Updated March 29, 2023. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
Today’s golf shoes provide superb comfort, exceptional traction, and a host of features that keep feet dry and well-ventilated over an 18-hole round with friends.
But…
How do you pick the most comfortable shoes for walking the golf course?
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 the best athletic shoes available on the market today.
Here’s a list of the most comfortable golf shoes for your next round.
We also tested and reviewed the top 10 best golf shoe bags of 2023, a must-have after buying your golf shoes!
Featured Recommendations
Last updated on 2023-03-29. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
- Featured Recommendations
- Our Best Golf Shoes for Walking List
- Adidas Tech Response Golf Shoe
- FootJoy FJ Flex Golf Shoes
- Puma Ignite Nxt Golf Shoes
- Skechers Max Golf Shoes
- New Balance Breeze Golf Shoe
- FootJoy Fj Originals Golf Shoes
- Adidas Adipower 4orged S Golf Shoe
- Skechers Go Golf Elite 3 Shoe
- FootJoy Pro SL
- Adidas 360 Traxion
- FootJoy Superlites XP
- ECCO Biom Hybrid 2 Hydromax Golf Shoe
- Adidas Tech Response Golf Shoe
- Things to Consider When Buying Golf Shoes
- Questions & Answers
- What are the different types of golf shoes available and their features?
- What are the different golf shoe materials?
- Should I pick spiked or spikeless shoes?
- Why do I need shoes specifically for playing golf?
- How many miles can I expect to walk on the golf course without feeling sore with golf shoes?
- Can golf shoes help me gain more stability with my swing?
- What are the different types of golf shoes available and their features?
Our Best Golf Shoes for Walking List
Adidas Tech Response Golf Shoe
Best Golf Shoes for Walking Overall: Comfortable and highly affordable spiked shoe
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PROS
- Upper layer is very breathable, ideal for warm climates
- Exceptional traction due to the six-fang spikes on the bottom of the 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 a 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 Shoes.
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, it 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 the exceptional stability from the outer sole.
Comfort in the Tech Response 4.0 golf shoe begins with the lightweight material.
These shoes did not burden us while walking the course with the additional weight, so we felt as fresh at the end of our round as we did at the beginning.
The EVA midsole aided each step in these shoes for a premium walking experience.
The outer layer of the Tech Response 4.0 golf shoes is created from a high-quality mesh that gives the foot all the air it needs to stay dry during a round.
These golf shoes, however, do not have waterproofing, so we noticed slight penetration of moisture during early morning rounds. Something to consider if you play in areas that receive a lot of rain.
Waterproofing on the Tech Response 4.0 golf shoes is missing, and that is a great regret with this shoe because otherwise, it is a wonderfully high performer.
The EVA midsole insert boosts the insole. The insert keeps the foot stable throughout walking the course and helps provide exceptional comfort.
In addition to the midsole insert, the golf shoes have a rounded toe for a larger landing area when your foot contacts the ground. This additional feature reduces friction and potential blistering.
Adidas’ patented TRAXION outsole aids in providing additional stability when coupled with the six-spike configuration.
The outsole has been streamlined to prevent slipping and add durability to the shoe. The Tech Response 4.0 is one of the best golf shoes for walking primarily because of the supple outsole.
FootJoy FJ Flex Golf Shoes
Most Versatile Golf Shoes for Walking: Mid-priced golf shoes with outstanding comfort
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PROS
- Lightweight body provides excellent comfort and traction on the course
- Great for walking the course, the shoe feels like a cushioned runners’ shoe
- Soft midsole protects the arch with additional stability
CONS
- These shoes are not waterproof, making them exclusive for dry conditions
FootJoy, long known as the top manufacturer of golf shoes for the PGA Tour, offers an exciting option for weekend warriors with the FJ Flex Golf Shoes. The Flex shoes are great for walking the course, and their stylish, low profile makes them worthy of wearing once you step off the 18th green.
Easily the best feature of these shoes is the comfortable midsole. FootJoy has remained one of the top golf shoe producers because their shoes don’t hurt your feet. The soft EVA midsole cushions and stabilizes the foot to keep you locked in while you swing your favorite club.
Another feature worth mentioning is the soft spiked traction. Instead of large plastic spikes, the Flex offers versatility with its advanced traction system. The traction zone works to balance the foot while stabilizing in loose turf.
A rounded toe helps customize the Flex’s fit to keep the shoe slightly narrow and give it a more athletic look and feel. The breathable mesh also keeps air moving through the interior for a moisture-free round.
If there is a slight warning in this review for these shoes, you should know that the Flex shoes are not waterproof. If you live in a drier climate, the Flex provides exceptional value. But for golfers who prefer early morning rounds or live in wetter climates, the FJ Flex does present a problem.
Lightweight with excellent response, the FootJoy FJ Flex Golf Shoe is not perfect, but it provides incredible performance and comfort.
Puma Ignite Nxt Golf Shoes
Best Premium Golf Shoes for Walking: Wonderful lightweight golf shoe with excellent traction
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PROS
- Performance mesh exterior gives golfers a waterproof barrier to keep feet dry
- Excellent traction system provides hexagonal lugs that grip the ground to give you balance
- SoleShield technology in the midsole provides durability to the foot
CONS
- While the traction impresses, they are not spikes, which some golfers insist upon
The PUMA Men's Ignite Nxt Lace Golf Shoe gives your feet a responsive and cushioned experience on the links. Created with several proprietary technologies, the Ignite NXT may look like a luxury running shoe, but it undoubtedly boosts your balance while you swing.
Our look at the Ignite NXT’sNXT’s exceptional features begins with the foam insole. The responsive cushioned foam hugs your foot for a molded feel that provides comfort and stability.
The insole, enhanced by the TPU frame along the footpad, gives the shoe its strength and durability. Flexing the shoe’s outsole with each step helps increase traction and weight distribution for even contact with the turf.
The NXT Ignite’sIgnite’s exterior shell is also waterproof, keeping moisture away from the sock to give you a dry round at any time of the day.
One of the areas that Puma did not skimp on is the traction system. The shoe’s sole does not contain large spikes but instead provides over 100 strategically placed hexagonal zones to keep you stabilized through the swing. The spikeless shoe provides outstanding traction, and we were sincerely impressed with its performance in the course’s rough, sand, and other problem areas.
While the spineless traction system might not be ideal for more traditional golfers, the gripping power is a surprising benefit of wearing these shoes.
With several essential features, the Puma Ignite NXT Golf Shoe offers a sporty look with a cushioned interior to keep your feet comfortable throughout the round.
Skechers Max Golf Shoes
Affordable, comfortable golf shoes for beginners and casual golfers
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PROS
- Comfortable insole featuring GOwalk technology for a cushioned feel
- Breathable mesh exterior helps keep feet cool and dry on hottest days
- Moisture-wicking interior keeps sweat away from your foot, allowing you to walk during hotter days on the course
CONS
- An affordable entry-level golf shoes but not waterproof
The Skechers Max Golf Shoes may not win many awards for style; their solid production is worth consideration for beginning and casual golfers who like playing in their shorts. Everything you expect from a Skechers golf shoe is here with the Max.
The shoe has enough features to make these worthwhile for the right golfer, from a dependable waterproof exterior to a durable spikeless bottom that offers impressive traction.
The best feature of the Max shoe is the breathable woven exterior. The mesh outer layer feels soft and moves well with your foot as you walk. Some golf shoes restrict, forcing the foot to fight against the leather’s stiffness, but the Max does not punish your foot. Instead, it provides a pleasant overall experience with a softness that enhances the shoe.
These shoes are not waterproof, but they, instead, offer a wicking material along the interior that removes moisture away from the foot. Even though they won’t keep your feet dry in wet conditions, they do clean easily with just a little water and dish soap.
While we might not routinely walk an entire 18 holes in these shoes, we certainly wouldn’t hesitate to take them out for a practice session on the range or a quick nine-hole experience.
The Skechers Max is an entry-level golf shoe, which means it comes with some limitations. The shoe isn’t particularly stylish or easy on the eyes. And while it certainly checks some low-level boxes, especially for beginning golfers, advanced players shouldn’t expect these shoes to reinvent your game.
New Balance Breeze Golf Shoe
Best golf shoes for senior golfers
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PROS
- CUSH+ insole provides a stability pad for the heel with responsive comfort on each step
- Forefoot Water-Guard keeps moisture away from your toes in wet conditions
- REVLite midsole cushions the foot and stabilizes it during the swing for a better foundation
CONS
- Looks like an entry-level cross-training shoe but its performance offers terrific value
The New Balance Breeze Golf Shoe offers dependability in a golf shoe that uses its popular entry-level running shoe as its frame. While the Breeze doesn’t offer flash, they provide the company’s patented foam insole that surrounds the foot, offering outstanding comfort.
The Breeze’s highlight is the CUSH+ insole. This revolutionary foam sole is incredibly soft and doesn’t sacrifice durability or stability for comfort. If you want a shoe to walk the course and still feel fresh, the Breeze undoubtedly meets that demand with a workman-like attitude.
Although the entire shoe is not waterproof, there is a forefoot water guard that keeps your toes dry if you hit the course while the morning dew still hangs on the grass. While we would prefer a fully waterproof exterior, having the water guard at the head of the shoe does help protect your socks in wetter conditions.
A REVLite midsole anchors the shoe’s midsection, a vital part of the shoe that helps with keeping the foot grounded during the swing. The Breeze’s midsole is lightweight and provides stability with the heavier foam construction.
If there’s a complaint to make with the Breeze shoes, there isn’t much difference between the company’s entry-level running shoes and these golf shoes. While the shoes do provide a solid foundation for your game, you won’t find that these shoes are stacked with premium features.
A golf shoe that will certainly help senior golfers stay comfortable on the course, the New Balance Breeze Golf Shoe offers an enjoyable experience for your feet.
FootJoy Fj Originals Golf Shoes
Best Budget Golf Shoes for Walking: Classic looks with modern materials for a stylish, budget-friendly golfer
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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 Originals, 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 excellent 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 keep you looking good and feeling confident on the links.
Upper
The synthetic leather construction is a great look, and the classic lines of the saddle shoe are still the preferred golf style on the PGA Tour and most golf courses across the country.
While many players opt for the comfort of softer, sneaker-like shoes, the silent majority still opts for the classic looks of these dress-shoe style Originals. Since they’re not leather, the Originals are remarkably lightweight and easy to walk a full 18 holes in without foot fatigue. Initially a bit rigid and uncomfortable, the Originals came to fit nicely the more I wore them.
Fit
Many longtime FootJoy wearers will know which of the “lasts” fits their foot the best. The last is the 3-D foot model that determines the shoe’s shape and how it will fit. This FJ Originals uses the Austin last, which offers extra room in the toe and forefoot area. The extra space is excellent, as I’ve found many of the dress-shoe style golf shoes are too narrow and cause toe pain by the end of a full 18 hole round. No such issue with these FJ Originals, however. The FootJoy EVA Fit-Beds insoles provide great cushioning all along the length of your foot, so despite the shoe’s firm feeling, they’re nicely cushioned.
Traction
The FJ Originals have excellent traction, thanks to a tried-and-true arrangement of alternative spikes and sharp, tacky traction nubs all along the sole. These are the types of shoes you want in wet, slippery weather as they’ll keep you upright and anchored to the ground no matter what. These are built for golf and only golf, not for indoor use, and they do the job with aplomb.
Adidas Adipower 4orged S Golf Shoe
Light & comfortable golf shoes for hot days
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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 Men's Adipower 4orged S Golf 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.
Combo upper
The upper of the shoe is a combination of forged microfiber leather, fabric, and synthetics that help keep it lightweight but sturdy. This is not a heavy, dress-shoe style golf shoe; it bears more resemblance to cross trainers than your typical golf shoe. If you’re a golfer who likes to walk, after 18 holes, your feet can start to feel awfully heavy in traditional shoes.
These have a bit of stretch, so they fit snugly but comfortably, staying stable all day long. However, the combo upper and high breathability factor means they’re not waterproof. While they’re water repellent, that’s basically enough to ensure that a bit of morning dew won’t soak your feet.
But if rain starts falling, your feet will get wet. And they’ll stay pretty wet, as it takes a full overnight to dry them out. These shoes are suited more for hot, sunny days when you know there’s a low chance of rain but a high chance of lots of golf.
Sole
The sole is a typical rubber one found in most spikeless golf shoes. The traction nubs do their job on dry days, although there’s a little slippage if you have a sidehill lie and it’s early in the morning enough for the grass to be still dewy and damp. You can easily wear these indoors without worrying about damaging any floors or looking too out of place.
Overall
If you’re an occasional player who only keeps one pair of golf shoes around, you may want to look for something that’s fully waterproof if your round is interrupted by a surprise rainstorm. But if you play a lot in a fairly dry climate, the Adipower 4orged S shoe will be a good addition to your arsenal. The toe box takes a little time to break in, but they’ll be among the more comfortable shoes you own after a round or two.
Skechers Go Golf Elite 3 Shoe
Durable and lightweight spiked golf shoe for walking
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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 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 shoes. 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.
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.
Inside the shoe, golfers can expect the nice cushioning and exceptional feel that Skechers is known for in their footwear. The lined interior features the high-performance Resamax insole that brings comfort and a custom-fit to the shoe.
The Elite 3 doubles down with the cushioning as the company has also included lightweight and reactive padding called 5Gen that supports the foot during movement such as walking.
One more fantastic feature of the Elite 3 is the heel lock design that keeps the foot secure in the shoe throughout the torque and twisting of the golf swing. Golfers can rest assured that there will be no slipping or sliding in the Elite 3.
The exterior of the Elite 3, made from high-grade leather, repels water through the company’s H2GO Shield treatment.
We found a few minor complaints with the Elite 3. The shoe has a more extended break-in period due to the new leather and synthetic sole combination. Also, for golfers wanting a wide spike for better traction, the Elite 3 may come up short, but we never felt unstable when swinging the club.
FootJoy Pro SL
Best Golf Shoes for Sensitive Feet: Exceptional comfort and traction for sensitive feet
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PROS
- Provides a custom fit with a 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.
We found that the Pro SL is incredibly durable yet has a quick break-in period to get you walking a full 18 holes quickly.
With a rounded toe providing plenty of room for your foot, the Pro SL is one of the most comfortable golf shoes we’ve come across in quite some time.
Professional golfers love FootJoy shoes because of their high performance and exceptional comfort.
The Pro SL is one of FootJoy’s most advanced shoes for the amateur, built around an innovative design that provides a custom fit for a fraction of the price.
The Pro SL is one of the most comfortable shoes on this list due to the fully rounded toe that assists the golfer by reducing friction between foot and insole on each step.
The added comfort gives the golfer a cushion that helps on long walks across the course.
The exterior of the Pro SL is made from FootJoy’s patented ChromoSkin leather giving the golfer a breathable surface that is soft and lightweight, thereby reducing the weight of the shoe.
As a result, the golfer’s feet stay fresh and dry throughout the round.
Also, the exterior has been treated with FootJoy’s waterproofing process for dynamic coverage that repels water and keeps feet dry through any wet condition.
The company guarantees that the waterproofing will stay strong for at least two years.
Next, the exceptional insole of the Pro SL had us marveling at the cushion and support provided to the arches of our feet.
When coupled with the versatile spikeless outsole that blends two types of foam to hold the foot, the Pro SL keeps the foot stable throughout the golf swing.
If you are worried about the spikeless sole, please note that our feet stayed secured and locked to the ground throughout our round.
Adidas 360 Traxion
Best Waterproof Golf Shoes for Walking: Dynamic waterproofing and first-rate comfort
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PROS
- Comfortable feel and performance of an athletic shoe
- Breathable upper layer keeps you dry and comfortable
- One of the best waterproof shoes on the market
- Rounded toe helps this a very stable shoe
CONS
- Synthetic upper layer may turn off golfers looking for a leather exterior
- Golfers may want a spiked sole
The Adidas Men's 360 Traxion 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. The 360 Traxion provides one of the most pleasant walking experiences we’ve ever experienced in a golf shoe.
The company’s patented Climastorm waterproofing technology leads a host of features that make the 360 Traxion shoes a stellar addition to other golf shoes that assist with stability.
In addition to these great features, the golf shoe also has one of the most durable outsoles today.
The power-transferring midsole boosts the cushion and comfort of the 360 Traxion golf shoe and helps move your power from one leg onto the other.
We felt that the interior of this shoe kept our foot in place whether we were walking or swinging, and that solid feel provided great confidence throughout our round.
Its upper layer is made from synthetic material and while that may turn away some golfers who prefer leather, we’re here to tell you that would be a big mistake.
Its upper layer supports the foot and allows it to breathe easily.
This golf shoe shines with the Climastorm waterproofing process.
The 360 Traxion golf shoes kept our feet out of the water on even the wettest mornings, and the high performance of the waterproofing knocked us out.
The insole on the 360 Traxion golf shoe has a cloud foam sock-liner that aids the comfort of walking several miles and provides much-needed cushioning on each step.
The shoe’s break-in period was incredibly short, and we attribute that mainly to the superior construction of the midsole.
A soft, spikeless outsole rounds out the features of the Adidas 360 Traxion golf shoe. We found that the traction was top-notch throughout the twists and turns of the golf swing.
A wide base at the toe of the shoe also helped keep our follow-throughs level.
Due to the collection of sterling features, the Adidas 360 Traxion is one of the best golf shoes for walking the course.
FootJoy Superlites XP
Most Comfortable Golf Shoes for Walking: Extremely comfortable and cushioned
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PROS
- Waterproof outer layer keeps the interior dry throughout the round
- Exceptional spike system helps the lower body stay grounded
- Rounded toe allows the natural spread of the foot for the best balance possible
- Lightweight design keeps feet fresh while walking the course
CONS
- Outer layer is not made from genuine leather
- Slightly worried about durability over the long run
From FootJoy, one of the best golf shoe manufacturers on the market today, comes the ultralight Superlites XP golf shoe. With a waterproof exterior, wide toe expansion, and outstanding spike system, this delightful mid-range golf shoe is worth your consideration.
Our choice for the most comfortable option on our list offers several valuable features, with waterproofing standing atop the list.
The waterproof synthetic outer layer keeps your socks dry and the skin free from moisture. Adding to the shoe’s overall comfort, the outer layer is not thick or rigid but relatively supple, offering plenty of flexibility when walking.
While waterproofing can cause the foot to heat up with lesser shoes, the ventilation system provided by FootJoy in the Superlites XP delivers relaxed, comfortable wear over the length of 18 holes.
Another highlight of the XP shoe is the rounded toe. Some golf shoes create a narrow point, smashing the toes inside the shoe. But the Superlites model does the opposite, offering a rounded toe character that allows the upper foot to spread naturally with each step. As a result, the foot doesn’t fatigue as quickly, and the toes and arch stay fresh longer.
Finally, the spike system rounds out the best features of the Superlites XP shoes. With a molded rubber spike at the heart of its gripping, the spike system offers slip-free walking with outstanding traction.
The spikes anchor the lower body into the ground on full swings, allowing for a complete turn without worrying about slipping.
At a very affordable price, the FootJoy Superlites XP remains one of the best buys for golfers who love walking the course.
ECCO Biom Hybrid 2 Hydromax Golf Shoe
Best Golf Shoes for Walking with Premium Materials equals an incredible shoe
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PROS
- Redesigned insole keeps feet firmly in the 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 a modern shoe
- Expensive but worth the cost for performance
The ECCO Men's 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 shoe’s exterior 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.
The yak leather shell on the ECCO Biom Hybrid 2 Hydromax golf shoe maintains a coolness on the inside that is quite comfortable when walking the course.
What is great about the Biom Hybrid 2 Hydromax is that the softness of the shoe makes it lightweight and doesn’t feel suffocating on your feet even during uphill walks.
The ECCO Biom Hybrid 2 Hydromax has terrific waterproof coverage aided by the previously mentioned Hydromax technology and an ECCO anti-stain formula that keeps the leather protected from various weather events such as rain.
The interior of the ECCO Biom Hybrid 2 Hydromax golf shoe features a brand new insole that has been designed to help the foot stay in place during movement.
Too often, slipping feet, even within the shoe can cause a shifting of weight that robs power from the swing. These shoes have a durable interior that keeps your feet locked in place during swings.
ECCO has a presence on professional golf tours because they are very comfortable, but they have premium traction on their outsoles.
The ECCO Biom Hybrid 2 Hydromax is no exception, with a wear-resistant outsole that provides grip from any location on the course.
Things to Consider When Buying Golf Shoes
Comfort
How the golf shoe feels on your feet during a round is incredibly important.
Having stable feet promotes confidence in your swing and improves contact with the golf ball at impact.
By feeling comfortable in your golf shoes, whether spiked or spikeless, you give 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 significant 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 ensure 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 waterproof shoes is necessary.
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.
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 waterproof shoes is crucial to helping your game’s mental side.
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 shoe’s insole helps with confidence and stability.
Over time, a great insole will mold itself to the bottom of the golfer’s foot, providing an 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 on comfort and feel while using the shoe.
Outsole
One of the essential areas of the shoe that are directly related to how a golfer will feel overall about the golf shoe is the outsole.
Most outsoles are made from rigid compounds that stabilize the shoe and provide a home to the spikes or studs connected to the bottom.
Outsoles can also be softer, especially when dealing with a spikeless shoe.
A golfer’s response to a golf shoe is primarily based on how they feel the outsole responds to their feet and walking style.
Like insoles, people can have different experiences with outsoles, but this criterion will primarily take into account the quality of construction and the comfort provided during walking.
Outsoles are the backbone of the golf shoe and, as a result, are crucial to the shoe’s overall performance.
Questions & Answers
What are the different types of golf shoes available and their features?
Several types of golf shoes on the market provide traction, style, and quality to the weekend warrior.
The first is the spiked golf shoe that is preferred by younger amateurs and professional golfers.
The spiked shoe has a rigid outsole constructed of compound materials that provide strength and 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 them 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 and damage on golf courses.
On top, golf shoes for women are also available.
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. Once it’s waterproofed, it maintains it for an extended period.
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, many shoes are available that are entirely 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 shoes. 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 shoe’s feel 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 they do not lose grip, but their preferred shoe is much more comfortable.
In comparison, spiked golf shoes have actual spikes on the shoe’s outsole, whereas spikeless golf shoes replace the spikes with rubberized studs that aid in gripping the ground during the swing.
It is vital to understand how the two differ in construction when deciding between the two options.
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 for shoes will be based on your choice of features. The days when one type of shoe reigned over the other are now gone. Both styles of shoes offer tremendous benefits and high performance. Whether 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 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 and wearing regular athletic shoes. Still, they are missing out on the improvements that a crafted shoe can make to 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 consider the walking to the clubhouse, between greens and tee boxes, and 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 crucial 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. If not appropriately treated with topical creams and solutions, it 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 shoe’s base. This is intentional because it helps keep the lower half of the body steady during the swing to maximize swing speed. This 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 connect with the turf, allowing 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 lets you steady your body by having the spikes or studs grip the playing surface.