7 Best Golf Shoes for Men 2026

Step into all-day comfort with the Adidas Men’s S2G 24, a shoe that effortlessly bridges the gap between streetwear and serious golf performance. The Lightstrike midsole delivers responsive cushioning with every stride, while the spikeless rubber outsole offers reliable grip on greens without sacrificing off-course walkability. With a waterproof ripstop upper and synthetic overlays, this model tackles damp mornings and rough terrain while maintaining a sleek, modern profile—ideal for golfers who value versatility and style without compromise.

On the course, the S2G 24 shines during long 18-hole walks, where its lightweight build and molded TPU heel clip keep your foot stabilized through swings and slopes. The spikeless design provides solid traction on dry grass and paved paths, though it can feel slightly less aggressive in wet, muddy conditions compared to spiked alternatives. Indoors or out, the breathable upper and snug lace closure make these a go-to for players who transition from tee to town without changing shoes.

Compared to the bulkier FootJoy Premiere Packard, the S2G 24 prioritizes mobility and modern comfort over traditional leather luxury. It’s a stronger pick than the budget-focused Tech Response 3.0, offering better weather resistance and cushioning despite a similar price. While not built for elite tournament play, it’s a top-tier choice for recreational golfers who demand comfort, durability, and adaptable style—delivering premium features at a surprisingly accessible cost.

The Callaway Solana TRX v3 is a waterproof warrior built for golfers who play through the elements without flinching. Armed with a microfiber leather upper and opti-dri protection, it seals out moisture while maintaining breathability—critical during humid rounds or sudden downpours. The 5-spike dura-rubber outsole delivers rock-solid stability, biting into soft turf with precision, while the PLUSfoam insole and DX EVA midsole team up to reduce fatigue over 18 holes.

In real-world testing, this shoe excels on wet fairways and dew-laden greens, where its aggressive cleat pattern prevents slipping during powerful swings. The midsole balances firmness and cushioning, offering a grounded feel that helps maintain balance—especially valuable for players with a strong rotational swing. However, the slightly heavier build becomes noticeable during multi-day tournaments, and the traditional lacing system lacks the modern refinement of bootie-style uppers.

When stacked against the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend v2, the Solana TRX v3 trades some plushness for superior traction and durability in adverse conditions. It’s not as fashion-forward as the Puma PROADAPT ALPHACAT, but it outperforms in waterproof reliability and heel lockdown. For weekend warriors in rainy climates or soft-course environments, this is a weather-ready workhorse that doesn’t cut corners—offering long-term protection and confident footing where it matters most.

The adidas Tech Response 3.0 is a no-frills performer that punches above its price tag with functional design and reliable on-course behavior. Built with a textile and synthetic upper, it keeps weight low and cost minimal, while the Bounce midsole returns consistent energy with every step—making it a standout in the budget golf shoe category. The slow-resilient padding around the collar and tongue adds a touch of comfort often missing at this price point, appealing to golfers who want decent cushioning without overspending.

On the course, it performs admirably on dry, firm terrain, where the spikeless outsole offers predictable grip during swings and walks. The flat, low-profile design promotes a natural ground connection, preferred by players who like to feel the turf beneath them. That said, the upper lacks waterproofing, making it a risky choice for damp conditions or early morning rounds with heavy dew. Ventilation is adequate, but not exceptional, and long walks in hot weather can lead to increased foot fatigue.

Compared to the premium FootJoy Premiere Packard, the Tech Response 3.0 is clearly a more basic option—but it delivers core functionality for the price-conscious player. It’s lighter than the Callaway Solana TRX v3 and easier to walk in off-course, though it can’t match the Puma PROADAPT ALPHACAT in grip or underfoot support. For beginners or casual players who play occasionally and prioritize affordability and simplicity, this model is a smart, no-surprise entry point into performance golf footwear.

The Puma PROADAPT ALPHACAT redefines traction-first design in spikeless golf shoes, combining aggressive grip with street-savvy style. At its core, the PROADAPT spikeless outsole uses multi-shaped lugs and a high-durometer TPU perimeter to create a chassis-like base that resists torsion while clawing into soft or sloped terrain. The ADAPT FOAM midsole, a proprietary blend of EVA and impact-resistant Styrene, delivers stable cushioning with excellent energy return and ground feel—perfect for players who value responsiveness in their swing.

In real-world use, the ALPHACAT dominates on dry, uneven fairways and concrete cart paths alike, where its multi-material outsole maintains grip without scuffing surfaces. The EXO SHELL upper fuses engineered mesh with a TPU film, offering structure, support, and waterproof protection in one sleek package. The bootie construction ensures a sock-like fit that wraps the foot securely, reducing internal slippage during lateral movements. However, the snug fit may feel tight for wide-footed golfers, and the bold styling won’t appeal to traditionalists.

Versus the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend v2, the ALPHACAT trades some plushness for razor-sharp grip and dynamic stability. It outperforms the Adidas S2G 24 in wet conditions and aggressive swings, though it’s slightly heavier. For players who prioritize maximum traction and modern performance tech, especially in spikeless form, this Puma model stands as a high-performance hybrid—blending athletic sneaker agility with serious golf functionality.

The New Balance Fresh Foam Contend v2 is a cloud-walking marvel, engineered for golfers who demand plush underfoot comfort without sacrificing performance. The 10mm drop Fresh Foam midsole delivers a luxuriously soft, cushioned ride that absorbs impact over long rounds, making it a top pick for players with joint sensitivity or those who walk multiple courses weekly. Paired with the Molded CUSH+ insole, the shoe maintains consistent support, while the smart rubber spikeless outsole uses pressure-mapping tech to optimize grip zones—balancing flexibility and traction.

On the course, it excels in dry, flat conditions where its performance mesh upper breathes well and stays lightweight. The FantomFit support adds structure without stiffness, and the waterproofing holds up reliably in light rain or dew. However, the spikeless design struggles in wet, muddy terrain, where deeper cleats would offer better bite. The cushioning, while sublime, can feel a bit too soft for players who prefer a firm, connected feel during their swing.

Compared to the Adidas S2G 24, the Contend v2 offers superior cushioning and modern fit, though at a higher cost. It doesn’t match the Puma PROADAPT ALPHACAT in grip or the Callaway Solana in wet-weather stability, but it dominates in comfort-focused play. For golfers who value long-day endurance and a premium feel, this New Balance model is a well-balanced, performance-driven choice—perfect for those who walk more than they ride.

The FootJoy FJ Originals delivers classic golf style with modern efficiency, offering a compelling blend of value and performance for the everyday player. With soft synthetic uppers and a lightweight EVA and TPU outsole, it keeps weight down while maintaining durability—ideal for golfers who want a no-nonsense shoe that performs without flash. The Pulsar LP cleats by Softspikes provide low-profile grip that’s effective on most turf types, offering reliable stability from tee to green without damaging greens.

In real-world use, the Originals shine in fair weather and on well-maintained courses, where its lightweight build makes walking effortless and the easy-clean upper resists dirt and scuffs. The fit is straightforward—true to size with moderate width—making it a safe choice for players who dislike break-in periods. However, the lack of advanced cushioning or waterproofing limits its appeal in wet conditions or on hilly courses, where more support would be welcome.

Against the premium FootJoy Premiere Packard, the Originals trim the fat—offering 90% of the brand trust at half the cost. It’s not as cushioned as the New Balance Contend v2 or as grippy as the Puma ALPHACAT, but it nails the essentials for recreational play. For golfers seeking a reliable, no-frills shoe with timeless looks and solid traction, this model is a high-value staple—proving that sometimes, simple is smarter.

The FootJoy Premiere Series Packard is the gold standard of golf footwear, blending luxury craftsmanship with tournament-ready performance in a way few shoes can match. Crafted from premium Pittards full-grain leather, it offers a glove-like fit that molds to the foot, resists stretching, and ages beautifully—perfect for players who value longevity and refined aesthetics. The Versa-Trax outsole delivers versatile traction with translucent rubber elements that grip confidently on and off the course, while the OrthoLite EcoPlush insole ensures all-day comfort without compression over time.

On the course, the Packard feels like a custom fit—supportive through the midfoot, stable at heel strike, and responsive during rotation. The Laser Street fit combines a rounded toe with a slightly narrow heel, offering a sleek silhouette without sacrificing comfort. Its 2-year waterproof warranty backs up real-world performance in rain and dew, and the leather breathes better than synthetics in warm conditions. The only downside? A steeper break-in period and a weight that feels substantial compared to spikeless rivals.

Versus the Adidas S2G 24 or Puma ALPHACAT, the Packard trades modern lightness for timeless quality and elite support. It outclasses the FJ Originals in every material and comfort metric, justifying its position as the best overall men’s golf shoe. For serious golfers who play frequently, value durability, and appreciate handcrafted precision, this model is a long-term investment—delivering unmatched refinement, protection, and performance season after season.