It has been a successful year for the introduction of new golf footwear, and the variety of alternatives available does not appear to be limited. In addition to being comfortable and fashionable, golf shoes need to be able to withstand adverse situations and be designed with longevity in mind. The purpose of this article is to provide you with a full overview of the process of purchasing your newest on-course shoes by breaking down the best products from the industry heavyweights and shedding light on a few brands that are new to the scene.
I am currently employed in product development for a big sports retailer, in addition to being a clubfitter because I am a professional in the golf industry. I have been collecting trainers, jerseys and other types of athletic clothing for more than ten years. I am just as passionate about the apparel side of sports as I am about the equipment side.
There are typically three categories that golf shoes fall into: conventional leather spikes that are influenced by formal wear, contemporary designs that lean towards athleticism or performance, or adaptations of sneakers that are retooled for performance on turf, and minimal forms that are more subtle. In the following, I will provide a comprehensive analysis of each group, along with suggestions for golf shoes that are suitable for respective personas, namely the “Traditionalist,” “Modernist,” and “Minimalist.”
For the Traditionalist
The FootJoy Premier Series – Packard
When it comes to golf, refined style is nothing new. If you like to spend your 5-9 after your 9-5 on the course and require a quick change from dress shoes to spikes, or if you simply prefer to dress like the pros, there are a number of wonderful options for golf shoes that fit the more traditional and classic approach to golf gear. Both of these scenarios are possible. This particular style of golf footwear, which was constructed on a chassis that was intended for formal use, did not provide sufficient comfort for a full day spent outside. However, over the past several years, this category has undergone a tremendous amount of development, and as a result, golfers now have options accessible to them that provide cushioning, support, and cutting-edge technology while yet retaining quality materials and design.
The FootJoy Premier series is the undisputed market leader when it comes to golf shoes in this particular area. Footjoy has been a dominant force in the golf footwear industry for almost to a century, and the shoes that they produce are a manifestation of the history of the firm as a whole. It came as a complete surprise to golfers (and sneakerheads) when Tiger Woods participated in the FootJoy Premier at the Masters Tournament earlier this year. This caused Tiger Woods to make headlines. Due to the fact that Tiger has been sponsored by Nike since 1996 and that Nike also produces his own line of golf clothes and shoes, it came as a complete surprise to see him in a brand that is in direct competition with Nike.
These are a pair of spikes that golfers may use year after year because of its timeless design, superior leather uppers, and long-lasting construction that is waterproof. In comparison to previous generations of their premium range, the Versatrax+ traction has been upgraded to include a mix of a moulded traction pad and screw-in spikes. This combination provides golfers with stability regardless of the circumstances on the course. The Premiere Series – Packard are among the best FootJoy golf shoes created to date. They have an appearance that is as timeless as it is possible to be, but they are also loaded with performance and comfort enhancements.
Key Points
- Pair best with Classic attire, golf pants, tucked in polo, etc
- Lighter weight and more breathable than previous generations of leather FJ Golf Shoes
- Top-of-the-line materials, craftsmanship, and comfort
Honorable Mentions:
- Men’s ØriginalGrand Tour Golf Shoe in White | Cole Haan
The Original Grand line from Cole Haan started in their dress shoes, and the company has made its way into the golf shoe marketplace with the same design features of quality craftsmanship and comfort, a traditional oxford with pops of bright color. This is a spiked golf shoe, and offers plenty of stability.
- Debossed Gallivanter | TaylorMade
Slightly avant-garde in their approach, G/Fore collaborated with golf club manufacturer TaylorMade to release a Gallivanter with their Skull and Crossbone debossed pattern and TaylorMade branded translucent soles. It has a classic silhouette with unique features and is spikeless.
- adidas MC80 Spikeless Golf Shoes – White
This brand-new model from adidas combines all of the most recent advancements in technology from adidas running shoes and other performance sections with a design that is timeless. Durable leather uppers, spikeless traction with a Torsion bar for extra stability, and a BOOST midsole are some of the characteristics that are included in this shoe. In addition to being one of the few alternatives in this category that does not include cleats, it is offered in a variety of colour varieties.
For the Modernist
The Nike Air Jordan 1 Low G
In the past few years, golf has evolved into a much more welcoming environment, and the fashion on the golf course has become more relaxed than it has ever been before (in my opinion, in the most encouraging way conceivable). With sportswear giants such as Nike, adidas, and Puma producing a massive lineup of golf-specific performance clothing and shoes, as well as newer companies such as True Linkswear, Goatlane, Cuater, and G/FORE gaining traction in the market, we are witnessing a level of competitive diversity in golf footwear that has never been seen before.
It is arguable that the Jordan 1 is the most recognisable footwear in the world of sports. It is easy to understand why fans were so pleased when Nike made the decision to reissue the Jordan 1 low and high that was specifically designed for golf. As a result of the fact that Tony Finau, Nelly Korda, and a large number of other professional golfers have been seen wearing them while competing in PGA and LPGA tournaments, the respectability and buzz that surrounds this silhouette has increased. The “Chicago” and “UNC” colorways were the first to be released in this new iteration of the Jordan 1, and they were the ones that sold out the quickest in retail stores and on the internet.
Since the year 2022, the Jordan brand has been continuously expanding their collection and making their footwear more accessible to the general public, and there is a valid reason for this. It would be difficult to tell the difference between the AJ1 Golf and a typical Air Jordan sneaker from a distance of a few feet. This makes these shoes extremely adaptable, as they can be worn for the range, on the course or even just for casual wear. A casual sporty aesthetic is a wonderful fit for the sneakers, which look great. On dry days, these are an excellent option because of the minimum but functional traction pattern; nevertheless, you should be aware that they will have the same limitations as other spikeless golf shoes, namely a lack of grip and slipping when the conditions are damp. I am the owner of them, and in terms of longevity, after approximately fifty rounds, the triple white pair is starting to show signs of wear on the toe, but it has held up exceptionally well in the heat of Florida. I also have the Grey/Black/White colour variety, which has a slightly different treatment on the leather upper and has proven to be more durable altogether. I have this particular colour variant.
Key Points
- Low profile design, easy to wear. Fairly lightweight for a leather shoe
- Multiple colorways, both vibrant and muted tones to match a variety of apparel
- Comfort is exactly the same as the original sneaker. Minimal upgrades with main difference being the slightly lugged sole for traction
- Can be worn casually; the traction pattern is soft and unintrusive. Great for walking the course, but recommend swapping the EVA insole for something more responsive
This category of more streetwear and sports-oriented golf shoes is larger than ever. Narrowing down the options to a single pick was nearly impossible, but the Nike Air Jordan 1 Low G has been as strong of an offering from a style point of view as any. With that being said, there are a number of excellent options with arguably better performance that are worth giving a shot.
Honorable Mention
- Puma Men’s Proadapt Alphacat Golf Shoes
It is possible to argue that these should be the first choice because they are completely transparent. On the other hand, I am a major admirer of the Jordan 1, both the original version off the course and the golf-specific variant, and because of this, I find the Jordan to be more appealing to the eye than these. Having said that, the Puma ProAdapt Alphacat has a very clean design, a wide range of applications, and the best grip for spikeless golf shoes that I have ever used in my own personal experience. They are available in a variety of colours and different lacing systems (regular laces and Puma Disc, which is comparable to BOA laces offered by other companies), and they have amazing specifications. They are also among the most comfortable golf shoes that are currently available on the market. In addition, the waterproof aspect of these trainers comes with a warranty that is valid for one year, making them an excellent choice for use on wet days when playing golf.
These shoes are not only waterproof and functional, but they also offer the comfort of a running sneaker, despite the fact that they have very few features. My footwork is rather unusual (it’s a little bit of a “Scottie Scheffler Shuffle”), and the heel lockdown and lateral stability allow me the confidence to trust the golf swing without putting me at danger of injury. One possible explanation for this is the Exo-shell, which offers both aggressive traction and lateral stability. It is important to note that the Puma Adapt Alphacat has a small footbed, just like the majority of Puma footwear. Therefore, golfers who have larger feet should consider purchasing the Wide version of this model.
For the Minimalist
The GOATLANE Tour Edition White Leather
There are some people who do not want to make a statement with their footwear selections, and a casual trainer with a simple scheme is the ideal alternative to dress up or down depending on the occasion. In order to maintain a clean and unobtrusive appearance, several firms produce a minimally branded offering, which often consists of spikeless shoes. Although this is a design that appeals to a large number of people, the fact that there are more niche companies in the footwear industry demonstrates how in demand a well-crafted version can be. In order to successfully promote their products in front of a large audience and increase their market share in this category, smaller firms such as GoatLane, True Linkswear, G/FORE, and OluKai have successfully utilised strategic partners in the golf content creation industry.
Internet marketing can be effective in some situations. Through their collaboration with YouTube golfer Grant Horvat and Mac Boucher, this brand has been brought to the forefront of the industry, and the product that they provide is just as wonderful as it is touted to be. Even though the company was established only a few years ago in the year 2020, it is possible that this brand will be around for a very long time. Through the utilisation of Italian calf leather and a rubber cupsole with spikeless traction measuring 4 millimetres, the GoatLane Tour edition is constructed to last and features a design that is straightforward enough to complement any ensemble.
Key Points:
- Rubber Cupsole with 4mm traction nubs
- Italian calfskin leather and attention to detail with craftsmanship
- MSRP of $240 could be off-putting to some buyers for a startup brand
Honorable Mentions
- Puma Men’s Puma Fusion Classic Golf Shoes
The Puma Fusion Classic Golf Shoe offers a clean look for a great price point. At only $100, this shoe comes with spikeless hidden traction, water resistance, and Fusionfoam cushioning for all day comfort. While it won’t provide ultimate stability or traction in less than ideal conditions, for warm-up, the range, or sunny days, it’s a great budget option in this category.
- adidas Go-To Spikeless 1 Golf Shoes
Adidas has a number of variants when it comes to this style of golf shoe, and the Go-To is a culmination of the lineage of the Superstar, Stan Smith, and other long standing heritage models. With muted tones, recycled, breathable materials used throughout, and a full length BOOST midsole, these are perfect for wearing on and off the course.
Final Thoughts
The golf footwear industry has grown immensely over the last few years, and finding that perfect fit for your environment, style, and comfort is essential. I have outlined some industry leaders here, and the aligning personalities that can go along with specific types of golf shoes. If you need help finding the right shoe for your golf game, reach out to me or one of my fellow Golf Experts here on Curated for free, personalized advice on the best golf shoe for you. Looking forward to helping you get the best gear for your game!