9 Best Golf Shoes for Comfort 2026

The New Balance 997 Golf delivers a rare fusion of heritage style and modern performance, making it a standout for golfers who refuse to sacrifice traction or on-course stability. Built with a 10mm drop Abzorb midsole, these shoes offer lightweight cushioning that absorbs impact without feeling sluggish, while the NDurance rubber outsole flexes naturally with your stride. The real game-changer? The FastTwist 3.0 Pulsar cleats—they bite into wet grass with confidence, giving you a rock-solid platform during your swing, even in damp conditions.

In real-world testing, the 997 excels on hilly courses and soft terrain where grip is non-negotiable. The waterproof microfiber upper held up well after morning dew and light rain, keeping feet dry over 18 holes. However, the cleated design, while superb for traction, makes transitions to clubhouse flooring slightly awkward—some users may prefer spikeless for versatility. The cushioning is supportive rather than plush, so if you’re walking five miles a day, you might crave more underfoot softness.

Compared to spikeless contenders like the Skechers Elite 5, the 997 trades a bit of all-day plushness for superior on-course control. It’s ideal for serious weekend players who prioritize swing stability and weather-ready protection over street-sneaker versatility. While not the lightest or most breathable option, it outperforms in wet-weather traction and build quality when matched against budget models like the adidas Tech Response 3.0.

The SMILIN Men’s Casual Spikeless Golf Shoes are a revelation for golfers who want effortless transition from fairway to office without changing footwear. These aren’t just golf shoes in disguise—they’re true dual-purpose performers, blending a clean streetwear aesthetic with functional golf underpinnings. The memory foam insole delivers a cloud-like first step, while the U-shaped heel cup locks your foot in place, reducing fatigue during long walks or standing shifts. If your day starts with a round and ends with errands, this shoe answers the call.

On the course, the non-slip rubber outsole provides dependable grip on short grass and damp paths, though it struggles on steep, muddy slopes where cleats dominate. The water-resistant PU upper shrugs off dew and light rain, but isn’t fully waterproof—extended play in wet conditions leads to dampness over time. Breathability is decent, but not on par with mesh-heavy models like the Callaway Pacific SL. That said, for walking 9 holes or casual practice, they’re more than capable.

When stacked against the Puma Fusion Grip 6, the SMILIN lacks the same athletic responsiveness and premium materials, but wins in value and everyday wearability. It’s the go-to for budget-conscious golfers or non-golfers seeking a comfort-first sneaker that also works on the green. While not built for tournament play, it outshines many in daily comfort and urban versatility, making it a smarter pick than rigid, single-purpose golf shoes.

The New Balance Fresh Foam Contend v2 earns its “Best Overall” title by striking a masterful balance between cloud-like cushioning, weather readiness, and on-course functionality—all in a sleek, modern silhouette. At its core is the 10mm drop Fresh Foam midsole, which delivers a plush, energy-returning feel that softens every step from tee to green. The waterproof performance mesh keeps weight low while defending against moisture, and the Molded CUSH+ insole adds an extra layer of responsive comfort that doesn’t pack out over time.

In testing, the Contend v2 shines during full-day wear, especially on flat or moderately hilly courses where spikeless traction suffices. The smart rubber spikeless outsole uses pressure mapping to optimize high-wear zones, offering reliable grip on turf, pavement, and clubhouse floors. It handles morning dew with ease, though deep puddles can eventually seep in at the seam after prolonged exposure. Breathability is good, but not exceptional—hotter climates may demand more airflow than it provides.

Versus the Tempo Spikeless, the Contend v2 offers better brand trust, long-term durability, and midsole refinement, though at a higher cost. It’s the ideal pick for golfers who want a no-compromise daily driver—someone who plays weekly, walks the course, and values consistent comfort and weather protection. It doesn’t beat the Skechers Elite 5 in arch support, but it surpasses it in overall build quality and course-specific design.

The Tempo Spikeless Golf Shoe punches far above its price tag, delivering high-end features like GOGA MAX cushioning and ECO FLIGHT midsole tech in a lightweight, eco-conscious package. The standout is the high-rebound insole, which provides a springy, fatigue-fighting ride over 18 holes—rare at this price point. With a GRIPFLEX TPU outsole, it maintains confident traction on greens and cart paths without damaging turf, and the one-year waterproof warranty ensures real-world protection from rain and damp grass.

During extended wear, the Tempo proves its mettle as a value-driven workhorse—light enough for all-day comfort, durable enough for weekly play. The synthetic upper resists scuffs and cleans easily, but doesn’t breathe as well as mesh alternatives, leading to slight warmth in summer rounds. Traction is solid on dry and slightly wet grass, but becomes hesitant on steep, slick inclines where deeper lugs would help. It’s not built for elite play, but for casual golfers, it’s a near-perfect blend of performance and practicality.

Next to the adidas S2G, the Tempo offers better cushioning tech and eco-friendly materials, though it lacks the premium leather feel. It’s the top pick for golfers who want near-premium comfort without the premium cost—ideal for beginners, weekend players, or those upgrading from old, rigid golf shoes. While not as stylish as the Puma Fusion Grip 6, it delivers more underfoot innovation and long-term value for the investment.

The Skechers Elite 5 Range redefines all-day comfort with its podiatrist-designed Arch Fit insole, making it the gold standard for golfers who battle foot fatigue or overpronation. This isn’t just marketing—after 18 holes, your arches feel supported, not strained, thanks to the custom-molded foam that adapts to your foot’s shape. Paired with Ultra Flight cushioning, the shoe delivers a light, bouncy stride that minimizes joint impact, ideal for players walking multiple rounds per week. The breathable mesh upper also keeps feet cool, even on warm afternoons.

In real-world use, the Elite 5 transitions seamlessly from course to café, offering superior indoor comfort thanks to its flexible, non-marking outsole. The water-repellent upper handles light rain well, though it’s not fully waterproof—prolonged soaking reveals its limits. Traction is reliable on flat, maintained turf but slips slightly on wet, sloped lies. It’s not the best for aggressive swings on soft ground, but for casual to mid-level play, it’s more than sufficient.

Against the New Balance Contend v2, the Elite 5 wins in arch support and step-in comfort, though it falls short in waterproof certification and course-specific feedback. It’s the ultimate choice for golfers with foot pain, long walking days, or multi-use needs—someone who wants a golf shoe that feels like their favorite walking sneaker. While not as performance-tuned as the Callaway Pacific SL, it beats it in cushioning depth and foot health focus.

The adidas S2G Spikeless Leather 24 stands out with its premium full-grain leather upper, offering a luxurious fit and timeless aesthetic that elevates any golf outfit. This is a shoe built for players who value craftsmanship and refined style—the leather molds slightly over time, creating a personalized, glove-like feel. Underfoot, the Lightstrike midsole keeps weight down while delivering a snappy, responsive ride, and the OrthoLite sockliner adds a layer of odor-resistant, moisture-wicking comfort ideal for warm rounds.

On the course, the S2G performs admirably on well-maintained fairways and dry conditions, with a spikeless TPU outsole that provides steady grip without sacrificing green protection. However, the leather, while beautiful, breathes less than mesh and takes longer to dry when wet—making it less ideal for humid climates or rainy seasons. It also lacks aggressive lugs, so performance on soft, uneven terrain is merely adequate. It’s a style-first performer that leans on brand prestige.

Compared to the Puma Fusion Grip 6, the S2G trades breathability and athletic fit for luxury materials and classic look. It’s perfect for golfers who dress for the clubhouse, play in dry conditions, or want a long-lasting, polished shoe that ages gracefully. While not as cushioned as the Skechers Elite 5, it outperforms it in build quality and aesthetic appeal, making it a top pick for fashion-forward players who value leather durability.

The adidas Tech Response 3.0 is the ultimate entry-level workhorse, built for golfers who need a reliable, no-frills shoe without breaking the bank. Its Bounce midsole delivers a surprisingly lively step for the price, offering decent cushioning over 9 holes, while the textile and synthetic upper keeps weight low and cost minimal. The slow-resilient padding around the collar and tongue adds a touch of comfort, preventing heel slip during the swing—critical for beginners learning proper form.

In practice, the Tech Response 3.0 handles flat courses and dry conditions well, with a durable rubber outsole that resists wear on cart paths and pavement. However, it lacks waterproofing, so morning dew quickly soaks through. Breathability is average, and the midsole compresses faster than higher-end models under long-term use. It’s not meant for all-day comfort or wet weather, but as a first pair or occasional-use shoe, it gets the job done.

Stacked against the SMILIN casual golf shoe, it offers better golf-specific design and brand consistency, though SMILIN wins in daily wear comfort. It’s ideal for beginners, juniors, or casual players who play once a month and need a functional, affordable option. While it can’t match the cushioning of the Tempo or support of the Skechers Elite 5, it delivers solid baseline performance for the budget-focused golfer.

The Callaway Pacific SL is a breathability powerhouse, engineered for golfers who play in hot, humid climates or demand maximum airflow during long summer rounds. Its Opti-vent mesh liner and performance mesh upper work in tandem to pull heat and moisture away, keeping feet cool and dry even under direct sun. The 5mm PLUSfoam insole adds a soft layer of comfort, while the Forged DX EVA midsole ensures a light, natural ground feel—perfect for players who want to stay connected to the turf.

On the course, the Pacific SL excels in ventilation and weight savings, making it a top pick for walkers and fitness-focused golfers. The dura-rubber spikeless outsole with multi-directional lugs offers reliable grip on dry grass and pavement, though it falters on wet, slick surfaces. The upper is durable but not waterproof—expect dampness in dew-heavy mornings. It’s not the most cushioned option, but the minimalist design prioritizes airflow and responsiveness over plushness.

Versus the Puma Fusion Grip 6, the Pacific SL wins in breathability and heat management, though Puma edges ahead in energy return and style. It’s the go-to for golfers in Florida, Texas, or Southeast Asia, where staying cool trumps all. While not as supportive as the Skechers Elite 5, it outperforms it in ventilation and lightweight agility, making it a climate-specific champion.

The Puma Fusion Grip 6 is a lightweight marvel, tipping the scales as one of the most agile spikeless golf shoes in its class—ideal for players who value speed, style, and all-day wear. At its heart is the FUSIONFOAM midsole, a clever blend of soft EVA and responsive rubber that delivers cushioned energy return without deadening the ground feel. The engineered mesh upper floods the foot with airflow, while TPU film overlays provide strategic support during the swing, keeping your foot stable without stiffness.

In real-world play, the Fusion Grip 6 shines on flat, dry courses and urban settings, where its carbon rubber hex-lug outsole grips confidently on grass, pavement, and tile. The slip-on lace design speeds up entry while maintaining a secure fit, and the sleek profile transitions effortlessly from green to street. However, the thin upper offers minimal protection in rain, and the cushioning, while lively, isn’t as plush as the Skechers or Tempo for full-day comfort.

Compared to the Callaway Pacific SL, it matches in breathability but surpasses it in energy return and athletic design. It’s perfect for style-conscious golfers who play often and want a performance hybrid that looks at home off the course. While not as cushioned as the New Balance Contend v2, it beats it in weight savings and fashion-forward appeal, making it a top pick for modern, active players.