The Complete Golf Shoe Buyer's Guide
New Releases and Special Editions
Which Style Golf Shoe Should I Get?
Which Golf Shoe Brands Are The Best?
This question is like choosing your favorite child. It's literally impossible to answer. Nobody has the same feet as you. Nobody has the same swing or gait as you. And nobody has the same aethetic tastes as you. It is therefore not only impossible, but unfair to label any one brand the best. Luckily, the golf shoe market is saturated with hundreds of different models to choose from. Our aim is to help you sift through these until you have your perfect match.
What Golf Shoes Are The Pros Wearing?
While it wasn't quite a PGA Tour victory, Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson were pretty thrilled to win the TaylorMade Driving Relief Skins Match. It came down to a closest to the pin contest on the par 3 17th after both teams parred 18, which extended the match. Rory just squeezed inside Mathew Wolff, sealing victory wearing the Nike Roshe G Tour. This very affordable golf shoe offers amazing traction and comfort. Ladies and gentlemen, here are Rory McIlroy's golf shoes:
There are basically 4 types of golf shoes on the market:
Casual/retro/street - These "street" style shoes look stylish and are often comfortable as well. You'll find that your feet have more room in these shoes than other styles. They are spikeless golf shoes, which means they don't have the classic style soft spikes, but have traction lugs/nubs instead. While some insist their performance isn't up to par with other styles of shoes, the fact that a number of PGA Tour players opt for them is a strong indication that they perform as required. These shoes are great because you can wear them to work and then straight onto the golf course.
Strengths: Stylish. Can wear on and off the golf course. Comfortable
Weaknesses: May lack stability and support. Not the best for walking
Recommended for: The casual golfer who wants a stylish shoe they can wear everywhere. You don't mind riding in a cart, but still require comfort and performance.
Classic - These are the original style golf shoes. When most people think of golf shoes, these are what come to mind. Most of them have leather uppers with spiked traction, though there are a few spikeless ones on the market as well. Although they may look classic, the interiors boast the latest cushion and supportive technology. They look great with long pants and add a classy look to any outfit. You can usually expect to pay a bit more for classic golf shoes.
Strenghts: Classy and stylish. Good support and traction. Highly waterproof
Weaknesses: Usually higher in price. Heavier than other styles
Recommended for: Golfers who don't mind paying more for a classic look while maintaining support and traction. You don't mind paying the extra price. Perhaps better for cart golf, but you'll have no problem walking with them also.
Performance - These golf shoes look sportier than classic designs, while maintaining that unique "golf shoe" look. They focus on performance, which means they consistently rank high in stability, support and traction. You'll find a more snug fit with these shoes, but by no means a sacrifice in comfort. They look great with all types of attire, and are capable of tackling the toughest terrains. Traction is usually spiked, though there are plenty of spikeless as well. Prices for these shoes vary greatly.
Strengths: Sleek design. Good support and traction. Most quite waterproof. Lightweight. Great all around shoe
Weaknesses: Not many!
Recommended for: Those in need of an all around golf shoe that can tackle all types of terrain. You enjoy walking the course, but still require a high level of support and stability.
With more and more companies producing more and more varieties of golf shoes, it has become increasingly difficult to choose which ones to buy. Not too long ago, most of them were almost the same, both in terms of looks and performance. These days, you can choose from classic style shoes to sneakers to street shoes and many more. At Golf Shoes Info, we’ve created a golf shoe buyer's guide, making it just a bit easier to choose which ones to buy. Through our reviews, comparisons, and top 10 lists, we hope your decision process will be that much easier. By breaking golf shoes down into categories and then reviewing and comparing them, it should help answer the all important questions of: Which golf shoes should I buy? And: What are the best golf shoes?
*Disclosure: We are affiliated with Amazon.com, which means this site contains links that we get commission from should you proceed to purchase the item at no additional cost to you.
Trainer/Sport - These golf shoes are more reminiscent of athletic trainers than golf shoes. They're designed for comfort, but still maintain solid traction, which is pretty much evenly divided between spiked and spikeless. These shoes are also a snug fit, but breathe the best of any shoe. They look best with shorts, and can be found at bargain prices. They usually aren't as stable and supportive as classic and performance shoes, but are lightweight golf shoes and great for hot days.
Strengths: Very breathable. Comfortable. Flexible. Good for walking. Lightweight
Weaknesses: Usually not as waterproof as other styles. May lack stability and support. May not look good with long pants
Recommended for: Golfers who enjoy walking the course. You enjoy playing on hot days, and require a breathable shoe. You care more about comfort than anything else.
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The FootJoy Tour X is essentially an updated version of the Tour-S, which is a good thing, because we really like the Tour-S. They are so similar, in fact, that pretty much all the technology is the same. The outsole is the same, which is one of the best you're going to find in terms of grip. In a high-performance golf shoe such as this, we expect the outsole to be completely golf-specific. This means it isn't versatile at all. You won't be wearing the Tour X outside the golf course, but while on the course, you will have zero slippage issues. The Tour X has amazing support in the upper as well, with the PowerStrap really seeming to make a difference in lateral support. One upgrade in the Tour X is the OrthoLite fitbed, which is amazing because it never settles. We recommend the Tour X for low handicap golfers with high clubhead swings who demand the ultimate in performance.
Wow! It's a bit of an understatement to say we are very impressed with the New Balance Fresh Foam LinksPro. We had a hunch that we were going to be impressed, but it has exceeded all expectations. This hybrid of performance and sport styles doesn't have any weaknesses. Let's start with what we love the most about the Fresh Foam LinksPro, which is comfort. The combination of leather and mesh creates a soft, flexible shoe that is not only breathable, but very waterproof as well. This isn't easy to achieve, so we really admire shoes that pull it off. The new Fresh Foam technology keeps the Fresh Foam LinksPro really lightweight, which means it's absolutely perfect for walking the course. Throw a fantastic traction system into the mix, and you have one of the best golf shoes out there. The differently shaped permanent traction lugs surround 7 removable spikes, creating amazing grip in all conditions. Factoring in its affordability, we recommend the New Balance Fresh Foam LinksPro for mid to low handicap golfers who can appreciate it's perfect blend of comfort and performance.
Nike once again comes up with fashion gold in the Air Max 97 G. The key word here is "fashion", because underneath the fashion, it doesn't offer the golf-specific performance we were hoping for. This being said, the Air Max 97 G certainly targets a specific demographic that is looking for retro style and comfort. Aside from fashion, comfort is what stands out the most in this golf shoe that was designed after the infamous Nike Air Max 97 running shoe. It really is one of the most comfortable golf shoes out there, which also means it's perfect for walking the course, particularly on mild to hot days. As we said earlier, we are a bit disappointed with the Air Max 97 G's golf-specific performance. More specifically, support during the swing and grip. The traction system is great for walking, and definitely grips adequately, but it's not quite up there with the best spikeless traction. The Nike Air Max 97 G is perfect for sneaker heads who appreciate innovation, style and comfort.
Our expectations are always high when it comes to PUMA golf footwear, so we were expecting something pretty great with the PUMA IGNITE PWRADAPT Caged golf shoe, but what we experienced blew us away! We should start by saying that although this is definitely similar to the other PWRADAPT models, and shares a lot of the same technology, the PWRADAPT Caged looks different and boasts even more innovative technology than the others. This is the first time a golf shoe has come just 1 point shy of a perfect score in our rating system. It boasts perfect scores across the board except for a 9/10 in waterproofing. We find it amazing that a sport-style, semi-mesh golf shoe can be so supportive. The PWRCAGE technology is not a gimmick at all, and locks your foot in place during the swing. Because of its sport style, the IGNITE PWRADAPT Cage is also perfect for walking the course, and holds up in all weather conditions, save for freezing rain. Golfers of all abilities will benefit from this golf shoe, but low handicappers will especially notice how amazing it really is.
The Skechers GO GOLF Elite V.4 - Prestige RF is identical to the original GO GOLF Elite V.4, except the front panel is knit fabric instead of leather. This ever so slightly increases breathability and reduces waterproofing. The Skechers GO GOLF Elite V.4 - Prestige RF is easily one of our favorite Skechers golf shoes. As expected and hoped for, the Elite V.4 - Prestige RF is quite similar to its predecessor, the Elite V.3. However, the Elite V.4 - Prestige RF comes with a brand new traction design, which we absolutely love. In fact, this new Grip Flex outsole is one of our favorite traction designs in any spikeless golf shoe, period. It's grippy, flexible and low to the ground, which enhances feel and is great for walking. Between the midsole and insole, the cushioning of the GO GOLF Elite V.4 - Prestige RF is amazing, which is another reason why it's great for walking. Because of its knit fabric front panel, the Elite V.4 - Prestige RF breathes quite nicely while still providing plenty of waterproofing, making it an excellent year-round golf shoe. Our only minor complaint is a slight lack of support around the mid and upper part of the foot during the swing, but it still does the job. We recommend the GO GOLF Elite V.4 - Prestige RF for those looking for a really comfortable shoe that can be worn in just about all conditions.
The TRUE linkswear ECO Knit is a one of a kind golf shoe that will certainly appeal to several demographics. We love how it's made of recycled yarn and plastic, yet you would have no idea by looking at it and wearing it. Ok, so it might not be the best in terms of golf-specific technology, but that was never its intention. The TRUE ECO Knit was designed with versatility in mind, allowing your average casual golfer to wear the same shoe all day, regardless of where they are. Not only is it versatile, but the ECO Knit looks really cool as well. Its subtle, simple design no doubt appeals to those who favor casual/street style golf shoes. If you're looking for a summer golf shoe, this could be the one, as it is one of the most breathable and lightweight golf shoes we've ever experienced. However, if you're looking for extra stability during the swing, the TRUE ECO Knit might leave you wanting more.
We had high hopes for the Under Armour Spieth 4 GORE-TEX, simply because we've loved every edition of Spieths so far. Let's just say, this newest edition didn't disappoint. Some of the technology carried over from the Spieth 3, more specifically, the outsole and traction system. This is a good thing though, because it's almost impossible to improve on the RST 2.0 traction system, which is a brilliant combo of differently shaped cleats and permanent traction nubs/lugs and ridges. With the Spieth 4s, you will never have to worry about slipping. The newest technological addition the Spieth 4s boast is the Gore-Tex membrane, which keeps the shoe lightweight and breathable, yet very waterproof. Although we gave this model the same breathability rating as the previous Spieth 3s, it is ever so slightly more breathable. Along with awesome traction, the standout feature of the UA Spieth 4 GORE-TEX is the support it offers. You'll feel like you're locked-in during the swing, with all unwanted movements eliminated. As with all Spieth models, we recommend the Spieth 4 for advanced golfers who can appreciate its cutting-edge technology.
The Adidas CodeChaos is one of the best all-around golf shoes out there. When we say "all-around", we mean that it can be worn year-round in most weather conditions. We love when golf shoes find that sweet spot of breathability and waterproofing, which the CodeChaos has done brilliantly. It's also durable and just feels like a real quality golf shoe, which also goes along way in extreme weather. Because of its sport-style nature, the CodeChaos is really lightweight, which makes it ideal for walking, except perhaps in torrential rain. But hey, who wants to walk around in torrential rain? The new innovative Chaos Traxion grip is one of our favorites, not only because it feels great when walking, but it also grips really, really well, even in wet conditions. We recommend the CodeChaos for mid to low handicappers who need something they can wear year-round with top-notch performance.
We're huge fans of the ASICS Gel-Course Duo Boa. Ok, so it may not be the coolest looking shoe we've ever laid our eyes on, but it performs really, really well on the course. The overall score we've given the Gel-Course Duo Boa is a bit misleading because the "waterproofing" category brings the score down quite a bit. However, this is a summer golf shoe, and was never intended to be used year-round in wet conditions. This may turn some people off, but for those who prefer having different shoes for different conditions, the Gel-Course Duo Boa is ideal for summer. It offers some of the best support we've ever seen in a sport style golf shoe, both in terms of stability in the upper and grip. We love the spiked traction system, which is still comfortable for walking thanks to the amazing FlyteFoam midsole. We recommend the Gel-Course Duo Boa for those in need of a hot-weather golf shoe that is not only breathable and lightweight, but comfortable and supportive as well.
What a fantastic golf shoe! And such a cool idea fusing classic and performance styles. Although the LaGrange 2.0 looks different from the original LaGrange, we were expecting most of the technology to be the same, which it isn't. They pretty much kept the good bits, and added more awesomeness. The LaGrange 2.0 is really, really comfortable, and for a full-grain leather shoe, breathes quite nicely as well. This breathability coupled with solid waterproofing makes it one of the best classic style golf shoes for year-round play. Throw in amazing traction and pretty decent support, and you definitely have one of the best classic style golf shoes to date. We recommend the LaGrange 2.0 for those searching for a classic, sleek style with performance to match. This means that it's perhaps best suited for mid to low handicappers who want a shoe they can rely on year round.
It's cool how ECCO has gone back, in a sense, to where it all started with the Street Premiere. It seems like just yesterday that Fred Couples sported this casual golf shoe at the Masters, sparking a golf shoe revolution. The ECCO Street Premiere opened industry eyes as to what was possible with golf shoe design. The Street Premiere still easily holds its own against more current casual golf shoes. It's awesome low rise sole maintains natural ground feel during the swing, yet provides plenty of comfort when walking. Although not suited for extreme conditions on either end of the spectrum, the Street Premiere is durable and extremely versatile. You can spend the whole day in these shoes, before, during and after the round, without thinking twice. We recommend the ECCO Street Premiere for the fashion-conscious, who also value comfort and versatility.
This is essentially the second and newest model of the extremely popular FootJoy Pro/SL golf shoe. It's by far one of the most popular shoes on professional tours around the globe. That statistic alone pretty much sums up how awesome this golf shoe is. If it's the preferred choice for tons of pro golfers out there, it must be pretty special. And we can confirm that it is indeed special. We thought that aside from some aesthetic differences, this newer version would be the same as the original Pro/SL. It isn't. FootJoy invested a lot of research and updated the traction system, which is now right up there with the best of the best. It offers so much more ground contact than most other systems. This newer version offers more support as well, with the addition of the Power Harness, which keeps the foot in place during the power transition in the swing. What's also great about the Pro/SL is that we can recommend it for literally all levels of golfers because of its comfort, versatility and amazing performance.
We have somewhat mixed feelings about the Mizuno Genem GTX. One one hand, we love how comfortable it is. It uses its famous Wave running technology in a performance golf shoe, which is a recipe for amazing comfort. We also love the traction system and how you can even adjust the direction of the spikes. Although it's made of full-grain leather, it's still relatively breathable and very waterproof, making it a great option for year-round play. And then there's the other hand, where we feel like you're paying just a bit too much for what you get when compared to other golf shoes in this category. For this price, we were hoping for a bit more support during the swing. That being said, the full-grain leather is really durable, as is the whole shoe. We recommend the Genem GTX for those who don't mind paying a pretty penny in the search for a solid, comfortable golf shoe that will last a long time.
We are very impressed with the New Balance Fresh Foam LinksSL (SL = spikeless), just as we were with the spiked version, the Fresh Foam LinksPro. This amazing sport golf shoe has exceeded all expectations and doesn't have any weaknesses. Let's start with what we love the most about the Fresh Foam LinksSL, which is comfort. The combination of leather and mesh creates a soft, flexible shoe that is not only breathable, but very waterproof as well. This isn't easy to achieve, so we really admire shoes that pull it off. The new Fresh Foam technology keeps the Fresh Foam LinksSL really lightweight, which means it's absolutely perfect for walking the course. Throw a fantastic traction system into the mix, and you have one of the best golf shoes out there. The smart traction outsole is fantastic because it focuses the grip on key zones during the swing, which means it's also able to remain flexible and super comfortable. Factoring in its affordability, looks and overall comfort, we recommend the New Balance Fresh Foam LinksSL for all golfers who will undoubtedly appreciate it's perfect blend of comfort and performance.
It's one of our favorite times of the year! A new Jordan shoe has come out, and this time it's the Nike Jordan ADG 2. We really liked the original Jordan ADG, so it's no surprise that we like the Jordan ADG 2 even more. As we had hoped, the Jordan ADG 2 built on the original ADG, taking what was already great and making it even better. Although not enough to change our score in the breathability category, the Jordan ADG 2 is just slightly more breathable than its predecessor, which is always good. It's also slightly more waterproof, making it better in year-round conditions. It goes without saying that this is one of the coolest-looking golf shoes out there, although it perhaps doesn't suit everyone, we can all appreciate how far golf shoe style has come. The Jordan ADG 2's intagrated spikeless traction is versatile, which means you can wear the shoe comfortably on and off the course. This versatility sacrifices grip slightly, but it still holds its own in most conditions. All in all, the Jordan ADG 2 doesn't have any weaknesses, and we recommend it to the fashion-conscious who can appreciate a Jordan shoe.
The Duca del Cosma Kuba is very, very cool. Although we could say this about every Duca golf shoe. The Kuba may not perform with the best of the best in terms of golf-specific performance, although it certainly holds its own. However, the intention with the Kuba was never to be the top performance golf shoe. It focuses on fashion, versatility, quality and durability. Quality and durability go hand in hand, and the Kuba's Nappa leather is one of the best materials for a high-quality shoe. It's also one of the most versatile golf shoes on the market. The traction system not only grips well on the course, but it is also really comfortable for walking around on all types of surfaces. With it's stylish design, the Kuba can be worn pretty much anywhere. As with all Duca golf shoes, the Kuba certainly isn't cheap, but as we all know, you get what you pay for. This luxury shoe will last a long time, and will no doubt draw looks everywhere you go.
The PUMA OG Slip-On is difficult to rate because it's not really a golf shoe. Well, it is, but it isn't. It obviously focuses on style above all else, and is also versatile. It looks equally at home on and off the course. This is a cool feature because for only $100 you have a casual shoe that can be worn to work, to a party and to the golf course. The slip-on style makes the OG Slip-On really easy to put on and take off (pretty obvious statement but you never know!). You certainly don't have to worry about laces coming untied! With this versatile, casual style comes a few negatives. It's not really waterproof, and doesn't offer much support during the swing. The traction system is also lacking in a sense that it doesn't grip that well, but it does well with walking and overall comfort. We recommend the Kahala Slip-On for golfers who want a stylish shoe that can go everywhere and looks great everywhere. This specific version of PUMA's slip-on, the OG, is pretty much exactly the same as the Kahala Slip-On except it's leather instead of canvas.
The Skechers GO GOLF Torque - Sport RF is a great summer golf shoe. Ok, so it may not be the most stylish shoe out there, but it is no-nonsense and gets the job done. It's a good summer shoe for a couple reasons. The main reason is that it's very breathable. With most of the upper being mesh, your feet definitely won't overheat. The second reason is that it's really, really comfortable. During long summer days on the course, your feet won't get that fatigued feeling that often happens. Keep in mind that although the traction system is fantastic and will grip well in all conditions, the upper isn't waterproof, which is why we only recommend the GO GOLF Torque - Sport RF as a summer golf shoe. What makes this shoe stand out among sport style golf shoes is that it features removable spikes. Most breathable mesh golf shoes are spikeless, so if you're looking for a breathable summer golf shoe that also grips really well and won't break the bank, this is a fantastic option. One last thing to consider is that "RF" stands for "relaxed fit", which means by nature this golf shoe is designed to be quite roomy, which appeals to some but not all.
The TRUE linkswear X Linksoul Slip-On is a testament to how far golf shoes have come over the past decade. This new golf shoe design is all about versatility, luxury and style. We're the first to admit that they definitely don't perform up to the standards of high-performance golf shoes, but that's not their purpose. The TRUE X Linksoul Slip, was designed to go anywhere, look good while there, and most importantly, keep your feet comfortable. And for these purposes it has without a doubt succeeded. Because of its nature, the TRUE X Linksoul Slip certainly doesn't appeal to all golfers, but there is a huge demographic of fashion-conscious, hip golfers that appreciate versatility. And it's this very demographic that TRUE and Linksoul had in mind when designing this slip-on golf shoe. As far as slip-on golf shoes are concerned, this is perhaps the best in terms of fit because it has the elastic strap that allows for adjustments. To sum things up, we wouldn't wear this golf shoe to compete at the highest level, but we would definitely wear it straight from work to the course to the bar.
As always, Under Armour produced another great golf shoe, this time it's the UA HOVR Matchplay. This is one of their mid-range golf shoes that appeals to golfers of all abilities. Let's start off with what we love the most about the HOVR Matchplay, and most new UA golf shoes for that matter, which is the traction system. It's called Rotational Resistance Traction, and it's right up there with the best of the best. This rather unique traction system is made up of differently shaped removable spikes, which are strategically shaped depending on their placement. What this means is that you will never have to worry about slippage again, no matter the conditions. Which brings us to our second point. The HOVR Matchplay is a great year-round golf shoe. It's just about as waterproof as shoes get, yet still breathes sufficiently in hot conditions. The one thing we feel the HOVR Matchplay is slightly lacking is support in the upper during the swing. This isn't to say it's insufficient, but when compared to other UA golf shoes, it is slightly less supportive. As we already said, we recommend the HOVR Matchplay to golfers of all levels looking for a year-round comfortable, grippy golf shoe.
We absolutely love the concept of the Adidas S2G golf shoe. It fills a niche that has pretty much remained vacant till now; lightweight, winter golf shoes. Ok, so there are plenty of very waterproof golf shoes out there, but few of them are as light as these. Plus, the S2G has even more waterproofing than most. The other winter-specific golf shoes on the market are bulky to say the least, and don't promote walking the course. There is fore sure a large demographic of diehard golfers who play year-round, and prefer walking instead of riding. While the traction isn't the best purely in terms of grip, it is nonetheless great for walking and still gets the job done in terms of grip. What makes the Adidas S2G even more appealing is that it's a great bargain. For under $100, you get a lot for your money. As we keep reiterating, this is more of a winter golf shoe, and may get quite hot in the summer.
The ASICS GEL-COURSE Glide is very similar to the GEL-COURSE Duo Boa. Which is good because both of these shoes are great! We have to start off by saying that the overall score we've given is a bit misleading because of the low rating in the "waterproof" category. Take away this category and you have one of the top golf shoes out there. This pretty much means that the GEL-COURSE Glide is right up there with the best of the best dry weather/hot climate golf shoes. Although we find its aesthetics to be a bit bulky, we absolutely love how comfortable it is, both in terms of the cushioning and flexibiility, The upper boasts an amazing combination of flexiblity and stability, while the traction system is both great for grip during the swing and walking comfort. We defiinitely recommend the GEL-COURSE Glide for those in warmer, dry climates who need lightweight breathable comfort along with really solid golf-specific performance.
Our rating for the Callaway Solana XT is a bit misleading because we feel that it is actually better than its score. This is due to the "waterproof" category, which brings the rating down quite a bit. The Solana XT was never designed to withstand water, and thus we must admit our score is a bit unfair. If we look at it for what it is, which is a summer/hot weather golf shoe, the Solana XT is one of the best out there. It's super comfortable and yes, you guessed it, really really breathable. We like that although it's primarily a mesh golf shoe, it features a synthetic stability cage that actually adds support during the swing. The spikeless traction system is good in that along with providing plenty of grip from every angle, it also feels great when walking. This brings us to the next point, which is that the Solana XT is versatile in that it looks good when worn off the course, and the traction system provides comfort on all surfaces. We recommend the Solana XT for those who play in hot, dry weather and demand lightweight breathability, comfort and support. We almost forgot! This golf shoe is an absolute steal, at well under $100 you'd be hard-pressed to find a better deal.
As with pretty much all Duca del Cosma golf shoes, the Belair is really, really cool. Trendiness, fashion, style, whatever you want to call it, the Belair encompasses it all. Although the performance doesn't quite live up to the style, the Belair is nonetheless an awesome alternative to more standard golf shoes. The Belair looks amazing in any type of setting, from work to restaurants to the golf course. Its versatile traction system goes hand in hand with the concept of the shoe, allowing it to be worn everywhere comfortably. As far as on-course performanc is concerned, the Belair doesn't do horribly, but it doesn't excel either. You'll find it does quite well in most weather conditions, and is quite easy to walk in. We recommend the Belair to those who don't mind spending a pretty penny for fashion.
The high quality of the ECCO S-Three golf shoe is apparent right out of the box. This is for sure its standout feature. Well, alongside comfort of course. As with most ECCO golf shoes, the S-Three is really really comfortable. The innovative zonal midsole distributes cushioning/rigidity differently depending on where its needed, which not only enhances comfort but makes you feel a bit more sturdy during the swing as well. The Gore-Tex upper keeps the S-Three both quite breathable and waterproof, which makes it a good year-round golf shoe. If you're looking for durability and comfort in a shoe you can wear in most conditions, this is a great option. That being said, the relatively high price tag will certainly alienate the not so affluent demographic. However, ECCO is known for its quality, so in a sense, you really do get what you pay for.
As its name implies, the FootJoy FLEX LE2 is very similar to the original FootJoy Flex. In fact, pretty much all of the technology is the same, save for a couple things. The FLEX series is designed specifically for hot, dry conditions, so its overall score is a bit misleading because the "waterproofing" category brings the score down quite a bit. It goes without saying that the FLEX LE2 is really, really breathable. Its mesh upper looks awesome, as does the overall design of the shoe. We can confidently say that the FLEX LE2 is one of the most breathable casual style golf shoes on the market. Another standout feature of this lightweight, mesh golf shoe is its comfort. It feels more like you're wearing a sock than an actual shoe, let alone a golf shoe! The traction and support aren't the best we've seen as far as golf-specific performance is concerned, but the shoe definitely feels great for off-course activities as well. If you're looking for a versatile, stylish summer golf shoe, the FLEX LE2 is a great option.
We were expecting to be impressed with the Nike React Infinity Pro, but we weren't expecting to be blown away! We were skeptical of the new traction system at first, but it feels great when walking, plus, you really feel locked in when standing over the ball. Our only concern is how durable the system is, which time will tell. So for now, it gets our highest marks. The React Infinity Pro is right up there with the best of the best all-weather, year-round golf shoes. Your feet won't overheat in the summer, and will stay pretty darn dry in wet winter conditions. We're familiar with Nike React cushioning from other shoes, so weren't surprised at all as to how comfortable they feel regardless of how many miles you walk looking for wayward shots! For a sport-style golf shoe, the React Infinity Pro delivers fantastic support, both in terms of a stable upper that minimizes unwanted movement, and in terms of the awesome traction system. All of this technology comes at a very affordable price, which is why this golf shoe is one of the best bargains out there.
As you'd expect, the PUMA IGNITE PWRADAPT Leather 2.0 is very similar to its predecessor, the IGNITE PWRADAPT Leather. Aside from a slightly different feeling in the leather upper, the rest of the technology remains unchanged. Although this is supposed to be an updated version of the original, we found the upper to be ever so slightly less breathable than the original PWARADAPT Leather. Although we think it feels a bit better to the touch and has a slightly higher quality, it is probably less waterproof in the long run as well, as it offers only a 1 year guarantee instead of 2 years. However, the rest of the golf shoe is pretty much unchanged, which means it has really grippy traction and immense comfort. This newer IGNITE PWRADAPT Leather 2.0 boasts an upgraded insole, which only adds to its already amazing comfort. Throw solid overall support in the mix and you have a really good all-round performance golf shoe.
The Skechers GO GOLF Max - Rover was designed to elicit a relaxed, chilled vibe. And that it certainly does. Naturally, comfort should top the list of a golf shoe that is geared for that type of experience. As with its sister, the GO GOLF Max, the Max - Rover feels like you're wearing slippers. The continous tongue creates a bootie-like fit that seemingly molds to your feet. Another great aspect of the GO GOLF Max - Rover is that it can be worn year-round. While it perhaps performs better in hot conditions, it definitely fends off water enough to be worn in wetter conditions. The traction system is great for all types of surfaces, allowing the shoe's versatility to really shine. Keep in mind that the Skechers Max-Rover fits quite wide, commonly referred to as a "relaxed fit". This means that it's plenty airy and breathable, but may feel a bit too loose for those looking for the ultimate support/stability.
Aside from a few aesthetic changes, the Stuburt Evolve II Spikeless golf shoe is pretty much the same as its predecessor, the Evolve Dri-Back. What we like about all Stuburt golf shoes, including this one, is that there are no gimmicks. What you see is what you get. Perhaps the best aspect of the Evovle II Spikeless is its quality. The full-grain leather upper not only feels and looks great, but it is really durable and great for year-round play. Throw in a really comfortable midsole and insole, and you have golf shoe that is great for walking the course in all conditions. This brings us to our next point, which is that the Evolve II Spikeless has awesome spikeless traction that grips well in both dry and wet conditions. Our only minor issue is that we were hopeful for a bit more support during the swing. Nonetheless, our overall opinion of this golf shoe is a good one, and we recommend it for those in need of a high-quality, all-around golf shoe that will stand the test of time.
