Shoes

Unlike most ball games, golf isn’t played on a standardized playing area. The different golf courses have varied terrains that players are required to cope with. Best golf shoes of 2020 are designed to increase traction to allow for longer and more accurate shots. Therefore, these shoes are going to make a big difference whether you’ll be playing on the rough, the green, the fairway, or under wet conditions.

With the wide number of golf shoes available on the market today, it can be quite difficult to choose one that suits you. No golfing player wants to end up with a shoe that isn’t sturdy or supportive. Golfers will be either be looking for a shoe that gives them an improved feel and is more flexible or one that has been designed with cushioning and stability in mind. To help you narrow down to a shoe that’ll suit your style, here’s a review of the best golf shoes of 2020.

Buying guide – best golf shoes of 2020

Golfing clubs, balls, and gloves are considered as some of the most important equipment by some golfers. This is because they do make a significant impact on the player’s game. The wrong choice of club or ball may not give the player the desired distance off the tee.

In an 18-hole round, the golfer may change the type of club used severally and use several balls too. One thing they won’t be able to change is the shoe they’re wearing. Golfing shoes are a significant part of the golfer’s game as they’ll be walking around for over 4-miles.

There are many factors that a pro or beginner in golf needs to consider before they get themselves a new pair of golf shoes. If you want to take your game to the next level, be on the lookout for these golf shoe features.

Material

The outsole and upper portion of most modern golf shoes are made from artificial fabrics and materials. This ensures that these shoes offer golfers more stability, comfort, and waterproofing. Other popular materials that are used to make golf shoes include leather, waterproof fabrics, and synthetics.

The quality of leather has made it one of the most popular materials used in making golf shoes. Golf shoes made of leather provide a snug fit because the processed leather is placed on the sneaker’s exterior. The saddle style used in the making of these types of shoes provides more stability and breathability, especially during hot weather. Expect some of the best leather shoes to come at a high price because they incorporate certain features such as waterproofing.

Since leather shoes with waterproofing characteristics are quite expensive, most manufacturers have come up with proprietary waterproof materials. The most common fabric used is Gore-Tex, which is thick but breathable. While leather shoes offer enough breathability during hot summer months, Gore-Tex shoes are warmer making them perfect for colder months.

Another cheaper alternative to leather is synthetic fabric. Synthetic fabric is made from polyester, which is thinner and lighter. This type of golf shoe sacrifices breathability to give golfers an affordable and comfortable shoe.

Waterproof

Golf is quite enjoyable when the sun is out and the ground is dry. The dry ground will give you better drives off the fairway and putts in the green. However, this won’t be the case all the time. You may find a wet course after it rained the night before. The ground could also be wet in the morning because of dew in the grass.

There’s nothing as annoying as having a shoe that’ll let this water in. It’ll make you uncomfortable and affect your overall performance. You may also end up with smelly feet because of staying with a wet sock.

As explained before, most brands are using waterproofed materials to make their shoes. If you think a waterproof shoe is a bit too much, you should consider a water-resistant shoe instead. This will help you play on damp grass without any issue.

Flexibility and Support

All golfers will have a different style of play and feet. Some golfers will prefer walking the whole course whereas others will find that hopping onto a golf cart is easier. A shoe with a flexible outsole will be suitable for the former type of golfers while the later may need a shoe with more stability.

Therefore, when looking for the best golf shoe, you should consider your swing, body mechanics, and how much you’ll be walking. The right type of golfing shoe is going to improve a golfer’s swing by 3-4 mph. Always check how much support the shoe offers and its flexibility on the toe and outsole.

Spikes

Spikes help to improve a player’s confidence as they play their shots as it provides them with a solid anchoring. Golf shoes come with different types of spikes that include metal and plastic. Plastic or soft spikes are light and don’t damage the green from under the player’s feet. Plastic spikes have a wider design that helps to spread the golfer’s weight in a large area.

Metal spikes provide better traction but damage the green from under the feet. The damage caused on greens by metal spiked golf shoes has forced many golf courses to ban them in their fields. Nonetheless, most pro-golfers prefer wearing these types of shoes.

The price of a golf shoe will depend on whether it’s spiked or not. Spiked shoes are more expensive than spikeless shoes. If you’re looking for an affordable golf shoe, then consider getting a spikeless shoe. You should opt for spiked shoes if you’re looking for traction and grip, especially when playing on a wet surface. Spiked shoes are also best for beginners as it gives them a solid foundation.

Style

Golf shoes are available in many different styles. They may come in the form of athletic sneakers, dress shoes, or traditional saddle shoes. When golf was a conservative sport, these shoes were only available in neutral colors. That has since changed as they come in a variety of colors that resemble running shoes.

Style is quite subjective and finding the right style of shoe is quite difficult for players. You should think of the golfing attire you’re going to wear while on the course and try to match it with the shoes you’ll put on. It’s also easier to try and match your shoes with the style that fits your local golfing course. Those who golf at formal country clubs may prefer traditional or premium golf shoes while an athletic sneaker style shoe may suit golf players using a more contemporary public course.

Comfort

The most important feature that people look for when buying a shoe is it’s comfortability. This should also be the case when looking for golf shoes. An uncomfortable shoe can negatively affect your performance while on the pitch.

Comfortable shoes help to create convenience that gives the player confidence while on the course. A comfortable shoe should be lightweight, have sufficient padding on the insole and ankle, a perfect fit, and adjustable.

Fit

You must get a golf shoe that provides you with the perfect fit. You’re going to be walking for long distances in a single round. Besides, you’ll be on your feet most of the time. A perfectly fitting golf shoe will provide you with the comfort you need when on the golf course.

To get the right fit of shoe you need to measure the size of your feet first. Manufacturers will often provide sizes to fit larger and narrower feet. When you find the right size of golf shoes, select the socks you’ll be wearing when playing. This will ensure you get the right fit and feel when you go out on the course.

Lacing

The most common form of laces you’ll find on your golf shoe are traditional laces. However, there are other types of laces available. With the increased popularity of spikeless golf shoes, most models have adopted a quick lace system that makes it easier to tighten or loosen your shoe.

Other models incorporate proprietary lacing systems similar to those found on ski boots. These types of laces make it easier for you to adjust the fit of your shoe while providing stability. Golf shoes with this type of lacing cost more than those with a traditional lace system.

Some new golf shoes no longer include laces. Whether you need a golf shoe with lace or not will depend on your personal preference. Laced shoes are preferred for their compact fitness, adjustability, control, and visual appeal.

What are the best golf shows of 2020

• Best Classic Sneaker Golf Shoe: Adidas Adicross Classic
• Best Saddle Golf Shoe: FootJoy Icon Saddle
• Best Boa Golf Footwear: FootJoy DNA Boa
• Best Yak Leather Golf Shoe: ECCO Men’s Biom Hybrid
• Best High Top Golf Shoe: PUMA Men’s Titantour
• Best Foul Weather Golf Shoe: Adidas Climaheat Boa
• Best Hot Weather Golf Shoe: Adidas Climacool
• Best Wingtip Golf Shoe: ECCO Men’s Tour Hybrid

Our Top Picks

1.Best Classic Sneaker Golf Shoe – Adidas Adicross Classic Shoes

The advent of spikeless golf shoes has allowed sneaker styles to proliferate in clubhouses and tee boxes. The Adidas Adicross Classic is exactly that, bringing the brand’s iconic form factor to the course in a lightweight, comfortable shoe that transitions seamlessly from the golf course to your daily life. Beneath the full grain leather uppers, Adidas adds CloudFoam sock liners for feather-light cushioning. Spikeless traction is courtesy of Advanced Traxion Technology that uses 100 engineered lugs in varying sizes for enhanced grip.

2. Best Saddle Golf Shoe – FootJoy Icon Saddle Golf Shoes

Whether your style on the course is classic or modern, embrace the game’s roots with these FootJoy Icon Saddle Golf Shoes. These sleek shoes are made from premium calfskin leather with a TPU outsole for comfort and durability. And as an added bonus: they’re 100% waterproof. The tongue and collar are padded with memory foam for extra cushioning so your feet feel cushioned and supported for all 18 holes. Five cleated spikes providing stability, support and plenty of traction through your full swing.

3. Best Boa Golf Footwear – FootJoy DNA Boa Cleated Golf Shoes

Want to make sure your foot is on lockdown for all 18 holes? Slip into the FootJoy DNA Boa Cleated Golf Shoes and crank the Boa Closure System for a comfort fit every time. The company describes the fit as “down and back” because it wraps the forefoot around to the heel. FootJoy calls this shoe DNA, which stands for DryJoy Next Advancement, and other tech features include 100 percent waterproof ChromoSkin leather developed by Pittards of England, MicroVent tongue that shapes to the foot and lightweight Fine Tuned Foam foot beds for maximum heel support.

4. Best Yak Leather Golf Shoe – ECCO Men’s Biom Hybrid Hydromax Golf Shoe

What’s tougher than a yak? Not much. Yaks live in the alpine rangelands of the high Tibetan Plateau, an ecosystem that requires a thick skin. In fact, yak leather is at least three times stronger than cow hides, which is why Danish shoe designers Ecco have been using it in their outdoor shoes. The Ecco Men’s Biom Hybrid Hydromax features soft, breathable yak leather uppers treated with Hydromax for water and stain resistance. Ecco scanned the feet of some 2,500 athletes to develop the footbed’s Anatomical Last Shape, and the tour-proven traction creates scores of traction angles for superb grip, from set-up to follow through.

5. Best High Top Golf Shoe: PUMA Men’s Titantour Ignite Hi-Top Se Golf-Shoes

You can thank fashionable PGA pro Rickie Fowler for these ground- and tradition-breaking high top golf shoes. The Ignite Hi-Top combines the cleated comfort of Puma’s performance golf shoes with the classic luck of the brand’s lauded lifestyle collection. The Titantour Ignite Hi-Top Se features Ignite Foam for energy return and responsive comfort along your entire foot. Meanwhile, Puma’s PWRFRAME construction and perfect fit strap hold you down on the course no matter what the conditions are. Full-grain leather uppers are complemented by pigskin lining for complete waterproof comfort, and duoflex soles facilitate natural movement whether you’re walking the course or swinging big in the tee box.

6. Best Foul Weather Golf Shoe: Adidas Climaheat Boa Golf Shoe

Duffers stuck in northern climes can extend their season into the fall with the Adidas Climaheat Boa Golf Shoe. To keep your feet warm and dry Adidas employs Climaheat multi-layered lining that extends over the ankle with a lightweight microfiber sheath. The shoe provides stability in any conditions, thanks to a TPU saddle featuring 360WRAP engineering, and the new nine-cleat outsole adds Swing Plane Traction tech for grip in wet and even frosty conditions. Completing the package is an advanced Boa Closure System with an incremental pull and push structure to customize the shoe to your foot.

7. Best Hot Weather Golf Shoe: Adidas Climacool Golf Shoe

Looking for a lightweight, flexible, spikeless golf shoe that will keep your foot cool during hot summer days? Slip on the Adidas Climacool Golf Shoe, which is based on Adidas’ iconic supernova running shoe for lasting supreme comfort and breathability. The mesh upper provides 360-degree ventilation to keep your feet cool and the lightweight cloudfoam sock liner and stretch gore collar keep them dry. To make sure your foot stays locked down through your stroke Adidas adds a molded TPU saddle, and the spikeless outsole includes flexible puremotion tech so that the foot moves naturally as you walk the course. Best of all, the shoes come in eight colors, so you can match these kicks with every outfit in your locker.

8. Best Wingtip Golf Shoe – ECCO Men’s Tour Hybrid Wing Tip Golf Shoe

Thinking of sneaking out of the office for a session at the driving range or a quick nine holes at the par-3? Pick up the slick ECCO Tour Hybrid Wing Tip Golf Shoe for style in the office and stability on the golf course. The uppers are made of rich, Hydromax-treated leather to look good and keep your foot dry. They’re spikeless, so you won’t look like a fool in the office, but the E-DTS Hybrid outsole still packs 800 traction angles for excellent grip and stability through your full stroke.

Frequently Asked Questions

When buying a pair, should I look into brands?

While it is always recommended to try all before landing into the perfect match, this strategy can be quite expensive and tedious. There are many brands to choose from, but those that currently dominate the market are Nike, Adidas, Footjoy, Puma, and Ecco. Each brand has something unique about them, so choose those that fit your needs. Brands are personal just like shoes. RunRepeat has a comprehensive rating system. This can supremely help when on the hunt for a new pair. 

Do golf shoes have a break in time?

It depends on the model. Most of the materials these days are already soft enough not to require some break-in time. If the shoe is causing pain during the first wear, these suggestions can be followed to soften the material without going through the ordeal:

• Wear an extra thick sock or an anti-blister sock to have 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.

Is it necessary to wear golf shoes when playing? 

The sport may implement strict rules, but wearing golf shoes is not one of them. Beginners, especially those who are still exploring, tend to wear tennis shoes or sneakers. However, it is essential to note that the way that golf shoes are constructed equips the to overcome the challenges of different course types. Having a shoe that is designed for the roughs and hazards will not only protect the foot but will prevent accidents as well.  

What is the difference between golf and football cleats?

Golf and football come from opposite paths. Their similarity, however, lies in the footwear, specifically the bottom. If that is the case, why can’t we wear golf shoes on the field and football cleats on the course? While, technically, this is permitted in sports rules. However, they are designed for different purposes. 

Football shoes are built for agility and speed. It explains why the cleats are elongated and come in varying lengths. 

Golf shoes, on the other hand, are built so that the foot would be planted on the ground when making a swing. More so, the spikes need to prevent the foot from slipping on uphill surfaces. Because of this, their shape is circular, wider, and flatter.

Can golf shoes be worn off the course?

Ages ago, golf shoes were meant to be worn only on the 18 holes, and proceeding towards the 19th hole then calls for another set of footwear. Spiked golf shoes were not ideal to be worn anywhere beyond the course. But, the introduction of the spikeless changed the game. 

Fit is probably one of the most important things to consider in golf shoes. An average golf game or the 18 holes last for three to five hours, which involves a great deal of walking. Here are some tips to help when choosing a pair. 

• Take a look at the insides of your old shoe. Usually, the interiors can tell the pressure points. It displays excessive rubbing, bunions, and calluses. If there are marks inside, then an insole might be needed.  
• The cleats are also an indicator if one’s a supinator and or a pronator. Supinators would have excessive wear outside of the heel, which calls for more flexible footwear. Pronators, on the other hand, display excessive wear on the insides. Therefore, arch support works best for them. 
• The foot naturally spread out, which is why it is necessary to buy a pair that doesn’t constrict. Many brands offer a vast selection of wide pairs to cater to those with wide feet.
• Women’s golf shoes should also take note that the width options are narrower for them than men. 
• There should be about ½ inch of space from the longest toe and the end of the shoe. 
• The part of the shoe where the shoe flexes and where the foot folds should align with each other.

How do you replace golf cleats without a golf wrench?

 A golf wrench is a must when owning a cleated shoes, but in case it’s not present, these are the steps that can be followed:

• The bottom of the shoe should be clean and dry before doing the spike replacement.
• Strike around the outside edges of the sole with a hammer. 
• There’s no need to be aggressive with this step, soft and gentle taps should loosen the spikes from their sockets. 
• With needle-nose pliers, insert it into the holes located in the body of the spike. Ensure that the pliers get a good hold so that it can be twisted. 
• When pivoting the spike, make sure that you do not put force too much. Ruining the socket will make it less likely for the replacement to stay set in the future. 
• It is fine to damage the old spike as they won’t be used anymore.

When is it time to buy a new pair?

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.

Is there a proper way to clean golf shoes?

Cleaning golf shoes is probably one of the tasks that most owners slack. But it is a necessary and primary step to ensure that the footwear performs its best. Here are some easy steps to follow:

• Remove the laces and the insole to prep the trainer for cleaning. 
• Make a solution of mild detergent and water. The use of harsh soap can damage the material and finish. Also, avoid using colored soap, especially when the upper is white to prevent staining. 
• Grab a brush and wash each part. Concentrate on areas where it is stained or extra dirty. 
• Also dip the shoe on the cleaning solution to have them a good wash too. 
• Place a shoe tree on the interior and let it air dry. It will absorb the moisture on the inside and retain the form. 
• Lace them when dried.

Are there steps that can be followed to prolong the life of golf shoes?

Part of making the most out of your money’s worth is to maintain the longevity of the shoe. To make sure that it is performing its A-game, here are some of the steps that can be followed:

• After every round, wipe down the entire surface with a towel.
• Remove debris and dirt on the outsole by using a stiff-bristled brush or an old toothbrush. The cleats usually are notorious for this, so extra attention is needed for them.  
• Check the cleats after every round. Though it generally depends on the wear, some tend to wear out after 10-15 rounds. Replace them as needed. 
• Most golf shoes reside in the trunk of the car. But this is not the proper way to store it as its temperature can be extreme. 
• To emit odor-causing bacteria, remove the insoles after the game and let dry overnight. 
• Care and protect come next after cleaning. Care includes the application of a lotion to soften, moisturize, and bring out the elasticity of leather. Protect, on the other hand, acts like a sunscreen. Putting a waterproof spray keeps the shoe from wearing down.

Is there a difference between rubber and ceramic cleats in terms of performance?

Rubber spikes are crafted from durable and flexible polyurethane. Users may notice that this is the most common material used on golf trainers and the cheaper option too. Wearers will definitely appreciate their comfort, weight (or lack thereof), and green friendliness. However, just be wary that compared to metal, they offer less traction and have a shorter life span.

Ceramics, compared to metal and rubber are the most expensive. While this is a red flag for most, it is also the most long-lasting material that doesn’t need frequent replacements. They are also scuff-, scratch-, and cut-resistant. In summary, their features defend these cleats’ costly price tag. Just be wary of those with steel protuberances as they need to be maintained to avoid corroding. 

Which spike material is better?

Generally speaking, there is not one that trumps over the other. Assessing the pros and cons of both boils down to the needs of the golfer. Here are some of the questions that can be asked:

• What is the kind of traction do you need on the course?
• Do you have time to commit to maintaining ceramic spikes?
• What is the budget?

Practically speaking, rubber is excellent for entry-level players. It provides a decent amount of traction that doesn’t require breaking the bank. Ceramic spike suits professionals more. Only because the price point is higher, and it needs more commitment to maintaining its pristine condition.

What is the difference between the terms waterproof, water repellent, and water resistant?

Because of the different technological terms, it can be quite confusing as to what kind of moisture protection it provides. 

Technically speaking, there is an official waterproof rating that is used to measure fabric. 

• Above 20,000mm: The maximum protection that can be given. It protects the foot from extremely wet environments, high winds, and rigorous rain and snow. 
• 15,000 to 20,000mm: This amount is enough to shield against moderate rain, wind, and snow with intermittent heavy precipitation. 
• 10,000 to 15,000mm: Medium protection is what this amount offers. Golf shoes clad in this fabric are ideal to be used on snow, wind, and rain. 
• Below 10,000: It gives the least amount of protection. These can be used on intermittent light snow and rain.