Best Golf Shoes For Walking In 2023 (We Tried Them)

best golf shoes for walking

Meet Jake

Jake was a competitive golfer for over a decade dating back to the days of being the Captain of his high school golf team. He has played more than 200 courses across 32 different states in the US. Now semi-retired, Jake continues to golf 3-4 days a week with a current 2 handicap, gives golf lessons to his friends and family, and provides a wealth of knowledge to Golf Circuit from his competitive playing days. Jake combines practical expertise with technical knowledge to create golfing strategies and training techniques for both beginners and scratch golfers.

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I’ve been trying to walk the golf course more and more. Every time I walk, I find that my scores are actually a few shots lower.

I pay more attention to the shots that I have to hit, think and plan more, and ultimately keep myself from making mistakes on the course. 

The golf shoes I tested have a variety of performance attributes and are all across the board when it comes to pricing. If you want to spend some days enjoying golf in an entirely different way, these are the shoes you will want on your feet. 

Best Golf Shoes For Walking In 2023

In this list, I will walk you through some of the best golf shoes for walking, going through the pros and cons of each shoes we tried.

Whether you are just learning how to golf this year, on your way to becoming a golf professional, or just think golf shoes are the most comfortable shoes to walk in, we have you covered.

Short on Time? Here are My top picks for the best Golf Shoes For Walking in 2023:

???? New Balance Men’s Links SL – Best Overall Golf Shoe

???? Sqairz Speed Golf Shoe – Most Stable Golf Shoe For Walking

???? Puma Men’s Ignite Fasten8 – Best Value Golf Shoe We Tested
Jake Dalton
Founder @ Golf Circuit

Best Overall: New Balance Men’s Links SL

new balance men's links sl walking golf shoes

When you walk a golf course, expect to cover about five total miles. Think about if you set out for a walk or a run and the type of shoes you would want to have on to put in those miles. 

The New Balance Men’s Links SL looks a bit like a New Balance sneaker that morphed with a golf shoe. However, when you think about what’s needed for the physical challenge of walking five miles, this is exactly what can get you there. 

With the New Balance Men’s Links SL, expect a waterproof microfiber leather performance mesh upper and smart rubber spineless outsole. 

This is really just a New Balance walking shoe that has been tweaked to help golfers with stability, traction, and added comfort. 

One of the things that can end your golf walking career the quickest is to play with an uncomfortable pair of shoes and develop blisters and foot problems. With the molded CUSH+ insole, the New Balance Men’s Links SL has superior comfort. 

When I tried this shoe, I felt it looked a bit casual for a tournament or special event type situation on the course, but the performance and feel of it were exactly what I was looking for while walking. 

Pros

  • Impressive comfort, similar to a New Balance sneaker
  • CUSH+ insole for extra comfort 
  • Rubber spikeless outsole has plenty of traction 
  • Comes in a few different colors 
  • Fair pricing for the technology 

Cons

  • Not the most professional-looking golf shoe; it looks more like a sneaker 

Most Stable: Sqairz Speed Golf Shoes

most stable golf shoes for walking

The Sqairz Speed Golf Shoes had some very high ratings from golfers across the world in 2023. At first glance, I was a little worried about how the toe of these shoes looked and how that would impact the feel. 

However, when I felt the stability that the shoe offered, I was impressed. For me, stability leads to extra distance and greater comfort throughout the round. 

Sqairz put a lot of effort into this design, and tour pros like John Daly and Nick Faldo are using it. The inside of the shoe has a cushioned insole that is removable. 

I found when walking that the insole made it much more comfortable. There is also a two-year waterproof guarantee to help if you like to walk the course in the early hours of the day. 

For golfers who are nervous about moving away from the top shoe manufacturers, I would consider something like the Sqairz; even though the name might not be as well known, the quality is there. 

Pros

  • Won awards for stability
  • Worn by professional golfers 
  • More stability in the swing can increase the total distance
  • 2 Year waterproof guarantee 

Cons

  • Square looking toe takes a bit of time to get used to; it’s not uncomfortable; it just looks different 

Best Value: Puma Men’s Ignite Fasten8

best value golf shoes for walking

The Puma Men’s Ignite Fasten8 is one of the best value golf shoes you can find for walking the course. Not only are these comfortable, but they also have a more modern and stylish look to them. 

With this shoe, you benefit from the Ignite Foam technology, which is incredibly responsive and comfortable. It feels like you are walking on a cushion; in fact, I don’t like to take these off after a round. 

The shoe is made of a performance mesh mixed with a TPU. The material is waterproof and breathable. 

I can’t tell you I trust the waterproof ability of a mesh shoe in the same way I trust a premium leather shoe, but I also wouldn’t expect that kind of waterproof technology for the price of the Puma Men’s Ignite Fasten8. 

Traction is well done on the Puma Ignite. There is more grip and power than you get from other spikeless golf shoes. 

Overall you will find this shoe to have a younger and more modern look, plenty of stability, and some of the best comfort for the price. 

Pros

  • Fasten8 straps wrap the foot for a more personalized fit 
  • Strong yet lightweight shoe
  • Breathable mesh good for warm summer days 

Cons 

  • Waterproof technology is not as great as other brands

Best For Comfort: FootJoy Men’s Flex

footjoy men's flex golf shoes are great for walking the course

FootJoy makes some great golf shoes for walking, so don’t be surprised that they come up a few times on this list. However, the FootJoy Men’s Flex is one of our favorites for comfort. The term flex in the shoe title gives you a pretty good idea of what you can expect with this shoe. 

A 100% synthetic shoe made with a performance mesh material that allows plenty of comfort and flexibility. The shoe is lightweight and breathable, and plenty stable. 

On the bottom of the FootJoy Flex, you will find the Versa Trax outsole. This traction zone gives you plenty of grip when walking the course, even on days when the terrain is a little slippery. 

This is not one of the higher end shoes from FootJoy with ultimate waterproof protection, but you can still stay pretty well protected, as there is plenty of underfoot cushioning and a rubber sole. 

Overall I liked how many different colors there are in the FootJoy Flex and the fact that the shoe has a fair price for its quality. If your concern is a foot hurting at the end of the day, the FootJoy Flex should help prevent that. 

Pros

  • Lightweight golf shoe 
  • Breathable and allows for all-day comfort 
  • Good traction 

Cons

  • Waterproof technology is not great 
  • If you play in really wet weather, your foot will get wet 

Best Premium: FootJoy Men’s Tour Alpha

footjoy men's tour alpha golf shoes

If you have a little more money, the FootJoy Men’s Tour Alpha is a great option. This shoe has just a bit more technology than the FootJoy Flex, and it’s also incredibly comfortable. 

What I liked about the Tour Alpha was the stability. Not only do I feel stable during my swing but also when I’m walking the course. 

In addition, the shoe is made from ChromoSkin leather. This is developed by Pittards of England, and it is a premium material and 100% waterproof. In fact, if any water gets in, FootJoy will repair or replace the shoe for you. 

Another great benefit here is the OrthoLite cushioning in the bottom of the shoe. With this cushion in place, you don’t have to worry about the shoe becoming uncomfortable over time. 

Even if you play golf every day, the OrthoLite does not set, so it will stay comfortable for the life of the shoe. 

FootJoy makes some impressive shoes, and these are not a small investment, but if you like to walk and you care about performance, you will be glad you purchased something like this. 

Pros

  • ChromoSkin leather that is 100% waterproof
  • Lightweight shoe even though it is so durable and long-lasting 
  • Stable design 

Cons

  • Expensive 
  • It is a bit bulkier than some of the most streamlined spineless models 

Best Waterproof: Ecco Men’s S-Three Goretex Golf Shoes

ecco goretex golf shoes

The Ecco Men’s S-Three Goretex golf shoes are a great option for walking, especially when the weather is less than ideal. 

Walking the course in the rain requires superior waterproof technology, and the Ecco Men’s S-Three Gore-tex is one of the only shoes that I can really trust. The shoe is made with 100% Gore-Tex waterproof technology, and it will protect you from any situation. 

Inside the shoe, you will find an open cell OrthoLite insole. It’s a very comfortable insert and has plenty of breathability. Sometimes if almost felt like I was playing golf barefoot.

One of my favorite parts about the insole is that it can be removed and washed. This is a huge factor in prolonging the life of the golf shoe. 

Ecco developed three different zones in the midsole of the shoe. This was done to increase stability, comfort, and flexibility. 

Some golfers avoid Ecco shoes because of the price, but this is a pair of golf shoes you can purchase and not have to replace for quite some time. If you are serious about walking and want some shoes to help support you in that mission, take a look at Ecco. 

Pros

  • Gore-Tex technology 
  • The insole can be washed
  • Comfortable, stable, and long-lasting 

Cons

  • Ecco shoes always come with a premium price tag 

Best For New Golfer: Adidas Tour Response

adidas tour response

As a new golfer, you may have taken up the sport with the intention to walk. Not only does walking save you money as a new player, but it also helps with the physical benefits of the game. 

The Adidas Tour Response is my favorite choice for a new golfer that wants to walk. You will find that these shoes are lightweight, breathable, and impressively stable for the price that they are offered. 

This is truly one of the most popular shoes in the game, and it’s no surprise. The pricing is fair, and there are several color options that could work for your golf style. 

I won’t tell you that these are the most premium golf shoes when it comes to stability or traction. However, for a new player that may be deciding whether or not to wear sneakers or invest in golf shoes, the Adidas Tour Response is a perfect choice. 

Pros

  • Very fair pricing
  • More traction than a sneaker or tennis shoe
  • Lightweight and breathable 
  • Stable golf shoe 

Cons

  • Not the best shoe for longevity 

What To Look For In The Best Golf Shoes For Walking 

Walking the golf course helps me stay focused, burn some extra calories, and enjoy my time outside quite a bit more.

However, a great day of walking the golf course can be quickly ruined by a pair of golf shoes that is uncomfortable, wet, or unstable. 

In the golf shoes I tested, I looked for some specific features that I think the best golf shoes for walking should have. Golf courses are 5 miles, sometimes more. You will get more than 10,000 steps walking 18 holes; it pays to have the right shoe.

Waterproof Technology 

I always find it worth paying the extra money for waterproof golf shoes. When I walk the course, there is bound to be water in my shoes. 

When you play in the morning hours, the grass is almost always wet, and if you don’t have a high-quality golf shoe, it starts to soak in, especially in the toe of the shoe. 

Playing golf with wet shoes is pretty miserable, but players need to remember that this doesn’t mean you have to play in the pouring rain. It could simply be light rain, and non-waterproof shoes will get wet. 

Insole 

The insole is important because it ensures that the shoe is as comfortable as possible With the proper insole in place, golfers can walk the course in a shoe that is custom fit to their needs. If you wear your own insoles, make sure the golf shoe you purchase can remove and replace it. 

I love the washable insoles and the OrthoLite that do not start to get compact over time. The feeling of a new shoe is great, but when you put it on the next time, and it already doesn’t feel great, it’s time to switch things up. 

Spikeless vs. Spiked

The spikeless and spiked debate will likely never end. Spikeless golf shoes are versatile and comfortable, and it’s nice to wear them from the course to work or home. 

Spiked shoes will almost always win when it comes to stability and traction. 

When walking the golf course, many golfers find spikeless shoes to be more comfortable. I have found that it’s sort of a wash as long as you choose a spiked shoe with high comfort levels. 

Traditionally spiked golf shoes that didn’t account for walkers are not fun to wear for 18 holes, but all golf shoes have made steps forward, including the spiked. With their traction and stability, don’t rule spiked golf shoes out just because the spikeless ones are easy. 

Traction and Stability 

Take a look at the technology that a golf shoe incorporates for traction and stability. I find it very important to have a stable shoe when I swing. 

In fact, some of the cheaper spikeless shoes I tested felt like they would spin or slide when I swung the club back; this is a problem. 

Comfort Technology 

Most of the best golf shoes for walking have some foam underfoot. The foam is a great way to ensure that you have that walking on a cloud feeling. 

I would not buy golf shoes for walking unless they feature some kind of comfort technology. Look for foam and padding in the product descriptions. 

Pricing 

Expect new golf shoes to run you anywhere from $50 to $300. The pricing depends on the materials they were constructed with and the style of the shoe. 

Higher-priced golf shoes are almost always waterproof; the lower priced options are usually mesh. 

Most players can find a great pair of shoes in the $100 to $200 range. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Here are a few most commonly asked questions about the best golf shoes for walking.

u003cstrongu003eAre golf shoes good for walking?u003c/strongu003e

Golf shoes can be great for walking the course, but you must be smart about which pair you buy. Look for a golf shoe that features comfort technology, traction, and stability. 

u003cstrongu003eAre spikeless golf shoes better for walking?u003c/strongu003e

Many golfers find spikeless shoes to be better for walking. If you are smart about the shoe you purchase and get a spiked shoe with comfort, foam, or cushion technology, the spikes should not bother you all that much. 

u003cstrongu003eDo any PGA pros wear spikeless golf shoes?u003c/strongu003e

Most PGA Tour pros do not wear spikeless golf shoes as they do not have enough traction for their swing speeds. PGA Tour Pros regularly swing over 110 mph, and wearing spikeless shoes would make it hard to stay connected to the ground. 

Final Thoughts 

At this point, you should feel confident that there are a pair of golf shoes to help you walk the course pain-free. Waling and golf go together so well, and when you have the right equipment, it only makes the process more enjoyable. 

The New Balance Links SL was the best golf shoe for walking that we tested. I was impressed with the overall comfort and the fact that this felt like a traditional walking or running shoe. 

If the fear of sore feet and wet socks has kept you from walking the golf course, it’s time to invest in one of these pairs of shoes.

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