By: GOLF Editors
Golf was created with walking in mind. After all, there were no motorized golf carts or even push carts at the time of the sport’s origin. As the years went by, golf trolleys, as they’re called in Europe (push or pull carts in the U.S.), helped golfers transport their clubs from point A to point B while preserving the beautiful art of walking the course.
Today, motorized carts mean big revenue for many golf facilities, but walking remains at the game’s core. Whether a leisurely round or an intense competition, walking provides health benefits, keeps the golfer grounded and focused, and is how the game was meant to be played.
Finding a comfortable, supportive, stable, and durable golf shoe is vital to maximizing the walking experience. We hope our guide to the best golf shoes for walking helps narrow your search for the right pair for you.
Top 10 best golf shoes for walking
Best versatility: TRUE Lux Hybrid
Best bang for your buck: Callaway Men’s Solana SL v2 Golf Shoes
Best comfort: Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT%
Best lightweight: FootJoy Superlites XP
Best stability: Puma IGNITE Articulate Golf Shoes
Best style: Adidas CODECHAOS 22 Spikeless Golf Shoes
Best breathability: FootJoy Flex
Best waterproof: ECCO Men’s Golf Biom H4 Shoe
Best premium: ECCO M Biom C4 Shoe
Best spikeless: Skechers Relaxed Fit: GO GOLF Drive 5
How we chose the best golf shoes for walking
We researched manufacturer specifications, including cost, comfort, stability, style, breathability, premium features, and more, to create a shortlist of the top golf shoes. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best walking golf shoes for each category.
Best versatility: TRUE Lux Hybrid
All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy a linked product, GOLF.COM may earn a fee. Pricing may vary.
Benefits
— Adaptive knit technology
— TOUR-level performance
— Waterproof
Drawbacks
— Subpar performance in muddy conditions
The TRUE Lux Hybrid offers adaptive knit technology and TOUR-level performance in a fully waterproof golf shoe. With a leather saddle for a premium, stylish look, the TRUE Lux Hybrid provides great stability for a stress-free stroll down the fairway.
The new Achilles heel pad, TPU heel stabilizer, and high retention elastic heel lock system give you a superior fit and feel. Additional features include a TPU mud guard that keeps the shoes drier and more comfortable, a TOUR-tested tread for stability, a transitional drop for a softer feel, and a more natural fit for a complete shoe that will satisfy any golfer.
Size range: 7-15 | Material: 100% Napa leather saddle | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Best bang for your buck: Callaway Men’s Solana SL v2 Golf Shoes
Benefits
— Waterproof
— Performance mesh
— Opti-dri protection
Drawbacks
— Not offered in extra-wide models
The lightweight and waterproof Callaway Solana SL v2 Golf Shoes are a fantastic option for the budget-conscious consumer. This shoe is made of performance mesh and microfiber leather and is the right choice for golfers who prefer to strap on their golf bag and walk the course. The forged DX midsole gives the golfer a natural, comfortable ground feel when walking.
Dura-Rubber multidirectional lugs provide extra traction on the surface and prevent slipping during your golf swing. Patented Callaway Opti-dri protection means your feet will be as dry after play as before you slipped on these comfortable and breathable shoes. The Opti-vent mesh liner controls heat, preventing sweat from impeding your progress.
Size range: 8-16 (Medium, Wide) | Material: Performace mesh, microfiber leather | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Best comfort: Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT%
Benefits
— More foot room than its predecessor
— Better forefoot cushioning
— Offered in 10 colors
Drawbacks
— Not waterproof
The Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Infinity Tour. With more foot room, better cushioning, and added traction, the Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% is a complete shoe with many great features to simultaneously up your shoe game and golf game.
This shoe, made of a comfortable and breathable textile, keeps your feet from sweating while hugging and supporting them, while its foam component provides reactive durability. The plush, padded collar keeps your heel in place while walking or swinging, and the spiked forefoot and heel prevent slipping.
Size range: Men’s 3.5-16 | Material: Breathable textile, foam | Waterproof: No | Spikes: Spiked forefoot and heel
Benefits
— Waterproof
— Lightweight
— Fine-tuned foam
Drawbacks
— Not offered in extra wide fit
The FootJoy Superlites XP is a fine lightweight shoe that’s waterproof and constructed of fine-tuned foam for a soft feel whenever you walk the course. The waterproof technology ensures your feet stay dry during the round, so you can wear the shoes to dinner or to run errands.
The synthetic material provides durability to give you the confidence to walk those additional 18 holes when one round is already in the books for the day. This shoe has a Laser Plus Last fit with a well-rounded toe character, and the thicker insole increases cushioning for more comfort. You’ll benefit from excellent stability thanks to the infinity outsole and its 189 points of traction.
Size range: 7-15 (Medium, Wide) | Material: Fine-tuned foam | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Best stability: Puma IGNITE Articulate Golf Shoes
Benefits
— Waterproof
— Pro-fit insole
— Offered in 7 colors
Drawbacks
— Hard to get them on your feet
The Puma IGNITE Articulate Golf Shoe has a strong yet lightweight saddle that’s thinner across the middle to accommodate different foot shapes comfortably. This stability, along with the added flex provided by strategically placed grooves in the outsole, midsole, and upper, provide exceptional support and confidence when walking the course or taking dead aim at every shot.
The eight-cleat traction pattern means your feet will be secure on the longest of golf shots and widest of swings. You’ll also be glad when trekking up and down those hillier terrains. The IGNITE foam delivers energy in your motion and unparalleled comfort and feel for hours.
Size range: 7-15 | Material: IGNITE foam | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: HEX traction lugs, pro-form TPU, tornado cleat
Best style: Adidas CODECHAOS 22 Spikeless Golf Shoes
Benefits
— Awesome athletic appearance
— Waterproof
— Offered in 7 colors
Drawbacks
— Lack of wide sizes
The Adidas CODECHAOS 22 golf shoe is made of 50% recycled material. The rubber-wrapping spikeless outsole with Twist Grip provides stance stability and traction. The full-length Boost midsole maximizes the energy produced by such technology and allows you to confidently put your all into every swing.
The INSITE sock liner provides comfort and a snug fit that lets you walk the course and head home without changing your shoes. With the look this shoe provides, you’ll want to wear it everywhere you go.
Size range: 7-15 | Material: 50% recycled materials | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Benefits
— Performance mesh construction
— Lightweight
— Cushioned midsole
Drawbacks
— Not waterproof
The FootJoy Flex golf shoe has a lightweight design and performance mesh construction providing great breathability. The cushioned midsole offers a super comfortable walk and stability on the course. The versatile traction of the outsole adds more stability, whether swinging the club or walking in wet conditions or on uneven terrain. With a traditional sneaker look, you can wear this shoe to and from the course, as well as on it.
This shoe has a laser sport fit with a rounded toe and an athletic look thanks to a toe spring and narrow heel. There’s a FootJoy Flex shoe for every golfer out there, as it’s offered in medium, wide, and extra wide.
Size range: 7-15 (Medium, Wide, Extra Wide) | Material: Breathable mesh, rubber | Waterproof: No | Spikes: Spikeless
Best waterproof: ECCO Men’s Golf Biom H4 Shoe
Benefits
— Updated, state-of-the-art outsole
— Waterproof
— Offered in five colors
Drawbacks
— Excessive wear and tear in leather and lacing reported in customer reviews
The ECCO Men’s Golf Biom H4 Shoe is made of durable, high-quality leather, micro-perforated embossing, and top-of-the-line Gore-Tex waterproof technology. The MTN Grip outsole offers features like ECCO’s signature FLUIDFORM technology and PU midsole with TPU inserts that provide stability, security, comfort, and feel. This is a high-quality shoe from a longtime staple in men’s golf shoes.
BIOM Natural Motion technology provides added security and makes you feel closer to the ground, a huge factor in a more effective golf swing. X-Tensa Invisible Technology provides additional protection by linking the sole unit to the laces. The removable and washable Ortholite inlay gives this stellar golf shoe a cushiony feel and breathability.
Size range: 5-14.5 | Material: ECCO leather | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Best premium: ECCO Men’s Golf Biom C4 Shoe
Benefits
— Waterproof
— 360-degree breathability
— Exhaust GRID allows for air ventilation around the sole of the foot
Drawbacks
— Expensive
The ECCO Men’s Golf Biom C4 Shoe is a premium leather product from a worldwide trendsetter in footwear. With 360-degree breathability and 100% waterproof technology, your feet will be cool and dry regardless of the climate or conditions. The Gore-Tex Surround construction and Exhaust Grid allow air ventilation through the sole of the foot.
The stretchy inner mesh sock ensures a comfortable, secure grip that protects your foot and provides exceptional comfort for hours. ECCO FLUIDFORM Direct Comfort Technology gives the golfer extra cushion, rebound through the swing, and flexibility when in stride. The removable Ortholite inlay gives a cushiony feel and breathability for the long term.
Size range: 5-13.5 | Material: ECCO performance leather, mesh sock | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Best spikeless: Skechers Relaxed Fit: GO GOLF Drive 5
Benefits
— Leather and synthetic upper
— Removable Arch Fit insole and Goodyear Performance Outsole
— Waterproof
Drawbacks
— Only offered in 3 sizes
Offered in four colors and fully waterproof, the Skechers Relaxed Fit: GO GOLF Drive 5 golf shoe features the Skechers patented Arch Fit insole system that provides stellar comfort and support. The removable insole molds to your feet to give you exceptional feel and stability when walking the course or swinging the golf club.
The Goodyear Performance Outsole provides traction, stability, and durability for a complete and affordable golf shoe. The lightweight design offers a seamless stroll through 18 holes and beyond, as the everyday style of the shoe means it fits into your wardrobe on and off the course.
Size range: 8.5-11.5 | Material: Leather, synthetic upper | Waterproof: Yes | Spikes: Spikeless
Walk this way, whether on or off the course
Although many golfers enjoy the leisurely experience that a motorized golf cart provides, many others still prefer to walk their golf rounds, whether a quick nine after work or 18 holes on Sunday morning with their buddies at the club. Being comfortable during play has proven advantages in the golfer’s performance and enjoyment of the day.
Golf apparel manufacturers are developing technology that keeps golfers dry and cool in hot conditions and warm and comfortable when it’s cold. Golf shoes follow that trend by offering state-of-the-art technology to please the golfing consumer. Choosing the best shoe takes some research. We hope our list provides insight and a more straightforward path to a comfortable walk on the golf course.
How to pick the right walking golf shoes for you
When choosing the right golf shoe for walking, weighing all your options is important. Figure out your budget and the style of shoe you desire. Look for stability, comfort, and durability. Ensure it’s waterproof for those early morning rounds or for playing after the rain stops.
Price
Great golf shoes for walking come in a wide range of price points. Your head could spin with all the options — from $75 to $300. Narrowing down this factor beforehand will make your search much more manageable.
Comfort
There’s no more important factor in any footwear than comfort. Whether it’s a dress shoe, sneaker, bowling shoe, or golf shoe, you must protect your feet by finding one that provides comfort and a proper fit.
Durability
With the expensive nature of golf shoes, durability is a huge factor to consider. Read the reviews and try them on for yourself. Investing in high-quality materials and a proven brand is always a smart play.
FAQ
Are golf shoes good for walking on concrete?
You should avoid walking on concrete with spiked golf shoes, as the spikes will wear down faster, and you’ll have absolutely no traction or stability on the hard surface. Spikeless golf shoes will also wear down in time but are much more conducive to hard surfaces, as they’re meant to be worn to or from the course, as well as on it.
Is it OK to play golf in running shoes?
Many novices and beginning golfers wear sneakers or running shoes to play golf. This is fine as long as no sharp points on the soles will damage the greens. With minimal traction on wet or grassy surfaces, you’ll see your feet slip and move around during the swing more than you’d prefer, likely triggering a quick trip to your local golf shop for that first pair of golf shoes.
What’s the golf shoe rule?
Governed under the USGA Rules of Golf Rule 4 Use of Equipment, golf shoes may help a player establish a more secure stance, but they must not have the following features:
- Design to assist the player in taking his stance and/or building a stance;
- Design to assist the player with his alignment; or
- Design that might otherwise assist the player in making a stroke or in his play.
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FAQs
Do golf shoes make good walking shoes? ›
Many of the golf shoes that are good for walking are mesh, sneaker type shoes. These tend to be a great fit because of how lightweight and comfortable they are. However, for players that are looking for a bit more stability in their game, the Under Armour Men's Spieth 3 is a great choice.
Do you want golf shoes tight or loose? ›At the top of your shoe, where your laces tie, there should be a space about a thumb's width wide. There should be approximately half an inch between your longest toe and the end of your shoe. There should be no excess movement in your shoe when you walk.
Are golf sandals good for walking? ›When it comes to walking and hiking, golf sandals are a much better option compared to actually playing a round of golf. The added traction spikes make them superior to other sandals in terms of grip, though ankle high closed toed hiking boots are recommended for more serious journeys.
What golf shoes does Phil Mickelson use? ›As an avid golfer, Giannulli is said to test every shoe before it launches to market. On the PGA Tour, G/Fore shoes are worn by Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson, just to name a few. At the games highest level, elegance and luxury are useless is the shoes do not perform on golf's biggest stage.
Can I wear Ecco golf shoes for walking? ›Our golf shoes are build to support all 26 bones, 32 muscles and 112 ligaments in your foot. Your walk in a pair of ECCO Golf Shoes should feel as fresh on the 18th green as it did on the 1st tee. You never need to break in a pair of ECCO Golf Shoes, since they are build to deliver comfort right out of the box.
Are golf shoes different than regular sneakers? ›While regular sneakers with flat bottoms might wear down quickly on the course, golf footwear is built to withstand the wear and tear of playing 18 holes. Their wide-track rubber bottoms and sharp spikes also help you get a better grip on the grass of the course, so your shots are more precise.
Should golf shoes be a half size bigger? ›The proper fit is to have about a half-inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If you cannot wiggle your toes then the shoes are too small. If there is more than that half-inch or so of space then they are too big. Finally, get up and move around with your golf shoes on.
What is proper golf footwear? ›Shoes: Wear golf shoes with hard rubber, plastic, or other non-metal (soft) spikes. (You can wear running shoes or sneakers with good grip if you don't have golf shoes). Don't wear metal spikes as they tear up the course. Don't wear boots, street shoes, or sandals.
Do socks affect shoe size? ›Yes. Thick socks could make your shoes smaller by at least half a size or 1 size. This mainly affects well fitting or form fitting shoes such as slip on/off high heel shoes that will be impossible to wear comfortably with thick socks.
How do you prepare for walking golf? ›- Step 1: Decide Whether to Carry or Push. If you've never walked 18 holes before, walking with a caddie who will carry your bag or using a push cart are the least physically-demanding options. ...
- Step 2: Build Your Base. ...
- Step 3: Factor in Fatigue. ...
- Step 4: Focus on Nutrition.
Do you wear socks with golf shoes? ›
Socks. Short ankle socks are appropriate on the golf course. However, in extremely hot conditions you could potentially wear 'golf sandals' without socks. Golf sandals have enough grip but allow plenty of air around your feet.
What golf shoes did Tiger Woods wear? ›Woods continues to wear Nike apparel with his FootJoy golf shoes. However, that is not stopping his competitors from playing in his signature line with Nike.
Why isn t Tiger wearing Nike golf shoes? ›“I have very limited mobility now with the rods and plates and screws that are in my leg,” he says. “I needed something different, something that allowed me to be more stable. That's what I've gone to.”
Does Michael Jordan make golf shoes? ›Air Jordan 6 G
One of the more recent additions to Jordan Brand's 2023 lineup of golf shoes is the Air Jordan 6 Low Golf. This classic shoe made its basketball debut as a high-top sneaker in 1991, the same year MJ won his first NBA championship.
It's well worth investing in a pair designed specifically for walking, and fortunately you can count on Skechers for a wealth of high-quality options. A long-time leader in the walking shoe category, Skechers has styles for the casual stroller, the serious trekker, and everyone in between.
Are vans pro good for walking? ›Yes. Vans shoes offer great support with a comfortable fit all day long. The ultimate combination of function and style, they are ideal for walking due to a sturdy rubber sole and flexible canvas construction.
Are Ecco shoes good for foot pain? ›ECCO Shoes Help Minimize Foot Problems
Uniquely designed to help foot-related problems such as: Back Pain, Heel Spurs, Hip Pain, Knee Pain, Metatarsalgia (Ball of Foot Pain) and Plantar Fasciitis.
stick with a spikeless golf shoe. If comfort is the only thing you need from a “golf shoe,” then you can probably get by with a trail running shoe like the Speedgoat 5. But as a product expert, I'd advise against it if your goal is to play your best.
What is a hybrid golf shoe? ›The hybrid shoe is generally lighter, and have no removable spikes but has a symmetrical pattern of nubs and ridges on the entire sole. The style is more like sneakers, and the first model was presented in 2010 when worn by professional golfer Fred Couples at the US Masters (ECCO Streets Premiers).
Are Titleist and FootJoy the same company? ›Acushnet Holdings Corp. is a company that manufactures high-performance golf products and is driven by its two major brand names – Titleist and FootJoy.
What happens if a shoe is half size too big? ›
Other painful effects of wearing shoes that are too big include: Corns and calluses: caused by excessive pressure on the toes. Metatarsalgia: caused by too much pressure on the balls of your feet. Disrupted natural stride: resulting in Achilles tendonitis, arch pain, and pain in the calf muscles.
Is half an inch a big difference in shoe size? ›Is a Half Size in Shoes a Big Difference? A half-size represents a 1/8” difference. It may not seem significant but is enough to distinguish between comfort and discomfort. Because there is no standardisation for shoe sizing, a half size difference will also depend on the brand of shoe.
Are leather golf shoes comfortable? ›Natural leathers: Golf shoes made from genuine leathers offer a commendable level of comfort and performance. They mold to your feet, are quite breathable, naturally waterproof, and highly durable. The higher the quality of leather, the higher the cost.
Are vans good golf shoes? ›While a pair of Vans may be perfectly acceptable on the putting green and in the clubhouse, they provide little traction or support, making them a poor choice for a full round of golf.
Should my toe touch the end of my shoe? ›As a rule of thumb (or toe), you should have about 3/8″ to 1/2″ of room from the tip of your longest toe to the end of the shoe. Your big toe is not automatically your longest toe.
Is it better to buy shoes bigger or smaller? ›Buying a sneaker that is slightly larger than your foot allows for better circulation which minimizes swelling. If one foot is slightly larger than the other go for the bigger size and always consider the kind of socks you plan to wear with your shoes.
Is it better to wear thin or thick socks? ›The thinner your socks are, the more breathable they are and the more natural they feel in terms of stride. The thicker they are, the more comfortable and protective they are. The thickness of your socks should therefore be adapted to your level, but also to your desires.
What kind of socks to wear for golf? ›The Nike Dri-Fit or the Under Armour Tech are both great options for warm weather golf. If you play in more mild temperatures or cold weather golf, opt for a pair of golf socks that uses thicker fabrics. You want to make sure your feet stay warm and dry above all else when the weather isn't good.
Do you need special socks for golf? ›Don't settle for bulk traditional cotton socks. The best socks for golfers are designed for athletes and will provide the support and comfort you need to get you from the first hole to the 18th. Socks for golfers will be designed with core compression to help fight foot fatigue.
What is a golf sock? ›These compression socks are specifically designed to prevent blisters and swelling. While they're made fro running, they're great for walking 18 (or more) too.
Is it better to wear tighter or looser shoes? ›
Is it better for shoes to be tight or loose? Shoes that are on the tighter side are likely to rub, and since this friction can cause blisters, it's best to have a bit of wiggle room.
Should sport shoes be tight? ›A properly fitting running shoe should feel snug in the heel and midfoot, with wiggle room around the toes. While standing, check for proper length and width by pressing your thumb down next to the ball of your foot and around the toes. A good fit should allow for half to a full thumb's width of space.
Should driving shoes be tight? ›A driving shoe should fit snugly and be narrow enough to avoid taking up excess space in the pedal-box area of the car. Driving shoes have thin, flexible soles to maximize the driver's feel of the pedals, enabling more exacting control. In that way, they are similar to racing shoes, which also feature thin soles.
What should you look for in walking shoes? ›Cushion and traction are important with walking shoes
The outer sole of a good walking shoe provides adequate traction, naturally helping your foot grip the surface below you as you walk. Finally, the heel of a good walking shoe offers cushion and support to both your Achilles tendon and ankle.
As a rule of thumb (or toe), you should have about 3/8″ to 1/2″ of room from the tip of your longest toe to the end of the shoe. Your big toe is not automatically your longest toe.
How do I choose my shoe size? ›- Have your feet measured. ...
- Fit your shoes to the larger foot. ...
- Get measured at the end of the day when your feet are the largest. ...
- Don't rely on shoe size alone. ...
- Look at the shape of the shoe. ...
- Don't plan on shoes stretching over time. ...
- Check the width of the shoe. ...
- Check the depth of the shoe.
Other painful effects of wearing shoes that are too big include: Corns and calluses: caused by excessive pressure on the toes. Metatarsalgia: caused by too much pressure on the balls of your feet. Disrupted natural stride: resulting in Achilles tendonitis, arch pain, and pain in the calf muscles.
Does 0.5 shoe size make a difference? ›A half-size represents a 1/8” difference. It may not seem significant but is enough to distinguish between comfort and discomfort. Because there is no standardisation for shoe sizing, a half size difference will also depend on the brand of shoe. With some makes, a half size will be more significant than others.
Should you buy shoes a size bigger? ›Stick to your true size. Sometimes we think shoes that are a size smaller can stretch over time or that we can make slightly loose shoes fit better with pads and what not, but the best buys are the ones that fit your feet perfectly at the time you buy them.
Are driving shoes good for walking? ›Don'ts of Driving Shoes:
Walk around too much in them, as they are not designed for walking. You can walk in it to a nearby café or car parking, but not for a shopping trip. Wear driving shoes with socks, especially if you are wearing long pants.
Why do people wear driving shoes? ›
Driving shoes can be a great asset when it comes to safety and comfort on the road. They provide improved grip, due to the special sole that has been designed to maximize the 'pedals' contact surface, giving you extra responsiveness and control over your car.
What happens if shoes are too loose? ›Shoes that are too loose can lead to poor arch support, shin pain, and arch collapse. Loose-fitting shoes may also cause trips and falls, as your foot can't feel the surface as well as it should.