Best Golf Sneakers 2024

Golf shoe has gone down the sneaker route in the past few years and we have collated our favorite models in this guide.

Best Golf Sneakers
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

There has never been more options on the market for golf shoes. No matter what aspect of performance you value above all else, there will be something out there that fits the bill. Spiked, spikeless, waterproof, textile, casual, traditional - whatever you are after there will be a model for you. Here, however, we will be focusing on the rise of the golf sneaker. As versatile as they come, these offer golfers sneaker-like looks and feel with the performance of the best golf shoes. These shoes are designed to be worn on and off the course and offer as much comfort and style off the course as they do on it. They also add a relaxing vibe to a game that has been guilty of being stuffy and exclusive in the past. Of course, there is nothing wrong with preferring a traditional look, but more and more brands are catering for a wide array of styles and we are in full support. Check out some of our picks for the best golf sneakers below. 

WATCH: Dan Parker tests over 25 pairs of the best golf shoes to crown his 2024 winner!

The Quick List

Best Golf Sneakers

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Top pick

Nike Air Max 270 G Golf Shoes on the golf course

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Sizes: 4-9.5
Colors: 3

Reasons to buy

+
Extreme comfort and stability
+
Sneaker-style aesthetics offer versatility
+
Easy to clean synthetic uppers

Reasons to avoid

-
Snug fit, ordering a half-size up is recommended

Perhaps one of the best golf sneakers in the game, the Air Max 270 G shoe is a sporty and stylish option that can be worn both on and off the course. It comes in three different colorways with each delivering a clean and crisp aesthetic, that looks great paired up with some of the best golf trousers.

The shoe certainly appeals to a younger audience, but there is no mistaking that it is great for those looking for more comfort too. Admittedly it does fit slightly snug so we recommend trying a pair on for yourself or perhaps ordering half a size up. In testing we found it to be breathable thanks to the mesh covering the upper, and this also aided ventilation. Don't fret about protection though as this mesh is also water-resistant and reasonably easy to clean.

Akin to many of the best spikeless golf shoes out there, the Air Max 270 delivers plenty of traction on the turf thanks to the rubber ridges and bumps on the sole of the shoe. We felt pretty stable in damp conditions and that also adds to the versatility of the shoe, which we felt could be worn in almost any situation, from the course to the shops. 

Best value

Adidas S2G SL golf shoe

(Image credit: Future)
Excellent looks makes way for excellent value for money

Specifications

Sizes: 6.5-14.5
Colors: 3 (White/Charcoal, White/Green, White/Navy)

Reasons to buy

+
Superb value for money
+
Excellent on/off course wearability
+
Lightweight but quality build

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as breathable as some

For 2024, adidas introduced the S2G SL (and there is also a spiked version), to help golfers who want a shoe from dusk till dawn. Based on a running shoe design, it obviously has a sporty, modern aesthetic which really does look great everywhere. Additionally it is available in multiple colors so there should be a look and taste for everyone.

Comfort-wise, it's a much wider fit than other adidas golf shoes, so it does indeed fit true to size. Also, adidas have used their Lightstrike technology through the midsole, something we see in a lot of adidas shoes, which really gives it a lightweight and responsive feel. Overall the shoe gave top-notch cushioning as well, almost bouncy when walking down the fairway. The final point we must make is the cost easily falls into the best budget golf shoes category so there is excellent value to be had here.

Best looking

The stunning white Cole Haan GrandPro AM Golf Shoes on the golf course

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Sizes: 6-12
Colors: 2

Reasons to buy

+
Great looks
+
Versatility for off-course wear
+
Good grip in dry conditions

Reasons to avoid

-
Sizing comes up big - go down at least half a size
-
Low profile not the best for wet courses

A seriously classy looking sneaker-like golf shoe that offers bags of versatility both on and off the golf course, the Cole Haan GrandPro AM shoe is a real winner in terms of style and we certainly felt comfortable wearing these away from the golf course. We actually wore them plenty of times away from the course, from doing the food shop to going to the pub, and that was the beauty of these shoes. Buy them and you'll get a lot of use out of them. Akin to many of the best waterproof golf shoes, these sneakers are fully waterproof and will keep your feet warm and dry in some of the most adverse conditions, too, and they were very easy to wipe clean if you did manage to get them mucky. 

We tested them on a particularly rainy day and we got some good traction from the many small rubber lugs on the bottom of the shoe. We'd advise going for one of the best winter golf shoes if you're planning on playing through harsher conditions. But we really enjoyed the traction on offer here with our feet barely slipping when things got wet underfoot. They were very comfortable to wear and did the job, but the real use for these shoes will be on the course during the drier summer months, and we feel the thick sole will offer plenty of support to your knees. Overall, they are one of the most stylish golf shoes we've tested this year. 

Best unique design

G/FORE G.112 Golf Shoes resting on the golf course

(Image credit: Future)
A versatile golf shoe that packs plenty of performance

Specifications

Sizes : 6-14
Colors : 16

Reasons to buy

+
Exceptional comfort
+
The sneaker like design offers something a little different
+
Completely waterproof

Reasons to avoid

-
The spike design will put some off

The G/FORE G.112 golf shoes are a versatile and comfortable golf sneaker that offer up superb aesthetics as well as plenty of performance. Similar to many of the best G/FORE golf shoes they boast a unique design that sets them apart from many of the other fantastic options on this list. The leather upper combines seamlessly with the spongey midsole to deliver a fantastic looking shoe that we think will look great worn in social settings as well as the golf course. 

The shoe's outsole also offers plenty of traction in damp and dry ground. We think it'd be a great sneaker to wear in the summer, with the internal mesh lining offering up plenty of ventilation. And don't worry if you do get caught in the rain either! This shoe is 100% waterproof, akin to many of the best waterproof golf shoes in the game right now. 

Lastly, the highlight here was perhaps the comfort on offer. The interior is cushioned and feels superb, with your feet being supported by plenty of padding that will prevent any rubbing or annoying blisters. The built-in mesh lining on this shoe also means they offer plenty of ventilation, making the G.112's a great option to wear during the summer months. 

Best summer shoe

Nike Air Pegasus '89 Golf Shoe Review

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

Specifications

Sizes: 3.5-15
Colors: 4 (White/Green, Black/White, White/Black, Grey/Black)

Reasons to buy

+
Superb looks
+
Incredibly versatile on and off course
+
Durable and weatherproof upper

Reasons to avoid

-
High heel won’t suit all

Another Nike model to make this guide is the Pegasus 89, a worthy inclusion thanks to comfort and sneaker-style aesthetic. They don't look like golf shoes at all which is a big win when it comes to casual shoes.

As you would expect from the brand, comfort was outstanding because of the combination of underfoot cushioning and the hidden Zoom Air unit towards the heel. The grip was solid due to the rubber traction outsole and performance was also solid in damp conditions too, which can be a rare thing in the spikeless shoe market. That being said for properly wet conditions we would recommend a spiked shoe. Additionally, while synthetic leather overlays give the shoes full waterproof protection, we would recommend spraying some protector on the suede areas before you start using them.

These are a fantastic summer shoe because in addition to being great for golf, you can wear them off the course too.

Most comfortable

The Under Armour Phantom Golf Shoe sat up on the grass

(Image credit: Future)
A sneaker-style look that provides excellent comfort and support

Specifications

Sizes: 6-14
Colors: 5 (Black/Silt, White/Grey, Grey/Blue, Navy/Grey, Blue/Navy)

Reasons to buy

+
Great all-round comfort
+
Stylish, unique look
+
Locked-in feel creates major confidence

Reasons to avoid

-
Tongue-design is hard to get on and won't suit those whose ankles swell

From a looks-perspective we really like the Phantom shoes from Under Armour. The combination of the knitted upper and heel design gives a sporty feel that we really can be used on and off the golf course. 

Another big element we liked was the comfort. The shoe has a SpeedForm 2.0 sockliner for underfoot support and HOVR cushioning for stability, which we found to be extremely comfortable. Admittedly though, this knot collar design can be slightly tricky to get on, but once they are, the shoes are very comfortable indeed. 

There is a sufficient amount of grip and traction on offer in both damp and dry conditions. But again, if you want the best of the best in terms of grip, we would recommend the Under Armour Drive Pro. But for a summer-style, versatile and comfortable shoe, the Phantom is well worth considering. 

Best waterproofing

The stunning white Mizuno G-Style Golf Shoes being worn on the golf course

(Image credit: Future)
A simply stunning and versatile pair of golf shoes

Specifications

Sizes: 6.5-12
Colors: 4

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable out of the box
+
Stylish on/off course design
+
Fully waterproof upper

Reasons to avoid

-
Grip is not perfect in wet conditions

One of the best-looking golf shoes on the market right now, the Mizuno G-Style Golf Shoe is a stunning option for a variety of golfers looking for a shoe they can wear both on and off the golf course. They offer bags of versatility and when we got our hands on them, we loved that we felt really comfortable wearing them around the town as well as on the golf course. That was also helped by how comfy they are, being one of the most comfortable golf shoes around. The soft touch Kuraray synthetic leather upper makes for a very relaxed yet smart combination that is also lightweight. 

They are probably more suited to summer golf conditions. However, the grip on these shoes helps these shoes retain traction on wetter and slippery surfaces. They felt solid around the course and that is down to the rubber sole that features a ton of grippy lugs on its wide footprint. That also makes them one of the best golf shoes for wide feet. Lastly, they also come with a one-year waterproof warranty and we had no issues playing in the rain with these shoes! 

Best low design

The Nike Air Jordan 1 Low golf shoe pictured on a tee box

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Sizes: 7-15
Colors: 6+

Reasons to buy

+
High quality construction and stitching
+
Comfortable leather is easy to walk in 
+
Easy to clean

Reasons to avoid

-
May not deliver the same grip as other shoes on this list

A high-quality and stylish pair of golf shoes, the Air Jordan Low G Golf Shoes are built from genuine leather to deliver extreme comfort on the course. Their classic look pays tribute to the original Air Jordans, first released in the early 80s. However these have been redesigned for golf and really perform well. 

While the outsole has been adjusted to suit added grip on the golf course, it's still incredibly low profile. The adjustments on the outsole include a forefoot pivot circle, which offers extra traction on one of the most vital areas of the foot. We found no problems with grip in dry and damp conditions. That being said we certainly wouldn't wear these shoes in properly wet conditions, despite the 1-year waterproof warranty, but the grip in damp morning conditions was impressive. 

Ultimately, these shoes exist to look really good on - and off - the golf course with the comfort we had while walking was an added bonus. With that in mind, these are brilliant casual spikeless golf shoes

High versatility

TravisMathew Daily Pro Hybrid Golf Shoe Review

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Sizes: 7-13
Colors: 6

Reasons to buy

+
Very comfortable insole
+
Extremely versatile look
+
Good traction for a spikeless shoe

Reasons to avoid

-
We recommend ordering a size up due to the narrow fit

Our final pick is the Daily Pro Hybrid shoe from TravisMathew. Thanks to the casual aesthetic, this shoe really doesn't look like a golf shoe and as such we are confident it can be used just about anywhere. The sneaker-like design combines well with the knit upper and we like the fact it comes in six different colors too. 

We also enjoyed the superb traction too with the rubber nubs on the sole. However as much as the shoes did provide good stability, these shoes are not waterproof so that is something to be aware of. 

One big point to make for this shoe is that it does fit quite narrow and as much as the ‘SweetSpot’ cushioning felt extremely comfortable underfoot, the shoes do feel slightly tight over the bridge of the foot so we would recommend going up a size to cater for this.

How we test golf shoes

Our golf shoe testing methodology revolves around putting models to the test over a number of rounds and in different conditions. This is so we can give insight on overall performance in terms of factors like grip comfort, grip, stability, waterproofing and how they actually look on the golf course. Each of the shoes listed above has been personally tested by the Golf Monthly team, and the golf shoe category is headed up by Staff Writer Dan Parker.

Using shoes in the real world and out on the course allows us to gauge performance as well as the smaller details like how a shoe fits, does it come up small or narrow, and can it be used off the course? As these shoes are sneakers, we also used many of them in other settings around the clubhouse, or on our way to the course. That also gave us a good indication of their versatility and how well they can be styled with everyday clothing. 

We will regularly attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology. That isn't to say manufacturers can buy a good review though, as all our reviews are made by golfers, for golfers. If you're looking to find out more about the methodology behind our golf shoe testing process, take a look at our how we test guide, which also provides information on how we rank each product. 

How to choose golf shoes

There are a number of factors to consider when picking out your next pair of golf sneakers and we have listed them below; 

Comfort

When you know your size, arguably the most important factor to consider is comfort, because you will spend a lot of time in these shoes, especially if the sneaker in question is a model that can be used off the course as well. 

When trying shoes on, listen for a 'whoosh' sound which should indicate air leaving the shoe which usually suggests a good fit. Then walk around in the shoes so you can see if there is any pinching, rubbing, or whether your feet are moving around inside. This is important because if your feet slide around inside, or you get rubbing and blisters, you won't want to wear them again and they could damage your feet and hinder your performance. 

Support

Similarly, when purchasing a pair of golf sneakers you need to make sure you buy the shoe that provides you with the most support. This is especially vital if you're planning on playing regularly in these shoes with it being very easy to twist and turn your ankle while walking on an undulating course. 

Likewise, it is also very easy to put additional strain or stress on your knees or hips, if you're not wearing a well-supported pair of shoes. For that reason, you need to consider buying sneakers that keep your feet well locked into the shoe, provide good ankle support and superior cushioning underfoot. 

Waterproofing 

Waterproofing is always vital in a good golf shoe. We are outside a lot and sometimes rain can come from nowhere so it makes sense to have a shoe that can protect your feet from the rain. While golf sneakers are mostly designed for summer use, you will find some that are waterproof, as the weather can be very unpredictable, it might be a wise decision to purchase a shoe that will always keep your feet dry. It's also worth noting that some shoes are 'water-resistant' and they will survive in a short shower, but will struggle to keep the water out in significant rain. 

Grip

Golf sneakers are designed to be worn during the summer months as their lack of spikes means they are not great for use in wet or muddy terrain. But it is still always important to buy the shoe that gives you the best grip. Grip is so important as the better connection you have with the ground, the greater your performance on the course will be. Plus with a spikeless golf shoe you'll get greater versatility to wear the shoe not just on the course but off it as well. 

Spiked golf shoes offer better grip and stability but spikeless models offer better off-course versatility but might not offer as much traction. Have a think about which factor is most important to you here. As you have seen in this guide, most of the best casual golf shoes are spikeless, so check out our best spiked golf shoes guide for a comprehensive look at some spiked options.

Budget

Finally think about your budget because there are sneaker style golf shoes at most price points. Sneakers can be some of the more expensive models on the market because they combine greater style elements from some of the biggest and best apparel brands on the market. But as they are made of slightly less material compared to a spiked golf shoe, you can find some great deals on golf sneakers on the market if you shop around. 

FAQs

Are sneakers OK to wear when playing golf?

There was once a time when it would have been frowned upon to wear sneakers at a golf club, but now it seems as attitudes towards apparel are changing, so are the clothes that golfers are wearing. While there may be some clubs may still have more traditionalist rules on the type of shoes you can wear, it is generally okay to wear sneakers when playing golf. 

What sneakers are good for golf?

Sneakers aren't ideal to play golf in, in fact some golf courses won't allow them. That's where these golf sneakers are ideal as they are styled well but also perform like a good golf shoe. The benefits of a specific golf sneaker is the outsole, which will give you much more grip on course that a regular sneaker outsole. 

Do professional golfers wear spikeless golf shoes?

Yes, a lot of PGA and DP World Tour golfers wear spikeless golf shoes. As they are regularly playing in warm climates on the most well manicured golf courses, Tour pros are able to wear spikeless shoes that will still give them ample grip when playing their shots. 

Dan Parker
Staff Writer

Dan has been with Golf Monthly team since 2021. He graduated with a Masters degree in International Journalism from the University of Sussex and looks after equipment reviews and buying guides, specializing in golf shoe, golf bag, golf cart and apparel reviews. Dan has now tested and reviewed over 30 pairs of golf shoes and is an expert in the field. A left-handed golfer, his handicap index is currently 6.5 and he plays at Fulford Heath Golf Club in the West Midlands. 

Dan's current clubs: 

Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 

Fairway: TaylorMade Stealth 2 15°

Hybrid: Ping G425 

Irons: Cobra King Tec Utility, Ping i230 (5-PW) 

Wedges: Ping Glide Forged Pro

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X

Ball: Titleist AVX

With contributions from