Like most golf equipment and apparel, golf shoes are very personal. Some players need a lot of structure and support, others prefer a lifestyle shoe that can transition seamlessly on and off the court. Some players like soft spikes, others prefer no spikes. Some like understated, muted tones, while others like their shoes to be a bright focal point of their ensemble. The list goes on!
But there’s one thing we can all agree on, and that’s that golf shoes are a necessary piece of equipment, and finding the right pair can improve your game – and your life!
So whether you’re in the market for a new pair of shoes—or just looking for a well-regarded gift to give this holiday season—below, you’ll find the GOLF staff’s top picks for our favorite shoes of the year. There are different styles and price points to choose from, but there is also one unifying factor: these shoes are loved in both their forms. AND their function. Click the links to learn more or start adding to your cart now.
GOLF Staff’s 9 Favorite Shoes of the Year
Osprey Red Sun Day
As a connoisseur of spikeless shoes, I was very intrigued by Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red’s first foray into this category. These are super comfortable, super durable, spikeless shoes that are really worth wearing off course, that are hard to find. – Jack Hirsh
Osprey Red Sun Day
A versatile golf shoe that transitions seamlessly from the office to the course, combining performance materials with minimalist design for the modern golfer’s lifestyle.
Adidas Stan Smith
For a sneaker-style golf shoe, I keep coming back to Adidas’ Stan Smith studless shoes. -Dylan Dethier
Adidas Stan Smith Spikeless Golf Shoes
An updated footwear icon for the course, these adidas Stan Smith golf shoes combine heritage tennis court style with course-ready details for the social rounds and beyond.
TRUE Linkswear All day knitting
TRUE makes some great kicks that are comfortable, cool, clean and performant. -Dylan Dethier
TRUE Knitting all day 3
The All Day Knit 3 is designed for your active lifestyle – from hookups to everyday adventures. Designed to be our most athletic fit to date, the Knit 3 is designed to keep you comfortable, stable and on the move. The completely redesigned Knit 3 offers everything you love about our TRUE Knit family, only better. The new Wanderlux® midsole provides more cushion than ever, while the new All Day V2 rubber outsole offers extra deep grip for long-lasting durability. Inspired by the mountaineering heel, the steering grip is optimized for stability on uneven terrain on or off course. Whether you’re ready for the office, taking the road less traveled or just finding your car in the woods – the TRUE Knit 3 is designed to keep you adventurous, cool. One-piece fully breathable TRUEknit upper (90% polyester, 10% spandex) features TRUE (for you) Athletic and stable shape with the shape of your foot A true knit upper Flexibly conforms to most foot shapes (D-EE) Full 2-day open socks Fitlede Anti-chafing heel wraps for comfort right out of the box Overlay microsuede sole for added stability New open-cell antimicrobial insole for added breathability and comfort NEW Wanderlux® midsole for added comfort and TUR return tested and approved Extremely lightweight – 9.1 oz. (Size 9 M) Durable cross tread for maximum versatility and grip with transient drops (~6-8mm) Machine washable DWR treated upper
$169 from Fairway Jockey
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Malbon x New Balance
I keep seeing Malbon’s New Balance collaboration in nature. -Dylan Dethier
Malbon x New Balance 550 Golf Shoes
Available in various colorways exclusive to Malbon, the New Balance 550 has become a global favorite.
If you’re looking for something with a little more appeal or a slightly more classic look, it’s going to be really hard to beat Footjoy’s Premiere Series. -Dylan Dethier
FootJoy’s Premiere Series
A modern re-imagining of our rich footwear history, packed with technology and innovation and developed with the help of the world’s best players. It sets a new standard in golf shoes.
PAYNTR X 001 F
With almost everything I wear, I place more importance on function than fashion. I don’t need my golf shoes on. They are for walking, not scratching.
The Payntr X 001’s I got earlier this year have been a dream shoe for me in large part because I barely notice them. I have bony heels and am prone to blisters. No problems there. The shoes are soft, comfortable and light. They also perform well, with a wide, stable feel and good waterproofing for the wet morning rounds I often play. And then there’s this: the last two times I’ve hit my local, the younger, more fashion-forward guys I’ve been paired with have looked down at my feet and said, “Hey, are those Payntrs?” They seem to have a feel good factor too. – Josh Sens
PAYNTR X 001 F (for men)
CLARINO™️ microfiber upper NEVERWET™️ superhydrophobic treatment Durable TPU outsole Dual-density graphite power plate PMX Foam™️ midsole ORTHOLITE™️ footbed *12 ounces per half pair, size 9
$160 from Fairway Jockey
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Payntr Golf All Day SC
My favorite golf shoes out there, Payntr has a number of options that are sleek and muni casual (my words), but all that means to you is that they have enough styles that you can dress up like a tour pro or wear models that look more like a casual sneaker. Both are comfortable and look sharp. Give Payntr a try and you won’t go back. – Josh Berhow
All Day SC
CLARINO microfiber upper provides lightweight support and flexibility. BREAK+ and breathable membrane fused to the liner and sealed with a waterproof end gasket. ARIAPRENE® tongue provides supreme foot closure to ensure maximum stability and lightweight, breathable support. The TPU outsole, with the Fast Twist insertion system, provides traction in three dimensions for the life of the shoe. The ORTHOLITE footbed, designed to compress less than 5%, ensures cushioning, fit and comfort never compromise. The PMX Nitro+ Midsole is designed to provide maximum energy return, giving you the ultimate underfoot support. The PMX SPEED PLT driver plate allows golfers to utilize ground reaction forces more effectively.
$180 from Fairway Jockey
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Duke of Cosma Licata
last year, I tested a pair of Duca Del Cosma shoes that I absolutely loved. As I planned for this year’s summer trip, I wanted a shoe that looked elevated but was still comfortable, and that was neutral enough to go with just about anything. Duca has delivered again, with the Licata – a waterproof, stylish but no-nonsense shoe that I wore absolutely anywhere with a blister or soreness of any kind. My favorite part? Contrasting laces keep the shoes looking clean. A sweet bonus when you’re on the road. – Jessica Marksbury
Duke Del Cosma Licata
Waterproof, comfortable and providing exceptional grip during your swing. These lightweight golf shoes will get you ready for 18 holes and beyond.
Adidas gazelle
My favorite feature of a golf shoe is its ability to function as a lifestyle shoe off the course, and it really doesn’t get more lifestyle than these awesome Adidas gazelles. I have two pairs, and I wear them everywhere. And as an added bonus: they’re just as comfortable without socks as they are with them. – Jessica Marksbury
Adidas Gazelle Spikeless Golf Shoes
All the details of the original sneaker plus cushioning and traction for extended comfort on the course.
