Wednesday, May 6

S2G 26 Leather Spikeless

Pros

  • Good combo of comfort and ground feel
  • Versatile enough for everyday wear
  • Durable upper with added toe cap
  • Deep heel support
  • Balanced, comfortable midsole design

Cons

  • Traction is decent but could be better
  • Not the most cushioned shoe on our list

Adidas has some of the best golf shoes around, especially when you consider the value for what you pay. The latest edition of the S2G golf shoes, the 26s, cost just over $100 and you get a versatile pair that can be worn with a number of golf outfits and, if you so choose, casual outfits, thanks to their iconic design that looks like a pair of Adidas Boost running shoes. The shoe’s upper is made with a soft waterproof leather (we love how Adidas added a toe cap for better reinforcement and water resistance). Our tester also noticed how the deep, sturdy heel adds solid heel protection and stability for feeling locked in.

The Adidas Lightstrike cushioning for the midsole is well-made and very comfortable, but it’s not the most cushioned golf shoe you can buy. Instead, the SG2 sits somewhere in the middle of supportiveness and cushioning. As for the outsole, it has ample traction with the circular rubber lugs. However, similar to the midsole design, you shouldn’t expect the shoe to be the most grippy. The outsole sits somewhere in the middle of grip; just be aware when the tee boxes are slick. Altogether it’s one solid shoe, and takes the crown for best pair overall. And if you want to save even more, the S2G 24s are discounted in lots of places (our previous best overall).

Read More: Best Golf Shirts

Outsole Spikeless Adiwear outsole
Weight 14 oz
Waterproof? Yes

Pros

  • Mesh offers great breathability during hot summer days
  • Great energy return from the midsole
  • Exceptional traction for a spikeless shoe

Cons

  • Heavier than most shoes we’ve tested
  • On the expensive end of the spectrum
  • A bit narrow

Ecco golf shoes are some of the most comfortable performance kicks you can buy, and the greater golf community loves them. The brand isn’t as widely known and played-in on this side of the Atlantic, but the Biom H5 stands out among every shoe we tested.

While they’re a little heavier than our tester was used to (though lighter than the leather version), he found that the weight made for a shoe that offered up a ton of stability and support across the entire golf course. “I see why lots of European and UK golfers love them—I don’t think I’ve ever felt as locked-in with a golf shoe before,” he said, after wearing the Eccos for a few rounds.

Along with the exceptional stability, the mesh upper offers excellent breathability, and the midsole provides ample comfort for long rounds on your feet, whether walking or riding. Our tester was surprised to find that the midsole was not only comfortable for a whole round but also provided some energy return, akin to that you’d get from a running shoe. Walking 36 holes? No problem.

Read More: Best Golf Pants

Outsole Rubber spikeless
Weight Not listed
Waterproof? No

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Pros

  • Goldilocks blend of style and performance
  • Great traction from 9-spike design
  • Comfortable enough for walking multiple rounds

Cons

  • Premium price point is tough to stomach

We still can’t get over seeing Tiger Woods wearing anything other than Nike, but starting his own brand makes the most sense if he had to move on from The Swoosh. Sun Day Red is the quintessential Tiger brand, full of classic-looking golf gear that puts a premium on performance. The Pioneer Cypress shoes are the perfect representation of that. They’re stylish, are a subtle twist on a classic silhouette, and are chock-full of performance features.

I could see and feel the quality from the moment I opened the box (which was very well-made in its own right). The attention to detail is striking. Each shoe comes in its own dust bag, and the pair comes with an extra massaging insole for those looking for something more plush. The materials are stellar, and subtle Tiger-esque touches like tiger stripes on the heel give these a feel that justifies the price without even wearing them on the course.

On the course, though, the function matches the form. The soft spikes are durable and provide exceptional traction across the course, the waterproof leather is supple and actually keeps the wearer dry (even on rainy days). And, where most traditional-style golf shoes aren’t comfortable until you’ve worn them for a few rounds, the Pioneer Cypress were perfect right out of the box.

Outsole High-density TPU full ground contact plate with a 9-cleat configuration
Weight Not listed
Waterproof? Yes

Pros

  • Secure lacing
  • Comfortable StratoFoam midsole
  • Waterproof with 2-year waterproof warranty
  • Removable soft spikes

Cons

  • Waterproof design makes them less breathable than other golf shoes with a knit upper
  • Take a full round or two to fully break in

FootJoy makes the best traditional leather golf shoes, but it also makes some pretty awesome modern golf shoes, too. The revamped Hyperflex is a star-studded performer, featuring materials like a breathable knit upper, a supportive foam midsole, and a hidden soft spikes outsole. PGA star Justin Thomas even ditched his traditional FootJoys for a pair of Hyperflexes last season.

Though they’re a favorite of the pros, few Average Joe golfers utilize spikes these days, but if you want to play like JT or the rest of the PGA Tour field, shoes with soft spikes are worth a look. Soft spikes mimic metal spikes, but are more forgiving to course terrain while still providing incredible traction. I found that with this pair specifically, the chances of slipping and sliding in these bad boys was seriously limited, even when the course was glazed in morning dew.

FootJoy also backs this pair with a two-year waterproof warranty, which adds to our claim that these are some of the best golf shoes for serious players in 2026. You get sneaker-like comfort with premium features, making the shoes great for even subpar weather conditions that you decide to play in anyway.

Outsole Infinity outsole with soft spikes
Weight 18 oz
Waterproof? Yes

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Pros

  • Can wear as much off the course as on it
  • Secure grip and lacing
  • Equal level of support and cushioning

Cons

  • Players who want a golf-specific shoe should look elsewhere
  • Some players might want deeper outsole grooves for better traction

The golf/everyday sneaker crossover doesn’t get much stronger than this. TravisMathew’s Daily Pro Hybrid is designed specifically for the guys who have plans after their morning tee time.

The Daily Pro comes in two versions: hybrid and golf. The hybrid version is virtually the same as the golf version, but made with less traction and a more breathable upper. The golf version utilizes a spikeless golf sole and synthetic waterproof upper to help it stand out from the hybrid.

The Daily Pro, as its name suggests, is a great daily workhorse for the golfer who is constantly on the move from the office to the bar to the range to the first tee—no matter what you’re up to on any given day, the Daily Pro has you covered.

A shoe not tailor-made for golf will always leave us a bit suspicious of its ability to perform on the course, but the Daily Pro assuaged those fears with its all-day comfort and solid traction.

Outsole Reverse rubber hybrid lugs
Weight 16 oz
Waterproof? Yes

Pros

  • Ripstop is water-resistant yet still flexible
  • Sleek, trainer-inspired style that looks good off the course
  • Breathable and lightweight
  • Secure lacing system

Cons

  • Traction can be an issue on really soggy conditions

Nobull has been on a roll with its golf apparel and golf shoe releases lately. One of our personal favorites (and Tom Brady) is the Ripstop Shoe, a sleek, high-comfort golf shoe that manages to repel moisture with ease while still staying breathable.

The trick to this shoe seems to be how Nobull went with a one-piece ripstop upper that offers one of the highest levels of durability while still remaining breathable enough to not overheat your feet. Unlike older versions that used an extra layer of Gore-Tex, this Ripstop only version remains more flexible yet offers plenty of weather-resistance. Our tester even walked through some puddles intentionally and found no water getting into his socks, and said these shoes still felt light, flexible, and comfortable on the course. And while he did like the upper, he says the real comfort comes from the bouncy Phylon midsole that gave him a pep in his step from hole one to hole 18.

As far as traction goes, you’ve got a lug pattern (that’s not that deep) for staying locked in, though our tester did have a few moments of slippage on extra-damp tee boxes during a couple rain-filled testing rounds.

Read more: Best Workout Shoes

Outsole Rubber lug pattern
Weight 15.2 oz
Waterproof? Yes

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Pros

  • Sneakerhead approved
  • Surprisingly decent traction
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Not fully waterproof
  • A bit heavier than others
  • Longer break-in period

If you’re looking for a street-cred pick that actually has performance to match, then Nike’s Air Max 90 Gs are the route to go. The latest version of this iconic sneaker ensures that you can even play in wet conditions, thanks to their waterproof design, which also helps you keep them as fresh as can be with an easy cleanup. True to their legendary design, they feature a comfy foam midsole and Air Max unit for premium cushioning, so even if you decide to walk a full round, you can do so in style and comfort.

While they may look like you’re typical Air Max 90 sneakers, underneath is where the real magic happens. Nike took the classic waffle soles and redesigned its traction with a slight twist, ensuring optimal grip on any course or playing conditions. While they may not be fully water-resistant, they will allow you to play in crummy weather while looking good doing so.

Outsole Hybrid waffle pattern
Weight Not listed
Waterproof? Yes

Pros

  • Comfortable for walking a full round (or more)
  • Great traction even on damp days
  • Fully waterproof

Cons

  • Not the most stylish golf shoe
  • Only come in white or black

Like the Nobull shoes above, the Reebok Nano Golf uses an existing workout shoe silhouette as its foundation. The Nano is one of Reebok’s most popular gym shoes, loved by Cross-Fit hardos and HIIT enthusiasts, so it’s not surprising that Reebok tried to recreate that success on the golf course.

After testing, we think the shoe is a big win for Reebok, who rolled out the Nano Golf with U.S. Open champ and YouTube star Bryson DeChambeau—a guy who looks like he’d be just as comfortable on the weight room floor as he is on the golf course—so the partnership makes sense.

Wearing the shoe on a suitably soggy spring day in the northeast, our tester’s feet stayed completely dry for the whole round, so we’re happy to report that the waterproofing works wonders.

He also lauded the traction, which uses raised undulated lugs and a TPU Torsion Shank to provide support and stability across all surfaces, from tee boxes to the rough and sand traps to the green.

Outsole Lugged rubber with TPU Torsion underfoot shank
Waterproof Yes
Weight? 14.4 oz

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Pros

  • Supportive heel cushion
  • Podiatrist-designed shape
  • Uses Skechers’ hands-free slip-in technology
  • Durable waterproof upper
  • Removable insole for custom comfort

Cons

  • Traditional golf shoe silhouette isn’t for everyone
  • You still have to tie the laces

Don’t sleep on Skechers golf shoes (and running shoes for that matter). The GO GOLF Prestige SL Slip-Ins features a classic design akin to more traditional styles, as well as waterproof construction and a spikeless outsole. The shoe also boasts another one of Skechers’ patented features: Arch Fit technology. This includes podiatrist-certified arch support, as well as a removable, supportive cushioning insole system for a customizable and comfortable walking experience.

Our tester was able to slip into them easily on the pavement, totally hands-free. The insole is springy and molds to your feet, which helps reduce shock and distribute your weight evenly. The comfort was apparent during the first round, and they didn’t really require a discernible break-in period. The embedded Heel Pillow helped keep his feet in place and added a layer of much-appreciated comfort. The Arch Fit technology made for a balanced, grounded feel that can go head-to-head with any other shoe in this guide.

Read More: Skechers Golf Shoe Review

Outsole Spikeless
Weight 10.5 oz
Waterproof? Yes

Pros

  • Bold aesthetic choice
  • Super comfortable
  • Waterproof uppers are quite breathable

Cons

  • On the heavier side
  • Requires a longer break-in period
  • Slightly snug

If you’re not familiar with G/Fore, the brand practically made its name featuring bold prints and loud aesthetics, particularly its solid colored golf gloves. While the its golf shoes are a bit more reserved and not too over-the-top, its signature camo printed soles do plenty of talking. With a solid array of options, its waterproof MG4+ O2 golf shoes are the perfect fusion of comfort, athletic design, and genuine performance.

The spikeless option is a bestseller and offers pretty decent traction, even on wet playing conditions, thanks to its unique sawtooth traction pattern. To enhance its locked-in feel even further, its external heel counter provides an even more stable base, which is perfect for even the most aggressive swingers. Though these shoes are waterproof, they feature a perforated and breathable upper which makes them great for hotter days, too. Plus, bonus points for the removable massaging insoles which are also machine washable.

Outsole TPU sawtooth pattern
Weight Not listed
Waterproof? Yes

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Pros

  • Phenomenal 360-degree traction
  • Very comfortable for walking all day
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Priced higher than most
  • Need to change shoes walking around the parking lot and clubhouse

Spiked golf shoes are the best option when it comes to providing ultimate traction, and UA’s Drive Pros give you a shoe that is literally engineered and lab tested to, as the brand says, “unlock the power of your natural swing.” Flipping the shoes over, you’ll see how that’s achieved, thanks to its hybrid soft spike system (S3) which utilizes two different spike designs: a hurricane design to improve rotational grip, while the other multi-directional spike enhances stability. This perfect combo of nine cross-diagonally placed spikes help to maximize power transfer while preventing slippage in any direction.

To take it up another notch, these golf cleats are also super comfortable thanks to the conforming uppers that feel like they mold onto your feet, while the brand’s Hovr cushioning not only fully locks in your feet, but also makes walking any course an absolute pleasure. While they’re not the most expensive pick in our guide, they will still run close to that $200 threshold, but most will justify the cost with their excellent performance. Plus, they’re also waterproof.

Outsole UA Swing Support System (S3) with soft spikes
Weight 12.5 oz
Waterproof? Yes

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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