The spikeless golf shoe has revolutionized golf footwear in terms of comfort and versatility. Here are some of the best on the market in terms of grip, stability, and style.
The spikeless shoe business has developed significantly due to remarkable innovation, to the point where the best spikeless golf shoes can compete with the best-spiked versions.
These golf shoes are one of the most versatile pieces of kit to hit the market in recent years. They are stylish and useful and may be worn on and off the course.
The serious golfer would have laughed at them in years past because they provided significantly less grip and traction than the best-spiked golf shoes.
Still, thanks to creative designs by major manufacturers, the latest generation of spikeless designs deliver exceptional levels of grip and stability.
This has led to many of the world’s best professional golfers now using spikeless shoes. If you haven’t tried a pair yet, you should; you’ll be astonished and may even be converted.
Below are some of the best spikeless golf shoes on the market right now.
Table of Contents
Best spikeless golf shoes
Footjoy pro/SL golf shoes – Best overall
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This edition includes an Infinity outsole 11.5% wider than the previous generation and has 30% more traction points with the ground for improved grip.
A revised Power Harness provides support, and the top is now composed of soft Chromoskin leather, which is waterproof and breathable.
We found the added perimeter stability instantly noticeable during our testing, particularly during the golf swing.
The grip is superb because of the high contact areas with the ground; even in wet circumstances, you can go for your drives without the danger of slipping or excessive movement.
Pros
- Exceptional all-around performance
- Continuing to set the standard for spikeless grip and stability
- Ample walking comfort
Cons
- Supple leather is prone to scuffing.
Footjoy pro/SL golf carbon shoes – The best performance
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The FootJoy Pro/SL Carbon shoe may resemble the elegant Pro/SL, but it features a carbon fiber inlay built into the midsole that runs the whole length of the shoe.
It is an exceptionally comfortable and stable spikeless shoe, making it one of the best FootJoy golf shoes.
It is somewhat stiffer in all directions than the Pro/SL, making it excellent for golfers with overactive lower halves who want additional stability during their swing.
Despite this, the added padding around the ankle makes it extremely comfy.
Pros
- Exceptional all-around performance
- Sets the standard for spikeless grip and stability
Cons
- Carbon model renders the conventional Pro/SL obsolete
Adidas code chaos golf shoes
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The Adidas Codechaos shoes, which were a major hit when they debuted last year, feature an upper area constructed of multi-layer mesh, giving the shoe a unique texture while boosting durability and breathability.
This also keeps them exceptionally lightweight, making them ideal for use on the course.
The design and appearance may not be for everyone, but after extensive testing, they are not only one of the best spikeless golf shoes on the market right now but also the best Adidas golf shoes.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable and provides outstanding grip
- Low profile feel and flexibility when walking
Cons
- Some colorways are quite flashy.
Under Armor HOVR Fade SL shoes – Best for longer walks
Under Armour’s HOVR Fade shoe incorporates several technologies to ensure peak performance on the course.
The HOVR technology, for example, promotes the foot’s natural mobility throughout the swing while creating a “zero-gravity feel” that lessens the impact felt step by step.
The Rotational Resistance outsole is light and flexible, but it does not sacrifice traction.
Pros
- Extremely light and comfy
- Fully waterproof
Cons
- Not as appropriate for off-course wear as others
Nike air max 90 g shoes – Best versatility
The Air Max 90 G shoes, which you will have seen on Tour, are among the top Nike golf shoes on the market.
The aesthetic of the original Nike Air Max 90 is recreated with the use of fused overlays, additional eyestays, and strategically placed mesh.
The mesh includes a thin, flexible overlay that keeps water out and makes cleaning your shoes simple.
Pros
- Tour-validated performance
- Each color is one-of-a-kind
Cons
- Some may be put off by design.
Payntr x001 f golf shoes – Best new tech
This sports footwear performance firm has made waves in the golf industry with its shoe, which is supposed to provide golfers a competitive advantage thanks to a revolutionary 3D traction system built expressly to avoid rotational slippage.
A Responsive Power Plate and midsole cavity help utilize ground response forces, while underfoot cushioning and a breathable and waterproof PMX foam midsole provide all-day comfort.
Overall, Payntr’s debut in the world of golf is remarkable, but there is one thing to keep in mind: we found these shoes coming out a half size small, so you may want to go up a half size.
Pros
- Soft and comfy, with good grip and stability.
- The modern, sporty style also looks the part.
Cons
- The size is small.
Skechers go golf elite tour SL golf shoes – Best dry
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The new Skechers Go Golf Elite Tour SL shoe, which is fully waterproof and has a robust grip outsole with 236 points of contact with the ground, should not be neglected in this list.
The low-drop design keeps golfers near the ground, but it doesn’t sacrifice comfort, provided by the lightweight Ultra Go cushioning and Goga Max insole.
Pros
- Outstanding grip and waterproofing
- The most visually appealing model in Skechers’ ‘Elite’ line
Cons
- It may not astound you like some of its competitors.
Ecco s-three golf shoes – Best grip and stability
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The S-Three is a spikeless model that combines on-course performance with off-course flair. It offers dynamic comfort, a modern appearance, and a mix of technologies to improve performance.
The Zonal Fluidform technology, which provides a molded midsole with three unique zones of softness to ensure the ideal combination of cushioning and stability exactly where you need it, is the most remarkable innovation in this shoe.
It has a modern style in various cool colors, particularly the Henrik Stenson edition, and the thickness and suppleness of the leather are immediately apparent.
Pros
- Good grip from various lies
- Protection against the elements
Cons
- Big for a spikeless model
Adidas tour 360 xt-SL 2.0 spikeless shoes – Best Variety
The Adidas Tour360 XT-SL 2.0 sneakers provide an appealing blend of traditional golf shoe designs with a sports edge. These are aesthetics that will appeal to a wide range of golfers of various ages.
They also perform admirably due to the X-shaped traction technology on the outsole, which provides a multi-directional grip throughout the swing, even on slicker surfaces.
The light construction and Boost cushioning are a nice design touch, and they’re also one of the best waterproof golf shoes you can buy right now, so we can’t recommend these enough.
Pros
- Arguably the best golf shoe made by Adidas
- Extensive color, size and width options
Cons
- Necessitates wearing in
FootJoy Premiere Series Flint Golf Shoes – Best wide shoe
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The Flint in FootJoy’s new Premiere Series is available in four-width variants, making it the ideal shoe for players with wide, or even super wide, feet.
Its classic style and modern performance make it the ideal choice for golfers who want to look at the part without sacrificing performance on the course.
Despite being a spikeless model, the Flint has plenty of traction thanks to a Versa-Trax+ Outsole, and the Ortholite FitBed on the inside adds stability and comfort.
The leather upper is entirely waterproof and has delicate accents that enhance the overall attractiveness. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a shoe that’s better suited for use both on and off the course.
You won’t find anything more appealing, yet it’s also packed with up-to-date features. Despite not being the softest-feeling shoes in the current FootJoy range, the Ortholite EcoPlush Fitbed provides stability and comfort, and the shoes are very comfy.
While the sheepskin leather upper is comfortable to the touch, sturdy, and waterproof, the VersaTrax+ outsole provides good traction and is eco-friendly.
Pros
- Best-looking shoe
- For wide feet
- Waterproof, stable and comfortable
Cons
- Pricey
Expert tip
- Do you want your foot to breathe?
Golfers who want to boost their breathability should look for designs with a “knit” textile construction. Knit/textile shoes are not only breathable and lightweight, but they are also entirely waterproof, despite the mesh-like material.
- Check out the BOA.
While BOA/DISC closure mechanisms are less widespread in spikeless designs, shoes with these systems frequently fit differently than their laced counterparts. If the laced model doesn’t feel right, try the BOA/DISC closure system if it’s available, but be prepared to pay for it.
More tips
- Not everyone requires a lot of stability in a golf shoe. Try on different shoe styles to see which level of stability works best for you.
- Look for styles incorporating “cage technology” in the mid-foot portion if you want or require optimal stability. It’s typical in traditionally spiked shoes, but businesses have begun incorporating stability-enhancing elements into spikeless versions. Sizes can vary depending on the manufacturer. If you can’t try them on, use the company’s sizing chart to guarantee you purchase the correct size.
- Whether you go for spiked or spikeless shoes, have your foot measured to guarantee you get the right size.
- To perform at your best, you must be grounded. A shoe that does not provide adequate traction can cost you strokes.
- Spikeless shoes are generally softer on turf than severely spiked shoes. Go spikeless if you want your superintendent and the golfers that follow you to adore you.
What to look for when buying spikeless golf shoes
If you’re considering acquiring some spikeless golf shoes, here are a few things to consider:
Comfort
When it comes to golf shoes, as you might assume, comfort reigns supreme. An uncomfortable golf shoe is pointless, so try on a few different kinds before purchasing so you know what you like the feel of.
Some models, for example, include specific foam technology or exclusive designs that are intended to keep your feet comfortable all day on the golf course.
Grip/stability/traction
Spikeless shoe design has vastly advanced in these areas. Spiked models were previously the sole means to provide grip and stability in tough lies or when the weather made the ground slippery.
This is no longer the case because most of the models mentioned above have specially engineered traction patterns and lugs to keep your feet from slipping.
Looks
This is completely subjective, but you should make sure you like the look of your golf shoes, and there is a model above for every fashion sense.
The FootJoy Pro/SL is a nice option if you like a more classic look, although the Adidas Codechaos or Under Armour’s Spieth 5 are both good options.
Waterproofing
Most golf shoes these days offer some level of waterproof protection, but some are better than others, so if you plan on playing in the rain frequently, models like the Inesis, Ecco, or G/FORE are ideal.
Sizes
Be cautious of varied sizes because many manufacturers, such as Payntr and Nike, sell shoes that might run quite small or large if you order the wrong size.
As a result, it is worthwhile to visit brand websites to discover how the shoes translate to size guides worldwide.
Price
The final factor to consider is cost. We tried to find shoes at all price points with the models above, so you can purchase one if you want a cheap model.
You can also spend more money if you wish to. What’s more, there’s something for everyone.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to the finest spikeless golf shoes, and you can find more shopping tips on the Golf Monthly website.
FAQs
Is it common for professionals to wear spikeless golf shoes?
The phrase “Fred Couples effect” isn’t famous for nothing. The first spikeless pair to appear was worn by a professional, which caused quite a stir in the community.
Although many professionals can be seen wearing cleated trainers, many are also transitioning to spikeless.
Is it acceptable to wear casual sneakers on the golf course?
Despite the strict golf rules, sneakers are not prohibited on the course. Beginners or players who are still deciding what to buy can use their trusted pair in the meantime.
Nonetheless, specialized golf footwear is strongly advised for turf for a variety of reasons:
- Spikeless golf shoes are designed to withstand the course’s various hazards.
- They ensure safer rounds because the foot is securely planted due to the highly textured bottom.
- These shoes can withstand the force of the swing when there is downward, lateral, and rotational pressure involved.
What is the average lifespan of spikeless golf shoes?
One disadvantage of spikeless golf shoes that golfers have noticed is that the spikes are not replaceable. This alone can significantly impact the product’s lifespan, as damaged nubs can already ruin a game.
Nowadays, the good thing about brands is that they have revolutionized the outsole, with average spikeless golf shoes designed to last for 100-200 rounds. However, it is still dependent on how it is used.
What is the best brand of a spikeless trainer?
Since the first spikeless shoe was released in 2010, businesses have put their thinking caps on and created some of the most gripping outsoles without the spikes.
Ecco, being the first manufacturer, has the top brand in mind for golfers. Adidas, Nike, New Balance, Footjoy, Callaway, and Under Armour are among the well-known manufacturer’s clean shoes.
