Best waterproof golf shoes 2023: Keep dry on the course
Published:
What are the best waterproof golf shoes that will keep your stance solid and your feet dry all season long?
Jump to: Spiked | Spikeless | Buying Guide | FAQs
We all know golf shoes get a real workout in autumn, winter and, if you live in the UK, quite often spring and even summer too! Waterproof golf shoes can be a critical part of any golfer’s ensemble and now, more than ever, golfers don’t have to compromise in terms of comfort and style while getting lots of protection from the elements.
With a number of new players entering the marketplace in the last five years, players have more golf shoe choices than ever before. With market leaders Adidas, Ecco, FootJoy, Nike, and Under Armour still making some of the best golf shoes, but now becoming increasingly challenged by the likes of Skechers, Payntr, Duca Del Cosma, and G/Fore, there is a great range of waterproof shoes to choose from.
And while they may have been frowned upon for their styling in the past, a modern winter golf boot is also well worth considering, especially if you play regularly on a muddy parkland track, so we’ve included a special section for these.
Whichever winter golf shoe or boot you go for, a longer waterproof guarantee gives you greater reassurance that your shoes will keep you dry for longer. A one-year waterproof guarantee is fairly standard, but some manufacturers and models offer two years.
But let’s start with our favorite waterproof golf shoes…
Spiked
A favourite spiked golf shoe with our editor and Tour stars
www.dickssportinggoods.com
A hybrid design combines a recycled upper, with a Lightstrike midsole for maximum cushioning, support, and energy return and brought together with a six-cleat Traxion outsole.
Brands would say that six cleats aren’t enough to give the best traction on a shoe. But the way the outsoles are designed with spikes and a layer of strategic molds makes you feel closer to the ground and helps you transfer weight through the swing. The ZG23 also has 3D cradles down the side for lateral stability during the golf swing.
The ZG23 is packed with all you’d expect from a premium-priced shoe, worn by some of the world’s best players, and if that weren’t enough, it’s fully waterproof with a one-year waterproof warranty.
See how the ZG23 compares to the best adidas golf shoes.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Go great with any outfit
Cons
- Doesn’t look as premium as the price point
| Sizes | 6.5-14.5 |
| Color options | 5 |
| BOA option | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes |
Carbon and comfort combines to create the best spiked golf shoe of 2023
www.dickssportinggoods.com
The carbon fiber plate partners with an OrthoLite ‘fitbed’ designed to mold to your feet over time for a perfect fit. We’re only a few rounds in with our pair, but the fit has definitely improved and was impressive straight out of the box.
The HyperFlex is a comfortable trainer-style model but it still has the benefits of a year-round shoe. It has a 100% waterproof knit upper which is breathable, comfortable, and vitally, has a stain-protected cleanable upper.
The padded heel gave us added comfort and support, and the knitted bootie is integrated into a thermoplastic wrap that surrounded our feet and helped control lateral movement. It also kept our feet stable through the swing.
Read our full FootJoy HyperFlex Carbon golf shoe review
Pros
- Carbon power plate
- Really supportive
- Secure fit on foot and heal
Cons
- Sock material hard to clean
| Sizes | 6-12 |
| Color options | 2 |
| BOA option | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes |
The best spiked golf shoe for keeping your feet dry
us.ecco.com
The result is this amazing Biom G5. It incorporates the fashion of the Biom family, whilst the premium leather upper and Gore-Tex membrane ensure the model is both breathable and 100% waterproof.
Ecco’s own tanneries produce their leather and, when combined with Gore-Tex, and exceptional craftsmanship, it makes for an expensive golf shoe. With such a premium price comes a lot of expectations and it certainly lives up to them.
The G5 is a very comfortable, supportive golf shoe that offers superb traction on the course. I love the fit, especially with the BOA.
We found they needed some looking after, so I would recommend that you look at one of Ecco’s special cleaning kits to help protect your expensive purchase.
Find out how the Biom G5 compares in our guide to the best ecco golf shoes.
Pros
- BOA lacing system
- GORE-TEX
- Terrific traction
- Great support
Cons
- One of the most expensive shoes on the market
| Sizes | 6.5-11.5 |
| Color options | 2 |
| BOA option | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes |
The best spiked golf shoe for the most grip
www.dickssportinggoods.com
Under Armour have an eye for aesthetics and this shoe certainly feels and works as well as it looks. UA have developed their own patented Storm Technology water repellent system and on this version of the HOVR series, it is combined with popular Microfiber technology in the upper portion to give you a really effective waterproof barrier.
3D print on the toe allows for added durability & adds rubbing protection when you swing, the shoe really was made to be used in wet weather and with all the added extras, represents excellent value for money.
Pros
- Great traction
- High heel support
- Breathable
Cons
- Slight creasing on toes after one round
| Sizes | 6-14 |
| Color options | 3 |
| BOA option | No |
| Waterproof | Yes |
The discreet tour-quality spiked shoe built for every occasion
www.travismathew.com
A molded insole is designed by orthopedic experts and ensures the Ringer is as comfortable after 18 holes as it was on the 1st tee. On my feet, the first thing that struck me was how light and supportive they were. They looked great with trousers and shorts too.
I loved the shoe’s simplicity and coupled with the discreet branding, it will appeal to a huge number of us who don’t want loud and brash. The excellent Softspikes felt like they really hunkered into the turf during my swing, and are easily replaceable when required, which should extend the shoe’s life.
Pros
- Subtle branding
- Supportive insole
- Breathable
Cons
- Not too many color options
| Sizes | 8-14 |
| Color options | 3 |
| BOA option | No |
| Waterproof | Yes |
The premium, tour-proven, best spiked golf shoe
www.dickssportinggoods.com
The Boost midsole cushioning partnered with an EVA stability frame provides lightweight stability, and comfort. There’s more stability in the middle of the foot thanks to the ‘3D Torsion System’, and the sockliner almost grabs the foot, for even more cushioning, comfort, and support.
adidas used their tour stars to get the shoe spot on, they even looked at their foot pressure traces to help create the latest spikes. They developed a larger design than previous adidas cleats, creating a setup that is efficient and friendly on and around the greens. I was skeptical about the large spikes, but they improved traction over the previous design.
Read our full adidas Tour 360 22 golf shoe review
Pros
- Boost cushioning
- Premium leather
- Great support
Cons
- Heel rubs until shoes worn in
| Sizes | 6.5-12 |
| Color options | 4 |
| BOA option | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes |
Mr old school of the best spiked golf shoes
www.footjoy.com
For all the traditional styling, Premiere is packed with innovative technology and ooze luxury thanks to hand-picked leather, calfskin detailing, and sheepskin lining. The leather upper is fully waterproof and is surprisingly easy to keep clean.
The Premiere is 12 percent lighter than the popular DryJoys Tour, and is helped by the new VersaTrax+ outsole. The ‘anti-channeling tread pattern’ gave me excellent traction across the entire shoe and I never felt any risk of slipping.
I enjoyed how FootJoy mixed harder and softer TPU compounds to make the shoe as grippy and comfortable on hard surfaces as it is on the course.
I was impressed by the performance and overall comfort. FootJoy’s Ortholite FitBed, which gradually shapes to your foot, works brilliantly and is seriously clever tech.
Pros
- Quality materials
- Ortholite insole
- Superb traction
Cons
- Take some wearing in
| Sizes | 6-15 |
| Color options | 5 |
| BOA option | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes |
The best value golf shoes of 2023
www.pgatoursuperstore.com
For a shoe to be less than £100 and pack as much of a punch is rare. The shoe has nine cleats and the RST 2.0 spikes hunker into the ground amazingly. The microfiber upper and TPU outsole create breathability and flexibility while ensuring it’s durable.
I particularly liked that the shoe was equally comfortable in both hard and soft conditions – something you might only expect from more expensive shoes – thanks to the ‘Charged Cushioning’ sole.
This is one of the year’s most cleanly designed shoes, but it’s got substance as well. The Draw stands up well to poor conditions and proves easy to keep clean. It also comes with a one-year waterproof warranty just for your peace of mind.
Read our full guide to the best Under Armour shoes.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Easy to clean
- 9 spikes for great grip
Cons
- Not as soft as other models
| Sizes | 7-12 |
| Color options | 3 |
| BOA option | No |
| Waterproof | Yes |
The best spiked golf shoe for cushioning and comfort
www.carlsgolfland.com
It features a removable comfort insole with high-performance cushioning, an ultra-lightweight cushioned midsole, and a dynamic traction plate with replaceable cleats for maximum grip.
Skechers shoes, and the styling, divide opinion, but we’ve been impressed by Pro 5. It’s less bulky than some previous models, feels supportive and is comfortable straight out of the box. The signing of Matt Fitzpatrick will inevitably help the brand reach a younger audience.
For the price of the Pro 5, I’d have preferred a full-leather upper rather than synthetic, but that is a minor gripe. As the waterproof synthetic upper offers excellent protection.
See how the Go Golf Pro 5 Hyper compares to the best Skechers golf shoes.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Amazing arch fit comfort
- Good traction
Cons
- Not a full leather upper
| Sizes | 7-12 |
| Color option | 2 |
| BOA option | No |
| Waterproof | Yes |
Spikeless
Our editor's favourite spikeless golf shoe has the hallmarks of iconic models
payntr.com
Payntr’s ‘Neverwet’ skin is remarkable. I found it was impenetrable, even in the worst weather, and it proved easy to keep looking new. The Ortholite X40 sock liner gave added weatherproof assurance and ensured they were comfortable out of the box – something I can’t say about every golf shoe.
I was impressed by the grip and that the sole didn’t hold soil, sand, or grit like a spiked shoe can. A couple of quick bashes together after the round was sufficient to get all of the sand and mud off after a UK winter round.
TG digital editor Rob Jerram is a massive fan too. He’s chosen to wear them for more than 50 rounds despite having access to a host of big-name models.
Read our full Payntr X 001 F golf shoe review
Pros
- Instant comfort
- Ultimate weatherproofing
- Spike-like grip
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Upper creased easily
| Sizes | 7-12 |
| Color options | 3 |
| BOA option | No |
| Waterproof | Yes |
The best spikeless golf shoe for those with a bigger budget
www.dickssportinggoods.com
FootJoy’s ChromoSkin leather is as good as it gets. Not only does it look great, but I found it holds its shape, cleans easily, and can handle some seriously wet conditions. The standout feature is the infinity outsole. The plastic studs provide 189 points of traction and the on-course stability was so good I wouldn’t have believed it was spikeless.
The new Carbon model features a carbon fiber insert to reinforce stability in the heel, whilst maintaining flexibility. The inlay snaps back, which helped return energy while walking, reducing fatigue.
Pros
- Superb grip
- Great looking
- Suits all outfits
Cons
- Leather creases above the toe
| Sizes | 3-14 |
| Color options | 11 |
| BOA option | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes |
The best spikeless golf shoe of 2023 is well worth the price tag
www.dickssportinggoods.com
My favorite thing about any Ecco golf shoe is the soft but durable leather Gore-Tex upper. It looks great, is breathable, and is 100% waterproof. I particularly like the S-Three’s tongue, which is thinner, lighter, and more fitted to the foot.
The E-DTS outsole has a large number of traction points which gave me excellent grip in all conditions.
See how the S-Three compares to the best ecco golf shoes.
Pros
- Excellent traction
- Super comfortable
- Great heel support
- Stylish colorways
Cons
- Not the easiest to clean
| Sizes | 7-12 |
| Color options | 6 |
| BOA option? | Yes |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best and most comfortable Adidas spikeless golf shoe
www.pgatoursuperstore.com
The sole reminded me of a trail or climbing model thanks to the bold aesthetics of the side profile. But looks aside the shoe delivers exceptional levels of grip, whilst the upper, despite its looks, is completely waterproof.
I found the upper easy to maintain as after a few wipes it was back to its pre-round self. It’s made from 50% ocean-recovered plastics as the German sportswear giant continue their sustainability mission, which we applaud.
The Codechaos is among the most comfortable adidas shoes I’ve used, thanks to the Boost cushioning. It’s a system I’ve always praised in my sneakers and it is a real bonus in golf shoes. A versatile option for on and off the golf course.
Pros
- Excellent grip
- Cool design
- Versatile
- Boost makes it super comfortable
Cons
- Controversial colorways
| Sizes | 6.5-12 |
| Color options | 7 |
| BOA option? | Yes |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best for wearing on and off the golf course
www.gfore.com
MG4X2 is the perfect blend of stylish streetwear and on-course practicality. The waterproof G/DRY knit upper sits on top of G/Fore’s lattice midsole and to give the support and comfort needed, while the molded heel cup secures the foot in place and doesn’t rub. The 100% rubber outsole has a sawtooth traction pattern which gave me excellent stability during the swing.
I have them in the snow colorway, but G/Fore have a fantastic range of bolder options if you want to stand out from the crowd.
Pros
- Color options
- Comfortable
- Great on and off the course
Cons
- Mesh hard to clean
| Sizes | 7-15 |
| Color options | 4 |
| BOA option? | No |
| Waterproof? | Yes |
Best spikeless shoe for traction
us.ecco.com
The uppers of the Biom H4 are crafted from premium, durable, thin leather, made in Ecco’s own tanneries. This provides natural protection from wind and water. I love the use of Gore-Tex in golf products – there is nothing better at helping keep your feet dry and comfortable on the golf course.
The redesigned tongue and toe area made the Biom H4 more comfortable and gave a sleeker, slimmer look. I’ve always found H4 to be a comfortable golf shoe but the subtle design tweaks have created a more balanced golf shoe and it’s a huge favorite of our Equipment Editor Simon Daddow.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Super soft leather
- Breathable
- Great cushioning
Cons
- Can be hard to maintain
Golf Shoes Buying Guide
How do we test golf shoes?
Here at Today’s Golfer, our team of carefully selected reviewers tests and assesses each product over an extended period of time. Having tested tens of thousands of products over the years, we know exactly what to look for. We will ask every possible question about each product that we review. With a range of everyday golfers testing products you can rest assured that if it’s a situation that can arise for you on the golf course, we’ve already put the product through that scenario before recommending it.
With golf shoes, testing means wearing them for multiple rounds so we can determine the out-of-the-box performance in a variety of conditions. The overall performance of a product will depend on variables such as grip, durability, versatility, comfort, and fit.
We are lucky enough to attend product launches and meet the manufacturers to understand why they release a new product and its benefit to the consumer. The TG team pride ourselves on the fact that we understand and test all of our products to give you our honest and in-depth opinion on whether it is worth buying or not. The reviews and recommendations are there with you the readers as our highest priority, so we can recommend products that will help you improve your game.
See a full guide to how we test golf equipment.
How to choose a golf shoe
One of the most important things to get right for the golf season is your golf shoes. There are a number of different variables to consider when picking what’s going to be on your feet out on the course. To assist you along your shoe-buying journey we have put together what we think are key points to consider when buying your next pair.
Budget
The first thing we advise when buying any golf product is to set yourself a realistic budget and stick to it. You can spend anything from £50 to £250 on golf shoes, depending on the brand, style, tech, and materials.
With hundreds of different models available, setting a budget for your next golf shoes will help to narrow down your search.
If the brand isn’t important to you then you’re more likely to be able to spend less money than if your heart is set on a pair of current FootJoy or Ecco shoes for example.
If you’re just starting out in golf, this is your first pair of golf shoes, or you only play occasionally we’d recommend setting a lower budget. Firstly, there’s no point in blowing a fortune on the shoes if you’re going to discover you don’t actually like the game as much as you hoped or only get on the course a couple of times a year. Secondly, the money you save on shoes can be spent adding other equipment, paying for some rounds, or getting yourself some lessons.
Spiked or spikeless
Many of the best golf shoes seen above and across the best brands now are split evenly between spiked and spikeless which both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Spiked
Golf shoes with spikes tend to give better grip/traction out on the golf course with them having soft spikes placed around the outsole. Spiked shoes are the more durable option as they have replaceable spikes, meaning if you look after and replace them there should be no reason they won’t last a long time.
With spikes on the outsole, the shoe has added pressure points on the foot which can result in a slightly less comfortable fit. Spiked golf shoes are less versatile as they aren’t designed to be worn both on and off the golf course.
Spikeless
The spikeless option may not give golfers as much traction as spiked golf shoes but they have come a long way in recent years. Spikeless golf shoes tend to feature small rubber molds on the outsole to aid grip, however, with technological advancements, companies are finding new ways to improve spikeless traction.
The use of compounds such as TPU has allowed brands like Under Armour and Ecco to produce a spikeless shoe that, when partnered with rubber molds, gives arguably as much traction as a spiked shoe. Spikeless shoes are becoming more and more durable, and modern styling makes them more attractive as an everyday shoe. With brands using tech from their running shoes in golf shoes, they are often uber-comfortable too.
Spikeless shoes are lighter and much more versatile. They’re a shoe that you can drive in and hit drives in.
Waterproofing
Some of you may live in an area of the world that gets a lot of rain, making a waterproof shoe a must. Or you may be a golfer that likes to prepare for any outcome on the course and doesn’t want to be left with soggy feet from an unexpected shower.
In the UK waterproof shoes can be a sensible option when picking out what to wear on the course. Many golfers buy a waterproof pair for winter, and a more breathable lightweight shoe for summer.
Buying a pair of shoes that are guaranteed waterproof can cost a little more so if you live in a part of the world where rain rarely falls (hello Dubai), then you can save yourself a bit of cash with a non-waterproof model.
Correct fit
Arguably the most important part of picking out a new golf shoe is getting something that fits your feet correctly. This will help prevent blisters and stop your feet from moving around, which can limit your control during the swing.
When putting on a shoe for the first time always make sure there is no pinching or movement. When your foot slides in you always check your toes fit at the end of the shoe and have a walk around in them to make sure they feel comfortable. We’d even recommend making a few golf swing motions to ensure they are fit for purpose.
Under Armour use ‘normal’ laces throughout their range of shoes. But most brands including FootJoy, adidas, Nike, and Ecco use a system called BOA. This lets you twist a dial to tighten the specially formulated laces and can provide a better fit that doesn’t loosen when playing. While BOA often creates a more secure fit, the look and feel aren’t for everyone and BOA models tend to be more expensive.
Comfort
With your average round of golf being more than four hours, comfort is king when buying golf shoes. If your shoes are uncomfortable and hard-wearing on your feet, your mind will be distracted from playing good golf.
Try to find a shoe with good cushioning for the bottom of your foot and around the heel. Good heel and ankle support will keep your foot secure and will help with your golf swing.
You want to make sure that the shoe isn’t too soft as that may also hinder you in the long run as it won’t be as supportive. Look for a balance of support and comfort to make the most out of your new golf shoes.
Styling
Modern golf shoes come in many styles. It’s not all about the traditional look on the golf course anymore. A classic-looking shoe can now be seen next to the latest pair of sneakers on the tee box.
There are golf shoes out there for everyone, from brogues to lightweight, knitted models. You need to consider what shoes you wear and like wearing off the course and then you should have no trouble getting a style that suits you on the course.
We’d always recommend you thoroughly research all of the options and create a shortlist to try.
Best Waterproof Golf Shoes: FAQs
Do golf shoes need to be waterproof?
Wearing waterproof golf shoes is not essential. Waterproof golf shoes are built to keep your feet dry on the course in the rain or if the course is wet underfoot. If you usually play in warm and dry conditions it would still be worth considering a pair of waterproof golf shoes for some piece of mind that your feet will be dry no matter what the weather.
Are Gore-Tex golf shoes waterproof?
Gore-Tex golf shoes come with guaranteed waterproofing. Gore‑Tex Surround Footwear offer an All-around breathability system for your feet.
Do pro golfers wear spiked or spikeless waterproof golf shoes?
Most of the golfers on tour wear spikeless golf shoes because they play in warm conditions on perfectly manicured courses, meaning they don’t need extra traction. Spiked shoes will make an appearance on tour if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Collin Morikawa opts to wear his adidas ZG23 spiked golf shoes through the season.
What waterproof golf shoes does Tiger Woods wear?
Tiger Woods has recently made the decision to switch to FootJoy golf shoes, despite his long-term relationship with Nike. After incidents off the golf course, Woods now has less mobility and needed a change of golf shoes to provide a more stable base for his golf swing. He wore FootJoy Premiere shoes throughout last year and at the 2023 Genesis Invitational.
READ NEXT:
– Best Spiked Golf Shoes
– Best Waterproof Golf Trousers
BECOME A TODAY’S GOLFER MEMBER: Unlimited access to premium content and exclusive rewards!
About the author
Will Shreeve-Peacock
Golf Equipment Writer
Will Shreeve-Peacock is a golf equipment writer for todays-golfer.com, specializing in golf shoes, GPS watches, rangefinders, and training aids.
He has a degree in journalism from Sheffield Hallam university and four years of experience working in golf retail with American Golf. Will was part of the sales and fitting team, making him the perfect man to review golf equipment.
Trained by a range of manufacturers, including Titleist and TaylorMade, to enhance his product knowledge, Will has all of the skills required to recommend the perfect equipment for amateur golfers.
Will started playing golf more than a decade ago at Thorney Lakes Golf Club, Cambridgeshire and is now a member at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincolnshire. His handicap index is 5.8, largely thanks to his scratch-standard short game.
Away from golf, Will enjoys going to the gym, cooking, spending time with his friends, and watching his beloved Manchester United.
Will uses a Cobra LTDx Driver, Cobra LTDx 3-Wood, TaylorMade P790 2-iron, Callaway X Forged 18 Irons (4-PW), Wilson Staff Model Wedges (52°, 58°), TaylorMade White smoke IN-12 Blade putter and the TaylorMade TP5x Golf ball.
When he’s not testing golf shoes, he chooses to wear FootJoy Hyperflex or Under Armour Charged Phantom. He uses a Shotscope Pro L2 rangefinder and his favorite ever training aid is the PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer and mat.
You can contact Will via email or follow him on Twitter here.
-
Best waterproof golf shoes 2023.
-
The Adidas Golf Codechaos 22 is one of the best waterproof golf shoes.
-
Adidas ZG21 is a good option when looking for waterproof golf shoes.
-
The Callaway Chev Mullgan S is one of the best waterproof golf shoes.
-
Callaway Coronado V2 golf shoe is one on the best waterproof shoes for 2023.
-
Duca Del Cosma Joost Luiten edition is a stylish waterproof option.
-
Duca Del Cosma Valderama.
-
Ecco Biom H4 golf shoes.
-
The Ecco Golf S-Three is one of the best waterproof golf shoes.
-
Fazer Ventura golf shoes.
-
FootJoy Fuel are a great waterproof shoe.
-
FootJoy Premiere is a stylish, old school waterproof shoe option.
-
FootJoy's ProSL 2022 shoe is one of the most popular waterproof shoes on the market.
-
-
FootJoy Tour Alpha waterproof golf shoes are one of the best.
-
Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 2.
-
Nike React Infinity Pro are one of the best waterproof golf shoes.
-
Payntr 001 Golf shoes are some of the best waterproof shoes on the market.
-
PUMA IGNITE PWRADAPT Caged Crafted Waterproof Spiked Golf Shoes are one of the best on the market.
-
The Rife RF-09 Delta is one of the best waterproof golf shoes.
-
The Skechers Men's Go Golf Torque Pro is one of the best waterproof golf shoes.
-
Sketchers Go Golf Pro 4 golf shoes are one of the best waterproofs on the market.
-
The Stromberg Tour Classic is one of the best waterproof golf shoes.
-
Stuburt Evolve 3 waterproof golf shoes.
-
Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 golf shoes is one of the best waterproof golf shoes.
