Golf shoes get less attention than clubs or balls, but they’re equally important. Bad shoes ruin your stability, create discomfort, and undermine performance. Good shoes disappear—you don’t think about them, which means they’re doing their job. Here’s what’s actually worth buying in 2025.

FootJoy Pro/SL remains the gold standard for traditional spiked golf shoes. They’re comfortable out of the box, provide excellent stability, and the spike system gives serious traction on slopes and in wet conditions. They’re not cheap ($250-300), but they last and perform consistently. If you walk regularly, the cushioning holds up over 18 holes without fatigue.

The downside of Pro/SLs is they look like traditional golf shoes—nobody’s confusing them for sneakers. If you want versatility to wear them off-course, these aren’t it. They’re pure golf shoes, which is fine if that’s what you want but limiting if you prefer multi-purpose footwear.

Adidas Tour360 is FootJoy’s main competitor in the traditional spiked category. Similar price point, similar performance. The fit tends to run slightly wider, which helps if you have wider feet. The boost cushioning technology is excellent for walking—it returns energy and reduces fatigue. The latest models look better than previous versions, more modern and less clunky.

For spikeless options, the FootJoy Flex is brilliant value. Around $150, comfortable, breathable, and provides adequate traction for most conditions. You wouldn’t want them in wet conditions on severe slopes, but for regular golf they’re perfect. Plus you can wear them off-course without looking ridiculous.

Puma Ignite is the best-looking golf shoe on the market. They’ve partnered with fashion designers and created shoes that work as lifestyle sneakers when you’re not golfing. Performance is solid—good comfort, decent traction, modern cushioning. They’re marketed to younger golfers, but there’s no age limit on wanting shoes that look good.

The trade-off with fashion-forward golf shoes is durability sometimes suffers. Puma Ignites look great but might not last as long as more traditional models. If you’re playing 2-3 times a week year-round, you’ll wear through them faster than FootJoys or Adidas. Budget for replacing them more frequently.

Nike Infinity Tour is intriguing because Nike’s exited the golf equipment market but continues making shoes. The grip is excellent, the comfort is typical Nike quality, and the styling is modern without being try-hard. Availability in Australia can be hit-or-miss since Nike’s golf commitment is unclear, but if you find them at a good price, they’re worth buying.

ECCO Biom is the premium option for walkers. They’re expensive ($300+), but the comfort is unmatched for 36-hole days or hilly courses. The leather is high quality, the construction is superior, and they mold to your feet over time. If you’re serious about walking and have the budget, ECCOs justify the cost.

One warning about ECCOs: they require break-in time. Don’t buy them the day before a tournament. Wear them for several casual rounds first. Once broken in, they’re phenomenal. Before that, you might get blisters or hotspots.

For budget-conscious buyers, Skechers Go Golf is surprisingly good. Around $120, comfortable enough for casual golf, adequate traction, and they last reasonably well. They’re not elite performance shoes, but for weekend warriors or people new to golf, they deliver far more than the price suggests.

The reality is that most amateur golfers don’t need $300 shoes. Unless you’re a low-handicap player generating serious torque and power, the performance difference between $150 and $300 shoes is minimal. Focus on fit, comfort, and basic functionality. Spending extra for marginal gains doesn’t make sense for most players.

Waterproofing is the one feature worth paying for. Playing in the rain or morning dew with non-waterproof shoes is miserable. Almost all golf shoes claim waterproofing, but quality varies. FootJoy, Adidas, and ECCO generally deliver genuine waterproofing. Budget brands sometimes cut corners here.

Spiked vs spikeless depends on your priorities. Spikes provide better traction, especially on slopes or in wet conditions. Spikeless is more comfortable for walking, more versatile off-course, and sufficient for most situations. I own both and choose based on conditions and course.

One emerging trend is sustainability in golf shoe manufacturing. Several brands now offer shoes made with recycled materials or environmentally-friendly processes. The performance isn’t compromised, and if you care about environmental impact, these options exist. Adidas and Puma lead here.

Fit is more important than brand. The best shoe in the world is useless if it doesn’t fit your foot properly. Try them on, walk around the shop, and if possible, wear them at home for a day before committing. Different brands fit differently—FootJoy runs narrow, Adidas runs wider, ECCO is somewhere in between.

Some courses ban spikes or restrict spike types. Check before you buy if you’re planning to play certain courses regularly. Most modern spiked shoes use soft spikes that are acceptable everywhere, but a few courses still ban them entirely. Spikeless shoes avoid this issue entirely.

Replacement spikes are cheap and easy to change. If you buy spiked shoes, keep spare spikes on hand and replace them when they wear down. Worn spikes provide minimal traction and defeat the purpose of spiked shoes. Checking and replacing spikes twice a season is usually sufficient.

One thing I appreciate about golf shoe evolution is the comfort improvements over the last decade. Shoes from 10-15 years ago were often stiff, required significant break-in, and caused blisters. Modern golf shoes use better materials, improved cushioning, and more thoughtful design. Even budget shoes are more comfortable than mid-tier shoes used to be.

The online vs in-store decision is tricky with shoes. Trying them on in-store ensures proper fit, but online prices are often significantly cheaper. My approach is to try on in-store to determine size and fit, then buy online if the price difference is substantial. It’s not ideal for local retailers, but it’s economically rational.

Golf shoe lifespan depends on usage. Playing twice a week, you’ll probably get 1-2 years from quality shoes before they need replacing. Signs it’s time: worn out spikes that can’t be replaced, soles separating from uppers, significant creasing that affects fit, or waterproofing failure. Don’t limp along with dead shoes—replace them.

Final advice: buy shoes that fit properly and meet your basic needs. Don’t overspend on features you won’t use. Don’t underspend and suffer with terrible shoes. The $150-200 range hits the sweet spot for most golfers—good enough quality, reasonable price, and decent longevity. That’s where I’d start unless you have specific requirements that justify spending more or less.