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While there are many types of golf shoes to choose from, most golfers value the performance of spiked golf shoes. By helping a player stay better connected to the ground, the best spiked golf shoes allow you to swing for the fences with your favorite driver and still maintain balance. In the same way that a premium golf glove is responsible for ensuring the connection between your hands and the grip, spiked golf shoes keep your feet and body in the proper position to make an effective golf swing. It's an essential piece of equipment if you are hoping to fully enjoy your experience on the best golf courses. Without the best spiked golf shoes, playing golf becomes much more difficult, so it is beneficial to find a comfortable, effective pair.
The Best Spiked Golf Shoes - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Spiked Golf Shoes: adidas S2G
- Best Waterproof Spiked Golf Shoes: Skechers Pro Hyper 5
- Best Quality Spiked Golf Shoes: Skechers Go Golf Torque Pro
- Best Spiked Golf Shoes for Walking: New Balance Fresh Foam Pace SL Boa
- Best Premium Spiked Golf Shoes: Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour
- Most Comfortable Spiked Golf Shoes: New Balance Striker V3
- Best Budget Spiked Golf Shoes: Nike Infinity G
- Best Lightweight Spiked Golf Shoes: Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour
- Most Stylish Spiked Golf Shoes: Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour 2 Shield
We put together a list of the best spiked golf shoes available. Whether you are searching for the ideal golf gift or hoping to improve your own game, here are the top selections.
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Best Overall Spiked Golf Shoes - adidas S2G
SPECS
- Weight: 10.8 oz.
- Sizes: 7-15
- Colors: Core black/gray four/mesa
A shoe made in part from recycled material, the S2G is designed with top-tier waterproof technology to help you combat wet weather. Players laud the warmth the shoes provide, as well as how easy it is to keep your feet dry regardless of the conditions. These kicks do more than repel water, however. The four-cleat rubber outsole and springy midsole combine for comfort, grip, and stability during the swing. You may assume the S2G's are a particularly heavy boot, but that's not the case. They provide everything necessary in a high-performance golf shoe while keeping a reasonable 10.8-ounce weight. On the downside, color options are limited and arch support can be lacking.
What We Like
- Rubber V-Traxion outsole with Thintech cleats
- 4-cleat Adiwear rubber outsole
- Waterproof
- Lace closure
- Wide fit
What We Don't Like
- Only 1 color combo
- Inserts can lack arch support for narrower feet
Best Waterproof Spiked Golf Shoes – Skechers Pro Hyper 5
SPECS
- Weight: 10.7 oz.
- Sizes: 8-13
- Colors: White/blue, black/gray, gray/red
Highlighted by a waterproof synthetic upper and a removable arch comfort insole, the Skechers Pro Hyper 5 golf shoes are top of the class when combining comfort with waterproof technology. The shoe shape was designed by a podiatrist with 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted foot scans. That information was critical to coming up with highly responsive and flexible cushioning. Although they can take some time to fully break-in, these are some of the most comfortable shoes on the market. We found that the tongue stitching can cause some irritation and the shoes take longer than most to break in properly.
What We Like
- Ultra-lightweight cushioning
- Podiatrist-certified arch support
- Waterproof upper with lace-up front
- Molded rubber grip bottom plate
- Replaceable soft spikes
What We Don't Like
- Tongue stitching can be uncomfortable
- Shoes take longer to break in
Best Quality Spiked Golf Shoes – Skechers Go Golf Torque Pro
SPECS
- Weight: 10.9 oz.
- Sizes: 7.5-13
- Colors: Black/red, white/navy
If you want a pure, high-quality golf shoe without any bells and whistles, the Skechers Go Golf Torque Pro might be the pair you are looking for. With a straightforward style and a standard lace closure, it looks like a traditional golf shoe while offering modern features like responsive cushioning and a waterproof design made possible by its leather and synthetic upper. It comes at an affordable price and has respectable durability. The main negative is that this isn't necessarily a sharp-looking shoe from a style perspective.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Responsive cushioning
- Waterproof design
- Leather and synthetic upper
- Replace soft spikes
What We Don't Like
- Bland style
- Sizing runs narrow
BUY: Skechers Go Golf Torque Pro
Best Spiked Golf Shoes for Walking – New Balance Fresh Foam Pace SL Boa
SPECS
- Weight: 12.2 oz.
- Sizes: 8-14
- Colors: Black/red, gray/orange
Finding a more comfortable walking shoe will be harder than the Fresh Foam Pace SL Boa from New Balance. There is a 10-millimeter foam midsole and a molded cushioned insole that caters to the contours of your foot with each step. The midfoot dial on the side of the shoe allows for a customizable fit and ensures you don't waste any time repeatedly tying laces. There is also a waterproof performance mesh upper and a welded forefoot water guard to protect against wet feet. It all adds up to a shoe that the walking golfer enjoys throughout the round. The sizing can run small and it's not an easy pair to slip on if that is what you are searching for.
What We Like
- Cushioned insole for optimal comfort
- Customizable fit
- Waterproof performance mesh
- 2 color designs
- Foam midsole makes walking easier
What We Don't Like
- Sizing runs small
- Unable to slip on like with other BOA shoes
BUY: New Balance Fresh Foam Pace SL Boa
Best Premium Spiked Golf Shoes – Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour
SPECS
- Weight: 11 oz.
- Sizes: 6-15
- Colors: Gray/black, white/black, black/white
Combining a classic look with high-performance technology, the Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour shoes are top-of-the-line for those who want to spare no expense for their spiked golf shoes. The first thing that catches your eye is the supple full-grain leather that is both soft and durable. The laces are controlled with a BOA dial on the tongue that straps your foot in tightly, creating a customizable fit. The foam padding insole and extra support around the heel separate the shoe on the comfort scale. It has a sleek and modern style without straying too far from traditional golf shoe norms. These shoes are more on the expensive side, but you are getting quality from your purchase.
What We Like
- Customizable fit
- Full-grain leather
- Extra foam under heel
- Internal foam pods
- Responsive midsole
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Sizing runs small
BUY: Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour
Most Comfortable Spiked Golf Shoes – New Balance Striker V3
SPECS
- Weight: 11.6 oz.
- Sizes: 8-16
- Colors: Black, gray/yellow, white/blue
The New Balance Striker V3 golf shoes come at an affordable price point while still offering some impressive technology. What stands out with this pair is the flexibility and comfort that gives them more of a running shoe feel, which is appropriate given the New Balance brand. The exoskeleton TPU outsole is designed to move with every step rather than firmly staying in place, while the insole is particularly responsive to shifting wherever your foot goes. It's a comfortable pair that work well for those who want to walk the course while still having the benefits of spikes. Beware that the sizing runs small and the shoes aren't as effective in wet conditions.
What We Like
- Inexpensive
- 3 widths available
- Lightweight insole
- Removable cleats
- Flexible outsole
What We Don't Like
- Sizing runs too narrow
- Struggle in wet conditions
Best Budget Spiked Golf Shoes – Nike Infinity G
SPECS
- Weight: 11 oz.
- Sizes: 7.5-15.5
- Colors: Black/white
Available at an affordable price point, the Nike Infinity G features soft foam integrated spikes for plush comfort and a sturdy grip. While you won't get the same longevity as a premium golf shoe, this is a solid waterproof boot that features flexible movement and a straightforward design. You could easily buy three pairs for the price of a higher quality shoe, rotating them to maintain shelf life. We also appreciate the accurate sizing and light weight. One of the drawbacks of the shoe is that it has a firmer outer shell, which can make certain steps uncomfortable.
What We Like
- Very inexpensive
- Waterproof
- Above average comfort
- True to size
- Simple design
What We Don't Like
- Lack durability
- Outer shell can be very firm
Best Lightweight Spiked Golf Shoes – Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour
SPECS
- Weight: 10.5 oz.
- Sizes: 7-15
- Colors: 6 different color combos
Another option in the long line of Nike spiked golf shoes is the Infinity Tour model. A lightweight golf shoe with an eccentric style, the Infinity Tour earns high marks in overall comfort because they are easy to slip on and have ample foot space. The plush, padded collar reduces heel slip, adding to the enjoyment. An underrated feature of this shoe is the traction. Two spikes on forefoot and two spikes on the heel—plus a secondary traction pattern throughout the sole—provide a strong grip. The shoe comes in six different color combinations, which is a solid feature. We have seen some durability issues in the shoes, which is the main drawback.
What We Like
- Great traction
- Dynamic response cushioning
- Gusset tongue provides easy slip-on
- Bright color options
- Foot has plenty of room
What We Don't Like
- Durability issues
- Sizing runs small
BUY: Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour
Most Stylish Spiked Golf Shoes – Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour 2 Shield
SPECS
- Weight: 12.7 oz.
- Sizes: 6-15
- Colors: Black/white/organe
There is a certain swagger that comes with the Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour 2 Shield shoes. A tall shoe with a thick midsole, elevated cuff, zipper closure, and bright colors, this pair definitely isn't suited for traditionalists. Two things stick out when looking at this pair. The first is the fashion statement of wearing thick shoes that could just about pass for hiking boots. The second is how the shoes are suited for wet conditions. By having an elevated cuff and zipper closure—as well as using waterproof materials on the shoe's upper—this pair is meant to handle any conditions and fits perfectly with a rain suit. For some, this will be a weather-dependent backup option to their everyday pair.
What We Like
- Unique style
- Waterproof materials
- Innovative traction
- Excellent responsiveness
- Very comfortable
What We Don't Like
- Zipper closure is not for everyone
- Elevated cuff rides high above ankle
BUY: Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour 2 Shield
Benefits of Spiked Golf Shoes
The main reason a golfer wears spiked golf shoes is to gain traction and stability during the golf swing. This is particularly important in wet conditions or when a shot must be played off pine straw or another slippery surface. The spikes dig into the ground, allowing for the twisting motion of the golf swing while keeping a sturdy foundation. While an excellent golf swing can be made without spiked golf shoes, it's often more difficult to generate power in the same way you can when wearing spikes. We recommend starting with spiked golf shoes and learning an effective swing before going to spikeless shoes, although it's not a hard-and-fast rule.
What to Look for in Spiked Golf Shoes
Finding the best spiked golf shoes involves considering many of the variables you have with most shoes. That includes size, weight, and materials that create optimal comfort. However, performance is a major consideration when it comes to picking out the right spiked golf shoes. Here are the main factors to consider to find the ideal pair.
Size
Size is a vital variable for any shoe, but make sure to pay attention to the width of the spiked golf shoe. This is important because your body shifts side-to-side in the golf swing, stressing the insole in ways that don't happen as often with normal shoes. With this in mind, make sure to find a size of shoe that fits both from a length and width perspective. You may need to go a size up in many cases because golf shoes tend to run small.
Weight
Most spiked golf shoes are relatively close in weight, but even a couple of ounces can make a large difference. If you are planning on walking while you play, it may be worth it to find a shoe that offers more cushioning—even if that means the shoe is slightly heavier. Some golfers might prefer a lighter shoe so they feel more connected to their foot movement in the swing. There is no wrong answer.
Materials
Spiked golf shoes are made of many materials, but one of the biggest considerations is what type of outsole you want to have. For instance, some golfers appreciate mesh because it is lightweight and flexible while others like the durability and feel of leather. Foam is regularly used for the insole and midsole, providing flexibility and responsiveness to each movement. All shoes have some form of padding, but some may offer more. Lastly, the spikes on the bottom of the shoes come in different variations. They are mostly rubber or plastic—some can be replaced and others are permanently a part of the shoe.
Buckle Type
Traditional spiked golf shoes have thin tie-up laces, but there are new variations on the market now. BOA technology features a dial that tightens or loosens the shoe internally without having to deal with laces. Zippers or other unique closures can also be featured. It's also now common to find laces that are thicker with more of a running shoe style. It's simply a matter of personal preference.
FAQs About Spiked Golf Shoes
What is a spiked golf shoe?
A spiked golf shoe features rubber, ceramic, or metal spikes on the bottom sole to aid in the stability and traction required to hit a golf swing. Because the swing requires a twisting motion, the spikes are usually considered necessary for maintaining proper balance.
Is it better to have spiked golf shoes?
Choosing between spiked or spikeless golf shoes is a matter of personal preference. While spikeless golf shoes can often be more comfortable and offer an easier walking experience, spiked golf shoes typically win out when it comes to aiding swing performance.
Do pro golfers wear spiked golf shoes?
The vast majority of pro golfers wear spiked golf shoes, although a small minority wear spikeless golf shoes. Some pro golfers even wear metal spikes, which are typically not allowed to be worn by recreational golfers because of the damage they do to the turf. Rubber spikes are the most commonly worn form of spiked golf shoes.
About the Author
Sean is a senior writer for Global Golf Post and a former writer at PGA Magazine. He has covered golf for over 10 years. Sean is also a weekly contributor to Honda Classic Live, a radio show on ESPN West Palm Beach.
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