How do you pick the best golf shoes for walking 18 holes? With walking the golf course finding a surge in recent popularity, golf equipment manufacturers have emphasized creating shoes that are not only high-performing but also share common traits typically associated with best athletic shoes available on the market today.

Buying guide – best golf shoes for walking 18 holes

How to choose best golf shoes for walking 18 holes? What you should consider before buying?

• Comfort

How the golf shoe feels on your feet during a round is incredibly important. Having stable feet promotes confidence in your swing as well improves contact with the golf ball at impact. By feeling comfortable in your golf shoes, whether they be spiked or spikeless, you are giving yourself the best chance to post your lowest score ever. Comfort in the golf shoe comes from three areas. The first is how the shoe feels during movement on the course. 

Golfers who prefer to walk the course are becoming more and more popular, as a result, golf shoe manufacturers are tailoring their shoes to provide an enhanced cushion on the feet. Next, how the bottom of the shoe feels during the stride is crucial in providing a solid walking experience. And finally, the material used to construct the shoe aid in helping keep the feet dry throughout the round.

• Breathability

The outer layer of the shoe that rests against the top of the foot is very important for providing breathability. Why is it important for the shoe to allow airflow to the foot? Well, it helps keep the foot dry so that the shoe doesn’t become a humid box that creates sweat on the skin. By having dry feet, the golfer experiences added comfort during walking and when it comes time to strike the golf ball.

Golf shoes have made tremendous strides in utilizing materials that help keep your feet well ventilated on and off the course. By finding a shoe that breathes well, you are making sure that your feet stay fresh throughout the round. This is especially true during the summer when most golf is played because keeping sweat away from the foot improves stability through the swing.

• Waterproofing

For golfers who love to play golf year round, finding shoes that are waterproof is a necessity. Waterproof shoes help not only on those rainy days but also in the morning when the grass holds dew. Having your feet get wet on the first hole can ruin a round because no one likes the feeling of wet socks wrapped around their feet. 

In turn, your stability and confidence go down the drain as you miserably suffer through the remainder of the round. By having waterproof shoes, you assure that your feet will stay cool and dry throughout the day. For top performance, you want to be able to not worry about things like dry feet and instead focus on the shot that lies ahead. So, finding shoes that are waterproof are crucial to helping the mental side of your game.

• Insole

How a shoe feels on the inside is everything to a golfer. If the shoe feels stiff or there is not enough cushion on the interior, then the golfer can feel unsteady about the foundation of their swing. Golf manufacturers have gone out of their way to improve the insoles of their shoes for this very reason.

By providing a comfortable experience directly to the bottom of your feet, the insole of the shoe helps with confidence as well as stability. Over time, a great insole will mold itself to the bottom of the golfer’s foot providing exceptional feel throughout the swing. Judging an insole can be difficult because all feet are not the same, so golfers of all shapes and sizes can have different responses to the quality of the interior of the shoe. 

That said, these criteria are based upon comfort and feel while using the shoe.

• Outsole

One of the most important areas of the shoe that are directly related to how a golfer will feel overall about the golf shoe is due to the outsole. Most outsoles are made from rigid compounds that stabilize the shoe as well as provide a home to the spikes or studs connected to the bottom.

Outsoles can also be softer, especially when you are dealing with a spikeless shoe. A golfer’s response to a golf shoe is primarily based on how they feel the outsole is responding to their feet and walking style. Like insoles, people can have differing experiences with outsoles, but this criteria will primarily take into account the quality of construction as well as the comfort provided during walking. Outsoles are the backbone of the golf shoe and, as a result, are crucial to the overall performance of the shoe.

What is the best golf shoes for walking 18 holes

1. Adidas Men’s Tech Response Golf Shoe

Best overall: Comfortable and highly affordable spiked shoe

PROS

• Upper layer is very breathable, ideal for warm climates
• Exceptional traction due to the six-fang spikes on the bottom of sole
• Adidas’ EVA insole provides stability to misstep
• Shoe is very comfortable to walk in, even over long distances

CONS

• Does not have waterproofing coverage
• Spiked shoe that has sole is slightly tougher than other spikeless models

For the golfer who prefers a spiked sole but wants the comfort of a spikeless shoe when walking the course, a great choice is the Adidas Tech Response 4.0 golf shoe (best golf shoes for walking 18 holes). 

Very lightweight, the Tech Response 4.0 golf shoe responded well to the rigors of walking 18 holes with little friction to our feet. 

With an enhanced mesh upper layer, the shoe keeps your feet dry even though it is missing waterproof protection. 

A spiked sole provides incredible traction throughout your swing. We were blown away at the combination of lightweight feel and then the exceptional stability from the outer sole.

2. FootJoy Men’s Fj Originals Golf Shoes

Runner-up: Classic looks with modern materials for a stylish, budget-friendly golfer. Another best golf shoes for walking 18 holes.

PROS

• Classic good looks
• Waterproof
• Lightweight

CONS

• Not very breathable
• Not as comfortable as other shoes in the price range

Like you’d expect from a shoe called the FootJoy Original, these are what most people envision when they think of golf shoes.

With a classic saddle-shoe style and fully synthetic construction, the FJ Originals are sleek and stylish, with great traction and comfort that improves the more you wear them. 

With a 1-year waterproof warranty and FootJoy’s reliably good construction, the FJ Originals are a great value that’ll have you looking good and feeling confident out on the links.

3. Adidas Men’s Adipower 4orged S Golf Shoe

Most Comfortable & Lightest Golf Shoe: Light, comfortable shoes for hot days. One of the best golf shoes for walking 18 holes.

PROS

• Very lightweight and breathable
• Decent traction for spikeless shoes

CONS

• Water “repellent” but not waterproof
• Toe box takes some time to break in

Adidas’ Adipower 4orged shoes are a lightweight, very breathable pair of shoes that are made for hot, sunny days on the course.

They’ll keep your feet cool and won’t drag you down even if you’re walking eighteen holes or more. They’re excellent for caddies too, as they provide good traction for spikeless shoes.

4. Adidas Men’s 360 Traxion

Runner-up: Dynamic waterproofing and first-rate comfort (best golf shoes for walking 18 holes).

PROS

• Comfortable feel and performance of an athletic shoe
• Breathable upper layer keeps you dry and comfortable
• One of the best waterproof shoes on market
• Rounded toe helps makes this a very stable shoe​​​

CONS

• Synthetic upper layer may turn off golfers looking for leather exterior
• Golfers may want a spiked sole

The Adidas 360 Traxion golf shoe has been designed to be lightweight as well as a first-rate waterproof golf shoe. 

We’re happy to report that Adidas has been successful on both fronts as the company’s 360 Traxion provides one of the most pleasant walking experiences we’ve ever experienced in a golf shoe.

5. Skechers Men’s Go Golf Elite 3 Shoe

Durable and Lightweight spiked shoe (best golf shoes for walking 18 holes).

PROS

• Waterproof with high-quality premium leather exterior
• Durable outsole with multiple small spikes for terrific gripping
• Very lightweight on the feet for comfortable walking
• Patented Resamax cushioned insole for comfort

CONS

• Not as flexible as some of the other synthetic exterior models
• If you are looking for a spiked shoe, the spike system of the Elite 3 is lacking

The Skechers Go Golf Elite 3 is a terrific golf shoe that is incredibly comfortable with a waterproof exterior made from premium leather that will keep your feet dry and cozy.

A favorite of professional golfer Matt Kuchar, the Go Golf series is Skechers’ premium tier of golf shoe. As a result, from any Go Golf shoe, you can expect footwear crafted from high-quality materials with a softness that comforts the foot and doesn’t cause the blister-creating friction that ruins a round.

For the Elite 3, it all begins with the high-end sole. Even though the bottom of the shoe is crafted from synthetic material, it is supple and works well with your feet as you walk the course.

Overall, the Elite 3 is a dynamic golf shoe that is great for golfers of all levels, including low-handicappers.

6. New Balance NBG2004 Golf Shoe

Alternative option for most golfers: Golf shoe that delivers the flexibility of a running shoe

PROS

• Designed like a running shoe for terrific walking performance
• Top-notch waterproofing keeps feet dry and fresh
• Spiked outsole keeps golfer stable
• Interior offers a wide area for feet to naturally spread when walking, perfect for wide feet

CONS

• Not as soft as a spikeless shoe
• Break-in time was longer than other spiked shoes

Another spiked golf shoe that has the look and feel of a walking shoe is the New Balance NBG2004 golf shoe. 

The company has taken their success in creating some of the world’s best running shoes and created flexible, yet incredibly strong, golf shoes. 

The New Balance NBG2004 golf shoe couples a waterproof leather upper layer that breathes very well with an interior that is aided by an insert that cushions as well as any shoe we’ve tested. 

A Slim-Lok cleat system gives this shoe a stable base that keeps the lower body steady when swinging the driver hard off the tee box.

7. ECCO Men’s Biom Hybrid 2 Hydromax Golf Shoe

Premium materials equals an incredible shoe

PROS

• Redesigned insole keeps feet firmly in shoe on hard swings
• Soft, waterproof premium leather exterior wears well
• One of the more comfortable shoes on the market
• Breathable exterior keeps feet dry and fresh​​​

CONS

• Classic look and feel, may not mesh well with golfers who want modern shoe
• Expensive but worth cost for performance

The ECCO Biom Hybrid 2 Hydromax golf shoe is made from premium leather that gives the shoe a professional level of class and also teases the excellent features awaiting the golfer. 

The exterior of the shoe is soft, very breathable and treated with Hydromax and an anti-stain formula that keeps the water out of the interior. 

ECCO has spent thousands of hours finding the best way to support the foot of the golfer and their hard work has resulted in the Biom Hybrid 2 Hydromax, one of the best golf shoes for walking the layout at your local club.

8. FootJoy Pro SL

Best If You Have Sensitive Feet: Exceptional comfort and traction

PROS

• Provides a custom fit with host of exceptional features
• Tremendous cushioning for ideal comfort
• Wide insole reduces friction with each step
• Dynamic waterproofing always keeps feet dry

CONS

• May be a bit pricey for amateur golfers
• But the performance of the shoe validates the price

The FootJoy Pro SL is one of the best golf shoes for walking because of the high-quality construction you expect from the company creating an affordable shoe that delivers terrific traction. 

Made with total waterproof protection on the leather exterior, the Pro SL is a golf shoe that provides a custom feel because of the enhanced technology.

9. Skechers Performance Men’s Go Golf Drive 2 Golf Shoe

Best Value For Money: Extremely comfortable and cushioned

PROS

• Exceptional waterproofing kept our feet dry in the rain
• Remains very comfortable when walking the course
• Spikeless sole is durable yet supple enough to keep feet fresh
• Insole has extraordinary cushioning enhancing overall comfort

CONS

• Outer layer is not made from real leather
• Slightly worried about durability over the long run

Another spikeless shoe that delivers the goods and provides a great experience when walking is the Skechers Performance Go Golf Drive 2 golf shoe. 

The company has created several lines of golf shoes that have been designed to help you make the transition to walking the course.

10. Puma Men’s Ignite Pwrsport Golf Shoe

Best For Golfers with Slim Feet: Extraordinary design and performance

PROS

• Athletically tailored golf shoe provides maximum performance
• Lace tying system gives the golfer’s foot tremendous support
• Spikeless outsole still has terrific traction
• Waterproof exterior does great at keeping the water away from your foot​​​

CONS

• Waterproof guarantee only lasts one year
• Slimmer golf shoe that may have golfers wanting a wider alternative​

A favorite of professional golfer Rickie Fowler, the Puma Ignite Pwrsport golf shoe deserves a ton of credit for its sleek design and wonderful performance. 

The secret of the success with the Ignite Pwrsport shoe lies in the unique design that gives the golfer’s foot premium support as well as a ton of control during the swing. 

An athletically designed shoe, the Puma Ignite Pwrsport delivers high performance in a spikeless package with a waterproof mesh exterior and one of the softest insoles we’ve ever walked a round with while taking in 18 holes.

11. Skechers Go Golf Fairway Golf Shoe

Premium materials equals an incredible shoe

PROS

• Very lightweight with flexible mesh exterior for total comfort
• Durable outsole utilizes Skechers patented spike system
• A great entry-level shoe that will keep the golfer connected to the ground without slipping
• Patented insole holds the foot with comfort, minimizing blisters

CONS

• Lack of a leather exterior makes quicker deterioration a possibility
• Cheaper shoe that is great for first timers and beginners, but not for low handicappers

Skechers continues to make comfortable shoes for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Their latest entry-level shoe, the Go Golf Fairway is very lightweight and easy on the feet when walking 18 holes.

If you are a beginning golfer or have a young golfer who’s foot is growing rapidly, then the Go Golf Fairway is affordable, durable and performs perfectly for this skill level.

12. Callaway Men’s Balboa Vent Golf Shoe

Best For Golfers In Warm Climates: Entry-level shoe delivers high performance

PROS

• Upper layer is well vented to keep feet dry and fresh
• Spikeless sole provides exceptional cushioning over a long walk
• Outsole is very durable yet didn’t restrict natural walking motion
• Perfect for golfers living in warm weather climates

CONS

• The entry-level shoe does not have bells and whistles of more expensive models
• Upper layer is not waterproof

A spikeless entry-level shoe from Callaway, the Balboa Vent golf shoe provides a surprisingly pleasant experience when walking the links. 

An upper layer that is vented with the company’s mesh Opti-Vent technology provided an experience that had our feet cool and dry on a particularly warm day at the course. 

The Dura-Rubber outsole was also a revelation as it maintained a comfort level that was as strong on the 18th hole as it was when we first teed off to start our round. A high-grade sock-liner rounded out what is a great shoe for a very affordable price.

13. FootJoy Men’s Fj Arc Sl

Good value for waterproof spikeless shoe

PROS

• Lightweight
• Waterproof
• Good traction

CONS

• Stiffness gets in the way of comfort a bit

The FootJoy FJ Arc SL shoe is a modestly priced shoe in the normally high-end FootJoy lineup, but fortunately it doesn’t sacrifice any of the performance that FootJoy is known for.

The full textile (as opposed to leather) shoe is a very lightweight and mostly comfortable shoe with waterproofing that holds up well, even in downpours.

Questions & Answers

What are the different types of golf shoes available and what are their features?

There are several types of golf shoes on the market that provides traction, style, and quality to the weekend warrior.

The first is the spiked golf shoe that is preferred by younger amateurs as well as professional golfers. 

The spiked shoe has a rigid outsole constructed of compound materials that provide strength as well as exceptional grip. 

The downside to spiked shoes is that they are tougher to break in and can be hard on your feet over the course of a round.

Next, the spikeless shoe is made for comfort. Instead of spikes, the shoe has softer studs or dimples that take the place of flared, hard plastic spikes. 

The outsole is softer on spikeless shoes making spikeless shoes the preferred shoe for walking golfers due to their short break-in period and overall comfort.

Finally, there remains a small corner of the market that utilizes the old metal spikes that were popular during the days of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. 

Made with tough leather and hard rubber soles, the metal spikes have faded in popularity due to their stiffness as well as the damage they do on golf courses.


What are the different golf shoe materials?

The gold standard of golf shoe construction remains leather, as it’s still the best combination of breathability, durability and looks, and once it’s waterproofed it maintains it for a long period of time.

However, newer synthetic and textile shoes are becoming more and more popular recently, with lightweight Gore-Tex and synthetic leather being used for their breathability and weather-proof qualities.

With a recent move towards more sneaker-style shoes, there are many shoes available that are fully made of textiles and synthetics and bear more resemblance to cross-trainers than to the heavy, dressy golf shoes of past generations.

The one constant seems to be that golf shoes have rubber soles, either spikeless with traction nubs or spiked with plastic “alternative spikes” screwed into the rubber soles.

Should I pick spiked or spikeless shoes?

Golfers can be very picky about their style of golf shoe. With the recent surge in popularity of the spikeless golf shoe, the debate has reached a fever pitch on what shoe is better. 

Is it spikeless or spiked?

For most golfers, the difference is about the feel of the shoe as it comes into contact with the turf. 

Golfers who swear by spiked golf shoes claim that their grip is better throughout the golf swing with spikes whereas golfers who tout spikeless golf shoes claim that not only do they not lose grip but their preferred shoe is much more comfortable.

In comparison, spiked golf shoes have actual spikes on the outsole of the shoe whereas spikeless golf shoes replace the spikes with rubberized studs that aid in gripping the ground during the swing.

When deciding between the two options, it is extremely important to understand how the two differ in construction. 

Spiked shoes tend to have a more rigid outsole whereas the spikeless sole is softer and pliable. Older golfers love spikeless shoes due to their comfort, but younger, more competitive golfers prefer the feel provided by spikes.

Golfers who hate spikeless shoes complain about their inability to grip the turf in wet weather although manufacturers have created better soles recently to combat that problem.

No one argues that spikeless shoes are not easier on the golf course. The lack of a hard spike does help the health of the grounds over the long run, but the adjustment in feel may not be worth the trade for some golfers.

In the end, your preference of shoe will be based on your preference of features. The days where one type of shoe reigned over the other is now gone. Both styles of shoes offer tremendous benefits and high performance. Whether it be spiked or spikeless, either shoe can have you playing for your personal best score.

Why do I need shoes specifically for playing golf?

The primary reason for wearing golf shoes is because of the spikes on the bottom of the shoe anchor the lower body during the golf swing. 

When your feet slide or become unstable during the swing, you lose your power as it is transferred to the golf ball. Therefore, golf shoes provide an essential service by keeping the lower body stable during the twisting and turning of the swing.

Many amateurs don’t understand the difference between buying a specifically designed golf shoe over wearing regular athletic shoes, but they are missing out on the improvements that a crafted shoe can make on an individual’s golf game. 

By anchoring your lower body to the ground, you allow the body to work in sync to deliver a powerful downswing that improves contact with the golf ball at impact.

Beginning players would help their learning curve immensely by finding a quality pair of golf shoes when they start their lessons because it would remove the uncertainty of shifting feet during the swing.

How many miles can I expect to walk on the golf course without feeling sore with golf shoes?

The average golf course runs 6500 yards in length, meaning the walking golfer can expect to walk roughly 4 miles over an 18-hole round. 

When you take into account the walking to the clubhouse, between greens and tee boxes, as well as any practice the golfer may do before the round, you are looking at a day that will total up to 6 miles of total walking.

With that amount of walking it is easy to assume that your feet will pay the price in new golf shoes that have not been broken in yet. 

If you are playing in spiked golf shoes with a rigid outsole, it is important to slowly break-in these shoes over time rather than hitting the course and hoping the shoes won’t damage your feet. 

Blisters caused by ill-fitting shoes can hang around for days and, if not treated properly with topical creams and solutions, can become infected causing even greater time away from the course.


Can golf shoes help me gain more stability with my swing?

Yes, golf shoes can help you gain stability with your swing.

There are three major areas that the golf shoe helps during a golf swing. They are balance, stability, and flexibility.

Golf shoes help with balance because they are designed to keep your feet connected to the ground throughout the swing. 

If you look at a golf shoe, you will notice that they are wider along the base of the shoe. This is intentional because it helps keep the lower half of the body steady during the swing to maximize swing speed. This is also helps to find the best golf shoes for wide feet. 

Stability is also helped with golf shoes because of their design. Whether you choose spiked or spikeless shoes, either option will make a connection with the turf that allows for traction and optimum gripping throughout the downswing.

And finally, golf shoes help with flexibility during those tough shots where your feet find themselves on uneven ground. 

Having flexible golf shoes allows you to steady your body by having the spikes or studs grip into the playing surface.

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