There was a time when spikeless shoes were reserved for dry conditions and driving range sessions. But technology has moved on and now the best spikeless golf shoes can go toe-to-toe with many of the best spiked models across a range of conditions.
If you’re yet to try a pair and have concerns over a lack of traction then you only need to look at the professional tours to alleviate these fears - many of the best players in the mens and womens game now regularly wear shoes without spikes. Today’s spikeless sole designs can deliver impressive stability and grip both during the swing and while walking the course.
They also offer one advantage over the best spiked golf shoes - greater versatility. Influenced by sneaker design, many spikeless models look much like a running shoe or trainer and can be worn both on and off the course.
WATCH: Dan Parker tests over 25 pairs of the best golf shoes to crown his 2024 winner!
To help you in your quest to find the right spikeless golf shoes for you we’ve tested numerous pairs over many rounds, reviewing them for comfort, performance and looks. From here we’ve selected our favourites and featured them below. If after reading this guide you’re still undecided about which shoes to buy, we also have comprehensive guides to both the most comfortable golf shoes, and the best waterproof golf shoes too.
The Quick List
The new Swing Support System elevates your ability to swing confidently and efficiently, while the lightweight build of the shoe makes for a comfortable walk on the course.
One of the best lightweight designs on the market, the LT1 from Ecco features in both a lace and BOA design with soft, premium materials used throughout.
The adidas S2G SL is a well executed hybrid golf shoe that offers outstanding value for money thanks to its versatility, quality of build and top-notch comfort.
One of the best looking golf shoes we've ever laid our eyes on and an immediate classic in its category. The Gallivan2r is everything that is great about the G/FORE brand blended into one classy, sporty and deceptively comfortable spikeless shoe.
Providing class-leading comfort under foot, the Quantum is constructed of a soft, premium upper and is triumph in comfort!
A stand-out casual spikeless golf shoe that any sneaker fan should have in their locker. The grip and comfort surprised us out of the box.
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Not only does the Codechaos 25 have an outstanding outsole, but the solid stability and eye-catching looks make it a great all-round golf shoe.
An excellent spikeless option that provides comfort, grip and modern looks. The PAYNTR X 005 F is a great all-round performer that does the basics incredibly well!
The Street 720 isn't just a versatile option, but also fully waterproof and incredibly soft underfoot. Set at a great price point, there's plenty of value to be had in this model.
A Tour-validated golf shoe, the Field mixes traditional style with modern technology beautifully. Arguably the best-looking shoes anywhere, they also deliver on comfort, feel and waterproof protection.
Best Spikeless Golf Shoes
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Top pick
The Drive Pro SL is our top pick because it excels in three of the most important areas - comfort, stability and grip.
Any decent golf shoe needs to be comfortable over the course of a round, and we found the Drive Pro SL to be just that. It’s lightweight, some 12oz lighter than many of its competitors in fact, and combines this with a new midsole design constructed with energy returning foam that we loved for its soft feel underfoot.
We were impressed with the level of stability and support the shoe offered too. It features what Under Armour calls its Swing Support System or S3. Taking a holistic approach, UA has designed the aforementioned midsole, outsole and lacing system to work together to deliver improved support and traction. And it works. Our feet felt planted and supported during our swing and while walking between shots, aided by the TPU and rubber nubs on the outsole, which provided impressive levels of grip.
- Read our full Under Armour Drive Pro SL Golf Shoe Review
Best for walking
The best Ecco golf shoes have a reputation for comfort. Perhaps why they’re a fixture of the Champions and Legends tours, where creaky backs are far more commonplace. But even if you don’t suffer from a bad back, it’s likely you’ll be just as impressed as we were by the level of comfort the LT1 delivers. The new midsole design features its Ltyr foam and its tried-and-trusted Fluidform technology. Combined we found that it added up to more cushioning and rebound than in previous models, translating to plenty of spring in our step throughout the round. The shoes' low weight also contributes here.
As for grip, the outsole performed well in dry conditions but less so when it got damp, making this a better bet for the summer season.
The simple design should make the LT1 an easy shoe to match to a range of golf outfits and we liked the BOA lacing system and the soft, high-quality materials used throughout the shoe. However, we did notice this softness meant our feet were able to roll a little more than we would have preferred during the swing.
- Read our full Ecco LT1 Golf Shoe Review
Best value
If you are after an affordable spikeless golf shoe, then the Adidas S2g SL model is worthy of your attention. The brand with the three stripes has a solid reputation for making some of the best budget golf shoes and once again it's delivered.
The running shoe aesthetic makes it a great fit for summer golf and casual rounds and we loved how the lightweight, responsive design made for such a versatile shoe as we transitioned from the course to the clubhouse and beyond. It achieves its comfort by using the same Lightstrike technology that impressed us in both its Tour360 24 and ZG23 golf shoes.
Elsewhere the blend of leather and synthetic materials on the upper helps to keep the weight down while still providing ample support during the swing, though we did find that it wasn’t as breathable as more vented shoes.
- Read our full adidas S2G SL Golf Shoe Review
Best looking
What do you get if you combine the traditional design of the G/FORE Gallivanter with the modern approach of the G/FORE MG4+ ? The G/FORE Gallivan2r. It’s a classically styled shoe that incorporates plenty of technology to create what we feel is one of the best looking golf shoes on the market as well as one of the more comfortable.
First, those stunning looks. The clean upper is constructed using TPU materials, which makes it easy to clean as well as being waterproof and breathable. This is a shoe you can wear across a range of conditions.
The outsole features an integrated rubber cleat system complete with 13 individual cleats that impressed us greatly with just how much grip they offered across a range of weather and course conditions. Inside the shoe there’s a dimpled insole, a 3D moulded heel cup and a padded heel area that combine to make the Gallivan2r both comfortable and stable - the insole is so effective it feels as though your foot is getting an on-course massage!
- Read our full G/FORE Gallivan2r Golf Shoe Review
Most comfortable
If out-and-out comfort is your priority, then we’d highly recommend Footjoy’s Quantum model. It’s billed as possessing ‘cloud-like comfort’ and after rigorously testing the shoe we’re inclined to agree.
It’s the brand’s SofFoam technology that’s used both in and around the heel that deserves much of the credit. It results in an impressively cushioned ride, and we enjoyed the benefits during the swing and walking between shots. We really did feel as though we were floating, with the generous midsole absorbing plenty of energy regardless of the terrain underfoot. The shoe’s comfort is further enhanced by the inclusion of an Ortholite Impression FitBed that moulds to your foot over time.
Perhaps the shoes only downside is the comparative lack of support, which can be an issue with softer shoes that place a premium on comfort.
- Read our full FootJoy Quantum Golf Shoe Review
Best golf sneaker
The Air Jordan sneaker is among the most iconic models of all time. And now it’s made its way to the golf course. It’s likely you’ll have seen the low top model on the feet of Tony Finau, Justin Rose and others, which adds credibility to it as a performance offering rather than just a shoe that looks good.
The upper is made of leather, which delivers the trifecta of being comfortable, durable and easy to clean. But there’s some tech here too. It features Nike’s famed air in the heel, which we found translates to a comfortable ride, while the golf-specific outsole delivered decent levels of traction and grip. While it’s certainly not comparable to a spiked shoe, or even some of the grippy spikeless models featured in this guide, we were happy with its performance in dry and even damp conditions. However, if you’re after a four-season shoe we’d suggest looking elsewhere.
- Read our full Nike Air Jordan Low 1 G Golf Shoe Review
Best color choice
The updated Codechaos 25 get’s our approval as an eye-catching model with some distinctive colorways, but it’s a storing performer too.
The redesigned outsole is a genuine improvement. The lugs are now positioned over a greater surface than the previous model and we really noticed the difference both during the swing and while walking the course. In fact, the level of grip is such that we’d be happy to recommend the Codechaos 25 as a ‘year round’ shoe that can handle a range of conditions. Its four-season appeal is enhanced by the waterproof upper.
Impressive traction is combined with plenty of stability and a good degree of comfort, helped by Adidas Boost cushioning, but that still results in a firmer feel than many spikeless shoes.
- Read our full adidas Codechaos 25 Golf Shoe Review
Best heel support
It’s frustrating to buy a pair of golf shoes only to find that they rub at the heel and cause blisters. It’s a fairly common issue, and while some shoes will wear in over time, it’s far better to find a shoe that’s comfortable out of the box. Just like the Paynter X 005 F.
We were suitably impressed with the degree of heel of support this shoe offered. It’s thanks to the brand’s PMX fit, which is designed to hug the heel. For us it translated to a shoe that felt light and flexible on the foot, with bags of support where it’s most needed. Comfort was also high, with the foam midsole providing us with plenty of cushioning underfoot.
While the 005 does offer just about enough grip to deal with damp conditions, the shoe’s upper is only water-resistant rather than being waterproof making this a far better option for dry conditions.
- Read our full Payntr X 005 F Spikeless Golf Shoes Review
Best for off course
The rise of the golf shoe that can be worn off the course as well as on it shows no signs of slowing down, and if this degree of versatility appeals, then Ecco’s Street 720 is worth a closer look.
As the name suggests, this is a golf shoe that can handle sidewalks as well as fairways and it’s styled as such, looking far more like a tennis shoe than one designed for golf. We reviewed the plain white version and liked the modern silhouette and premium materials used throughout. There’s even Gore-Tex featured here, so you get protection against the elements while still being breathable.
Pounding the pavement, we found it as comfortable as they come. This translates on the course too, and we liked how the sturdy build dealt with damp and wet conditions. As for grip and stability it’s best described as ‘fine’ - neither a real standout or one that caused us issues. In fact, our only real gripe was that we found the shoes pretty tricky to clean.
- Read our full Ecco Street 720 Golf Shoe Review
Best brogue style
The Field is in some ways the antithesis of the sneaker look that’s become so popular in recent years. But while classic in their looks this is far from your dad’s golf shoe.
The traditional styling will appeal to those who prefer the on-course look of Adam Scott to the joggers and hoodie brigade. And certainly there’s a lot to be said for just how classy the Field looks, with the leather upper also delivering a high degree of waterproofing, too.
But its timeless appeal is matched with modern technology and we found that the shoe was really comfortable underfoot, while the outsole performed admirably - we experienced no slippage whilst playing in both dry and wet conditions. That said it’s also offered in a spiked version should you prefer.
Like many of the best FootJoy golf shoes it comes in two width offerings and four colours, including the brown that we tested.
- Read our full FootJoy Premiere Series Field Golf Shoe Review
How we test spikeless golf shoes
As with any product we test, we rely on a comprehensive approach that ensures all the models under review are put through their paces in a range of different conditions. Each of the shoes listed above personally used by a member of the Golf Monthly team and golf shoe testing is headed up by our Staff Writer Dan Parker.
For us to recommend a golf shoe it must first and foremost function well on the course. We look for how comfortable a pair of shoes are over the course of several rounds, as well as assessing how stable they are during the swing, the level of traction they offer in a variety of weathers as well as lies and the degree of waterproofing. We also make sure we note how they fit so we can offer advice on sizing.
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.
What to consider when buying spikeless golf shoes
Choosing a spikeless golf shoe is no easy task given just how many models there are on the market. We hope that our selection above has helped you to narrow down your choices but if you’re still undecided we’ve listed a number of key considerations that should help you find the right shoe for you.
1. Spiked or spikeless
Given the nature of this guide we’re assuming that you’re looking for one of the best spikeless shoes. But perhaps it’s worth asking yourself if this is the right choice?
There are pros and cons to both spiked and spikeless models. We’ve tested both styles extensively and as a rule, spiked shoes do offer superior grip and stability. That said, spikeless technology is constantly improving and the difference between the two is reducing all the time - still if you’re after wet-weather, winter shoes, then we’d always suggest spikes.
Where spikeless excel is in their versatility and their comfort. Using sneaker technology makes many of them as comfortable as your favoured tennis or running shoe. The athletic shoe styling combined with the lack of spikes also means they can be worn off the course.
2. Comfort
Given that a round of golf takes hours rather than minutes, comfort is a vital component of any decent golf shoe. The best advice is to try on a few pairs, as comfort isn’t just about the mid and outsole design but also heel support, the materials used and the overall fit. Brands that offer a good range of sizes including half-sizes as well as different widths are advisable if you struggle with finding comfortable footwear.
3. Grip/Stability/Traction
The knock on spikeless golf shoes used to be the lack of grip, traction and stability. But as we said earlier, there have been huge improvements in recent years and we’d now happily recommend many models for all but the wettest of conditions. Again, given the variation of outsole design, if you can try on or better test a shoe then this is advisable.
4. Looks
This is entirely subjective and it will be different for everybody, but whatever your preference you obviously want to make sure you like the look of your golf shoes. We feel that there is a model above for all different types of fashion sense, especially as most shoes come in various color options and not just the ones shown above.
5. Waterproofing
Most golf shoes these days offer a degree of waterproof protection but some are better than others so, if you see yourself playing in the rain a lot, make sure you go for a fully waterproof option that also has good traction to avoid any slippage during your swing.
6. Sizes
As with sneakers, golf shoe sizing varies between brands and even models. There’s no substitute for trying on a number of pairs to get the right fit for you.
7. Price
The last factor to consider is price. With the models above we have tried to find shoes at all different price points so if you want a cheap model, you can get one. Or if you want to spend more, you can do that too. Importantly there is something for everyone.
While there are some fantastic spikeless golf shoes on the market, you should also check out some of our other guides on the best casual golf shoes, most breathable golf shoes, and our guide to the best budget golf shoes.
FAQs
Can you wear spikeless golf shoes on a golf course?
Yes. Some of the best spikeless golf shoes offer as much grip as spiked golf shoes, while often being comfier to wear.
Do pros wear spikeless golf shoes?
Yes, in fact professional golfers will wear spikeless golf shoes more often than spiked golf shoes.
Can you wear spikeless golf shoes on concrete?
Yes. Another advantage of wearing spikeless golf shoes is that they feel like a normal shoe when on harder surfaces liked concrete. Unlike spiked golf shoes, spikeless golf shoes can be worn easily on or off the golf course.
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