Equipment Guide
Spiked vs. spikeless, and why fit matters more than the brand.
Golf shoes matter more for your swing than most golfers assume, because a stable base directly affects how well you can transfer weight through the swing without slipping or losing balance.
Spiked shoes use replaceable plastic cleats for maximum traction, particularly valuable on wet grass, hilly courses, or for golfers with a more aggressive lower-body move who need to resist slipping during the downswing.
Spikeless shoes use a molded rubber sole with traction lugs instead of cleats. They're generally more comfortable for walking, often double as a casual shoe off the course, and provide plenty of traction for most conditions — the gap in performance versus spikes has narrowed significantly as spikeless sole designs have improved.
If you play in a wet or dewy climate, a genuinely waterproof shoe (check for an actual waterproof membrane, not just "water-resistant" coating) is worth the premium — wet socks by hole 6 are a real, avoidable annoyance that will affect the back nine of every round in the wrong shoe.
Foot width and arch support needs vary enormously between golfers, and golf shoe sizing runs differently across brands. If possible, try shoes on in person or buy from a retailer with an easy return policy rather than assuming your regular sneaker size translates directly.
FootJoy is one of the longest-standing golf shoe brands, offering both spiked and spikeless models across a wide range of widths.
Best for: Golfers who want a wide range of width and waterproofing options from an established brand.
Adidas's spikeless golf shoes lean on the brand's broader athletic-shoe comfort technology, positioned as a shoe that also works off the course.
Best for: Golfers who want a shoe comfortable enough to wear beyond the course and prioritize all-day comfort over maximum traction.