Best Golf Shoes for the 2020 Season

Golfer on tee box holding driver

In the same way any athlete relies on a quality pair of shoes to perform, a great pair of golf shoes is non-negotiable. For many first timers, the importance of golf shoes is overlooked; you can usually see those same golfers practically spinning out of their shoes when they try to hit a drive. 

A pair of golf shoes is a great investment into your game, and it is essential to your success on the course. The best golf shoes provide stability and traction to your golf game, and will be built to last you several seasons.

Best Overall: PUMA Men’s Ignite Pwradapt Leather Golf Shoe

Our Premium Pick: ECCO Men’s Biom Hybrid 3 Gore-tex Golf Shoe

Budget Pick: Skechers Men’s Pivot Spikeless Golf Shoe

Best Value: Adidas Men’s Tech Response Golf Shoes

Here’s a look at everything you need to know about buying golf shoes, and our top picks for the best golf shoes in 2020. 

Buyers Guide: What to Look For 

Stability and Traction: Spiked vs Spikeless Golf Shoes

Golf shoes have traditionally always been spiked, allowing you to have maximum traction during your swing. Traditionally, these spikes were made of metal, however this is pretty rare at this point. Metal spikes make the shoes much heavier, and are much less comfortable to wear through a long round. Nowadays, golf shoes that have spiked bottoms will have plastic spikes. These spikes are easily interchangeable, and make the shoes much more comfortable. 

The modern golf shoe has evolved, and many players are now using shoes that are spikeless. These shoes have become popular among many PGA Tour players, and amateurs alike. Spikeless shoes look much more like a normal pair of shoes, and are slightly lighter on your feet. There is some sacrifice on traction capabilities compared to spiked golf shoes, but most people do just fine with these. 

Comfort

Frankly, this is a top criteria among all shoes, golf related or not. As far as golf shoes, you’ll want shoes you’re comfortable walking several miles in. When you choose to walk during a round of golf, you can easily end up walking 4 or 5 miles with a bag on your back. Comfort should be a top priority, especially when buying a pair you intend to make last several seasons. 

Waterproofing

I’ve had some golf shoes that allegedly were waterproof, yet I can assure you they were not. Nothing is worse than playing golf on a rainy day, and having a puddle make its way into your shoes for the rest of the round. For me, waterproof golf shoes are a must, especially after that incident. 

Durability

Golf shoes are exposed to a variety of different conditions while on the golf course. You can go from wet grass, to sand, then mud and pavement pretty quickly. A high quality pair of golf shoes won’t wear out quickly, and typically keep their color well if you clean them after a round of golf. 

Design

This is subjective, as always. Design is important; make sure you like the way your golf shoes look, and in turn you’ll trigger the “look good, play well” effect, right? 

The Best Golf Shoes in 2020: Our Picks

Best Overall: PUMA Men’s Ignite Pwradapt Leather Golf Shoe

Personally, I think the design of these shoes is awesome. I’ve seen a couple commercials with Rickie Fowler rocking these, and they look very clean. The PUMA Men’s Ignite Pwradapt Golf Shoes are made from imported leather and heavy gauge thread that makes these shoes durable and built to last. 

The Pwradapt name comes from the proprietary sole system, providing 3 dimensional traction and cushioning for maximum comfort, and performance. Finally, the Ignite Foam Layer at the bottom of the shoe promotes maximum comfort, and is perfect for anyone who enjoys walking while playing. These shoes are meant to be waterproof for at least 2 years.  

This is a premium and very comfortable golf shoe at a pretty reasonable price, making it my favorite overall golf shoe on the market right now. 

Overall Runner Up: Adidas Powerband BOA Boost Golf Shoes

Adidas is an absolute powerhouse in the shoe industry, and it should be no surprise that their golf shoe selection is world-class. The Adidas Powerband BOA Boost Golf Shoes are a step above most others. They feature a slick new design that was created through scientific and biomechanical research and testing. These golf shoes feature a strategically placed 6 spike design, for maximum traction and stability throughout the swing. 

I like the new closure system that Adidas puts into these shoes; Adidas uses a new ‘l6 boa closure system’, that replaces traditional shoelaces on the top center tongue of the shoe. This new system allows for micro adjustability, making the fit customized to what makes you comfortable. I also love that these shoes have extra cushioning in the midsole for extra comfort while walking. Overall, these are a great durable and lightweight leather option that are easy to maintain. This is a great option for anyone looking for a shoe that will last several seasons without wearing out too quickly. 

Our Premium Pick: ECCO Men’s Biom Hybrid 3 Gore-tex Golf Shoe

Among high end golf shoes, the ECCO Men’s Biom Hybrid 3 Gore-tex reigns king- that’s a mouthful. ECCO is a high end Danish shoe brand that has been around since the 1960’s, and they are known for optimal comfort, and the high end leather they put into their shoes. Naturally, every aspect of this shoe is designed with comfort and golf performance at the top of mind. As part of their rich history, over the last 3 decades ECCO has developed ergonomically advanced soles, with their Fluidform Technology which results in a balance between cushion and rebound. 

ECCO makes these shoes great for wet conditions by using Gore-Tex lining, which prevents water from getting through to the inner layer of the shoe. They use Yak leather on the upper part of the shoe, which is both durable and lightweight for breathability during your round. These shoes are spikeless, instead using a Tri-Fi-Grip that promotes stability, durability and rotational support during your swing. 

If you want to pay a premium for high end support, durability and function, the Biom Hybrid 3 is your best option. 

Our Budget Pick: Skechers Men’s Pivot Spikeless Golf Shoe

The Skechers Men’s Pivot Spikeless Golf Shoes are a great stylish and affordable option. These are no nonsense golf shoes that are water resistant, made with imported synthetic leather. Skechers uses GOGA Max technology for responsive cushioning, and an additional layer of foam for more padding on your feet. 

While these shoes aren’t made with premium materials, they’re comfortable to walk a round of golf in, and do a good job of creating stability with a spikeless design. Skechers also has excellent customer service, and are very reasonable when it comes to replacing a pair that has worn out too quickly. Overall, this is a great pair of golf shoes for anyone on a budget.  

Best Casual Pair: FootJoy Men’s Contour Casual Golf Shoes

Over the last few years, big brands have been coming out with golf shoes that look much more like a casual pair of sneakers. FootJoy’s Contour Casual Golf Shoes embody this perfectly- I’d wear these to a dinner if I was in a rush leaving the golf course. 

FootJoy uses super soft leather on this spikeless pair of golf shoes. They’re well waterproofed, and lightweight on your feet. With FootJoy being the #1 shoe in golf, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that these shoes do a great job keeping you stable and grounded on the turf throughout your swing. This is a really well designed casual pair of golf shoes. 

Best Value: adidas Men’s Tech Response Golf Shoes

The big thing that stands out to me about Adidas’ Tech Response Golf Shoes is that they provide a 3 month comfort guarantee. To me, that’s a big vote of confidence from Adidas that you’ll be very satisfied walking many rounds of golf in these shoes.  

These shoes are made of both microfiber leather and mesh material, providing both durability and breathability while you play. Adidas uses materials that are slightly more premium, yet the shoes are delivered at a very reasonable cost. These are definitely the best bang for buck option.  

Value Runner Up: Under Armour Men’s Fade RST Ii Golf Shoe

Another unique value proposition in a golf shoe, Under Armour’s Fade RST Li Golf Shoes come with a limited 1 year waterproof warranty. If you’re a fan of Under Armour, you probably won’t be disappointed with these. 

My Current Favorites: FootJoy Men’s D.n.a. Helix-Previous Season Golf Shoes

I’ve been wearing these over the last season pretty consistently, and really do love them. The leather feels high end, and I think the design is timeless. I tend to walk when I play golf, no matter what the conditions, and they’ve held up really well. They’re well waterproofed, and really comfortable throughout a round. These shoes tend to be a bit expensive, but buying last year’s model makes them a worthy investment. 

Wrapping Up

Investing in a good pair of golf shoes is critical for keeping yourself comfortable on the golf course. Ideally, you’ll want shoes that hold up for several seasons and are waterproofed to keep you dry. For me, I think the PUMA Ignite Pwradapt Golf Shoes are the best golf shoes on the market. They’re made to stay waterproof for 2 years, have an awesome looking design, and are made to feel comfortable every time you play. Plus, Rickie Fowler wears them, so they must be decent, right? 

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