Golf shoes: understanding the technology and choosing well

A good pair of golf shoes should be comfortable to walk in and support your feet throughout the swing. But the softest, stiffest or most feature-packed shoe is not necessarily the right one for you.

Start with the fit, then consider the courses and conditions you play in. The outsole, protection from water and fastening system complete the picture.

Which features matter most for the way you play?

Your needs	Features to consider first	What to check when trying shoes on
Regularly walking 18 holes	Fit, cushioning and flexibility when walking	No rubbing, squeezing or heel slippage
Playing on wet or soft ground	Outsole grip and protection from water	Foot support and the specific model's features
Playing mainly in hot, dry weather	Comfort, ventilation and an outsole suited to the ground	How the shoes feel with your usual socks
Looking for more structured support	Heel hold, lateral support and sole construction	Secure support without excessive tightness
Having wide feet or a high instep	Available widths and internal volume	Room in the forefoot and pressure over the instep
Adjusting the fit easily	Laces or a BOA system, depending on your preference	Even tension and ease of adjustment

Use these criteria to compare our selection of golf shoes for the way you play.

Start with the fit, not just the size

A shoe size does not describe the entire shape of a shoe. Forefoot width, instep volume and heel hold matter too. Two models in the same size can therefore feel quite different.

If your feet feel squeezed at the sides, automatically going up a size can leave too much length without solving the width issue. Compare shoe shapes and, where available, the different width options instead.

To prepare for your choice:

1. Measure both feet using the method described in the brand's guide.
2. Compare your measurements with the relevant chart, allowing for the longer foot.
3. Try on both shoes with your usual golf socks.
4. Walk for a few minutes and check heel hold, toe room and any pressure points.
5. Take your golf stance and make a few swing movements to assess the support.

A size chart is a starting point; trying the shoes on helps confirm whether the shape really suits you.

See our size guides: FootJoy, ECCO, Adidas, Nike, Puma, Under Armour, New Balance and Skechers.

Spiked or spikeless: choose for your courses

Spiked shoes

Separate spikes can provide useful grip on soft or wet ground. Their effectiveness also depends on their placement, the sole construction and their condition.

If the spikes are replaceable, check the attachment system and the availability of compatible replacements. Not every spike fits every shoe.

Explore our spiked golf shoes.

Spikeless shoes

Spikeless models have traction features built into the outsole. Some constructions offer a feel similar to a sports shoe and versatile use around the course.

“Spikeless” does not mean “without grip”. Outsole patterns vary considerably between models, and their performance depends on both ground conditions and wear. A spikeless shoe is not automatically waterproof either.

Compare our spikeless golf shoes, looking at their outsoles, support and protection from water.

The choice between the two categories is not a question of playing level: it mainly depends on your playing conditions and preferences.

Walking comfort, cushioning and stability: finding the balance

Cushioning contributes to comfort, while support helps limit movement of the foot inside the shoe. The two should work together.

A very soft sole does not, on its own, guarantee better comfort throughout a round. Equally, a highly structured shoe should not create pressure points or make walking uncomfortable.

Compare how the shoe flexes as you walk, how it holds your heel and how it supports the sides of your foot as you shift your weight. The right feel is personal: a shoe another golfer likes may not suit your feet.

Waterproof, water-repellent and breathable: three different properties

A waterproof shoe is built to prevent water from entering under the conditions specified by the manufacturer.

A water-repellent treatment helps water run off the surface. It does not guarantee that your feet will stay dry during prolonged exposure to rain or wet grass.

Breathability concerns the release of some of the moisture produced by your feet. It does not mean the shoe lets water in.

If you regularly play in morning dew or on wet ground throughout the year, check the protection claimed for the specific model and the terms of any waterproof warranty. The brand name or the appearance of the material alone is not enough.

For more detail, read our guide to keeping your feet dry on the course (in French).

Laces or BOA: which fastening system suits you?

Laces let you adjust the tension in different areas. The BOA system uses a dial, cables or technical laces, and guides to adjust the tension.

The benefit depends on the shoe's construction and how you prefer to use it. Two BOA-equipped models do not necessarily support the foot in the same way.

When trying shoes on, check that your heel stays in place and the fastening feels comfortable over your instep. Whatever the system, it cannot compensate for unsuitable length or width.

How much should you spend on golf shoes?

Start with the features you actually need: a suitable fit, an outsole that matches your courses and protection from water if your playing conditions require it.

Then compare construction, materials, fastening systems and warranties. A more expensive pair may offer useful features, but its price does not guarantee a better fit for your feet.

If you play regularly, consider maintenance and wear too: replaceable spikes where applicable, outsole condition, support and materials suited to your use.

What to check before deciding

Before choosing your pair, check these five points:

1. Fit: no significant squeezing or excessive foot movement.
2. Walking: a comfortable stride with your usual socks.
3. Support: a secure feel in your golf stance.
4. Outsole and weather: construction suited to the courses you play.
5. The model's features: width, protection from water, fastening and care.

At Golf Passion, we recommend comparing several models using these criteria. The aim is to find a pair you enjoy wearing from the first tee to the final green.