Best Golf Shoes For Walking
Golf is a sport that requires players to cover significant distances on foot, especially when walking the course. The right pair of golf shoes can make a world of difference in comfort, stability, and performance. Whether you're shopping for men's or women's golf shoes, there are the key features to consider that will make walking the links a more enjoyable experience.
By walking the course rather than riding in a cart we seem to pay more attention to thinking and planning the next shot we have to hit. The result has been making less costly mistakes. No whether or not it's because we are walking rather than riding a cart is up for debate.
Based on our expertise these are the golf shoe brands we recommend. If you want to spend some days enjoying golf in an entirely different way, these brands have the shoes you will want on your feet. But first.....
What to Look for in Men’s and Women’s Golf Shoes for Walking the Links
Comfort and Cushioning
Comfort should be the top priority for any golfer, as an uncomfortable shoe can ruin your experience on the course. Look for golf shoes with ample cushioning, particularly in the midsole and footbed. Many modern golf shoes utilize materials like EVA foam or gel inserts to provide shock absorption and reduce foot fatigue over long distances.
For example, shoes featuring memory foam or responsive cushioning like Nike’s Zoom Air technology or Adidas’ Boost foam offer enhanced comfort by adapting to your foot’s shape and providing better energy return with each step.
Support and Stability
Golf involves a lot of lateral movement, so it’s crucial that your shoes provide stability to prevent injury and maintain a steady stance during swings. Look for shoes with a structured midsole and heel cup to give your feet the support they need.
Spikeless golf shoes are increasingly popular for walking, as they provide enough traction while offering flexibility and comfort, but if you play in wet conditions, spiked shoes may offer more stability. Brands like FootJoy and Puma offer options with strong arch and ankle support designed to reduce strain while walking.
Waterproofing and Breathability
Golfers often face unpredictable weather, so a shoe that strikes the right balance between waterproofing and breathability is important. Waterproof shoes, typically made from leather or synthetic materials treated with water-resistant coatings, help keep your feet dry in wet grass or light rain. Shoes with breathable linings, like Gore-Tex or mesh fabrics, ensure airflow, keeping your feet cool and preventing blisters from excessive moisture.
Waterproofing is especially essential if you play early in the morning when dew covers the grass, or in rainy conditions. Some shoes, like those by ECCO, offer a combination of waterproofing and breathability that can keep your feet dry while still allowing them to breathe during long rounds.
Lightweight Design
For golfers who prefer to walk the course, lightweight shoes are essential to prevent fatigue. Traditional leather golf shoes, while durable, tend to be heavier. Today, many manufacturers offer synthetic options that are significantly lighter without sacrificing durability or support.
Brands like Skechers and Adidas have developed lightweight golf shoes specifically designed for walking golfers, reducing the strain on your legs and back over a long round of 18 holes.
Traction
Traction is another vital consideration, as it helps maintain balance during your swing and keeps you stable on various terrains. Spiked golf shoes provide excellent grip, especially on wet or hilly courses, while spikeless options tend to be more versatile and comfortable for walking on and off the course.
For maximum versatility, many golfers choose hybrid models with replaceable spikes or spikeless outsoles with patterned lugs, such as those offered by Callaway and New Balance. These provide sufficient grip while allowing more natural foot movement.
Fit and Size Options
Golf shoes should fit snugly without being too tight. Ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters, soreness, and discomfort, particularly during long walks. Ensure that the shoes offer enough room in the toe box and have a firm yet comfortable hold around the midfoot and heel. Some brands offer shoes in a variety of widths to accommodate golfers with wider or narrower feet.
Make sure to try on the shoes with the same socks you'll be wearing on the course, and pay attention to how they feel while walking, as some shoes can feel different after a few steps.
Style and Personal Preference
While performance features are paramount, style still matters to many golfers. Men's and women's golf shoes come in various colors and designs, ranging from classic leather looks to sporty, modern designs. Choose a style that suits your personal preferences and pairs well with your golf wardrobe.
Golf shoes from brands like Under Armour and Puma often incorporate modern athletic styling, while FootJoy and Adidas offer more classic, traditional looks.
Best Golf Shoes We tried For Walking the Course
When walking the links, comfort, durability, and performance are vital factors to consider in choosing the right pair of golf shoes. Puma, Etonic, and Under Armour, three established brands in the golf industry, have developed shoes that cater to both male and female golfers, offering high levels of comfort and functionality.
If the fear of sore feet and wet socks has kept you from walking the golf course, it’s time to invest in a pair of golf shoes from one of these brands.
Comfort and Cushioning
One of the most important aspects of a golf shoe when walking is comfort, as golfers spend hours on their feet traversing the uneven terrain of a golf course. Puma, Etonic, and Under Armour shoes offer exceptional cushioning, which is vital in reducing fatigue and improving overall foot health.
Puma integrates its proprietary IGNITE foam into many of its golf shoe designs. This foam technology provides responsive cushioning, which returns energy to the foot during each step, ensuring that golfers experience less strain over long distances. Additionally, Puma’s shoes are often equipped with molded comfort insoles that provide extra support, making them ideal for long rounds of golf.
Etonic, a brand with a longstanding reputation for creating high-quality golf shoes, also emphasizes comfort in its designs. Etonic golf shoes typically feature a lightweight construction with soft EVA foam midsoles. This helps cushion the feet and minimize impact, reducing the risk of discomfort or blisters even during extensive rounds. Their shoes also incorporate moisture-wicking linings, keeping feet dry and comfortable, which is especially useful during warm weather or after walking on wet terrain.
One of the standout features in Under Armour shoes is the use of their proprietary UA HOVR cushioning technology. This technology provides a 'zero gravity feel,' which helps eliminate impact while returning energy to the golfer’s feet, not only enhancing comfort, but also reducing fatigue during long rounds. The lightweight nature of UA HOVR allows golfers to move effortlessly, making it an excellent option for those who prefer to walk the course rather than ride a cart.
In addition to cushioning, many Under Armour golf shoes come with molded EVA footbeds and responsive midsoles, offering further support and cushioning for maximum comfort. This blend of cushioning materials ensures that golfers can walk without feeling strain, even after hours on their feet.
Durability and Traction
Durability and stability is critical in golf, particularly when walking the course’s uneven terrain and needing solid footing during swings.
All three brands design golf shoes to withstand the demands of walking multiple rounds over various surfaces.
Puma uses premium materials like full-grain leather and synthetic blends to create durable uppers that can resist wear and tear while maintaining flexibility. The outsole designs incorporate rubber compounds that are resistant to abrasion, allowing for a longer-lasting shoe. Moreover, the traction provided by Puma’s shoes, particularly in models with Pro-Form TPU outsoles, ensures that golfers maintain stability throughout their swing, regardless of the course conditions. This is essential for those who frequently walk the course and need reliable grip on different terrains, from wet fairways to dry greens.
Etonic shoes also stand out for their rugged build and high-quality materials. The rubber outsoles on Etonic’s golf shoes provide exceptional traction, making them perfect for those who walk on slippery or uneven surfaces. Additionally, many Etonic models feature water-resistant uppers, which are key for keeping feet dry during early morning rounds when dew is present. For avid golfers who walk the course regularly, the durability and weather-resistance offered by Etonic’s shoes ensure they remain functional over time.
Under Armour places a strong emphasis on stability and traction in their golf shoes, ensuring that golfers can maintain control and balance.
Under Armour shoes often feature Rotational Resistance (RST 2.0) spikes or spikeless outsoles, both of which provide superior traction and grip on various surfaces. Whether navigating wet, slippery fairways or dry, hard greens, Under Armour golf shoes offer reliable traction. The strategically placed spikes or textured outsoles help prevent slippage during a swing, promoting more stability and consistency.
For those who prefer spikeless designs, Under Armour’s spikeless golf shoes incorporate innovative rubber patterns on the outsole that deliver excellent grip without the need for traditional spikes. This makes them perfect for walking, as they provide both comfort and traction across a range of surfaces, from the course to pavement
Under Armour golf shoes are built with high-quality materials that withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Many of their models use durable synthetic leather or microfiber materials, ensuring the shoes maintain their shape and integrity even after many rounds.
Additionally, Under Armour incorporates abrasion-resistant rubber outsoles that prevent excessive wear, especially in high-contact areas of the foot. This enhances the longevity of the shoes, making them a smart investment for golfers who walk regularly and require footwear that can keep up with their active routines.
Breathability and Weather Protection
Walking the course, especially in warm weather, can cause feet to overheat. Both Puma and Etonic recognize the importance of breathability in their shoe designs, incorporating materials that allow air to flow freely while also protecting the foot from external elements.
Puma golf shoes are known for their breathability due to the use of mesh panels and breathable synthetic uppers. This airflow keeps feet cool even during hot summer rounds, reducing the risk of sweat buildup and discomfort. Additionally, many Puma shoes come with waterproofing technology to shield golfers from unexpected rain showers or damp conditions without sacrificing breathability.
Etonic, likewise, includes advanced breathable mesh materials in its designs, paired with waterproofing technology. The hybrid combination of breathability and weather protection makes Etonic shoes versatile, able to handle hot and rainy days alike. This ensures that golfers can enjoy their round without worrying about their feet overheating or getting wet.
Under Armour golf shoes are designed with a strong emphasis on breathability and weather protection, making them ideal for golfers who walk the course in various conditions. Many of their models feature lightweight mesh or synthetic uppers that promote airflow, keeping feet cool and dry, especially during hot or humid rounds. This breathability reduces the buildup of sweat, which can cause discomfort and blisters, ensuring a more comfortable walking experience over long distances.
In addition to breathability, Under Armour incorporates advanced waterproofing technologies like UA Storm and GORE-TEX in many of its golf shoe designs. These waterproof features protect golfers from rain, wet grass, and dewy mornings, ensuring that their feet stay dry throughout the round. This combination of breathability and weather resistance makes Under Armour shoes versatile, providing comfort in hot, dry conditions as well as during wet, unpredictable weather.
Stylish and Versatile Designs
Puma has always been at the forefront of athletic fashion, and its golf shoes are no exception. With sleek, modern designs available in a wide range of colors, Puma shoes allow golfers to express their personal style while maintaining a professional appearance. Many Puma golf shoes are versatile enough to be worn casually, making them a practical option for golfers who want shoes they can use on and off the course. The are numerous styles offered for both men and women.
Etonic’s classic, understated designs appeal to golfers who prefer a more traditional look. Their shoes are stylish yet functional, focusing on clean lines and subtle details. The versatility of Etonic’s designs also allows them to be worn in various settings, whether on the golf course or at the clubhouse. There are fewer styles offered for women and men compared to Puma's selections.
Under Armour golf shoes offer sleek, modern designs that appeal to both male and female golfers. With a variety of color options, stylish finishes, and contemporary patterns, Under Armour allows golfers to express their personal style while maintaining a professional look on the course.
Many of their models also transition seamlessly from the course to casual settings, making them a versatile option for golfers who want shoes that can be worn in multiple environments. Whether you’re heading to the clubhouse or running errands after your round, Under Armour shoes provide the style and functionality needed for any situation. There are fewer styles offered for women compared to Puma's selections.
Value for Money
All three brands offer golf shoes at various price points, making them accessible to a wide range of golfers. Their blend of advanced technology, comfort, and durability ensures that golfers get excellent value for their investment. These golf shoes for both men and women are designed to last, making them a cost-effective option for those who play and walk the course frequently.
Etonic offers golf shoes at the lowest price point compared to Puma and Under Armour prices.
Walking and golf go together so well, and when you have the right equipment including shoes, it only makes your game all the more enjoyable.
Whether you’re navigating hilly courses or enduring long rounds, the advanced technology and quality materials in Puma, Etonic and Under Armour golf shoes ensure that your feet stay comfortable, supported, and ready for the next swing.
