Style in golf shoes is nuanced. You want something that gives you confidence – not only in terms of visual panache but more importantly, in how they perform. Consider that walking 18 holes
requires approximately 10,000 steps. There’s simply no disputing that a properly fit pair of the right shoes will help you perform better athletically. Luckily, today’s golf shoes don’t require you to sacrifice on the aesthetic to achieve that. The options in our golf shoe guide offer elite on-course performance and aesthetics for everyone – from lovers of classics to golfers who want to bring street-shoe style to the tee.
1. Nike Air Jordan 1 Low G
That both Tony Finau and Nelly Korda have won wearing this shoe attests to its capability. Nike maintained the classic Air Jordan sneaker look yet added nubs, mostly at the ball of the foot, for grip and stability.
2. G/Fore G/18
This innovative-looking shoe prioritises grabbing the ground, with lugs extending around the toe for more grip as you pivot. The traction pattern is broken up into sections, allowing for increased flexibility.
3. Ecco Biom H5
Ecco aces comfort, thanks to their generously sized footbeds, interior knit sock and soft leather upper. If the look of the laceless closure system isn’t for you, there is a standard lace option.
4. Sun Day Red Pioneer Cypress
A clean look, with just a bit of edge thanks to the tiger-stripe pattern at the heel. Tiger Woods focused on traction when he helped develop the shoe. There are nine cleats and lugs on the sole.
5. OluKai Wai’alae
A casual, everyday white leather shoe is often a golf wardrobe staple. This spikeless outsole is made from a rubber engineered to grip well in wet and dry conditions, making it ideal for dew sweepers.
1. Adidas AdizeroZG
Ludvig Aberg’s shoe is spikeless, but you might think you’re wearing nails. Larger traction wings around the perimeter make this shoe incredibly stable. The shoe makes a contemporary and athletic statement, too.
2. FootJoy Traditions Blucher
The camo outsole offsets the vintage-looking leather upper. Removable spikes offer ample traction. Use FootJoy’s fitting system to get a tailored shoe recommendation based on how you interact with the turf.
Women’s Shoes
1. New Balance 327
Thanks to Taylor Swift and other celebrities, New Balance is back. Several retro styles have been re-imagined as golf shoes. Here, you get the 1970s running shoe aesthetic and fit, with golf-specific traction. It might even have you singing “You Belong With Me”.
2. FootJoy Quantum
This shoe leans into the chunky sneaker trend. The thick midsole is a new foam, softer than what FootJoy has used in shoes past. Inside, the footbed moulds snug to your foot for a comfortable fit.
3. Skechers Go Golf Jasmine 2
You’ll see Brooke Henderson in these on the LPGA Tour. A spike-shaped traction element is at the ball of the foot. In Skechers’ testing, it was found to provide strong grip while being more comfortable than a removable spike.
4. Duca Del Cosma Latina
There is a line to be drawn when it comes to bright colours and golf footwear. The Latina walks that style tightrope nicely. This lightweight shoe has a breathable microfibre upper and significant arch support.
5. Adidas ZoysiaThe removable kiltie gives these an old-school vibe, but the technology is decidedly modern. The forefoot and rear foot are connected by a bar to support the midfoot, making the walk less strenuous.
6. G/Fore MG4+
The visible heel counter creates a snug fit and provides additional support that helps lock your foot in. The shoe is made of a comfortable combination of lightweight, waterproof materials. The neutral, gradient colour scheme is casual enough to be stylishly cool.
Photos by: Josh Dickinson
