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 polos and trousers, 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 GQBest 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 serious 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
Premiere Series Field Golf Shoes
Footjoy is probably the most recognisable 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 comfortable golf shoes: Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NRG
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 colourways 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
Avant Spikeless Golf Shoes
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, and 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.
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.
