So you’re finally upgrading your old worn out pair of golf shoes. Or worse yet you’ve been playing in gym shoes your whole life and have never experienced the amazing benefits golf shoes can bring to your game.
Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Read on as we take a deep dive into the world of golf shoes.
After the summary table below we outline some of the key features to look for in a golf shoe, followed by our detailed reviews.
#1 ECCO Mens BIOM Hybrid 3 Review
Ecco Golf shoes are renowned in most golf circles for being the most comfortable shoes available.
The Danish shoe manufacturer have for 50 years been striving to make the most comfortable walking shoe, and this translates directly into their golf range.
Utilising Ecco’s Tri-Fi-Grip technology, the outsole of these shoes have three different zones – one for stability, one for durability and one for rotation.
The purpose of this design is to provide the wearer with maximum stability and responsiveness from the back-swing right through to follow-through.
Inclusion of Ecco’s BIOM technology encourages a more natural walking motion, providing superior comfort and reducing fatigue.
Premium yak leather uppers combined with Gore-Tex ensure breathability, waterproofing and durability in a range of conditions.
PROS
- Very comfortable and supportive
- Tri-Fi-Grip technology
- GORE-TEX waterproofing
- Premium yak leather upper
- Breathable
CONS
- Expensive
#2 Under Armour Tempo Hybrid
Comfortable, versatile, and great looking, it’s easy to see why the Tempo Hybrid 2 is one of the most popular golf shoes on the market.
Don’t let the casual looks fool you, this shoe employs a lot of the technology used in Under Armour’s competition shoes such as the cork covered molded EVA footbed, designed to provide cushioning across the foot and maximise responsiveness.
With a durable rubber sole, understated good looks, and subtle colouring, this shoe is one that you can wear on and off the course, without sacrificing in performance.
PROS
- Very comfortable
- Molded EVA footbed and midsole
- Breathable, full-grain leather & Clarino microfiber upper
- On and Off course versatility
CONS
- No waterproof guarantee like other options
#3 FootJoy Tour S
A favourite amongst golfers across the globe, the Tour S is a shoe for those who want serious performance without sacrificing on comfort.
Utilising FootJoy’s trademark PowerStrap, Powerplate, and LaunchPod technologies, the Tour-S is super stable and supportive while still allowing for the flexibility and responsiveness required for explosive power.
Comfort is exceptional thanks to these shoes being incredibly lightweight and the integration of a dual-density footbed. Constructed with FootJoy’s Premium Performance Leather, they are also 100% waterproof.
While not cheap, the Footjoy Tour S represent an investment in your golf comfort and performance for years to come.
PROS
- Very stable and supportive
- High-end performance
- 100% waterproof
- Lightweight and comfortable
CONS
- Expensive
#4 Under Armour Match Play Golf Shoes
Packed full of the high-end performance technology Under Armour are famous for, these shoes will help you achieve your handicap and tournament goals without sacrificing on comfort.
With a classy design inspired by the classic leather golf shoe, the UA Match Play shoe is in fact constructed from Clarino microfiber, to reduce weight and maximise durability. A carbon fiber external heel counter combines with an integrated lacing system provides superior support and stability throughout the swing.
A cork covered molded EVA footbed provides maximum responsiveness while rotational resistance spikes provide reliable grip and traction regardless of ground conditions.
PROS
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Breathable
- Waterproof (with 2 year warranty)
- Cork covered moulded EVA footbed
CONS
- Expensive
- More structured and rigid shoe than hybrid options
#5 Nike Lunar Command 2
Exceptionally lightweight and comfortable out of the box, the Nike Lunar Commands are quickly becoming the go-to shoe for golfers around the world.
Utilising Nike’s Flywire Technology, these shoes provide a super locked-down fit and feel, while a midfoot TPU shank maximises stability.
The upper is constructed from waterproof leather and synthetic and the sole is rubber with 7 removable CHAMP PiviX golf spikes to provide a you with options depending on conditions.
Lunarlon cushioning makes these shoes very comfortable even after a long day on the course.
PROS
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Flywire technology locks foot in place
- Waterproof (1 year warranty)
- Rubber sole with removable spikes
CONS
- Shorter waterproof guarantee than other brands
How To Choose Golf Shoes
The key attributes you want to look for in golf shoes are as follows:
- Comfort
- Grip and stability
- Waterproofing and durability
Golf shoes are generally divided into spiked and spikeless.
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Spiked/Cleated Golf Shoes
These are the traditional style golf shoe, however, they have certainly evolved a lot as technology has changed over time.
While traditionally 100% leather, cleated golf shoes will now often be completely synthetic to make them more lightweight and assist with waterproofing and breathability.
Spikes themselves can also assist with waterproofing, keeping the upper material of the shoe away from the ground, especially in wet conditions.
However, the key benefit usually attributed to spiked shoes is the superior traction and stability during a player’s swing. This, however, is rapidly changing with the technology now being used in spikeless shoes.
Note that spikes can be plastic or metal and permanent or removable.
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Spikeless Shoes
Favoured by many for their comfort and versatility, shoes with moulded rubber soles are fast growing in popularity amongst both pros and amateurs.
While generally thought to not provide the waterproofing and support of their cleated counterparts, with advancements in shoe technology there are now many high quality spikeless options that do the job both in terms of waterproofing and performance.
Of course, being able to wear your golf shoes in the clubhouse, to the pub, and driving a car, are are benefits too!
