The Very Best Golf Shoes, According to the Professionals
There are many benefits to playing golf, such as getting fresh air and an aerobic workout. Plus, it's an excuse to shop for some new gear, such as clubs, clothes, and new women's golf shoes (it's not the best idea to just wear whatever sneakers are already in your closet). But beyond completing your outfit, golf shoes are an important component to your game because they provide traction and stability to help you effectively swing your club whether you're on the fairway, in the rough, or stuck in a sand trap.
- Amy Goodrich, Amy Goodrich is a former professional golfer and is now a registered dietitian focused in performance nutrition for golfers.
- Ashley Lee, DPM, podiatrist with Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists
- Julieta Stack, Julieta Stack is an LPGA Professional and the current Director of Instruction at the Baltimore Golf Academy in Baltimore, Maryland.
What to look for in a golf shoe
- Spikes vs. non-spikes: Traditionally, golf shoes have spikes, or cleats on the bottom to help them grip into the ground. Spikes tend to give you more traction, but there are a lot of good spikeless options that will keep you standing firm as well. And if you're looking for a shoe you can wear off course, a spikeless shoe is not only comfortable but versatile. With a casual, spikeless shoe, you can wear it after golf straight to a quick stop to the grocery store or to happy hour with friends, and no one would notice that you're wearing golf shoes, says Julieta Stack, an LPGA Professional, current Director of Instruction at the Baltimore Golf Academy and teaching professional at Pine Ridge Golf Course in Lutherville, MD since 2006. Regardless if you go with or without spikes, the most important thing is to make sure your shoes really grip the ground. Stack advises to try on the shoes and take some air swings to make sure your feet aren't sliding around. And if you go with spikes (which tend to be soft on most shoes now), check them after some time to make sure they don't get worn out.
- Water-resistance: A good pair of golf shoes will be water-resistant so you can play year-round without worrying about ruined shoes or soggy socks. A plus: water-resistant shoes last longer and hold up better than non-water resistant ones, says Amy Goodrich, a former professional golfer and current registered dietitian focused in performance nutrition for golfers. On wet days, Stack recommends shoes that have GORE-TEX and a one or two year guarantee on the shoe being waterproof.
- Toe shape: Though this is partly based on preference, Goodrich recommends that if you have a wider foot, to look for shoes with more of a sneaker feel vs. a pointed toe.
- Fit: Make sure you have some room in the toe of your shoe. Just like any other shoe you would wear for hiking or walking, says Stack, your golf shoe should have a little bit of space up front if you're doing a lot of walking on the course. In addition, if you're worried about comfort, you can add an insert. The nice feature about most golf shoes is that there is usually enough room to use a low profile custom orthotic, which gives added support and comfort to golf shoes, says Dr. Ashley Lee, a podiatrist and experienced golf player.
For more serious golfers, Stack recommends having multiple pairs of shoes—a premium pair for tournaments or special rounds, a pair for when it's muddy or wet, and a casual everyday shoe that will keep your foot cool. Dr. Lee has similar advice; she recommends having a breathable pair for hot days when your feet might swell more, and a waterproof pair for wet or rainy days.
Ahead, see 12 of the best women's golf shoes, both spiked and spikeless options, to accompany you for your next round.
Best Spiked Women's Golf Shoes
These shoes mix traditional style and performance, says Stack. They have low profile cleats with good traction, are waterproof, and are made with full-grain leather.
Materials: Waterproof leather, rubber traction
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Leather
- Low-profile cleats
Cons:
- Shoe is stiff
FootJoy’s DryJoys were a recommendation from multiple golfers; Goodrich said they were a top choice because of their water-resistance. This pair has a BOA closure system that lets you adjust the tightness of the shoe via a dial on the heel. The BOAs are also a pick from Dawn Mercer, a Class-A PGA Professional and director of instruction at Innisbrook Resort. Mercer says they have solid and consistent form around the arch and provide “great stability for feet, which is a constant breakdown in most amateurs’ swings.”
Materials: Leather upper, rubber outsoles
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Easy to adjust via BOA closure
- Arch support
Cons:
- May run narrow
If you’re looking for a truly personalized shoe, FootJoy offers customizable pairs. For this classic spiked leather shoe, you can choose the color of the base, saddle, accent, and laces, and even add a monogram to each shoe. Says Stack, golf shoes aren’t always the most stylish or comfortable part of your wardrobe, but with MyJoys, you can design your own look.
Materials: Waterproof leather, rubber traction
Pros:
- Customizable
- Leather
- Low-profile cleats
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Spikeless Women's Golf Shoes
Besides being the coolest-looking golf shoe, this pair from Adidas also feature performance, stability, waterproofness, and sustainability, says Stack. Made with a recycled materials, these spikeless shoes have a waterproof knit upper that’s breathable, has a cushioned feel, and a grippy sole. They come in three different bright colors to help you stand out on the course.
Materials: Recycled materials, textile upper, rubber outsole
Pros:
- Stylish
- Waterproof
- Traction and stability
Cons:
- Runs big
These Puma shoes look at home whether you’re on or off the course. They’re waterproof and have a molded insole for support. Stack says they’re one of Puma’s most popular sellers because they’re a stylish, comfortable, lifestyle shoe that are great for golf, too.
Materials: Nylon, mesh, and knit upper, synthetic sole
Pros:
- Looks like a regular sneaker
- Lightweight
- Breathable and waterproof
Cons:
- Shoe is high on the ankle
ECCO hybrid shoes have a European look and fit, says Stack. This paid is made of yak leather and are water-repellant and have a low profile. They’re also designed with an anatomical last to keep your feet comfortable and walking naturally for all 18 holes and then some, and they have a removable insole that provides cushioning.
Materials: Yak leather and textile upper, synthetic sole
Pros:
- Water-repellent
- Leather
- Ergonomic soles
Cons:
- Runs small/narrow
Another option from ECCO’s Hybrid line, the S-Three are made with leather and have GORE-TEX waterproof technology to keep your feet dry no matter what weather you play in. They have ergonomic soles and a BOA fit system on the tongue so you never have to worry about your laces untying halfway through a game.
Materials: Waterproof leather, rubber traction
Pros:
- GORE-TEX Waterproof
- Easy to tighten and loosen via BOA
- Ergonomic sole
Cons:
- Expensive
Lightweight and waterproof, these shoes have a molded heel cup to keep your foot in place throughout your entire swing, and nubs on the footbed to massage the bottom of your feet throughout the day. The inserts are removable and can be machine-washed so your shoes stay fresh. They’re a good, all-around shoe that’s comfortable, stylish, and waterproof says Dr. Lee.
Materials: Waterproof upper, rubber outsole
Pros:
- Washable
- Waterproof
- Molded external heel cup
Cons:
- Heel is roomy
You may be familiar with Skechers walking shoes, but they also make golf shoes too. Dr. Lee says this pair is breathable and lightweight. They have both cushioning and support, a durable grip on the sole, and they come in both normal and wide sizes.
Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber sole
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
- Cushioned
Cons:
- Shoe is not great for wet conditions
These Adidas shoes are a good option if you have wide feet or bunions because they have a soft, mesh upper, says Dr. Lee. They’re also lightweight and breathable, with stability built into the mid-foot of the shoe.
Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, rubber sole
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Ventilated
- Cushioned
Cons:
- Runs small
- Not waterproof
You could mistake this pair of golf shoes for ordinary sneakers, but they have a sole with multi-directional traction to give you stability while you’re swinging on the golf course. They’re water-repellent and have a cushioned sole and a removable insole for comfort, too.
Materials: Leather upper, rubber traction
Pros:
- Water-repellent
- Look like regular sneakers
- Leather
- Good traction
Cons:
- Run big
If your feet get hot when playing, these ECCO shoes are for you. They have a lightweight leather and air channels in the midsole for breathability, and they’re also waterproof, thanks to a GORE-TEX coating. Plus, with a sole that supports 800 traction angles, you’ll have a firm grip on the ground.
Materials: Yak leather, synthetic sole
Pros:
- Waterproof and breathable
- Leather
- Removable, washable insole
Cons:
- Run narrow
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