Pain of any sorts in your feet can be incredibly distracting during a round of golf. For those who suffer with plantar fasciitis - an intense stabbing pain felt in the heel of the foot - flare ups and constant pain can ruin a round of golf and potentially stop you from playing the sport altogether. However, the perfect pair of golf shoes can both help alleviate pain and make the long walk around a golf course a much more pleasant experience. With any luck they'll help you play better golf too!
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The best golf shoes for plantar fasciitis have incredibly soft midsoles and insoles that cushion your feet. They have especially good padding around the heel area and offer excellent support around the ankle so your feet don't move around too much. Plus it's also worthwhile getting a fairly lightweight pair of shoes, too, so that your feet and legs don't come under too much stress while you walk the golf course.
While it must be stressed that we at Golf Monthly aren't podiatrists and our recommendations below are strictly our golf knowledge rather than medical, we do know a seriously comfortable golf shoe when we test one. On that basis, we've collated a mixture of the best spiked shoes and best spikeless shoes for those with plantar fasciitis. It's worth noting we've added more spikeless shoes to this list as they tend to be the most comfortable of the two types of golf shoe. You can also check out our guides on the best golf shoes for wide feet and best golf shoes for walking for even more options that are easy on your feet.
The Quick List
The lightweight design and super soft midsole of the Overtake make for a superbly comfortable golf shoe that really stands out amongst its rivals.
UA have taken inspiration from the brand's most successful running shoes, while delivering the performance expected from a tour quality golf shoe.
The 3 is one of the best golf shoes on the market. In every department the performance is excellent - comfort, grip, protection, looks and Rory uses them.
Technologies have made the ZG23 a comfortable, stable, and lightweight shoe that will keep golfers of all swing speeds fully supported during the swing.
The Pro 5 Hyper is a technology packed spiked golf shoe that delivers on Skechers renowned comfort thanks to some excellent proprietary technology.
A modern yet sophisticated cleated shoe that will be comfortable and perform in all weathers. The fit and feel are exceptional, as is the traction.
Best Golf Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
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Best spikeless
Perhaps one of the most lightweight golf shoes on the market right now, the Cole Haan ZeroGrand offers a designer look but also delivers comfort in spades. When we say lightweight, we mean these shoes weight quite literally next to nothing and offer a very cool sporty look that will help you stand out as a serious player when you rock up to the course. In fact, we feel there's a lot of versatility on offer here and would feel very comfortable wearing these not just on the golf course, but in our daily lives as well.
On that note, let's talk a little more about comfort, with these shoes coming with a midsole that feels almost like a memory foam mattress to walk on. Cole Haan call this their GrandFoam midsole plate. It feels soft and full of bounce as you walk around the course and we felt it really hugged the bottom of our feet when walking - a fantastic sensation to say the least. In fact, we would even go as far as saying that this was one of the most comfortable golf shoes we've tested this year.
Cole Haan aren't a brand that you'd regularly come across on the course, but they're certainly shaking things up with aesthetics here. This shoe a great addition to those who are looking for a more easy-going look, something you might find from some of the best casual golf shoes on the market. The only downside here is this shoe is only water-resistant and not waterproof, so it doesn't quite match up to some of the best winter golf shoes for performance, but will come into its own when during the summer months.
- Read our full Cole Haan ZeroGrand Overtake Golf Shoe Review
Most versatile
Many of the best Under Armour golf shoes are jam packed with technology that will help cushion your feet as you walk around the golf course. With the brand boasting a breadth of experience producing high performance athletic-wear, the Charged Phantom SL shoes are one of the most stable best spikeless golf shoes out there. Visually, they are a stunning pair of sneakers, offering an eye catching colorway on the midsole that blends a lovely a dark navy with white. We liked the versatility these shoes offered. They look similar to a running trainer and we used them heading out for walks, trips to the supermarket and even to the pub.
On first impressions, we loved the fit they delivered. It was snug and the material wrapped nicely around our feet to provide a locked-in feel that was really comfortable. The Charged midsole that separates the footbed and outsole is another highlight of this shoe. It delivered a lot of responsivity as we pushed through each shot. We felt really strong and well supported here and that gave us a lot of confidence that we could really rip through each golf shot. Another nice touch was the TPU infused yarn that is wrapped around the toe of the shoe. It delivered a secure feeling, much like a sturdy leather-based shoe, but was very welcome when things got a little wet on the course.
The last thing to note here is the grip. While it doesn't quite match up to whats on offer in some of the best spiked golf shoes, this is a shoe built for warmer temperatures and in fairness, did perform nicely in dewy conditions on the course. The sole of the Charged Phantom SL features a ton of rubber nubs that are strategically placed to resist rotational movement and help you really plant your feet. We were really impressed with this factor, especially on a damp driving range in March.
- Read our full Under Armour Charged Phantom SL Golf Shoe Review
Best spiked
Replacing the Victory Tour 2 shoes below, (which we absolutely loved), the newer 3 model takes total performance even further, getting 5 stars in our review. Why? Well looks wise Nike improved the aesthetics in several subtle ways - the new Full-grain leather upper has a supple feel and sophisticated look. The swoosh and midsole sections look slightly different and better in our opinion, and overall we think the shoe looks more refined. We also absolutely loved the color we got sent and there are also several other colors to choose from, as well as special edition designs too for events like The Masters.
Comfort wise these are right up there with the best on the market thanks to the extra padding around the ankle, and the internal strap on the inside of the shoe which actually contours to your feet. Nike also stitched a Zoom Air unit directly to the upper which delivered exceptional feel, and the foam towards the heel felt very cushiony, almost bouncy when walking on the course.
Grip and stability was also good, and the shoes are 100% waterproof as well. In short, we love this shoe and it covers all the bases to a very high standard. It may come with a pretty punchy price tag, but we really do think it is worth it.
- Read our full Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 Golf Shoe Review
Most support
An upgrade on the adidas ZG21 golf shoe the ZG23 boasts a stunning design that will appeal to many golfers looking for a golf shoe that will help to minimise the pains from plantar fascitiis. The biggest improvement over the ZG21 - and a standout feature in the whole shoe market - is adidas' new Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro technology used throughout a newly revamped midsole. While many of the best adidas golf shoes currently employ a Boost midsole, which by all means delivers excellent comfort, the new technology on offer here is a real winner that we thoroughly enjoyed.
In testing, we were impressed with the overall comfort, especially the softness in the midsole and the cushioning and comfort under the foot. This, paired with the softness of the upper, both on the outside and inside of the shoe, makes it one of the most comfortable shoes on the market. Those features combine to make this one of the most comfortable golf shoes out there. Plus there is also more comfort and stability from the Stability Fin, which gives the ZG23 the ability to keep your feet incredibly stable as your weight shifts through the golf swing. Lastly, because of the ultra-lightweight nature of the shoe, it really reduced foot fatigue after walking 18 holes.
- Read our full Adidas ZG23 Golf Shoe Review
Most comfortable
Skechers' flagship model at the moment, the Pro Golf 5 Hyper shoe takes comfort to the next level by incorporating Skechers Arch Fit technology that provides podiatrist certified support to your feet, with cushioning across the midsole. I thought this made the shoe one of the most comfortable golf shoes on this list. That Arch Fit technology is designed to reduce pressure on your foot by distributing weight over a wider area, thus reducing foot fatigue.
Admittedly, it's a strange feeling at first as it feels like the arches of your feet are being pushed up, but I was soon very much used to - and enjoying - the sensation beneath my feet. The shoe also boasts Skechers Hyper Burst and Resamax cushioning which work in tandem to offer excellent rebound in your step. Other elements we liked were the breathable mesh that helped keep my feet cool, and the Softspikes provided excellent grip for me.
- Read our full Skechers Pro 5 Hyper Golf Shoe Review
Best stability
The Ecco Biom G5 aims to bring together the best elements of two previous Biom shoes into one feature-packed model. Notably, the cleated outsole of the Biom G3 and the athletic look of the impressive Biom H4. We have to say, Ecco has done a great job and the addition of the BOA lacing system in the pair we tested is the cherry on top.
The first thing you’ll notice with the Biom G5 is the weight, or the lack of it, with the Biom G5 weighing 18 grams lighter than the Biom H4, no mean feat given the addition of the cleats on the outsole. Talking of the cleats, there are only six in this model, which are positioned at the very edge of the outsole to provide perimeter stability as well as excellent grip. It still features Ecco's Gore-Tex protection and wipe-clean characteristics of the leather upper, which make this a robust winter shoe option. What's more, the modern, athletic take on a heritage shoe will appeal to a wide range of ages and visual tastes among the five colorways available.
- Read our full Ecco Biom G5 Shoe Review
How we test
As we've mentionned above, the Golf Monthly team are not podiatrists but we do know a seriously comfortable and supportive shoe when we try one. The golf shoes above represent the cream of the crop when it comes to overall comfort and support that should help to alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. If you have specially made insoles to help stave off symptoms, they should also fit into these shoes to add another layer of comfort.
Using our extensive testing methodology, we look to wear each shoe over several rounds of golf to determine the comfort, grip, durability and waterproofing the shoe possesses. We also attend product launches with the respective brand's R&D experts to get a better understanding of the technology in each shoe and how the features built into each shoe can benefit you on the course.
How to choose golf shoes
Picking out a new golf shoe is never an easy task. That is made even harder when you're looking to snag yourself a pair of sneakers that will help to alleviate the problems associated with Plantar Fascitiis. As some of the best golf shoes come with a ton of features, functionality and different styles, it is so hard to pick the one that's right for your needs. But do not fret. We've got you covered, as here are some of our top points to consider when buying your next pair of golf shoes.
1. Comfort
Once you know the right size to go for, comfort is the next factor to be aware of. If a shoe isn't comfortable, you aren't going to wear it so we recommend trying on different models before you buy. For some inspiration, check out our guide on the most comfortable golf shoes.
When you are trying shoes on, listen for a 'whoosh' sound which should indicate air leaving the shoe which usually suggests a good fit. Walk around in the shoes too so you can feel any pinching and whether your feet are moving around inside them. A correctly fitted shoe should so neither of these things.
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. Waterproofing
Because nobody wants to play with cold, soggy feet, right? Waterproofing is always important in a good golf shoe. Us golfers are outside all day sometimes and that means the occasional bit of rain is inevitable, and 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. It's best to double check before you buy which shoes are waterproof or not. But for some examples, we've got you covered. Take a look at our guide to the best waterproof golf shoes.
3. Spikes or no spikes?
A big conundrum many golfers are currently facing is whether they want a spiked golf shoe or a spikeless shoe. Ultimately, we cannot advise you here on what to buy as there is no right answer - it's all about personal preference. What we will say though is that there are some big benefits to wearing both.
The recent rise in popularity of some of the best spikeless golf shoes on the market comes down to essentially the amount of grip manufacturers have been able to put in their latest models. Some of the newest spikeless golf shoes offer superior traction on dry and wet lies. While spiked models will always be advisable for winter golf, there are some trendy spiked options that are able to deliver all-year-around. They also tend to be more versatile with golfers able to wear spiked shoes off the course too.
Meanwhile, the best spiked golf shoes will offer way more grip than any spikeless golf shoe can in a variety of terrains. If you plan on playing through the winter, then a spiked option may be better for those sludgy muddy days out on the course. Offering superior traction compared to many spikeless options, you may also find a spiked golf shoe can help you dig into the ground and swing through the golf ball with much more control and force.
4. Stability
On that note, stability is a big thing to consider when buying a new pair of shoes. In a way it is different to comfort as stability relates directly to your performance through a golf shot. If you find your feet moving around loads while you play each shot, then you're not going to be able to rip through the ball as well and may end up hitting your shot awry. Be sure to look out for a golf shoe that offers great support to your feet and delivers a locked-in feeling.
5. Budget
Finally be aware of your budget because you can find a golf shoe at any price point. There are some very expensive shoes out there and while sometimes you cannot put a price on your health and wellbeing, some of the best budget golf shoes also offer some great functionality to help you play your best golf.
For more advice on buying golf shoes, check out our guides to the best Footjoy golf shoes, best nike golf shoes and best Skechers golf shoes.
FAQs
What is plantar fascitiis?
Plantar fascitiis is a regular occurrence among many golfers both at the professional and amateur level. It is a pain in the bottom of the arch and heel of your foot. It is particularly common among players who regularly play on hard ground as it is related to a lot of stress impacts on your foot.
How can golfers prevent plantar fascitiis?
While we are not medical professionals, what we can say is the best way to prevent foot, heel and toe pain on the golf course is to invest in a new pair of comfortable and spongey golf shoes. That can help to reduce the stress and pressure going through your feet during 18 holes. You can also opt to use orthotic sole inserts and roll your feet out regularly before and after your round.
Should I buy spiked or spikeless golf shoes?
That depends on your preferences as a golfer and the types of terrain you'll be playing in. Ultimately, spiked golf shoes deliver more traction on a wider range of surfaces and in different weather conditions. That means they are more suitable for year-round golf. But spikeless golf shoes do come with a lot of versatility and some of the top performing models on the market now come with traction and grip that is almost on par with some of the best spiked options on the market.
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