9 Best Golf Shoes for Men in 2025 – Top Golf Shoes Right Now
Like golf apparel, the best golf shoes are becoming more casual and comfort-driven. Pairs aren’t as bulky and heavy as they used to be and certainly don’t have scary metal spikes. “Today’s golf shoes are more like sneakers; comfortable, cushioned, breathable, and versatile,” says Paul Sliva, the head golf pro and tournament director at the historic Van Cortlandt Golf Course in the Bronx. “Technology has gotten better when it comes to traction too, and so you have golf shoes with grippy rubber patterns that a much more gentle on the grass,” says Sliva.
Though many golf shoes can blend in with sneakers these days, it’s important to wear proper footwear. Why? Well the biggest risk you pose is injury, especially to the knees and ankles. Golf shoes are designed to optimize traction and help keep your feet (and heel) in place when swinging a club. Where sneakers are designed to be comfortable for movement, golf shoes are made to provide a firm foundation and connection to the ground while still being comfortable enough for long days on your feet. It’s a tricky line to balance, but there are a ton of brands making exceptional golf shoes these days. Follow us on our testing as we give you the guide to the nine best golf shoes.
What to Consider
Outsole Design
Golf shoes are only as good as their outsole. A strong outsole is going to keep you from slipping on your swing, helping to create the conditions for a squared-up ball on every shot you take. Look for durable rubber with some sort of traction pattern on your golf shoes. The traction pattern should be formed well enough to dig into the ground a bit, especially when playing on dewy courses in the morning.
Weight and Breathability
Avoid chunky golf shoes that are made with materials that trap heat. You can usually go by the eye test with this step: If it looks hot and heavy, the chances are it is hot and heavy. Instead, keep an eye out for golf shoes made with durable foams and breathable uppers like mesh. Pro tip: A lot of our editors like to bring a second pair of golf socks to change into when making the turn on a round of 18.
Water Resistance
Owning a pair of golf shoes with at least a minor level of water resistance is smart, because even when you’re playing in dry temps you’re likely to encounter fresh dew on the course and/or post-watered grounds. Sliva notes that buyers need to remember water resistance is different than waterproof, as water resistant is only going to minimally keep away moisture. “If you’re a more consistent player who will go out when the weather is questionable, then you could probably use a pair of waterproof shoes to have around,” says Sliva.
How We Selected
As a lifelong golfer, I’ve played in dozens of different shoes and shoe brands over the years. I’ve played rounds at some of the best courses in North America, including Cabot Cape Breton and the Ocean Course on Kiawah Island in South Carolina, and maintain a handicap in the mid-teens (though I wish it were lower). In the past few years alone, I’ve tested shoes from some of the biggest brands in the game, including Nike, Footjoy, Adidas, Sun Day Red, and others.
To make our choices for this guide, I consulted with Senior Gear and Commerce Editor Ryan Brower (also a mid-handicapper) to determine which shoes we wanted to consider based on our experiences and general golf consumer consensus. From there, we put over a dozen of the top golf shoes to the test and evaluated each pair’s support, comfort, and performance. We did this in rainy rounds, cold rounds, and rounds in the stifling heat. We wore the shoes for full 18 holes of walking, for some chipping and putting work, out on the range, and even just for quick 9 holes. We left no stone unturned in determining the nine best golf shoes for every type of golfer.
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Best Bang for Your Buck Golf Shoes
Adidas S2G SL Leather 24
Cons
Traction is decent but could be better
Not the most cushioned shoe on our list
Adidas has some of the best golf shoes around, especially when you consider the value for what you pay. The latest edition of the S2G golf shoes cost just over $100 and you get a versatile pair that can be worn with a number of golf outfits and, if you so choose, casual outfits. The shoe’s upper is made with a soft waterproof leather (we love how Adidas added a toe cap for better reinforcement and water resistance). Our tester also noticed how the deep, sturdy heel adds solid heel protection and stability for feeling locked in.
The Adidas Lightstrike cushioning for the midsole is well-made and very comfortable, but it’s not the most cushioned golf shoe you can buy. Instead, the SG2 sits somewhere in the middle of supportiveness and cushioning. As for the outsole, it has ample traction with the circular rubber lugs. However, similar to the midsole design, you shouldn’t expect the shoe to be the most grippy. The outsole sits somewhere in the middle of grip; just be aware when the tee boxes are slick.
Outsole
Spikeless Adiwear outsole
Weight
14 oz
Waterproof
No
Most Comfortable Waterproof Golf Shoes
Ecco Biom H5 Leather
Ecco golf shoes are some of the most comfortable performance kicks you can buy, and the greater golf community loves them. The brand isn’t as widely known and played-in on this side of the Atlantic, but the Biom H5 stands out among every shoe we tested.
While they’re a bit heavier than our tester was used to, he found that the weight made for a shoe that offered up a ton of stability and support across the entire golf course. “I see why lots of European and UK golfers love them—I don’t think I’ve ever felt as locked-in with a golf shoe before,” he said, after wearing the Eccos for a few rounds.
Along with the exceptional stability, the leather upper is fully waterproof, and the midsole provides ample comfort for long rounds on your feet, whether walking or riding. Our tester was surprised to find that the midsole was not only comfortable for a whole round but also provided some energy return, akin to that you’d get from a running shoe. Walking 36 holes? No problem.
They did take our tester a full round to break in and are a little on the narrower side, but once they were tuned to his foot, he found them to be one of his favorites.
Outsole
Rubber spikeless
Weight
Not listed
Waterproof
Yes
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Best Traditional Golf Shoe
Sun Day Red Pioneer Cypress
Pros
Goldilocks blend of style and performance
Great traction from 9-spike design
Comfortable enough for walking multiple rounds
Cons
Premium price point is tough to stomach
We still can’t get over seeing Tiger Woods wearing anything other than Nike, but starting his own brand makes the most sense if he had to move on from The Swoosh. Sun Day Red is the quintessential Tiger brand, full of classic-looking golf gear that puts a premium on performance. The Pioneer Cypress shoes are the perfect representation of that. They’re stylish, are a subtle twist on a classic silhouette, and are chock-full of performance features.
I could see and feel the quality from the moment I opened the box (which was very well-made in its own right). The attention to detail is striking. Each shoe comes in its own dust bag, and the pair comes with an extra massaging insole for those looking for something more plush. The materials are stellar, and subtle Tiger-esque touches like tiger stripes on the heel give these a feel that justifies the price without even wearing them on the course.
On the course, though, the function matches the form. The soft spikes are durable and provide exceptional traction across the course, the waterproof leather is supple and actually keeps the wearer dry (even on rainy days). And, where most traditional-style golf shoes aren’t comfortable until you’ve worn them for a few rounds, the Pioneer Cypress were perfect right out of the box.
Outsole
High-density TPU full ground contact plate with a 9-cleat configuration
Weight
Not listed
Waterproof
Yes
Most Comfortable Golf Shoes for Walking
Nike Free Golf NN Golf Shoes
Nike brought back its cult-favorite Free silhouette and adapted it for the golf course, resulting in one of the most comfortable golf shoes we’ve ever worn, full stop. Unlike many golf shoes, including the sneaker-style ones, the Free Golf feels like a running shoe from the very moment you put them on. The upper hugs the midfoot without suffocating it and the Nike Free midsole is exceptional for walking even the longest, hilliest courses.
Favored by world number one Nelly Korda, the Free Golf is one of the lowest-to-the-ground we’ve tested, allowing for maximum ground feel on every shot. Considering how comfortable they are for walking, you’d think this would be a contradiction, but I think the combination works perfectly.
However, there are a couple of drawbacks to the running-shoe style of the Free Golf. The traction is lacking, so we’d recommend reserving these shoes for warm, dry summer rounds where you aren’t going to encounter puddles or slippery tee boxes. Additionally, the uppers are not waterproof, so they’re a no-go if you like playing in the rain.
Outsole
Rubber spikeless
Weight
6.9 oz
Waterproof
No
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Best Soft Spike Golf Shoes
FootJoy Hyperflex Golf Shoe
FootJoy makes the best traditional leather golf shoes, but they also make some pretty awesome modern golf shoes, too. The revamped Hyperflex is a star-studded performer, featuring materials like a breathable mesh upper, a supportive foam midsole, and a hidden soft spikes outsole. PGA star Justin Thomas even ditched his traditional FootJoys for a pair of Hyperflexes this season.
Though they’re a favorite of the pros, few Average Joe golfers utilize spikes these days, but if you want to play like JT or the rest of the PGA TOUR field, shoes with soft spikes are worth a look. Soft spikes mimic metal spikes, but are more forgiving to course terrain while still providing incredible traction. I found that with this pair specifically, the chances of slipping and sliding in these bad boys was seriously limited, even when the course was glazed in morning dew.
FootJoy also backs this pair with a 2two-year waterproof warranty, which adds to our claim that these are some of the best golf shoes for serious players in 2025. You get sneaker-like comfort with premium features, making the shoes great for even subpar weather conditions that you decide to play in anyway.
Outsole
Infinity outsole with soft spikes
Weight
18 oz
Waterproof
Yes
Best BOA Golf Shoes
Adidas Adizero ZG BOA Spikeless Golf Shoes
Worn by up-and-coming PGA TOUR star Ludvig Åberg, the Adidas Adizero ZG BOA is a highly comfortable golf shoe that leverages BOA technology to help you easily dial in the exact fit you need. The Adizero line is always a winner in our book, but the BOA lacing system takes things to the next level.
For those who haven’t used BOA before, it’s a micro-adjustable lacing system that utilizes stainless steel wires and a dial to provide a perfect fit, sans exterior laces. Don’t worry, the stainless steel wires are in the interior of the shoe and are coated and designed in a way that won’t bother your feet. The system is well-loved by everyone from skiers to runners to cyclists, and now by golfers like Åberg (and us).
I thought the shoe was comfortable right out of the box, and I loved the ease of use provided by the BOA system. For folks who have trouble tying their shoes or feel like they can never get the fit right, BOA is a game-changer.
Aside from the BOA fit, I was a big fan of the traction on these, which is second to none for a spikeless shoe. Like all the Adidas shoes we’ve tested, these were comfortable for walking right out of the box and only got better over time.
Outsole
SPIKEMORE
Weight
10.6 oz
Waterproof
Yes
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Best Hybrid Golf Shoes
Travis Mathew Daily Pro Plus Golf Shoe
The golf/everyday sneaker crossover doesn’t get much stronger than this. TravisMathew’s Daily Pro Hybrid is designed specifically for the guys who have plans after their morning tee time.
The Daily Pro comes in two versions: hybrid and golf. The hybrid version is virtually the same as the golf version, but made with less traction and a more breathable upper. The golf version utilizes a spikeless golf sole and synthetic waterproof upper to help it stand out from the hybrid.
The Daily Pro, as its name suggests, is a great daily workhorse for the golfer who is constantly on the move from the office to the bar to the range to the first tee—no matter what you’re up to on any given day, the Daily Pro has you covered.
A shoe not tailor-made for golf will always leave us a bit suspicious of its ability to perform on the course, but the Daily Pro assuaged those fears with its all-day comfort and solid traction.
Outsole
Reverse rubber hybrid lugs
Weight
16 oz
Waterproof
Yes
Best Gore-Tex Golf Shoes
Nobull Gore-Tex Ripstop Golf Shoe
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Credit: Ryan Brower
Nobull has been on a roll with its golf apparel and golf shoe releases lately. One of our personal favorites is the Gore-Tex Ripstop Shoe, a sleek, high-comfort golf shoe that manages to repel moisture with ease while still staying breathable.
The trick to this shoe seems to be how Nobull went with a one-piece ripstop upper and then applied a Gore-Tex membrane, so there are multiple steps put in place to keep water from getting to your feet. Our tester even walked through some puddles intentionally and found no water getting into his socks. Despite the thick double upper and membrane, our tester said these shoes still felt light, flexible, and comfortable on the course. And while he did like the upper, he says the real comfort comes from the bouncy Phylon midsole that gave him a pep in his step from hole one to hole 18.
As far as traction goes, you’ve got a lug pattern (that’s not that deep) for staying locked in, though our tester did have a few moments of slippage on extra-damp tee boxes during a couple rain-filled testing rounds.
Read more: Best Workout Shoes
Outsole
Rubber lug pattern
Weight
15.2 oz
Waterproof
Yes
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Best Golf Shoe for Gym Lovers
Reebok Nano Golf
Like the Nobull shoes above, the Reebok Nano Golf uses an existing workout shoe silhouette as its foundation. The Nano is one of Reebok’s most popular gym shoes, loved by Cross-Fit hardos and HIIT enthusiasts, so it’s not surprising that Reebok tried to recreate that success on the golf course.
After testing, we think the shoe is a big win for Reebok, who rolled out the Nano Golf with brolic U.S. Open champ and YouTube star Bryson DeChambeau—a guy who looks like he’d be just as comfortable on the weight room floor as he is on the golf course—so the partnership makes sense.
Wearing the shoe on a suitably soggy spring day in the northeast, our tester’s feet stayed completely dry for the whole round, so we’re happy to report that the waterproofing works wonders.
He also lauded the traction, which uses raised undulated lugs and a TPU Torsion Shank to provide support and stability across all surfaces, from tee boxes to the rough and sand traps to the green.
Outsole
Lugged rubber with TPU Torsion underfoot shank
Weight
14.4 oz
Waterproof
Yes
Meet the Expert
Paul Sliva, Head Golf Professional at Van Cortlandt Golf Course in the Bronx, NY, the oldest public golf course in the U.S.
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Will Porter is an LA-based freelance writer covering golf, tech, and travel. In addition to Men’s Health, his work has been published in GQ, Gear Patrol, The Strategist, and others. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him running the trails at Griffith Park or trying to catch every new movie in IMAX at the local movie theater.
Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear and tech. Baseball, surfing, and camping occupied most of his time growing up.
He also trained in martial arts for 12 years and holds a third degree black belt. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He is also a Certified Beer Server and previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.