Best Spikeless Golf Shoes 2024
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Spikeless golf shoes have gone from something scoffed at by serious golfers not too long ago to being the preferred choice of amateurs and tour pros alike, but which pair are the best spikeless golf shoes for your game?
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Nowadays, many of the best golf shoes are in fact, spikeless models. That’s because the latest spikeless golf shoes offer a grip that can match if not beat, the best spiked golf shoes whilst being incredibly comfortable and lightweight.
If you’re after waterproof golf shoes then many of the spikeless offerings have you covered, meaning they can be worn all year round (even in the British summer). With the evolution of golf shoes from metal spikes, through soft spikes and now spikeless, technological advancements mean you can get immensely comfortable golf shoes that also provide you with considerable levels of traction.
The Best Spikeless Golf Shoes At A Glance:
Editor’s favorite spikeless golf shoe has the hallmarks of iconic models: Payntr X 002 LE | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best spikeless golf shoe of 2024 is well worth the price tag: Ecco S-Three Golf Shoes | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best spikeless golf shoe for those with a bigger budget: FootJoy Pro SL Golf Shoes | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best value all-rounder is packed with running shoe tech: Under Armour Charged Phantom | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
All the major golf shoe manufacturers – FootJoy, Ecco, Adidas, Nike, Under Armour, Skechers, and Puma – have a comprehensive range of spikeless shoes, see our favorites below.
Best Spikeless Golf Shoes
Editor's favorite spikeless golf shoe has the hallmarks of iconic models
Payntr’s ‘Neverwet’ skin is remarkable. I found it was impenetrable, even in the worst weather, and it proved easy to keep looking new. The Ortholite X40 sock liner gave added weatherproof assurance and ensured they were comfortable out of the box – something I can’t say about every golf shoe.
I was impressed by the grip and that the TPU outsole didn’t hold soil, sand, or grit like a spiked shoe can. A couple of quick bashes together after the round was sufficient to get all of the sand and mud off after a UK winter round.
Rob Jerram, the TG digital editor, is a massive fan too. Despite having access to a host of big-name models, he’s chosen to wear them for more than 50 rounds.
Pros
- Instant comfort
- Ultimate weatherproofing
- Spike-like grip
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Upper creased easily
| Sizes: | 7-12 |
| Color options: | 2 |
| BOA option? | No |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best spikeless golf shoe of 2024 is well worth the price tag
Rrp: $179.32
Rrp: $179.32
My favorite thing about any Ecco golf shoe is the soft but durable leather Gore-Tex upper. It looks great, is breathable, and is 100% waterproof. I particularly like the S-Three’s tongue, which is thinner, lighter, and more fitted to the foot.
The E-DTS outsole has a large number of traction points which gave me excellent grip in all conditions.
See how the S-Three compares to the best ecco golf shoes.
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Super comfortable
- Great heel support
- Stylish colorways
Cons
- Not the easiest to clean
| Sizes: | 7-12 |
| Color options: | 6 |
| BOA option? | Yes |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best spikeless golf shoe for those with a bigger budget
FootJoy’s ChromoSkin leather is as good as it gets. Not only does it look great, but I found it holds its shape, cleans easily, and can handle some seriously wet conditions. The standout feature is the infinity outsole. The plastic studs provide 189 points of traction and the on-course stability was so good I wouldn’t have believed it was spikeless.
The new Carbon model features a carbon fiber insert to reinforce stability in the heel, whilst maintaining flexibility. The inlay snaps back, which helped return energy while walking, reducing fatigue.
Pros
- Superb grip
- Great looking
- Suits all outfits
Cons
- Leather creases above the toe
| Sizes: | 3-14 |
| Color options: | 11 |
| BOA option? | Yes |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best value all-rounder is packed with running shoe tech
As the name suggests, Phantom uses UA’s Charged midsole, which is responsive to movement and durable. The shoe has a bootie design with a sock-style fit which we found super comfortable and forgiving on our heels, even across 36 holes in a day.
It uses reinforcements to support you through the golf swing and it boosted my confidence over the ball.
This was one of the lightest weight shoes I tested thanks to the breathable mesh upper and rubber outsole. I found it delivered incredible grip thanks to the setup of the studs.
The Charged Phantom is not waterproof, but it comes with UA’s Never-Wet treatment, which I found perfectly adequate in showers.
Pros
- Great grip
- Super lightweight
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Could have more support when swinging
| Sizes: | 6-14 |
| Color options: | 4 |
| BOA option? | No |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best classic-looking spikeless golf shoe and winner of a TG Award
Duca Del Cosma use the finest Italian Nappa leather upper, which is partnered with their excellent Airplay XI outsole to create a shoe that looks beautiful and gave me a great fit. The square-shaped nubs on the sole provided me with plenty of grip and felt stable when I was swinging.
I really liked the way the heightened heel felt when I was over the ball and the memory foam sole had me wishing it was in every shoe because it was so comfortable. For the money, I expected a good shoe, and it delivered, but it does take a fair bit of time and effort to keep the leather looking fresh.
Pros
- High quality
- Comfortable
- Stylish
Cons
- Leather needs really looking after
| Sizes: | 6-13 |
| Color options: | 2 |
| BOA option? | No |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best for spike-like grip in a spikeless package
Despite the spikeless sole, the HOVR Tour creates a grip to rival many spiked models. Put it like this, it was very evident where I’d been standing after a 30-minute range session! I was amazed by the traction, even in wet conditions.
The combination of UA’s high-traction spikeless sole with the HOVR foam provides maximum comfort through cushioning and shock absorption and I loved that my feet and legs felt as fresh on the 18th green as they did on the 1st tee.
The TPU outsole is durable and lightweight kept my feet secure throughout the swing. For me, the knitted upper is the star. It’s soft, comfortable, fully waterproof, and surprisingly easy to wipe clean.
Pros
- Unreal traction
- Secure heel fit
- Comfy sock-like upper
Cons
- Firm TPU sole takes getting used too
| Sizes: | 7-12 |
| Color options: | 1 |
| BOA option? | No |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best and most comfortable Adidas spikeless golf shoe
The sole reminded me of a trail or climbing model thanks to the bold aesthetics of the side profile. But looks aside the shoe delivers exceptional levels of grip, whilst the upper, despite its looks, is completely waterproof.
I found the upper easy to maintain as after a few wipes it was back to its pre-round self. It’s made from 50% ocean-recovered plastics as the German sportswear giant continue their sustainability mission, which we applaud.
The Codechaos is among the most comfortable adidas shoes I’ve used, thanks to the Boost cushioning. It’s a system I’ve always praised in my sneakers and it is a real bonus in golf shoes. A versatile option for on and off the golf course.
Pros
- Excellent grip
- Cool design
- Versatile
- Boost makes it super comfortable
Cons
- Controversial colorways
| Sizes: | 6.5-12 |
| Color options: | 7 |
| BOA option? | Yes |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best for instant comfort and subtle styling
Looking down at the shoe you wouldn’t believe it’s waterproof. The fabric upper is ultra-lightweight and flexible, but still keeps out the wet stuff, and, brilliantly, it is stain-resistant.
The foam midsole and the Ortholite insole combine to create an underfoot sensation and they were great for wearing straight from the house to the course.
If I had to find fault, the Moneymaker wasn’t as supportive as some of the other spikeless golf shoes I tested, but overall it’s the perfect summer option.
Pros
- Great comfort
- Super soft
- Excellent traction
Cons
- Not the best support when swinging
| Sizes: | 7-13 |
| Color options: | 8 |
| BOA option? | No |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best for wearing on and off the golf course
MG4X2 is the perfect blend of stylish streetwear and on-course practicality. The waterproof G/DRY knit upper sits on top of G/Fore’s lattice midsole and to give the support and comfort needed, while the molded heel cup secures the foot in place and doesn’t rub. The 100% rubber outsole has a sawtooth traction pattern, giving me excellent stability during the swing.
I have them in the snow colorway, but G/Fore have a fantastic range of bolder options if you want to stand out from the crowd.
Pros
- Color options
- Comfortable
- Great on and off the course
Cons
- Mesh hard to clean
| Sizes: | 7-15 |
| Color options: | 4 |
| BOA option? | No |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best spikeless golf shoe for all-day comfort
I think it looks more like something designed for the basketball court, but it makes for a superb golf shoe. The flexible yet substantial upper is breathable and fully waterproof.
As well as loving the styling, I was really impressed with the on-course comfort. The famous (and generous) air bubble in the heel feels quite firm to the touch, but combined with a foam midsole, it creates a feeling of walking on… air!
Nike make the 270G in some bold colors, which I love, and it means there’s something for everyone. I was also delighted to find they cleaned up easily after a particularly muddy round.
Pros
- Can wear them all-day
- Great looking
- Amazing grip
Cons
- Tight fit to start off
| Sizes: | 3-14 |
| Color options: | 4 |
| BOA option? | No |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best modern FootJoy spikeless shoe
With more and more millennials taking up the game, FJ have targeted that new, modern market with this bold design.
Fuel stands out from FJ’s line-up thanks to its dynamic design, streamlined styling, and bold colors. The outsole is inspired by the superb Pro SL and delivers that Tour-proven performance in a more modern design.
The outsole shone on the course, giving great grip, traction, and superb stability. Discreet sole molds meant was I happy to wear these off the course, too, and I was delighted to find the Fuel’s synthetic and waterproof uppers were really easy to clean after a particularly muddy UK winter round!
Read our full FootJoy Fuel golf shoe review
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Stylish and athletic look
- Great cushioning
Cons
- Toe wears out over time
| Sizes: | 6-14 |
| Color options: | 7 |
| BOA option? | Yes |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best spikeless golf shoe for the younger generation
The GS fast golf shoe follows that trend. Inspired by Puma’s superb RS line, you may have spotted the GS fast on the feet of a host of YouTube golf stars, including Tubes and our very own John Robins.
I really liked the all-white color, which I managed to keep looking fresh without any difficulty. The flowing graphic upper has a seam-sealed design that is fully waterproof and the molded TPU piece gave a good level of support to my heels and kept my feet secure.
I love a spikeless shoe that looks and feels as good with my everyday trousers or shorts as is does with my golf clothing, and the GS Fast excels in that area, providing style and comfort.
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Great heel and foot support
- High traction
Cons
- Style will divide opinion
| Sizes: | 7-12 |
| Color options: | 6 |
| BOA option? | No |
| Waterproof? | Ye |
Best spikeless shoe for traction
The uppers of the Biom H4 are crafted from premium, durable, thin leather, made in Ecco’s own tanneries. This provides natural protection from wind and water. I love the use of Gore-Tex in golf products – there is nothing better at helping keep your feet dry and comfortable on the golf course.
The redesigned tongue and toe area made the Biom H4 more comfortable and gave a sleeker, slimmer look. I’ve always found H4 to be a comfortable golf shoe but the subtle design tweaks have created a more balanced golf shoe and it’s a huge favorite of our Equipment Editor Simon Daddow.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Super soft leather
- Breathable
- Great cushioning
Cons
- Can be hard to maintain
| Sizes: | 3.5-13 |
| Color options: | 6 |
| BOA option? | Yes |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best new spikeless golf shoe brand
Styling pulled straight from the 1990s is paired with an Abzorb midsole, which I found to be comfortable and lightweight. I could really feel the spring in the midsole during my swing.
The NDurance outsole is designed with small rubber studs which, in my experience, would be better suited to slightly firmer conditions, but they still coped admirably when it was damp.
I’m a sucker for a good warranty because it shows the brand has faith in its products and New Balance offer an impressive two years.
Pros
- Love the trainer style
- Great on and off the course
- Goes with any outfit
Cons
- Could have better grip
| Sizes: | 8-16 |
| Color options: | 3 |
| BOA option? | No |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Golf Shoes Buying Guide
How do we test golf shoes?
Here at Today’s Golfer, our team of carefully selected reviewers tests and assesses each product over an extended period of time. Having tested tens of thousands of products over the years, we know exactly what to look for. We will ask every possible question about each product that we review. With a range of everyday golfers testing products you can rest assured that if it’s a situation that can arise for you on the golf course, we’ve already put the product through that scenario before recommending it.
With golf shoes, testing means wearing them for multiple rounds so we can determine the out-of-the-box performance in a variety of conditions. The overall performance of a product will depend on variables such as grip, durability, versatility, comfort, and fit.
We are lucky enough to attend product launches and meet the manufacturers to understand why they release a new product and its benefit to the consumer. The TG team pride ourselves on the fact that we understand and test all of our products to give you our honest and in-depth opinion on whether it is worth buying or not. The golf shoe reviews and recommendations are there with you the readers as our highest priority, so we can recommend products that will help you improve your game.
See a full guide to how we test golf equipment.
How to choose a golf shoe
One of the most important things to get right for the golf season is your golf shoes. There are a number of different variables to consider when picking what’s going to be on your feet out on the course. To assist you along your shoe-buying journey we have put together what we think are key points to consider when buying your next pair.
Budget
The first thing we advise when buying any golf product is to set yourself a realistic budget and stick to it. You can spend anything from £50 to £250 on golf shoes, depending on the brand, style, tech, and materials.
With hundreds of different models available, setting a budget for your next golf shoes will help to narrow down your search.
If the brand isn’t important to you then you’re more likely to be able to spend less money than if your heart is set on a pair of current FootJoy or Ecco shoes for example.
If you’re just starting out in golf, this is your first pair of golf shoes, or you only play occasionally we’d recommend setting a lower budget. Firstly, there’s no point in blowing a fortune on the shoes if you’re going to discover you don’t actually like the game as much as you hoped or only get on the course a couple of times a year. Secondly, the money you save on shoes can be spent adding other equipment, paying for some rounds, or getting yourself some lessons.
Spiked or spikeless
Many of the best golf shoes seen above and across the best brands now are split evenly between spiked and spikeless which both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Spiked
Golf shoes with spikes tend to give better grip/traction out on the golf course with them having soft spikes placed around the outsole. Spiked shoes are the more durable option as they have replaceable spikes, meaning if you look after and replace them there should be no reason they won’t last a long time.
With spikes on the outsole, the shoe has added pressure points on the foot which can result in a slightly less comfortable fit. Spiked golf shoes are less versatile as they aren’t designed to be worn both on and off the golf course.
Spikeless
The Spikeless option may not give golfers as much traction as spiked golf shoes but they have come a long way in recent years. Spikeless golf shoes tend to feature small rubber molds on the outsole to aid grip, however, with technological advancements, companies are finding new ways to improve spikeless traction.
The use of compounds such as TPU has allowed brands like Under Armour and Ecco to produce a spikeless shoe that, when partnered with rubber molds, gives arguably as much traction as a spiked shoe. Spikeless shoes are becoming more and more durable, and modern styling makes them more attractive as an everyday shoe. With brands using tech from their running shoes in golf shoes, they are often uber-comfortable too.
Spikeless shoes are lighter and much more versatile. They’re a shoe that you can drive in and hit drives in.
Waterproofing
Some of you may live in an area of the world that gets a lot of rain, making a waterproof shoe a must. Or you may be a golfer that likes to prepare for any outcome on the course and doesn’t want to be left with soggy feet from an unexpected shower.
In the UK waterproof shoes can be a sensible option when picking out what to wear on the course. Many golfers buy a waterproof pair for winter, and a more breathable lightweight shoe for summer.
Buying a pair of shoes that are guaranteed waterproof can cost a little more so if you live in a part of the world where rain rarely falls (hello Dubai), then you can save yourself a bit of cash with a non-waterproof model.
Correct fit
Arguably the most important part of picking out a new golf shoe is getting something that fits your feet correctly. This will help prevent blisters and stop your feet from moving around, which can limit your control during the swing.
When putting on a shoe for the first time always make sure there is no pinching or movement. When your foot slides in you always check your toes fit at the end of the shoe and have a walk around in them to make sure they feel comfortable. We’d even recommend making a few golf swing motions to ensure they are fit for purpose.
Under Armour use ‘normal’ laces throughout their range of shoes. But most big-name brands including FootJoy and Ecco use a system called BOA. This lets you twist a dial to tighten the specially formulated laces and can provide a better fit that doesn’t loosen when playing. While BOA often creates a more secure fit, the look and feel aren’t for everyone and BOA models tend to be more expensive.
Comfort
With your average round of golf being more than four hours, comfort is king when buying golf shoes. If your shoes are uncomfortable and hard-wearing on your feet, your mind will be distracted from playing good golf.
Try to find a shoe with good cushioning for the bottom of your foot and around the heel. Good heel and ankle support will keep your foot secure and will help with your golf swing.
You want to make sure that the shoe isn’t too soft as that may also hinder you in the long run as it won’t be as supportive. Finding a balance of support and comfort is what you should be looking for to make the most out of your new golf shoes.
Styling
Modern golf shoes come in many styles. It’s not all about the traditional look on the golf course anymore. A classic-looking shoe can now be seen next to the latest pair of sneakers on the tee box.
There are golf shoes out there for everyone, from brogues to lightweight, knitted models. You need to consider what shoes you wear and like wearing off the course and then you should have no trouble getting a style that suits you on the course.
We’d always recommend you thoroughly research all of the options and create a shortlist to try.
Best Spiked Golf Shoes: FAQs
Can you wear spikeless shoes on a golf course?
Yes. Many of the best spikeless golf shoes offer up as much grip as spiked golf shoes and tend to be comfier to wear. Spikeless golf shoes are also more versatile as they can be worn on and off the golf course as they feel like normal shoes.
Do pros use spikeless golf shoes?
Yes, tour pros do play with spikeless golf shoes. In fact, due to the fair conditions they play in, the majority of pros use them over spiked golf shoes.
Why do people wear spikeless golf shoes?
Golfers like to wear spikeless golf shoes as they find them more comfortable to walk in on and off the golf course. They’re more comfortable since there are no spikes to affect balance or apply pressure under the foot, spikeless golf shoes are also lighter and great to wear casually.
Do spikeless golf shoes work in the rain?
Spikeless golf shoes can give enough traction to help golfers in soft and wet conditions. Advancements in the golf shoe have meant spikeless soles now offer excellent grip thanks to things such as strategically placed rubber studs or TPU outsoles, which compete with most spiked models.
About the author
Will Shreeve-Peacock – Golf Equipment Writer
Will Shreeve-Peacock is a golf equipment writer for todays-golfer.com, specializing in golf shoes, GPS watches, rangefinders, and training aids.
He has a degree in journalism from Sheffield Hallam university and four years of experience working in golf retail with American Golf. Will was part of the sales and fitting team, making him the perfect man to review golf equipment.
Trained by a range of manufacturers, including Titleist, to enhance his product knowledge, Will has all of the skills required to recommend the best equipment for amateur golfers.
Will uses a Cobra LTDx driver (10.5º), Cobra LTDx fairway wood (15º), TaylorMade P790 (2-iron), Callaway X Forged 18 Irons (4-PW), Wilson Staff Model Wedges (52°, 58°), TaylorMade White smoke IN-12 Blade putter and the TaylorMade TP5x Golf ball.
When he’s not testing golf shoes, he chooses to wear FootJoy Hyperflex or Under Armour Charged Phantom. He uses a Shotscope Pro L2 rangefinder and his favorite ever training aid is the PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer and mat.
You can contact Will via email. Follow him on Twitter here.
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Best spikeless golf shoes 2023.
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Cuater The Moneymaker golf shoe.
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Ecco Biom H4 golf shoes.
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FootJoy Pro SL golf shoe.
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Under Armour HOVR Tour golf shoe is amongst the best spikeless golf shoes in 2023.
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Under Armour Charged Phantom SL golf shoes.
