Adidas, Footjoy, Skechers, and several other sports brands have been competing intensively to deliver the best golf shoes in the market. This is certainly music to the consumer's ears since this means a wide variety of models to match everyone's style and taste. On the flip side, it also begets the problem of choice for a buyer, and finding your perfect pair of golf shoes can be quite daunting at times.
To save you most of the unnecessary agony, we have compiled 5 of the best golf shoes for men for you to really hit the ground running. The right golf shoes are just as important to your game as the right set of clubs, drivers, or golf balls, providing ultimate comfort and optimal stability. But before we get to the golf shoes' list, let's take a quick detour and walk through at a prominent feature you'll more than likely encounter.
Spiked vs Spikeless Golf Shoes
Originally, golf shoes used metal cleats on the base for traction, followed by spiked soles, then the more contemporary spikeless soles. Despite being the most recent advancement, spikeless shoes have quickly gained popularity among the golfing community. Nowadays, men's and women's golf shoes are available in both spiked and spikeless models.
There's no clear answer as to which one is better than the other. It all comes down to what you stand to gain and lose with either option. The choice is ultimately dependant on what features you lean more towards.
Spiked Shoes
Initially, these were made of metal spikes, which ended up ruining golf courses massively. Modern spikes are made from ceramics or plastics.
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Spikeless Shoes
These were introduced in 2010, featuring a flat outsole that had rubber nubs or dimples. Spikeless shoes end to have a lower profile and are normally lighter.
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Best Men's Golf Shoes
1. Adidas Tech Response
- Thintech, adituff, thintech cleat, traxion, adiwear
- Lightweight mesh and synthetic upper for enhanced breathability and comfort
- Soft eva insole for lightweight comfort and cushioning
- 6-spike configuration with thintech low-profile technology for improved traction...
- 91 day comfort guarantee
The Adidas Tech Response is a great choice for a golfer, especially a beginner, looking for an affordable, comfortable, lightweight shoe that still provides a solid grip.
Despite its price point, this golf shoe is built for high performance. The insole is made of a lightweight cloud-foam sock liner that cushions the foot quite tenderly. The material rarely slides along your skin as you move, reducing any chances of blisters. The rubber outsole is replaceable, sporting the 6-spike system. Traditional spikes give you pretty solid traction.
The shoe's outer layer allows your foot to breathe quite well and is also flexible as you walk around. Since the Adidas Tech Response has a low-profile, it's fairly lightweight. The only significant downside is the lack of waterproofing capabilities.
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2. Footjoy Flex Golf Shoe
- Performance Mesh - lightweight performance mesh delivers incredible comfort,...
- Complete support - a soft EVA midsole provides increased underfoot cushioning,...
- Versatile traction - The versa-trax outsole is engineered with traction elements...
- Laser sport fit - offers a full rounded toe character with a standard fit across...
- Closure Type: Lace Up
If you are the kind of player who wants a shoe they can use just about anywhere on and off the golf course comfortably, the Footjoy Flex might be worth your consideration.
This golf shoe has the profile of a running shoe, hence incredibly lightweight. Nevertheless, it delivers quite a solid traction on the turf. It looks pretty sleek; a breathable mesh outer layer accentuates the Footjoy Flex. This layer is both soft and comfortable, which allows it to keep the foot dry.
The outsole sports a patented Versa-Trax system instead of spikes; hence, they can be used on and off the course. However, this might mean slightly less grip than spiked shoes. The Flex, in its name, refers to its rounded toe design, which allows your toes to spread naturally as your weight shifts to the front foot when you are walking.
The Footjoy Flex has a layer of moisture protection on the bottom half of the shoe, mainly to ensure that your socks remain dry.
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3. Skechers Go Golf Torque
- Replaceable soft spikes
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Synthetic upper
- Ultra flight foam
Skechers have gradually built their name in golf footwear. The Skechers Go Golf Torque is yet another high-performance golf shoe from the brand, particularly suitable for mid handicappers.
This lightweight shoe is designed for extended use, delivering comfort and durability throughout. Its waterproofing is among the best moisture protection we have seen on the golf shoe market. The outsole has soft replaceable spikes that deliver great traction; the foot locks down the ground quite firmly during a golf swing.
Skechers Go Golf Torque is definitely a solid choice for players who want looking a dependable, high-performing shoe that doesn't necessarily come with all the bells and whistles.
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4. Under Armour HOVR Drive Shoe
- Breathable, Clarino microfiber upper & a lightweight waterproof membrane keep...
- Integrated lacing system for a locked in fit
- 100% waterproof UA Storm technology repels water without sacrificing...
- 2 Year Limited Waterproof Warranty
- New, lower profile UA Rotational Resistance (RST 2.0) & Softspike SIlver Tornado...
The Under Armour HOVR Drive is a premium golf shoe that ticks plenty of boxes for many players. It not only sports a sleek look, but it's also super comfortable and provides superb traction.
This golf shoe is crafted for performance, namely absolute comfort, energy return and traction. The insole is made of full-length HOVR cushioning, plus a lightweight midsole and outsole for maximum comfort. It also sports an integrated lacing system, which stands out when you are on the golf course. Under Armour also claims the shoe exploits ground reaction forces as you swing a golf club to produce responsive power. This represents a marginal traction gain for better performance.
The HOVR Drive is remarkably light, leading to fewer chances of fatigue on your legs. Coming with RST 2.0 rotational resistance spikes, this shoe delivers a solid traction system, especially as the foot pivots and turns during a swing. Unfortunately, this golf shoe's breathability is somewhat underwhelming, which is pretty disappointing when you consider the cost.
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5. Adidas CodeChaos
- Lightweight, stable feel
- Lace closure
- Textile upper with a water-protective layer
- Our new Chaos TRAXION outsole, a Karim grip hybrid spike less shoe built with...
- Responsive Boost midsole
Adidas claim that the CodeChaos is built for the outliers on the course.
This shoe looks unique from the onset. The upper layer sports a multi-layer mesh design, plus a waterproofing film, giving the shoe a distinctive look. It also feels as good, where an Inside Sockliner wraps around your foot as soon as you put it on. The insole is made from Adidas' trademark FitFoam and BOOST technology for extra comfort. Additionally, it's super lightweight, hence favourable for prolonged use.
Grip from the CodeChaos is excellent, especially when you consider the sole is moulded. These are athletic shoes, certainly high tech. The twistgrip and Traxion hybrid are the fruits of plenty of research and development into a golfer's weight distribution and stability during a golf swing. Even on occasions where you'll just be walking around, this golf shoe is just as dependable. Plus, you also get plenty of color options to choose from.
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How to Choose the Best Golf Shoes for Men
1. Waterproofing
Waterproofing entails adding an even layer of a water-repellant chemical on the shoe which keeps the insole area totally dry. It's not a basic standard for golf shoes, but it's always a welcome bonus to have an option that keeps water out and ensures your socks are dry regardless of the ground conditions.
This definitely depends on the weather conditions where you come from; people in warmer or drier climates might not particularly need waterproofing. However, if you come from wetter regions or enjoy a round of golf in the mornings, you'll need this capability on your golf shoes more than likely.
2. Insole
This refers to the inner side of the shoe where your foot touches the footwear. Golfers need an insole that provides cushion and comfort to the foot while also minimizing friction with the skin, which can cause blisters. You must always rely on the initial feel of the shoe in your foot.
Ideally, the insole should mould to your foot as soon as you fit in comfortably. This improves the golf shoe's overall playability, which then gives you more confidence on the course. Furthermore, comfort should be consistent throughout, both when you are walking or riding in the cart.
3. Outsole
This is the base, the part of a shoe that touches the ground, including the outer layer covering the top of the foot. With that in mind, the best golf shoes' outsoles provide maximum traction to the turf for the utmost stability. They need to be flexible as you move about and decently breathable to keep your foot dry.
4. Comfort
A lot of factors come together for a decent round of golf. An uncomfortable shoe can ruin your game easily, both in the short and long term. A golf shoe that pinches translates to more friction, ultimately leading to soreness and blisters at times. It goes without saying that finding a fitting pair relieves your feet and maximises your performance.
Your choice of material has a lot to do with the level of comfort you get. The more flexible and soft it is, the more you can use the shoe extensively with minimal discomfort. Genuine leather is a great material option, as it gives more comfort and durability.
5. Breathability
The last thing you would want from a golf shoe is the footwear to trap heat inside. Not only does the warmth get uncomfortable, but it also builds up an odour. Using such shoes in the summer is a total nightmare. Therefore, the right pairs should have an interior mesh that allows moisture to dry and your feet breathe throughout the round.
It is worth noting that waterproofing tends to compromise breathability to an extent. As such, the perfect golf shoe should strike a good balance between these two factors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Men's Golf Shoes
1. What key elements should the best golf shoe have?
At the end of the day, the best golf shoes for men depend on individual needs and preferences. Nevertheless, there are general aspects that feature in every good shoe out there:
- Fit properly for maximum comfort.
- Solid traction or stability since the foundation of swing heavily relies on your shoe.
- Comfortable for walking over long distances for an extended period of time.
- Soft and flexible during a swing to overcome the friction as your feet and ankles move rapidly.
- Water-resistant, at the very least, to be effective in different ground conditions.
- Feature recent technology, especially for enhanced traction and breathability.
- Last but not least, match your style.
2. What materials are best for golf shoes in the United Kingdom?
Advancements in technology have brought about tremendous innovations in the golf shoe industry. Current manufacturers have come up with new materials to improve golf shoes' performance on the course. These are the three common materials used by the top golf shoe manufacturers.
- Leather-based - Modern leather golf shoes are soft and supple, enabling players to go about their business freely. Waterproofing adds more durability to leather, which is already long-lasting on its own.
- Synthetic - A cheaper alternative to leather, which, unfortunately, isn't as breathable or durable.
- Waterproofing compounds - A Gore-Tex lining on golf shoes ensures that they keep your feet away from moisture while keeping you warm during cold sessions.
Considering the weather conditions in the UK, waterproofed leather is the best material for golf shoes.
3. Are shoelaces necessary?
Most golf shoes have laces more out of a tradition than necessity. This means that it's all down to your specific taste. Modern shoelaces come with an improved lacing system to avoid loosening and enhance stability. But you also have velcro straps or zippers, which are equally good at fastening the shoe on your foot.