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Curated guide

Best Golf Shoes 2026

Grip, comfort and a clubhouse-ready look.

The FootJoy Pro/SL is the golf shoe most players should buy — a spikeless, all-day-comfortable cult favourite with grip that holds on a damp slope, which is why it tops these lists year after year. Want maximum traction and stability for fuller swings or hilly courses? The spiked adidas Tour360. Want buy-once leather that lasts seasons? The ECCO BIOM or PAYNTR. This is the one piece of kit you stand in for every shot and every step, so comfort and grip matter more than anything, and we've leaned on the pairs testers and owners genuinely rate.

The big decision is spikeless versus spiked. Spikeless soles are more versatile and comfortable to walk in on and off the course, and grip fine in dry-to-normal conditions — which is why they dominate. Spikes still give more bite on wet turf, steep lies and in faster swings, so pick based on your courses and your weather rather than fashion. After that it's waterproofing (worth it for anyone who plays in dew or rain) and the eternal trade-off between plush athletic uppers and premium leather that lasts longer but takes time to break in.

These span everyday spikeless heroes to premium leather and grippy spiked tour shoes, with options around $150 up past $250. Honest note: fit is personal and varies a lot between brands and lasts, so try before you buy where you can — especially the firmer premium leather pairs that need a few rounds to soften up.

  1. The 2026 generation of FootJoy's flagship spikeless shoe, redesigned with tour pro input and a brand new outsole and upper.

  2. The 2025/26 generation of adidas's long-running flagship Tour360 line, combining a waterproof leather upper with BOOST cushioning and a spikeless Traxion outsole.

  3. ECCO's flagship spikeless golf shoes (the C5, and the still-loved older C4), aimed at golfers who want a proper premium leather shoe that walks like a trainer and lasts more than one season.

  4. Nike's spikeless take on its popular Air Zoom Infinity Tour. You get the same cushioned platform built around two Air Zoom units, but instead of replaceable cleats it rides on a moulded rubber outsole with a tour-derived lug pattern. The upper is a light, breathable mesh with leather overlays, wrapped in a waterproof skin, and it leans hard into the modern sneaker look rather than a traditional brogue.

  5. PAYNTR's flagship spiked shoe, co-created with Jason Day, blending a classic leather silhouette with a carbon fibre plate and modern foam.

  6. 06

    TRUE Linkswear LUX Pro

    TRUE Linkswear

    The LUX Pro is TRUE Linkswear's premium leather spikeless shoe, the result of a decade of tinkering with their go-anywhere walking formula. Full-grain waterproof leather upper, a WANDERLUX superfoam midsole that soaks up the pounding of a walking round, a snug padded heel cup, and a low 6mm drop that keeps you close to the ground. Around 11.5 oz per shoe, so genuinely light. It is the kind of shoe you can play 18 in, then walk into a bar without looking like you came straight off the range.

  7. A spiked, waterproof golf shoe built on a genuine wide (E) last. It pairs Under Armour's HOVR foam midsole with a low-profile rotational-resistance spike setup, an engineered microfibre upper and a moulded heel. It sits in the value-to-midrange bracket rather than the premium tier, and is the easy-fitting, no-drama option for players who find most golf shoes pinch.

Frequently asked

What are the best golf shoes in 2026?
The FootJoy Pro/SL for most golfers — spikeless, comfortable all day and grippy enough for most conditions. Choose the adidas Tour360 for maximum spiked traction, or ECCO and PAYNTR leather pairs if you want premium, long-lasting build.
Spiked or spikeless golf shoes — which is better?
Spikeless are more versatile and comfortable to walk in on and off the course, and grip well in dry-to-normal conditions. Spikes give more traction on hills, wet turf and in fuller swings, so pick based on your courses and weather.
How long should golf shoes last?
A good pair lasts several seasons with care, though waterproof membranes and soft spikeless soles wear faster with heavy use. Rotating two pairs and drying them properly between rounds extends their life considerably.
Are waterproof golf shoes worth it?
If you play in any wet or early-morning dew, yes — dry feet make a real difference to comfort and focus. Most quality golf shoes now include a waterproof warranty, but check the rating and keep them clean to maintain it.
Should I size golf shoes the same as my trainers?
Usually, but it varies by brand and last — athletic spikeless models often fit close to your trainer size, while premium leather pairs can run narrow or need breaking in. If you're between sizes or have wider feet, look for a wide fitting and try before you buy, since a golf shoe you stand in for four hours has to fit right.

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