Updated April 4, 2022. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
The Rundown:
Best Overall: Adidas Tech Response Shoes
“You can’t go wrong with this model: very lightweight, incredible traction during the swing, super breathable, and easy on the wallet.”
Most Versatile: FootJoy FJ Flex Golf Shoes
“With excellent traction and a cushioned sole, the FJ Flex is perfect for weekend golfers who want lightweight shoes. They’re very comfortable and can be used outside the course.”
Premium Option: PUMA Men's Ignite Nxt Lace Golf Shoe
“The PUMA Ignite Nxt Lace Golf Shoes are lightweight, breathable, and provide great traction. With a foam insole and a sporty look, they’ll keep your feet comfortable throughout the round.”
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 2022, a must-have after buying your golf shoes!




Featured Recommendations
Last updated on 2022-07-03. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown:
- Featured Recommendations
- Best Golf Shoes For Walking
- Adidas Men’s Tech Response Golf Shoe
- FootJoy FJ Flex Golf Shoes
- Puma Ignite Nxt Golf Shoes
- Skechers Max Golf Shoes
- New Balance Breeze Golf Shoe
- FootJoy Men’s Fj Originals Golf Shoes
- Adidas Men’s Adipower 4orged S Golf Shoe
- Skechers Men’s Go Golf Elite 3 Shoe
- FootJoy Pro SL
- Adidas Men’s 360 Traxion
- FootJoy Superlites XP
- ECCO Men’s Biom Hybrid 2 Hydromax Golf Shoe
- Adidas Men’s Tech Response Golf Shoe
- Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
- 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?
Best Golf Shoes For Walking
- Best Overall: Adidas Tech Response Shoes
- Most Versatile: FootJoy FJ Flex Golf Shoes
- Premium Option: PUMA Men's Ignite Nxt Lace Golf Shoe
- Affordable, Comfortable Golf Shoe: Skechers Max Golf Shoes
- Best for Senior Golfers: New Balance Breeze Golf Shoe
- Best Budget: FootJoy Men's Fj Originals Golf Shoes
- Light & Comfortable: Adidas Men's Adipower 4orged S Golf Shoe
- Durable and Lightweight: Skechers Men's Go Golf Elite 3 Shoe
- Best for Sensitive Feet: FootJoy Pro SL
- Best Waterproof: Adidas Men's 360 Traxion
- Most Comfortable: FootJoy Superlites XP
- Premium Materials: ECCO Men's Biom Hybrid 2 Hydromax Golf Shoe
Adidas Men’s 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, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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FootJoy Men’s 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.
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Adidas Men’s 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.
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Skechers Men’s 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.
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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.
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Adidas Men’s 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.
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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.
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ECCO Men’s 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.
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Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
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 upon 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 due to 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.