Updated January 9, 2025. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
Gone are the days of wearing tough leather golf cleats. Instead, a fresh era of golf spikes that boast comfort, premium traction, and stability is here.
While wearing regular running shoes on the golf course might be comfortable, they can’t provide the grip and foundation of a solid pair of golf spikes.
Available in different styles and colors, the best spiked golf shoes on the market today all have the ability to prevent slipping during your swing.
There’s a big reason why professional golfers wear golf shoes, and you should not overlook this area of your accessories when trying to lower your scores.
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Last updated on 2025-01-27. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
Best Spiked Golf Shoes 2025
Adidas Tour360 24 Golf Shoe
Best Overall Spiked Golf Shoe
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Specifications
- Material: Leather Upper
- Traction: Spiked
- Waterproof Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Exceptional stability when swinging hard
- Very comfortable midsole without sliding
- Outstanding pro-style design
Cons
- Higher price point than most comparable golf shoes
- Longer break-in period
The Adidas Men’s Tour360 24 Shoes represent an achievement in golf footwear, seamlessly blending performance and style.
The premium golf shoe offers remarkable stability, particularly during swings with woods and longer irons, thanks to their innovative spike configuration and supportive upper design.
Their outstanding comfort also makes them highly suitable for walking plus days when you want to play 36 holes.
The Tour360 24’s leather upper offers impressive waterproofing, ensuring a dry performance even in various weather conditions.
The shoes also feature BOOST technology in the midsole, providing cushioning that enhances overall comfort and energy return.
The main drawback is the higher price point, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious golfers. Also, the initial stiffness may require a longer break-in period, but that has more to do with the premium materials used than any design issue.
However, for those seeking top-tier performance and style, the Adidas Men’s Tour360 24 Golf Shoes remain undefeated by delivering exceptional value, making them a worthy investment for serious golfers.
Under Armour Drive Pro Golf Shoe
Most Comfortable Spiked Golf Shoes
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Specifications
- Material: Leather Upper
- Traction: Spiked
- Waterproof Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Excellent traction in various conditions
- Lightweight and comfortable, great for walking
- Superb waterproof construction keeps feet dry
Cons
- Limited color options
- Fit runs slightly narrow
The Under Armour Drive Pro Men’s Golf Shoes offer a compelling blend of performance and comfort for golfers seeking reliable footwear.
Thanks to their innovative spike design and durable rubber outsole, these shoes provide exceptional traction across various course conditions.
One of the standout features is their lightweight construction, which significantly enhances comfort during longer days on the links.
The Drive Pro boasts a fully waterproof upper, keeping feet dry in wet conditions without compromising breathability. We also noted how the shoes’ modern, athletic appearance will appeal to golfers who prefer a sportier look on the course.
During our evaluation, we found the fit is slightly narrow, particularly in the toe box. Additionally, the limited color options might not appeal to those seeking more variety in their course attire.
Overall, the Under Armour Drive Pro Men’s Golf Shoes deliver dynamic traction and comfort, making them a very solid choice for golfers wanting functionality with a modern, athletic design on the course.
TravisMathew The Ringer 2 Golf Shoe
Most Versatile Spiked Golf Shoe
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Specifications
- Material: Synthetic
- Traction: Spiked
- Waterproof Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Versatile spiked/spikeless design for on/off course wear
- Premium comfort with cushioned insole
- Stylish, casual look for modern golfers
Cons
- Less traction than traditional spiked shoes
- Higher price point for casual design
The TravisMathew The Ringer 2 Men’s Golf Shoe captures the growing trend of versatile, lifestyle-oriented golf footwear (but with spikes).
The Ringer 2’s strikes an impressive balance between on-course performance and off-course style, making them ideal for golfers who value versatility.
The spikes can be easily removed after your round, allowing you to wear the spikeless version to dinner or for a post-round drink.
When it comes to the finer details, the shoe’s design features a durable rubber outsole with a thoughtful tread pattern, providing adequate traction for most playing conditions.
While it may not match the strength of traditional spiked shoes in extreme weather, it offers sufficient stability for the average golfer.
Comfort is a standout feature here, as the cushioned insole and breathable waterproof upper ensure all-day wearability.
Crafted with well-made materials, we feel the Ringer 2 offers good durability and solid water resistance for light moisture exposure.
However, considering the cost, the premium pricing may give budget-conscious golfers a moment of pause.
Price aside, TravisMathew’s The Ringer 2 is an excellent choice for golfers seeking a high-quality, versatile shoe that doesn’t compromise style or comfort.
Puma Phantomcat Nitro Golf Shoe
Best Value Spiked Golf Shoe
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Specifications
- Material: Full-grain leather
- Traction: Spiked
- Waterproof Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Innovative Nitro Foam for exceptional comfort
- Exceptional stability during driver swings
- Stylish, modern design with bold colors
Cons
- May feel warm in hot weather
- Lacks the high-quality feel of comparable golf shoes
The Puma Phantomcat Nitro Golf Shoe represents a solid entrant in the value-priced golf footwear market.
Combining cutting-edge materials with a performance-driven design, the Phantomcat Nitro delivers outstanding all-around performance.
After testing the shoe on the course, we immediately felt its standout feature is Puma’s Nitro Foam technology in the midsole.
This technology offers superior cushioning and energy return to your feet, resulting in extraordinary comfort throughout your round.
These shoes also deliver impressive stability during the swing, thanks to their well-designed outsole and strategic use of flexible materials in the upper.
The figure-8 traction pattern in the heel and upper foot performs admirably across various course conditions, instilling confidence in every step and swing.
Aesthetically, the Phantomcat Nitro showcases Puma’s flair for bold, modern design. The shoe’s sleek shape and vibrant colors appeal to golfers who want to make a stylish statement on the links.
Overall, the Puma Phantomcat Nitro Golf Shoe delivers an impressive combination of comfort, performance, and style, making it a top value choice for golfers with their eye on their wallet.
Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour Next 2 Golf Shoe
Most Durable Spiked Golf Shoe
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Specifications
- Material: Synthetic
- Traction: Spiked
- Waterproof Warranty: 2-year
Pros
- React foam technology comforts the midsole
- Excellent traction for various course conditions
- Sleek, athletic design with multiple color options
Cons
- Higher price point than some competitors
- Snug fit may not suit wider feet
The Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour Next 2 Golf Shoe blends the company’s renowned technology with innovative, golf-specific features.
We immediately noted that the React foam midsole delivers total comfort, providing responsive cushioning that maintains its form as you move throughout the course.
Traction is another standout feature, with a specially designed outsole that offers excellent grip in various conditions. The shoe’s stability during swings is impressive, giving golfers the confidence to let it rip without fear of slipping.
The waterproof upper does a great job of keeping your feet dry in wet conditions while maintaining good breathability. However, some golfers with wider feet may find the fit somewhat snug, particularly in the stiffer toe box.
The Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour Next 2 provides weekend warriors with a nice mix of performance, comfort, and style, making it a worthwhile option for players seeking brand-name, top-tier golfing footwear.
New Balance Striker
Best Spiked Golf Shoe for Beginners
Specifications
- Material: Leather
- Traction: Spikes
- Waterproof Warranty: 2-years
Pros
- Exceptional buy at a low price for a luxury golf shoe
- Far-reaching cleat helps stabilize the lower half of the body during swinging
- Tour-level cleats with a modern look fueled by innovative technology
Cons
- Comfortable shoe, but not as soft as other comparable top-tier shoes
- Durability issues after a couple of dozen rounds
The New Balance Striker is an aggressively solid golf shoe. It is a high-tech shoe that can help keep the golfer grounded throughout the takeaway and downswing.
These softspikes Pulsar tipped golf spikes are available in black and for an excellent price considering they share the quality of a tour-level shoe.
Offering extensive comfort, the seven-spike shoe offers exceptional traction with easy replacement via the company’s spike wrench.
FootJoy Sneaker
Best Spiked Shoes for Golfers on a Budget
Specifications
- Material: Leather Hybrid
- Traction: Spikes
- Waterproof Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- High-quality cleat keeps the body grounded for max power
- Softspikes offer competition grip on any turf
- Offered in black and white waterproof outer layer options
Cons
- Better for traction, narrow body leaves little room for the foot to breathe
- Entry-level option offers a tougher exterior and sole, not as comfortable
The Sneaker from FootJoy offers lightweight cushioning, a molded fitting, and complete waterproofing to protect the interior from the wettest weather.
These black spiked shoes offer plenty of traction that keeps the lower leg in place for maximum power on the backswing.
The Sneaker utilizes the shoe’s cushioning to provide players with a durable golf cleat that will maintain its shape over the entire shelf life of the spikes. A wonderful shoe, the Sneaker is a fantastic buy for players hoping to save money on their equipment.
Skechers Torque Twist
Best Spiked Golf Shoe for Walking
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Specifications
- Material: Leather Hybrid
- Traction: Spikes
- Waterproof Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Excellent buy for a waterproof golf shoe with a high-grade cleat
- Spikes easily replaced with a wrench for a quick change on the go
- Soft-soled that couples with softer spikes to help cushion each step
Cons
- Emphasis on comfort over traction
- Funky design with lace enclosure disc along the tongue of the shoe
From Skechers comes the Torque Twist, a fully waterproof shoe that helps make the golfer more confident in their foundation.
One of the more admired companies for golf shoes, Skechers designed the Torque Twist with cushioning to make each step an absolute dream on the golf course.
If one of the shoe’s spikes begins to slip during your round, a wrench can easily replace them. If you love a walk on the links, the Torque Twist offers an unmatched comfort level among its competitors.
How We Tested the Spiked Golf Shoes
Our testing process for spiked golf shoes is designed to evaluate performance across various conditions.
We begin by assessing each shoe’s initial fit. We want to see if the fit is comfortable and if it holds the foot during walking without sliding. We also note any areas of pressure or discomfort during the break-in period.
Once we hit the links, traction remains our primary focus, so we test the shoes on multiple course types and conditions. This includes dry fairways, wet rough, deep bunkers, and sloped lies.
We perform a series of swings with different clubs to evaluate stability during the golf swing, paying close attention to any movement that could cause poor swings.
Durability is tested through extended wear, typically over five to seven rounds of golf. We examine the spike system, checking for wear and ease of replacement. The upper materials are assessed for water resistance and breathability in various weather conditions.
Additional factors we evaluate include style options, shoe weight, ease of cleaning, and how well the shoes maintain their appearance over time.
Finally, we compare the performance against the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) price point to determine the value to the golfer.
After testing, we share our detailed notes on each shoe’s performance and make our final recommendations, listed under the shoe’s name in the review.
How to Choose the Best Spiked Golf Shoe
Stability
Spiked golf shoes offer impressive stability throughout the swing. Due to the long reach of each spike on the shoe’s sole, golfers can crank up the swing speed without worrying about slipping.
The spikes are placed around the foot’s pressure points to help maintain balance as the weight shifts from the backswing to the downswing. A balanced golfer will find that the spikes support maintaining a level approach to the golf ball.
While spikeless golf shoes offer more comfort while walking, the spiked golf shoe remains the best choice for keeping your feet connected to the ground without the worry of losing your stability during the swing.
Comfort
One of the most significant differences between spiked and spikeless golf shoes is comfort. Spikeless shoes rival the feel and comfort of running shoes while offering solid traction and stability.
Spiked golf shoes need a harder, less flexible sole to stabilize the golfer throughout the swing. While golf shoe manufacturers have come a long way in adding comfort to the spiked shoe, they remain more rigid than the spikeless golf shoe models.
For golfers that want to walk the course, a spikeless golf shoe might be a better choice, but for the serious golfer, spiked shoes remain the best option for the amateur golfer.
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Traction
The most crucial characteristic that spikes provide to golfers is traction.
Spiked golf shoes allow golfers to grab into the turf, providing support and resistance that prevents weak grip while swinging rather than slipping or sliding during the swing with running shoes.
Although a tighter spike design might not carry the reach of a wide spike system, the steadiness provided by both spike systems works extremely well for golfers of any age or skill level.
Golfers may need time with either type of spike to find out what works best for their game. For players with shorter width at address, a stronger spike can definitely improve grip and stability.
Must read: How to Break in Golf Shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to have spikes on golf shoes?
Spiked golf shoes generally provide better traction, especially in wet or hilly conditions. They offer more stability during the swing and while walking on various terrains.
However, spikeless shoes have improved significantly and are more versatile for off-course wear. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference, playing conditions, and comfort.
Do pro golfers wear spiked or spikeless?
Most professional golfers prefer spiked golf shoes for tournament play due to their superior traction and stability. However, some pros have begun to use spikeless shoes, especially in dry conditions or on certain courses.
The trend is slowly shifting, with more pros experimenting with spikeless options as technology improves.
What are spiked golf shoes for?
Spiked golf shoes are designed to provide maximum traction and stability during the golf swing and while walking on the course.
The spikes dig into the turf, preventing slipping and allowing for a more solid foundation. This is particularly beneficial in wet conditions, on slopes, or when making powerful swings, helping golfers maintain balance and control.
What golf shoes have the best traction?
Golf shoes with the best traction typically feature advanced spike designs or innovative spikeless technologies. Brands like FootJoy, Adidas, and ECCO are known for their high-traction models.
The best traction often comes from shoes with multiple strategically placed spikes or aggressive spikeless tread patterns. However, individual fit and comfort are equally important for overall performance.
Do pros wear spiked golf shoes?
Yes, pros wear spiked golf shoes for extra stability and support during the swing.
Professionals prefer the wide-reaching spike with heightened swing speeds to keep them grounded in the turf. Since they need to create incredible torque on the backswing, the spikes lock their legs into the grass to sustain power.
The most popular professional golfers on the PGA Tour, such as Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth, have their golf shoe line available to amateurs.
These top-tier golf shoes carry a hefty price tag but provide weekend warriors the opportunity to wear what their idols use on the golf course.
Do spiked golf shoes make a difference?
Yes, spiked shoes can make a huge difference in how stable your lower body stays through the golf swing. If you regularly play with tennis shoes or cross trainer-style shoes, you can experience slipping on the grass, especially when the turf is wet.
The spikes on these shoes help anchor the lower body to the turf. Rather than slipping, the spikes offer traction that grounds your torso and legs, allowing you to make a full turn away from the golf ball.
On the downswing, spiked golf shoes provide the necessary resistance-building torque that translates to more power directed to the golf ball.
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