Best Spiked Golf Shoes
There was a time when the best golf shoes in the game were unquestionably spiked. With the growth in spikeless models many Tour professionals have switched, but that isn't to say the best spiked golf shoes don't offer best-in-class traction in all different kinds of conditions when you're out on the course.
The best pairs of spiked shoes in this list will offer grip and stability on wet surfaces, bunkers, sloping lies and just about any stance golf throws at you. These shoes are ideal for winter, and we think every golfers should an all-black pair of spiked golf shoes to guide them through the winter.
To help you narrow your search in this regard, below we have listed some of the best models currently on the market. We've selected a range of brands and price-points to hopefully suit every golfer out there. This guide focusses only on men's spiked shoes, but check out our guide on the best women's golf shoes too.
Alternatively if you would rather get a spikeless pair, check out our guide on the best spikeless golf shoes. We also have guides on the best golf shoes for walking and the best golf shoes for winter as well.
FootJoy claims to literally deliver the 'X' Factor in the Tour X shoes by combining the best of Tour S with the leading features of D.N.A. Helix and Fury. By also seeking out feedback from the world's best players, Tour X claims to deliver the best of everything in terms of grip, comfort, stability and protection. As such it is unquestionably one of the best golf shoes out there right now.
In testing, we couldn't have been more impressed. Combining every performance characteristic you could want, it's hard to see where FootJoy goes from here. When you put them on and lace them up, two things quickly become apparent: the comfort on offer and the feeling of stability provided by the PowerStrap across the midfoot.
Onto the course and that's where the nine spikes come into their own. Not only were our feet comfortable and locked in, but we had so much confidence in the grip provided. It really is one of the most well-rounded shoes we've ever tested.
Inspired by Formula 1 cars and built to be lightweight and comfortable, the new ZG21 shoe from adidas is undoubtedly one of the best golf shoes on the market. Tipping the scales at just 13 ounces and featuring adidas' Boost technology as well as a new Lightstrike cushioning, we were blown away by the feeling of weightlessness provided.
But despite being so lightweight, the new Sprint Skin four-layer upper means the ZG21 is waterproof, something we were also keen to put to the test. We weren't disappointed.
In terms of grip, adidas used heat-map studies to target the specific areas where stability is needed most, resulting in six strategically placed cleats on the outsole. We're not experts on where spikes should go but can attest to the excellent levels of grip and support this shoe offers. It's little wonder it has been such a hit since its release.
Under Armour's line of HOVR shoes continues to go from strength to strength. This edition, the HOVR Drive, features new, lower profile Rotational Resistance spikes (RST 2.0) that maximise traction and provide all-day comfort, something we felt from the get-go.
It has a breathable and waterproof Clarino microfibre upper which kept our feet cool and dry at all times and came in a lightweight package. We also noticed the HOVR technology at work as it supported our natural movement while walking and swinging.
Elsewhere, we found this to be a very comfortable shoe, something that can be attributed to the compression mesh energy web that moulds the foam insole to your foot. It's for this reason that this shoe also features on our guide to the most comfortable golf shoes currently on the market.
Ecco's Biom G3 model utilises a range of technologies to deliver performance that will last round after round, while hard-wearing Ecco Yak leather uppers and a waterproof Gore-Tex construction keep feet dry and comfortable in even the wettest weather.
Although durable, we really enjoyed the soft feel of the Yak leather, as well as the natural motion last upon which the shoe is built that provides ample space in the right areas. For those with wide feet, the insole can also be removed, which is a feature that will no doubt be popular.
Across several testing rounds, we were, as always, impressed by the excellent comfort on offer. It's something that's expected from Ecco and once again it is delivered in spades. In particular, the neoprene collar around the heel feels lovely.
It's also a one-piece shoe, so there is no glue or stitching binding the outsole to the midsole and that means it is that little but more flexible and lightweight.
An excellent blend of classic looks and modern performance is what you get from FootJoy's new Premiere Series golf shoes. Inspired by FJ founder Frederick Packard, this shoe is packed with performance and features that we love.
First of all, it becomes apparent straight away just how well made this shoe. The soft, leather upper features a luxurious calfskin croc in the saddle, while the inner linings are elegant and comfortable.
Once out on the course, we felt well supported and stable while swinging thanks to the VersaTrax+ outsole, as well as the nine specifically placed cleats that optimise grip in all directions and conditions. A firmer heel-cup at the back of the shoe really adds to the stability on offer.
One thing we would say is that it is a shoe that needs worn in for a round or two. We picked up a blister on our first tour but once over that, the Ortholite FitBed insole makes this one of the comfiest shoes you're likely to come across.
One of the best Puma golf shoes ever released, the Ignite Pwradapt Caged was billed as delivering the optimum blend of comfort, style, and locked-in stability, and no matter how hard a swing we took, we felt this stability in action.
More so than the other models on this list, it also has a sporty sneaker-style look to it which we really liked and we noticed the underfoot cushioning from the Ignite foam. As much as a golf shoe can, it gave us a spring in our step even at the end of a long 18-hole slog.
Additionally, the shoe keeps you feeling low to the ground which we felt added to the traction provided by the cleats, making this a really versatile offering.
Inspired by Brooks Koepka's preference to fine-tune his short game while wearing running shoes, Nike designed a golf shoe that could pick up the slack. We've always found Nike products to be among the most comfortable on the market and the Infinity Tour's are no different.
The Zoom Air padding in the insole provides excellent underfoot cushioning that makes it one of the best golf shoes for walking and we felt this was complemented by the snugly fitting heel area, meaning we were well supported and stable.
Something that's unique to this model is that there are only three big cleats on the outsole. There is one on the heel and two on the balls of the foot that work with the other traction elements very well to provide excellent levels of grip. Koepka certainly doesn't hold back when he plays and continues to put his trust in this shoe.
Another offering from Under Armour in this category, the Charged Draw RST shoe once again features the new Rotational Resistance spikes that deliver supreme grip and traction in all conditions. We also found the shoe to be very breathable and comfortable thanks to the anti-microbial sockliner and cushioned midsole.
Additionally, this shoe is suitable even for athletes with wider feet, which is a performance element that distinguishes it from many other options on the market.
The headline with these spiked shoes is all about stability through the golf swing. The shoe has a super supportive insole and we could feel how still and stable our feet and ankles were throughout the golf swing.
This technology in the insole means these shoes are incredibly comfortable out of the box and took us very little time to break in. The full-grain leather upper is soft and breathable too meaning this shoe will be as comfortable during the height of summer as they will be in the depths of winter.
The Tour360 XT from adidas is easily one of the best-looking golf shoes and it doesn't skimp on performance either. Thanks to the X-shaped traction system and eight cleats, we were provided with great multi-directional grip and a stable base for our stance and feet.
In testing, we also loved the combination of the predominantly leather uppers and clean toe section with the modern Boost cushioning underneath. It's just a very well-rounded and reliable shoe that performs well in every area.
The only downside for the clean freaks out there is that we found the outsole gathers dirt quite easily, meaning they might need a once over when you're finished depending on the course conditions.
Delivering stability in all conditions, the spiked edition of the Nexlite GS is well worthy of its place on our list. The EVA midsole gave us the support and feel of a running shoe, while the Kuraray upper was soft across the top of the foot.
It's a fully waterproof shoe and when fastened with Mizuno's BOA system, feels like it has been tailored to your foot. This also aids the stability on offer as the locked-in attribute supports the foot really well. At just 280 grams per shoe, it's also one of the lightest models we've ever tested.
Despite being so light, it still delivers good grip thanks to Mizuno's IG5 spike design. All in all, we found this to be a great product that also comes in at a good price point, offering good value for money.
A shoe design worn by Matt Kuchar, the Pro V4's from Skechers have protection from the elements covered thanks to Skechers' H2GO waterproof technology which provides 100 per cent waterproof protection from all weather conditions.
It is this performance which forced us to include the V4 in our guide on the best waterproof golf shoes. Not only that the 'Ultra Flight' cushioning and Resamax insoles created a comfortable fit and the grip is provided by a dynamic diamond traction plate and replaceable Softspikes cleats.
We test out golf shoes very regularly throughout the year. The procedure revolves around wearing the golf shoes over several rounds and in different conditions to test things like grip, stability, comfort and how comfortable the shoes are out of the box.
We always test shoes for waterproofing too which either means playing in the rain, or pouring some water on the shoes to be sure they're watertight.
Our ethos is to be as honest and insightful as possible in our reviews and guides so you are more informed.
To learn about the products in great detail, we usually attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer's R&D experts to understand the new technology.
There are a number of factors to consider when picking out your next pair of golf shoes especially if you have wider feet than others. Let's take a look at them.
Comfort - Once you know the right size to go for, comfort is the next factor to be aware of. If a shoe isn't comfortable, you aren't going to wear it so we recommend trying on different models before you buy.
When you are trying shoes on, listen for a 'whoosh' sound which should indicate air leaving the shoe which usually suggests a good fit. Walk around in the shoes too so you can feel any pinching and whether your feet are moving around inside them. A correctly fitted shoe should so neither of these things.
This is important because if your feet slide around inside, or you get rubbing and blisters, you won't wear them again and they could damage your feet and performance.
Waterproofing - Waterproofing is always important in a good golf shoe. Us golfers are outside all day sometimes and that means the occasional bit of rain is inevitable, and your shoes need to be able to deal with this. Therefore always check if a model is waterproof.
Some shoes are 'water-resistant' where they will survive in a short shower but will struggle to keep the water out in significant rain.
Budget - Finally be aware of your budget because you can find a casual golf shoe at any price point.