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These Are the 10 Best Golf Shoes We've Tested (So Far) in 2026
Golf kicks have come a long way from the metal spikes your grandfather used to wear.
THE GAME OFgolf starts from the ground up, and that means you’ll want to have the best golf shoes laced up to maximize your performance. Whether you’re seeking comfort for walking a full 18, looking for premium traction and torque, or searching to be the stylish guy on course, the best golf shoes should check off most boxes. It's true that golf shoes have traditionally been more formal (think metal-spiked brogues made for the links), but the boom of sporty cleat styles that evolved through the 2000s has really opened up the definition of what a golf shoe can look like. And now, in 2026, thanks to forward-thinking footwear designers and PGA TOUR professional golfers who are deeply involved in the design process, we're seeing innovation in golf shoes more than ever before.
Best Golf Shoes
- Best Overall Golf Shoes: Adidas S2G 26 Leather Spikeless
- Most Comfortable Golf Shoes: Ecco Biom H5
- Best Traditional Golf Shoes: Sun Day Red Pioneer Cypress
- Best Soft Spike Golf Shoes: FootJoy Hyperflex
- Best Hybrid Golf Shoes: TravisMathew Daily Pro Plus
- Best Weatherproof Golf Shoes: Nobull Ripstop
Like golf shirts and pants, the best golf shoes are becoming more casual and comfort-driven. Pairs aren't as bulky and heavy as they used to be and certainly don't have scary metal spikes. "Today's golf shoes are more like sneakers; comfortable, cushioned, breathable, and versatile," says Paul Sliva, the head golf pro and tournament director at the historic Van Cortlandt Golf Course in the Bronx. "Technology has gotten better when it comes to traction too, and so you have golf shoes with grippy rubber patterns that a much more gentle on the grass," says Sliva.
Though many golf shoes can blend in with sneakers these days, it's important to wear proper footwear. Why? Well the biggest risk you pose is injury, especially to the knees and ankles. Golf shoes are designed to optimize traction and help keep your feet (and heel) in place when swinging a club. Where sneakers are designed to be comfortable for movement, golf shoes are made to provide a firm foundation and connection to the ground while still being comfortable enough for long days on your feet. It's a tricky line to balance, but there are a ton of brands making exceptional golf shoes these days. Follow us on our testing as we give you the guide to the 10 best golf shoes.
Other Golf Shoes We’re Testing
- Nike Pegasus Golf 1: The Swoosh took its legendary running shoe and brought some of that same tech to the course with a combo of Cushlon and ReactX midsole foam for a feel more like a running shoe. The hybrid traction pattern is also a different take and looks to provide some serious stability.
- Sun Day Red Presidio: Speaking of stability, the first sneaker-style golf shoe from Sun Day Red also features a dual outsole and sports a tread plate for great ground feel.
- TravisMathew NuAge Mega: Give us ALL the cushion, please. The NuAge midsole foam offers some seriously plush comfort (easy on the dogs for walking 18). And the replaceable spikes complement that feel with locked-in traction.
- Nike Victory Pro 4: Scottie Scheffler’s new golf shoe is one we’re chomping at the bit to play a few rounds in. These were developed with his specific needs in mind, which is a high demand for lateral stability to create speed and torque.
What to Consider
Outsole Design
Golf shoes are only as good as their outsole. A strong outsole is going to keep you from slipping on your swing, helping to create the conditions for a squared-up ball on every shot you take. Look for durable rubber with some sort of traction pattern on your golf shoes. The traction pattern should be formed well enough to dig into the ground a bit, especially when playing on dewy courses in the morning.
Weight and Breathability
Avoid chunky golf shoes that are made with materials that trap heat. You can usually go by the eye test with this step: If it looks hot and heavy, the chances are it is hot and heavy. Instead, keep an eye out for golf shoes made with durable foams and breathable uppers like mesh. Pro tip: A lot of our editors like to bring a second pair of golf socks to change into when making the turn on a round of 18 on hot days.
Water Resistance
Owning a pair of golf shoes with at least a minor level of water resistance is smart, because even when you're playing in dry temps you're likely to encounter fresh dew on the course and/or post-watered grounds. Sliva notes that buyers need to remember water resistance is different than waterproof, as water resistant is only going to minimally keep away moisture. "If you're a more consistent player who will go out when the weather is questionable, then you could probably use a pair of waterproof shoes to have around," says Sliva.
How We Selected
Even though I only get on the links a handful of times a year, the one thing I make sure I do stay consistent with is donning the best golf gear, namely ensuring that I choose picks where style meets performance. As I began my research, I started with this as my baseline criteria before looking at any other considerations. From there, I got some help.
To make our choices for this guide, I consulted with Senior Gear and Reviews Editor Ryan Brower (a mid-handicapper) to determine which shoes we wanted to consider based on our recent testing experiences and general golf consumer consensus. From there, we put over a dozen of the top golf shoes to the test and evaluated each pair's support, comfort, and performance. We did this in rainy rounds, cold winter rounds, and rounds in the stifling heat. We wore the shoes for full 18 holes of walking, for some chipping and putting work, out on the range, and even just for a quick nine holes. We left no stone unturned in determining the 10 best golf shoes for every type of golfer.
*Will Porter provided additional reporting for this story.
Meet the Expert
- Paul Sliva, Head Golf Professional at Van Cortlandt Golf Course in the Bronx, NY, the oldest public golf course in the U.S.
Jeff Turbett is a fitness and wellness writer who's based in Miami, FL. His work has been featured in The Manual and FightCamp.
Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear and tech. Baseball, surfing, and camping occupied most of his time growing up. He also trained in martial arts for 12 years and holds a third degree black belt. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He is also a Certified Beer Server and previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.

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