Best High-Top Golf Shoes 2024

Although intended to aid performance, golf shoes have become as much of a fashion statement as anything else nowadays, especially among recreational players. But even in the professional game, we see a fairly wide variety of styles gracing our TV screens. Not all of the best golf shoes have to look the same and these high-top sneakers are some of the most stand-out designs currently on the market. 

As golf becomes a much more modern and laid back sport, one style of shoe that has broken through in the market is the high-top. More commonly regarded as a type of sneaker, some brands have released a golf shoe version of this popular street-style piece of footwear. The high-top can come in several different styles. Some are designed to give you a unique and sporty look on the course while others are could be referred to as winter boots. They are perhaps a little more robust and are perfect for winter golf conditions, which will help keep your feet warm and dry in wet conditions. 

There are some who won't favor this look and prefer something more traditional like what's contained in our guide to the best spiked golf shoes, but for those out there with a desire for something a little more flamboyant, read on. Incidentally, we also have guides to the most comfortable golf shoes and the best spikeless golf shoes that might be of interest.

The Quick List

Best High-Top Golf Shoes

Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% Shield Shoe

Looks-wise, the Nike Shield boots have split opinion among consumers but we think this is one of the best-looking winter golf shoes on the market right now - especially when you consider how difficult it is to make a golf boot look as stylish as its summer rival. We liked the grey finish because it worked with several outfits and hit mud well, which is especially important during winter. 

From a support perspective, the Shield is a bit hit and miss for us. Towards the heel the support was lacking but the sole is excellent, helping give support for weary limbs. Obviously the waterproofing is arguably the best on the market and the traction was excellent as well so it clearly delivers in several areas.

Overall, these boots are one of the best we've tested this year and while they may not be for everyone in terms of aesthetics, if you are looking for a statement piece on the course this winter, you probably don’t need to look any further.

• Read our full Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% Shield review

Puma DRYLBL Golf Boots

We have enjoyed testing Puma gear for many years now and in the shoe department the brand always makes popular models with modern aesthetics and good performance. Interestingly Puma went down the road of creating a boot, the DRYLBL which we were excited to test. 

Starting with the looks, at first they did look bulky but in black they actually look more sleek. We tested them on a wet day and importantly they offered warmth and comfort right out of the box, whilst the waterproofing was good too. Grip-wise, it is super grippy; even in the wettest conditions there is no chance of slipping either thanks to the rubber material on the outsole and the spikes. 

Overall these boots tick a lot of boxes and could be one of the best winter golf boots on the market. They keep you dry, comfy and warm which are all the key areas. 

• Read our full Puma DRYLBL Golf Boots Review

Duca Del Cosma Bologna Golf Boot

Duca Del Cosma is a brand that boasts five different boot models for men and a further seven for women, which makes them one of the market leaders when it comes to winter golf shoes. 

Often, it's substance over style with this sort of shoe (you can see this with some of the examples listed below), but the Bologna is probably one of the best examples of a good-looking golf boot, although beauty is always in the eye of the beholder and it will not be the taste of everyone. 

While the choice of a spikeless outsole is interesting considering the conditions you'll likely be wearing these boots in, we feel that the Bologna is one of the most sophisticated, cultured golf boots on the market. and in terms of combining looks and performance we feel this is one of the best golf boots we've tested.

• Read our full Duca Del Cosma Bologna Men's Golf Boot review

Duca del Cosma Olivia Boot

The Duca Del Cosma Olivia is one of the new models from the brand, designed to keep the feet warm and dry when the weather takes a turn for the worse. The Italian brand leave no stone unturned when it comes to ensuring women have a wide choice of styles to keep for winter golf and we loved the Olivia when we tested it.

It performs as good as it looks. Available in black or brown, the style is understated, so speaks for itself, but most importantly, it’s really comfortable, will keep your feet warm and dry and provides generous traction for winter golf. They also, despite the size, felt lightweight and the warmth of the fleece lining didn't feel overwhelming and the breathability was still good. 

• Read our full Duca del Cosma Olivia Boot Review

Duca Del Cosma Palazzo Golf Boot

The Duca Del Cosma Palazzo golf boot is just one of several new models from the Italian brand’s extensive collection of shoes and boots, all of which are designed to keep feet warm and dry. The outer cow leather is exceptionally soft and this combined with the faux fur lining around the top of the collar and inside the tongue immediately gives these boots a stylish and a cosy appearance. Slipping them on felt nice and snug, almost slipper-like in feel. 

The faux fur might not appeal to everyone and did collect flecks of mud, although the fur was easy to clean and very warming. Similarly, the white rim around the bottom of the boot did get very dirty, but then I knew these boots were too nice to wear for playing golf! All in all, this is a fantastic winter boot that is available in three colour options. It combines modern styling and good performance to make winter golf more pleasurable. 

• Read our full Duca Del Cosma Palazzo Golf Boot Review

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 gain a better idea of 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 used by a member of the Golf Monthly team. This is the best way of testing a golf shoe as using it in the real world over a number of weeks allows us to see how they perform when variables change like weather, ground conditions, different stances and lies, and so on. 

We think this also gives us information on the little details as well like which brands come up small or large, which models start to rub a bit too much after 36 holes, which designs can be used off the golf course and for the drive home?  We are very comprehensive in our tests to the point where 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. 

How to choose a golf shoe

There are a number of factors to consider when picking out your next pair of golf shoes especially if you have wider feet than others. Let's take a look at them.

1. Comfort

Finding the right size of shoe and getting a comfortable model is obviously very important and as such we recommend trying on different models before you buy. When trying on shoes for yourself, listen for a 'whoosh' sound which indicates air leaving the shoe and therefore usually indicates a well-fitted shoe. Then walk around in the shoes so you can feel for rubbing, pinching or to see if your feet move around in the shoe as you walk. 

This is important because if your feet slide around inside, or you get rubbing and blisters, you won't wear them again and they could damage your feet and performance.

2. Spiked or spikeless?

Next up the question of spiked or spikeless should be on your mind. As you can see above, there are a mixture of styles and both designs have pros and cons. 

Spiked golf shoes offer better grip and stability but don't sit as low to the ground as spikeless models. Spikeless models don't offer as much traction but do make up for it with off-course versatility so have a think about which factor is most important to you. 

3. Waterproofing

Waterproofing is always something to think about in golf shoes because we golfers have all been on the end of spontaneous and unexpected rain. Therefore your shoes need to be able to deal with this. Therefore always check if a model is waterproof. Some shoes are 'water-resistant' where they will survive in a short shower but will struggle to keep the water out in significant rain.

4. Budget

Finally it is always good to think about your budget because golf shoes come at loads of price points right now. Some golf shoes come in at some hefty prices and sometimes its best to avoid the top order models as there are many value options on the market that come in at much better prices.

For that reason why not also check out our guides to the best budget golf shoes, best winter golf shoes and best waterproof golf shoes, for some excellent options that will rival many of the models on this list. 

FAQs