Best Golf Shoes UK (2026)
A golf shoe's real test is how it holds up over many rounds in changing weather, not a short indoor trial. This guide compares shoes tested by Golf Monthly, where every pair was personally worn by a member of the team over extended periods. The category is overseen by footwear expert Dan Parker, who checks manufacturers' claims such as waterproofing and tests across different ground conditions, stances, lies and walking demands. All twelve shoes are covered here, split between spiked and spikeless.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
Under Armour Drive Pro Clone SL
Top pick (spikeless)
Golf Monthly's top pick, called one of the best golf shoes their tester has ever worn. The adaptive upper gives a snug, pinch-free fit for different foot shapes, and the outsole blends rubber nubs with TPU for ground penetration and lateral stability, with a refined, premium look. The one drawback is that it isn't as breathable as some other spikeless golf shoes in very high temperatures.
- Adaptive fit offers both comfort and strong stability
- Class-leading outsole with ground penetration and lateral stability
- Premium looks and feel with on-course versatility
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under Armour Drive Pro Clone SL | Top pick (spikeless) | Spikeless, adaptive auxetic upper, rubber nubs with TPU outsole, waterproof, sizes 6-14 | Check price |
| Under Armour Drive Pro Clone (spiked) | Best spiked | Spiked, auxetic adaptive upper, S3 support system, waterproof, sizes 6-14 | Check price |
| Ecco Biom C5 | Best for wide feet | Gore-Tex Surround waterproofing, improved heel lockdown, premium leather, sizes 5-13 | Check price |
| adidas S2G SL | Best value | Spikeless crossover shoe, Lightstrike midsole, wider fit than most adidas golf shoes, sizes 6.5-14.5 | Check price |
| FootJoy Quantum | Most comfortable | Ortholite Impression FitBed, SofFoam heel, waterproof, BOA option, sizes 6-14 | Check price |
| New Balance 997 SL | Most versatile | Spikeless, Ndurance rubber outsole, Abzorb midsole, CUSH+ insole, sizes 7-12.5 | Check price |
| G/FORE G.112 (2026) | Best insole | Spikeless, nubbed massaging insole, water repellent, sizes 6-14 | Check price |
| FootJoy Premiere Series Packard (2026) | Best looking | Premium leather with nubuck and bison-textured panel, waterproof, multi-directional traction, sizes 6-14 | Check price |
| Nike Victory Tour 4 | Best firm feel | Spiked, Dynamic Fit lockdown, Cushlon midsole, waterproof, sizes 6-14 | Check price |
| Payntr Eighty Seven SC | Most underrated | Full-length carbon fibre propulsion plate, seven SoftSpikes Tour Flex Pro spikes, waterproof, sizes 7-12 | Check price |
| FootJoy Pro/SL (2026) | Best outsole | Spikeless, new Z-Tec synthetic upper, class-leading outsole, very lightweight, sizes 7-15 | Check price |
| Skechers Go Golf Blade Tour Slip-In | Best arch and heel support | Slip-In technology with rigid rear framework, Heel Pillow, waterproof, sizes 7-12 | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Top pick (spikeless)
Under Armour Drive Pro Clone SL
Golf Monthly's top pick, called one of the best golf shoes their tester has ever worn. The adaptive upper gives a snug, pinch-free fit for different foot shapes, and the outsole blends rubber nubs with TPU for ground penetration and lateral stability, with a refined, premium look. The one drawback is that it isn't as breathable as some other spikeless golf shoes in very high temperatures.
- Type
- Spikeless
- Waterproof
- Yes
- Sizes
- 6-14
- Colours
- 4
Pros
- Adaptive fit offers both comfort and strong stability
- Class-leading outsole with ground penetration and lateral stability
- Premium looks and feel with on-course versatility
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Not as breathable as some other spikeless golf shoes
Best spiked
Under Armour Drive Pro Clone (spiked)
Narrowly missing the overall top pick, this takes the 'Best Spiked' title for its tour-level stability and comfort. The upper adapts to the contours of any foot, combining the flexibility of knit shoes with locked-in stability, and the S3 support system gives industry-leading traction, though underfoot cushioning is firmer than the softest shoes and it's slightly less breathable.
- Type
- Spiked
- Waterproof
- Yes
- Sizes
- 6-14
- Colours
- 4
Pros
- Upper moulds to create an adaptive fit for any foot shape
- Exemplary fit and comfort
- Premium look and finish
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Not as breathable as other shoes
Best for wide feet
Ecco Biom C5
Golf Monthly found these fitted like a glove, with a noticeably improved heel lockdown over the C4 for swinging aggressively, great breathability and premium materials that give exceptional walking comfort. Gore-Tex Surround gives total waterproofing without sacrificing breathability, though the price is hefty and the outsole isn't class-leading.
- Waterproof
- 100%
- Sizes
- 5-13
- Colours
- 3
- Key tech
- Gore-Tex Surround
Pros
- More locked-in heel than the previous model
- Exceptionally comfortable, especially for walking
- Excellent levels of breathability
- High-grade materials throughout
Cons
- Hefty price tag
- Outsole isn't class-leading
Best value
adidas S2G SL
Golf Monthly's best-value pick, a running-shoe-inspired crossover that looks as natural at the pub as on the links. It fits true to size with a wider fit than most adidas golf shoes, making it one of the best for wide feet, with a Lightstrike midsole and a price that falls in the best budget category, though it isn't as breathable as some.
- Type
- Spikeless
- Sizes
- 6.5-14.5
- Colours
- 3
- Key tech
- Lightstrike midsole
Pros
- Superb value for money
- Excellent on and off-course wearability
- Lightweight but quality build
Cons
- Not as breathable as some
Most comfortable
FootJoy Quantum
Arguably the most comfortable golf shoe of the year, with class-leading comfort underfoot from a FitBed that gives instant step-in comfort and gradually moulds to your foot, plus a soft, premium upper. That focus on comfort means it doesn't offer quite the same stability and traction as the top spiked shoes, and it isn't the best-looking shoe in the guide.
- Type
- Spikeless-style, sneaker crossover
- Waterproof
- Yes
- Sizes
- 6-14
- BOA option
- Yes
Pros
- Class-leading comfort underfoot
- Soft, premium upper
- Versatile outsole can be worn on and off the course
Cons
- Neither here nor there from a style perspective
- Less stability and traction than the top spiked shoes
Most versatile
New Balance 997 SL
Golf Monthly found a comfortable, lightweight walking shoe with plush padding around the heel and ankle and a surprising amount of grip from strategically placed rubber nubs, in a style that looks as good on the high street as on the course. Some golfers may notice a lack of targeted support under the ball of the foot, suede detailing is best kept away from mud, and Golf Monthly recommends ordering a half size larger.
- Type
- Spikeless
- Sizes
- 7-12.5
- Colours
- 2
- Key tech
- Ndurance outsole, Abzorb midsole
Pros
- Minimalist style will appeal to most
- Great grip in a range of conditions
- Padding around the ankle provides great comfort
- Well-priced option
Cons
- More support around the ball of the foot would be welcomed
- Suede detailing is best kept away from muddy conditions
Best insole
G/FORE G.112 (2026)
Golf Monthly found these incredibly lightweight yet locked in tightly for the swing, with enough give to avoid rubbing or blisters. The star is G/FORE's signature nubbed, massaging insole, which relieves fatigue over 18 holes, and the low-profile outsole gives dependable traction on dry and damp turf, though testers expected higher-end materials for the price.
- Type
- Spikeless
- Waterproof
- Water repellent
- Sizes
- 6-14
- Colours
- 3
Pros
- New, more subtle styling
- Incredibly lightweight
- One of the best insoles on modern golf shoes
Cons
- Would expect higher-end materials for the price point
Best looking
FootJoy Premiere Series Packard (2026)
One of, if not the fanciest pair of golf shoes money can buy, with a nubuck leather centre panel and refined toe accents. It's lighter than previous versions with added heel and tongue comfort, a stable and secure platform for the swing, and strong multi-directional traction in wet conditions, though there are softer underfoot shoes on the market.
- Type
- Spiked-style traditional
- Waterproof
- Yes
- Sizes
- 6-14
- Colours
- 4
Pros
- Stunning looks and attention to detail
- More lightweight than previous versions
- Added comfort in the heel and tongue
Cons
- There are softer underfoot shoes on the market
Best firm feel
Nike Victory Tour 4
Worn by Rory McIlroy on the PGA Tour, these deliver a slightly firmer feel with plenty of comfort and stability. Golf Monthly found the Dynamic Fit system gives extra lockdown, the Cushlon midsole gives plush walking comfort without losing a solid base, and the spiked traction was a highlight, with no slipping at maximum swing speed, though it is perhaps a step back aesthetically.
- Type
- Spiked
- Waterproof
- Yes
- Sizes
- 6-14
- Colours
- 3
Pros
- Outstanding total performance
- Comfort a real focus from the brand
- Stable and waterproof
Cons
- Perhaps a step back aesthetically
Most underrated
Payntr Eighty Seven SC
Golf Monthly found very little to fault in an outstanding all-round shoe, worn on tour by players such as Jason Day and Justin Rose. Its grip can go toe-to-toe with any shoe available, driven by a carbon fibre propulsion plate and seven SoftSpikes, with excellent underfoot cushioning and a locked-in tour feel, though the malleable upper material needs to be looked after closely.
- Type
- Spiked
- Waterproof
- Yes
- Sizes
- 7-12
- Colours
- 1
Pros
- Class-leading traction
- Excellent underfoot cushioning
- Sophisticated look
Cons
- Malleable upper material needs to be looked after closely
Best outsole
FootJoy Pro/SL (2026)
The iconic Pro/SL gets its biggest overhaul since 2016, swapping luxury leather for a modern synthetic upper. Golf Monthly found an exceptional spikeless outsole with elite traction even in wet and slippery conditions, good support through the swing and a very light design, though the new look will divide opinion and the forefoot cushioning is very firm.
- Type
- Spikeless
- Sizes
- 7-15
- Colours
- 3
- Key tech
- Z-Tec upper
Pros
- Class-leading spikeless outsole design
- Good support through the swing
- Very lightweight design
Cons
- New look will divide opinion
- Very firm forefoot cushioning
Best arch and heel support
Skechers Go Golf Blade Tour Slip-In
Golf Monthly found an impressive all-rounder marrying Skechers' out-of-the-box comfort with strong on-course performance, with hands-free Slip-In technology and an internal Heel Pillow that locks the foot in without rubbing or blisters. It has a more premium upper than previous models and is lightweight, but it's stiffer underfoot than earlier Skechers and cluttered with too much branding.
- Type
- Spikeless
- Waterproof
- Yes
- Sizes
- 7-12
- Colours
- 3
Pros
- Excellent heel support and comfort
- Slip-In technology
- Lightweight design
- More premium upper material than previous models
Cons
- Stiffer underfoot than previous Skechers models
- Too much writing on the shoe
Buying guide
Spiked or spikeless golf shoes?
Spiked shoes, like the Under Armour Drive Pro Clone, Nike Victory Tour 4 and Payntr here, generally give the most traction and stability for aggressive swings and wet conditions. Spikeless shoes, like the Under Armour Clone SL, adidas S2G SL and FootJoy Pro/SL, are lighter, more comfortable for walking and often wear well off the course, and the best now grip almost as well as spiked shoes.
How important is waterproofing?
Very important in the UK, but not all shoes are equal. Golf Monthly checks manufacturers' waterproof claims in testing, and the Ecco Biom C5 here is rated 100% waterproof with Gore-Tex Surround, while others such as the G/FORE G.112 are only water repellent. Prioritising comfort alone can mean compromising on waterproof protection.
Which golf shoe is best for wide feet?
Golf Monthly named the Ecco Biom C5 best for wide feet, and found the adidas S2G SL a much wider fit than most other adidas golf shoes, true to size and one of the best for wide feet. The Under Armour Clone shoes also adapt to different foot shapes through their stretchy upper.
Can I wear golf shoes off the course?
Some crossover styles are designed for it. The adidas S2G SL, New Balance 997 SL and FootJoy Quantum here look natural away from the course, in line with a growing leniency in golf dress codes, though suede or knit uppers are best kept away from mud, and the most traditional shoes, like the FootJoy Packard, are more course-specific.
Sources
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