Anyone with a Green Jacket knows that the right kind of equipment is essential in golf. It’s a game that is heavily reliant on the terrain and the weather; a change in wind direction or even the dampness of the grass can seriously impact a player’s swing and the velocity of the ball. As a result, it is crucial that the right putter, driver, and wedges be used. Don’t skimp on the best of the best sets if you’re brand new to the game. The same sentiment should also be applied to golf shoes.
Every sport has its prescribed footwear. The type of sole, the curve of the arch, height of the tongue, and more all contribute to a player’s performance within a given environment. In golf, the game is usually played outdoors (some guys like the whole virtual thing) on a manicured lawn that stretches for miles and miles. It’s truly a test of stamina and patience, and the ideal shoe needs to be able to support you along the way.
Cushioned insoles will definitely help with the hours-long round, along with a breathable lining; knits and synthetic fabrics work best. For the exterior, leather is where it’s at. The material is durable and is able to stave off a little moisture, which is great for playing post-rainfall. There are also some great synthetic options that’ll do the trick, too. The most important thing to consider—and what really makes a golf shoe—are the spikes. Located on the outsoles, spikes offer the necessary grip to really stretch your swing without falling flat. Note: Some golf courses actually ban metal spikes nowadays, but there are plenty of options with hefty rubber lugs (sometimes called soft spikes) that’ll work just as nicely.
So, whether you’re a beginner or master, playing nine holes or 18, make sure to check out our selection of the best golf shoes. And if going the distance is what you’re really after, all will definitely help you down the path of owning your own Green Jacket—whether it’s one of the ones from Augusta National, or your local thrift store.
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Tech Response 2.0 Golf Shoe
Looking to be the Silver Surfer of the golf course? You’ll totally destroy the back nine with these synthetic mesh golf shoes, which features Traxion cleats in a six-spike configuration.
Breeze v2 Golf Shoe
New Balance
amazon.com
$79.99
When it comes to playing in the sun, a cool breeze counts for a lot. So cop this pair from New Balance—with a breathable performance mesh upper and CUSH+ insole—that has just that in its name.
Adicross Zx Primeblue Spikeless Golf Shoes
Adidas
amazon.com
$102.61
Made of recycled material from Parley Ocean Plastic, these waterproof golf shoes, with Traxion outsoles, are perfect for post-rainfall play on any and every course.
Tour360 XT Primeknit Shoes
Adidas
amazon.com
$180.00
$126.21 (30% off)
This third option from Adidas is made of waterproof Primeknit, which is specially designed to enhance movement and provide cushioning for hours upon hours of play. And to make sure you have firm grip on the terrain: X-Traxion lugs.
CODECHAOS Sport Golf Shoes
Adidas
amazon.com
$130.00
The final golf shoe on the Adidas family tree is the CODECHAOS. Like its siblings, it features Traxion outsoles and waterproof upper, but this member of the fam is much softer than the rest. To wit: It features Fitfoam molded polyurethane sockliners, Bounce midsole cushioning, and a Boost midsole.
Jordan ADG 3 Golf Shoes
Fun fact: Along with basketball and brief stint in the MLB, Michael Jordan is an avid golfer. That’s not news, considering that every NBA player fancies themselves a golf pro. But what is news are these Jordan ADG 3, which takes cues from the Jordan 4 basketball shoe.
Nike Air Zoom Tiger Woods Golf Shoes
Unlike wannabe pros, Tiger Woods is the real fucking deal. Yes, a jerk, but definitely the real deal. And best believe that the golf shoe that bears his name is more than up to snuff. It features the most durable removable spikes and revolutionary foam cushioning.
Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour Golf Shoes
Rounding out the Nike trinity is the Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour. It may not have a huge sports star attached to it, but that doesn’t make it any less stellar on the golf course. Case in point: Its spikes feature an innovative traction pattern that ensures the sturdiest grip as you swing for that birdie.
HyperFlex BOA Golf Shoes
FootJoy
footjoy.com
$179.99
When it comes to the sports arena, The Swoosh has the market covered. But when it comes to golf specifically, the OG is FootJoy. Even if you’re a beginner, these golf shoes—with their precision fit, OptiFlex outsoles, and waterproof mesh uppers—will have you looking like a master.
Tarlow Golf Shoes
FootJoy
footjoy.com
$199.99
Speaking of master, just look at these bad boys. From the graphic colorway to croc-effect calfskin leather details to the in-shoe technology that delivers next-generation performance, let’s call this beauty was it is: The Brad Pitt of golf shoes.
Packard Golf Shoes
FootJoy
footjoy.com
$199.99
If the Tarlows are Brad Britt, these Packards are definitely George Clooney. And like their fellow leading man, these hunks are made of sumptuous leather with croc-effect details, and feature Pulsar cleats and VersaTrax+ technology that ensures stability and traction.
BIOM H4 Golf Shoes
Matching ECCO’s prowess in hiking boots is its golf shoes. Indeed, the brand definitely delivers on durability all terrains. Just take a look at the BIOM H4, which features the new ECCO MTN GRIP outsole and an upper made of GORE-TEX waterproof technology.
The Legend Golf Shoes
Cuater
travismathew.com
$249.95
These Cuater shoes are so sweet and so sleek that they almost look like dress shoes. But don’t let the surface fool you, cause these white-haute kicks are made of a 16-component design—including an advanced cushioning system, waterproof construction, and Pulsar cleats—that can withstand less-than-ideal terrain. Indeed, the name says it all: Legend.
Barry Samaha
Barry Samaha is the style commerce editor at Esquire, where he covers all things fashion and grooming.
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