If you’re going to be on your feet for over four hours, rambling across undulating fairways, up and over steep banks, in and out of sand traps, and deep rough, you need a pair of golf shoes to make it feel effortless. Luckily the best golf shoes in 2023 offer exceptional comfort for all terrains, keeping your feet as fresh on the 18th as they were on the 1st.
The biggest footwear brands in the game all invest significant time and money every year to ensure all the performance benefits packed into their latest models are not lost on the customer due to being uncomfortable. Whether you are looking for a new pair of spiked or spikeless shoes, you should expect long-lasting softness and stability, round after round.
To help point you in the right direction, we’ve shortlisted some of the most comfortable golf shoes available that you can wear all day!
Puma Ignite Articulate Golf Shoes – $180 / £140 RRP
A favorite among amateur golfers, Ignite Articulate brilliantly combines comfort, style, and performance. It has been designed to perform on any lie, with any stance, and any swing. This is the brand’s most versatile version in the Ignite series, and we can see why. The slip-on design has plenty of heel support and cushioning for out-of-the-box comfort, and we’ve never had any issues with pinching or blistering. Puma’s special PU Foam provides excellent cushioning, making this one of the most comfortable shoes we’ve worn.
Skechers Go Pro 5 Hyper Golf Shoes – $155 / £140 RRP.
This model has a Major-winning pedigree, having been worn by Matt Fitzpatrick during his US Open victory. The brand has dedicated a lot of time and effort to developing the Pro 5. They analyzed 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted podiatry foot scans in creating the model, which is undeniably comfortable. They feature a removable comfort insole with high-performance cushioning, an ultra-lightweight cushioned midsole, and a dynamic traction plate with replaceable cleats for maximum grip.
Payntr X 002 Golf Shoes – $190 / £150 RRP
The 002 looks great out of the box and even better on foot. Its full-grain leather upper looks the part and is water-resistant and super supportive, and the Dual Density PMX Foam Midsole adds a spring to your step with maximum energy return. Payntr’s Neverwet skin is impenetrable, even in the worst weather. Rob Jerram, Today’s Golfer digital editor, is a massive fan too. Despite having access to a host of big-name models, he’s chosen to wear them for more than 50 rounds.
Adidas CodeChaos 22 Golf Shoes – $160 / £140 RRP
When Adidas unleashed the CodeChaos range, the styling caused a bit of a stir. But beneath all the razzle-dazzle is a shoe that really hits the mark. CodeChaos is among the most comfortable Adidas shoes and uses the highly acclaimed Boost cushioning system. The sole is reminiscent of a trail or climbing model and provides exceptional levels of grip, while the upper, despite its looks, is completely waterproof. The CodeChaos is made from 50% plastics recovered from the ocean, which will appeal to those buyers who value sustainability.
Nike Air Max 270 G Golf Shoes – $150 / £130 RRP
It doesn’t get any more iconic than Nike Air Max, and the 270G is perfect for going straight from the course to the bar. It looks like it’s been designed for the basketball court, but this is a superb golf shoe. The flexible-yet-substantial upper will keep you dry, and, as you would expect from an Air product, the comfort is considerable with a giant ‘Air’ unit combined with a foam midsole. It’s a great price for a multi-purpose shoe when you consider a non-golf Air Max will cost at least the same amount, and we love the choice of colors, especially the Black-Hot Punch-White option.
How to choose golf shoes
Having identified comfort as one of the most important things you are looking for in a new pair of golf shoes, what other factors you should you bear in mind?
Waterproofing – Whether you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain year-round or just the occasional tropical downpour, ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable is essential. Fully waterproof shoes will cost slightly more but are worth the investment, in our opinion, particularly if you don’t have the luxury of buying multiple pairs.
Stability – Fundamentally, a golf shoe needs to provide you with sufficient traction and support when swinging. Spikeless shoes don’t quite offer the same level of traction as spiked shoes, as they typically only feature small rubber molds. That said, the latest spikeless shoes are improving in this department and will provide more versatility and comfort.
Budget – Finally, set yourself a budget. With so many models available, there will always be a pair of golf shoes that represent value for money, no matter how much you are willing to spend. Providing your new shoes are comfortable, supportive and you like the look of them, you’ll find a pair that gets the job done!
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