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What's the most important piece of golf equipment?
A fancy driver?
A putter that actually works?
We'd argue the answer is much more simple: a comfortable pair of golf shoes. Without golf shoes that look and feel good, golfers won't be making putts or pounding long drives. All of that starts at the base of the swing.
Walking golfers like us are especially dependent upon reliable shoes. We've walked in every type of footwear from uncomfortable flipflop sandals to hiking 100 holes in a single round to raise money for Youth on Course in a new style that was so comfortable, our feet were barely even sore the next day. FootJoy still dominates the golf shoe market, but new and more casual styles have added more choices in recent years.
We've tested numerous pairs to come up with our favorite golf shoes for walking. This story is another addition to our summer-long series about walking the golf course. Our series so far has shown you where to play, explained why so few Americans walk and what bags to carry.
Golfers who walk tend to be fitter and more engaged with the game. Get out there and start hoofing it, preferably with one of these pairs of shoes on your feet.
Footjoy FJ Fuel Sport
The FJ Fuel Sport proves that Footjoy has made the jump to more athletic, trendier golf shoes. It is made with a stratolite foam that's extremely light, coupled with a new breathable mesh. It comes with a one-year waterproof warranty. PRICE: $129.99
ECCO BIOM C4
Wanting to feel like you're floating down the fairways? ECCO never disappoints. New this year, the ECCO BIOM C4 allows golfers to choose from either BOA and standard lacing options. These stylish shoes combine the best of cushion and breathability. Plus, they're waterproof. PRICE: $270
True All Day Knit 3
True Linkswear has evolved quite a bit over the last decade. The True All Day Knit 3 is so comfortable that it feels like wearing night-time slippers. A new Wanderlux midsole delivers the cushion, while the new All Day v2 rubber outsole provides longer durability. A directional grip, inspired by mountaineering soles, improves stabilization on uneven lies on and off the course. PRICE: $160
Duca del Cosma Positano
Looking for something a little different? Golf fashions across the pond are more flamboyant, and that's what makes Duca del Cosma golf shoes so eye-catching. While this Italian brand offers a red-white-and-blue shoe that looks like it should be worn by the American team at the Ryder Cup Matches this month, we'll be wearing the stylish, waterproof Positano shoes on an upcoming overseas golf trip to walk the legendary heathland courses surrounding London. PRICE: $229
FootJoy Traditions
The look of the leather Footjoy Traditions will likely never go out of style. Even with six different color combinations, golfers have the option to design their own look. These are the only golf shoes with traditional spikes to make our cut. Comfort has never been an issue at FootJoy. PRICE: $139.99
Cole Haan GrandPro Crew
We got our first taste of Cole Haan when the popular shoe company expanded into golf for the first time. They're classy and comfy. This is a versatile collection from an athletic shoe (the Grandzero) and a waterproof option (OriginalGrand) to a dressier version (GrandPro Crew) that transitions from the course to date night gracefully. PRICE: $160
Xero Mesa Trail II
Never seen Xero come up when you search "golf shoes" online? There's good reason for that: they're not actually a golf shoe company. Their target market is runners and hikers, who swear by their minimalist, "natural" (i.e. minimal to no padding) footwear. Part of Xero's design philosophy is to make the toe box of their shoes roomier than usual, to allow toes to spread out and find a comfortable position. This may run counter to many golf shoe brands' claims about stability, but after several rounds wearing Xero's Mesa Trail II, there is a lot to be said for the enhanced feeling of connection to the ground from its grippy, super-thin sole. Walking a golf course and hiking share a great deal in common - it's no wonder that a good pair of trail shoes works on the course, too. PRICE: $119.99
Olukai Kapalua
We put the new OluKai shoes through a hard-core workout earlier this year, walking at least a dozen courses in Australia and Tasmania. The OluKai Kapalua shoe performed beyond expectations, especially during post-golf visits for sight-seeing around the beaches and downtown Melbourne. The Drop-In Heel that transforms them into slip-on sandals was our favorite part of their design. PRICE: $160
What golf shoes do you walk in? Let us know in the comments below.
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Comments (8)
I walk 18 holes daily and I wear Adidas shoes (multiple pair of soft spike or spikeless). The shoes are very comfortable and keep your feet dry!
I have the womens footjoy…my problem is my toes swell up in my shoes because I broke them long ago. If the shoe does not allow my foot to expand, then I won’t wear them. I use these with the shoelaces untied and open as much as possible:(
I have 4 pairs of Adidas Adizero…feather light and comfortable. This model is a few years old..but by rotating through the 4 pairs, I have been able to sustain them. They have soft spikes which I change when needed.
I have two pair of TRUE LUX Hybrids. Have been a TRUE fan and customer for years but this is their best shoe yet.
Surprised Squares not included. Very comfortable.
I can’t speak for any of these shoes but I have several foot problems but love to walk 9 holes 3-4 times a week. I suffer from neuropathy in my feet, plantar fasciitis in my left foot occasionally and a stretched achilles tendon in my right foot. The only sneaker I can wear with the comfort and support I need are Hoka’s. Believe it or not the only time my feet feel good is when I’m walking playing golf so I’m not thinking about them or feeling them. My son bought me an unsolicited pair of Nike golf shoes for Christmas. I was very skeptical as I have worn and enjoyed Footjoys for over 20 years. After one adjustment for size I began wearing them around the house on some carpet in the winter before I tried wearing them on the golf course in the Spring. They have blown me away with their comfort and support. I gave them a break one day when I was
playing several days in a row and wore my old footjoys. I couldn’t wait to get the footjoys off and put my Nike’s back on the next day. Heading into the fall they continue to feel comfortable and I will probably be buying another pair soon to have a fresh pair to wear every time I hit the links.
New Balance, Asics make shoes as well, I know I'm only really looking at shoe companies that make golf shoes, not golf shoe companies.
It would be useful to know what shoes come in wide widths