course. With Asics’ Gel cushioning for maximum shock absorption and a supportive midsole, these shoes make sure your feet stay happy all round long. The waterproof upper keeps your feet dry, rain or shine. Known for their running shoes, Asics brings that same expertise to golf, making the Kayano Ace 2 perfect for golfers who want top-notch comfort and Japanese performance pedigree.
Best Golf Shoes for Finding Your Ball in the Woods: True Linkswear All Day Knit
Made from a breathable, stretchy knit material that is, shockingly, fully waterproof, these shoes keep your dogs from barking when the days get long, whether you’re trodding along soggy fairways or just trying to avoid the puddles made by wayward sprinklers. The spikeless outsole gives you solid traction, though we probably wouldn’t recommend these for the absolute wettest days, since the lugs don’t provide as much traction as a spiked or hybrid sole golf shoe.
Best Golf Shoes That Are Also for the Gym: Nobull Goretex Ripstop
Nobull’s Goretex Ripstop takes the brand’s CrossFit shoe tech to the links, outfitting it with a Gore-Tex ripstop upper that keeps you protected from any on-course moisture or wayward snags in the woods. The shoe is great for golfers who like a stable workout shoe and want to rep their other athletic endeavors on the golf course.
What to Look For in Golf Shoes
Choosing the right golf shoe is crucial for both performance and comfort on the course. Here’s a guide on what to look for when selecting golf shoes, covering materials, style, weatherproofing, and the differences between spiked and spikeless golf shoes.
Materials: When it comes to materials, leather golf shoes are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. They tend to be more comfortable as they mold to the shape of your foot over time, and most leather golf shoes are naturally water-resistant, providing protection in damp conditions. Additionally, leather offers good breathability, which helps keep your feet dry.
Synthetic materials, on the other hand, are generally more affordable than leather. They are often lighter, which can be beneficial for walking the course, and come in a wide range of styles and colors. Many synthetic options also feature waterproof coatings, enhancing their practicality in various weather conditions.
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