9 Best Golf Shoes for Walking – Pros & Cons of Each [2024]

Did you know that walking during your round of golf instead of riding in a cart burns nearly double the amount of calories?

That’s a significant difference, especially in a day and time when many folks struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Any extra amount of cardiovascular exercise is almost always a good thing.

All of that being said, walking a full 18-hole round of golf is tough on the feet. Luckily, there are plenty of golf shoes on the market that provide plenty of comfort and protection. Whether you’ve been walking courses for years or are just starting to move away from using a cart, the right golf shoe can make all the difference in the world.

The following list breaks down the pros and cons of some of the most highly-rated golf shoes on the market. Our goal is to help you make the best decision when it’s time to buy a new pair of golf shoes for the course.

Any of these 9 choices will work great for folks who prefer to walk the course instead of riding in a golf cart.

For golfers that just need a quick recommendation, here a side-by-side comparison of our top 3 choices:

 

1. Skechers Men’s Pivot Spikeless Golf Shoe (Most Comfortable)

Pros

• High level of comfort, even when walking a full 18-hole round of golf
• Made with an Ultra Go Foam that doesn’t require a break-in period
• It’s a mid-top golf shoe that provides a decent level of ankle protection
• The mesh upper portion is made from synthetic materials that hold up well in wet conditions
• These spikeless shoes are legal on any course
• Specifically designed to repel water and stay lightweight at all times
• Engineered with GOGA MAX technology for just the right amount of cushion
• Sides of the shoe are perforated to increase breathability and reduce sweating
• These golf shoes from Skechers make it super-easy to turn your pivot foot during the golf swing

Cons

• Some golfers have complained that these golf shoes run a little bit small, so you might want to consider ordering a half-size larger than you’re used to wearing
• Others have said that the heel portion of the shoe fits too loosely on their feet
• This isn’t a waterproof golf shoe. It’s only water resistant
• Some folks have questioned the durability of this golf shoe

I’ve worn dozens of different shoes, and the Skechers Men’s Pivots are by far the most comfortable golf shoes for my feet. I usually walk the course during my rounds, and these shoes don’t weigh my feet down at all.

My favorite feature of the Pivots is that no break-in period is needed. They conform to your feet so that you won’t have to worry about any painful, annoying blisters. No wonder PGA Tour golfers like Matt Kuchar wear these golf shoes.

 

2. PUMA Men’s Ignite Fasten8 Golf Shoe (Best Value)

Pros

• The upper portion of this shoe is made of mesh to provide added ventilation and maximum breathability
• Engineered with precisely placed lugs to give golfers more traction during their backswings
• Comes with nylon straps so that golfers can wrap their feet for added protection
• PUMA honors a very impressive 1-year waterproof warranty on these golf shoes
• Available in 7 different color patterns that are all stylish and sleek
• No break-in period is needed, which is a nice bonus
• It has an extra thin TPU liner placed in the proper areas for added stability

Cons

• The mesh part of the shoe is difficult to keep clean, especially on golf courses with lots of dirt
• The regular fit may be too narrow for some golfers
• Not as durable as some folks would like them to be
• Not enough arch support for folks with recurring foot pain in that area

Need a golf shoe that’s great for walking the course, but won’t cost you an arm and a leg? Check out the Ignite Fasten8 from PUMA. These golf shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and durable. PGA Tour superstar Rickie Fowler has been endorsing PUMA for several years.

The PUMA Ignite Fasten8 has a special midsole foam for even more comfort and cushioning. This means you can wear these shoes right away without fearing foot pain or annoying blisters.

 

3. Footjoy Traditions Golf Shoe (Best Waterproof Golf Shoes)

Pros

• A classic-looking golf shoe that’s available in 6 different color patterns
• Made out of fashionable leather, which makes them perfect for both the golf course and the country club
• Footjoy gives you a 1-year waterproof warranty with these golf shoes
• Insole is made with extra cushioning to maximize comfort and support around the heel
• Fully rounded toe feels excellent to most golfers
• Comes with soft spikes on the bottom to give you lots of traction and grip on any surface
• Spikes can be easily replaced when needed
• Footjoy is one of the most respected brands in the golf shoe industry

Cons

• A few people have gotten blisters near their heels
• Some golfers have had sizing issues and had to do returns
• The soft spikes aren’t durable enough for some golfers who play pretty often

Your golf shoes must be waterproof if you play golf in any tropical climate. The Footjoy Traditions are the best golf shoes for wet conditions. With these little beauties, your feet will stay dry as a bone, even during a complete downpour.

If you buy the Footjoy Traditions, it’s best to play it safe and try to break them in before playing a full round of golf. The shoes are very comfortable, but it can take a while for the stiffness of the leather to subside. The last pair of these that I bought, I wore them around the house for a few days before playing golf in them.

 

4. New Balance Breeze Golf Shoe (Best for Summer)

Pros

• Built with a water guard to repel moisture at a high level
• Made of durable synthetic materials and an insanely comfortable rubber sole
• The insole has some extra cushioning to ensure a perfect fit
• One of the best low-top golf shoes on the market
• The upper portion is made of mesh to cut down on heat and sweat
• Spikeless design makes these one of the top choices for walking instead of riding in a cart
• The foam that New Balance uses is 30% heavier than other golf shoes, which gives extra protection to the feet

Cons

• Some golfers have said that the sizes run a little too small
• The toe box isn’t as wide as some other shoes that New Balance offers
• Only comes in 4 colors

Do you play lots of golf during the dog days of summer? If so, you may be sick and tired of your feet feeling hot and sweaty while walking your 18 holes. Before next summer rolls around, consider ordering a pair of New Balance Breeze golf shoes.

Want to hear something else incredible about the New Balance Breeze golf shoes? They provide such a high level of comfort that you won’t even need to spend any time breaking them in. Even folks with serious foot issues like plantar fasciitis are highly impressed by how much support these golf shoes give them.

 

5. Nike Lunar Control Vapor 2 Golf Shoes (Most Breathable)

Pros

• Available in 10 different styles and color schemes, which means there’s truly something for every golfer
• Provides plenty of traction during the pivoting portion of the golf swing, even though there are no spikes
• Rubber soles repel water at a high rate, which is excellent if rain is in the forecast
• Designed by Nike’s high-level engineers to provide grip, support, and lots of stability
• Has a superb midsole that gives golfers just a little extra cushioning
• Made with Flywire technology to promote a perfect fit
• Tapered toe design makes your feet feel more secure
• The material is made to flex so that you don’t have to break the shoes in

Cons

• Nike golf shoes can sometimes run a little too small and too narrow
• Some golfers have complained that the toe box isn’t large enough for them
• Some reviewers have said that the comfort level doesn’t last long

Do you like playing lots of golf in the hot summer months like June, July, and August? If so, you need a golf shoe that’s both lightweight and breathable. This option from Nike will provide both of those features so that your feet will stay as dry as possible, even on those brutally hot days on the course.

Nike knows how to make comfortable shoes, and their golf shoes are no different. These bad boys are stylish and feel more like cross-trainer sneakers than golf shoes. These are safe to wear right out of the box without needing a break-in period.

 

6. Adidas Response Bounce (Best Women’s Golf Shoe)

Pros

• Has extra grooves for added comfort and cushioning
• Comes with 6 replaceable spikes that are great for extra grip and stability during the golf swing
• An excellent option for golfers who prefer low-top golf shoes
• Most of the shoe is made out of 100% leather, except for the rubber soles
• Lots of golfers love the extra room in the toe box that these shoes provide
• The insole has some added cushioning to give your feet plenty of protection
• It’s a water-resistant golf shoe that can handle the elements quite well

Cons

• Not an ideal choice for sweltering weather, according to some reviewers
• These aren’t waterproof, so keep that in mind if lots of rain is in the forecast
• Requires a more extended than usual break-in period to avoid foot pain and possible blisters

adidas is no stranger to the footwear game, so it shouldn’t be a shock that they made our list with the best women’s golf shoe in the industry. The replaceable spikes ensure that golfers will have plenty of traction and grip at all times, no matter how slick the surface. The soles of these golf shoes also hold up incredibly well over time.

The adidas Response Bounce are very comfortable for most people. However, you’ll need to set aside a few days to properly break them in before wearing them for an entire round of golf. There simply isn’t enough flex in these shoes to wear them right out of the box for long periods.

 

7. Skechers Max Rover Relaxed Fit (Best Mid-Top Golf Shoe)

Pros

• Ultra Flight midsole makes this one of the most comfortable shoes in the golf industry
• Mid-top design makes this an ideal choice for golfers with ankle or foot issues
• The rubber outsole strikes a good balance between comfort and durability
• One of the lightest mid-top golf shoes on the market
• Skechers made these to fit somewhat snugly in the heel but with extra room in the toe area
• Repels water at a decent rate, even though it’s not a waterproof golf shoe
• Designed with GOGA MAX technology, which gives these golf shoes extra padding
• Provides a ton of grip during the golf swing, especially for a golf shoe without spikes
• Comes with laces but can also be worn as a slip-on shoe once the laces are tightly tied

Cons

• They’re not ideal during heavy rain since they aren’t 100% waterproof
• Lots of reviewers have said these golf shoes run pretty big, so keep that in mind when ordering
• Insole is hard to remove if you want to replace it with one that’s thicker

Are you a golfer that’s suffered from ankle problems but still prefers to walk your rounds instead of riding? If so, you need an excellent mid-top golf shoe with a comfortable liner. The Skechers Max Rover Relaxed Fit may be your best bet because it checks all the boxes.

These golf shoes may offer a relaxed fit, but many people still need to adhere to a break-in period. The material is sturdy enough to provide foot protection but flexible enough to keep you comfortable for a full 18 holes.

 

8. Callaway Coronado V2 Golf Shoe (Most Durable)

Pros

• One of the highest-rated waterproof golf shoes on the planet
• Comes with a 2-year waterproof warranty, which is almost unheard of these days
• Made of just the right combination of high-performance mesh and microfiber leather
• Engineered with a unique heel stabilizer for even more support during the pivot portion of the golf swing
• The midsole has a specialty foam to keep you comfortable for an entire round of walking the course
• Though these golf shoes are spikeless, traction isn’t a problem at all

Cons

• Run a little bit small, so most folks recommend going up half a size when you order them
• Only comes in 4 color choices
• They can feel a bit slick on flat surfaces, so be careful on the cart paths or just avoid them altogether if you’re walking instead of riding

Most golfers know that Callaway makes excellent golf equipment like drivers, irons, and golf balls. However, don’t sleep on Callaway’s line of golf shoes! The Coronado V2 is waterproof and highly durable, even for folks who play several rounds of golf per week.

The Callaway Coronados are built just like regular cross-training tennis shoes. This means most people won’t need to break them in before playing a full round of golf. That’s a bonus for what’s already a very good golf shoe.

 

9. Under Armour Tour Tips Golf Shoe (Best Low-Top)

Pros

• Designed with a lightweight insole that gives golfers extra comfort and support
• Soles are made of a highly durable material called Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
• Under Armour stands behind these shoes by offering all buyers a 2-year waterproof warranty
• Strikes a nice balance between moisture protection and maximum breathability
• An ideal choice for golfers who prefer low-top shoes
• Has a sporty, fashionable look that fits nicely on the course and off of it
• It doesn’t have traditional spikes, but the bottom still provides a high level of grip and traction

Cons

• The price is a little on the high side
• A small number of folks have had issues with the bottom soles
• Some people wish they fit a little more loosely on their feet

Under Armour has become a significant player in the sports equipment industry. The company has also greatly improved its line of golf apparel. The Tour Tips are an incredible choice for golfers who want lightweight, waterproof golf shoes.

You won’t have to worry about breaking in these golf shoes. They’re built just like cross-training sneakers, meaning they should bend and flex just enough to conform to the shape of your feet. There’s a whole lot to like about this golf shoe!