12 New Golf Shoes to Improve Your Game
Golf shoes don’t create the same buzz that shiny new drivers and irons do, but keeping your feet happy will help you play better and have more fun. Each of these 12 new models makes a fashion statement, provides solid footing for your swing and keeps your dogs from barking all the way through the 18th hole. Find one to suit your style, swing and budget.
BIION PATTERNS; $110
This lightweight, EVA slip-on shoe (below center) makes you feel like you’re walking barefoot. Cutout holes in the upper let air circulate; the dual-density, shock-absorbing innersole has small nodes for added comfort; and hexagon-shaped nubs provide traction. The patterns include Zebra (pictured), argyle and camouflage.
ECCO CAGE EVO; $190
The EVO (below left) has a water-resistant mesh upper with protective polyurethane webbing. A polyurethane “cage” wraps around the heel, the midsole and across the toe box to provide a stable, secure fit. Plus, the anatomically engineered outsole moves with your feet, while the roomy forefoot allows toes to flex naturally and the Champ Zarma Tour cleats keep you connected to the ground.
ADIDAS ADICROSS V; $90
This stylish, street-ready shoe (below right) has a water-resistant leather and suede upper so you can play in peace during those foul-weather days. Extra cushioning under the sock liner puts a spring in your step, while the flexible, spikeless outsole has 72 lugs for added gripping power. So take your best rip with confidence.
NEW BALANCE NBG3001; $170
The lightweight, responsive foam midsole was originally designed for marathon runners, making the NBG3001 (below left) a great option for walking 18. A waterproof upper — microfiber leather with thin, supportive overlays — combines with a flexible forefoot to increase your foot’s motility during the swing. And nine Champ Zarma Tour cleats boost traction.
G/FORE STRIPE GALLIVANTER IV.0; $185
This waterproof shoe (below right) has a foam sock liner with a compression-molded midsole and a soft, breathable cotton mesh lining to maximize comfort on those hot, sticky summer days. The sock liner is antimicrobial and can go in the washer, which can help keep these sporty duds fresh round after round. The flexible outsole is loaded with integrated cleats to handle the strongest swings — even Bubba plays these.
FOOTJOY FREESTYLE; $160
A lightweight mesh upper and supple rubber outsole team up with FootJoy’s softest-ever midsole (below center). The result? Your feet can move with freedom! The waterproof shoe has extra heel padding and a tackified tongue to help overall fit. With FootJoy’s Performance fitting system, you can match your swing to shoe type — from most flexible (“mobile”), like the FreeStyle, to stiffest (“structured”) — and even boost swing speed.
NIKE FLYKNIT CHUKKA; $190
Hoops anyone? This bold high-top (bewlow right) uses Nike’s “flyknit” technology in the upper — strong, light polyester yarn stitched to create specific areas of support. Integrated Flywire cables add to the secure fit. The water-resistant shoe has a thin “skin” to repel dew and moisture. A flexible outsole gives feet great freedom of movement and raised nubs prevent slippage.
PUMA IGNITE HI-TOP SE; $200
Built on the company’s Ignite platform, the Hi-Top SE (below left) has a responsive foam midsole and temperature-regulating insole so your feet stay cozy in various conditions. The thermoplastic outsole has anatomically positioned flex grooves, plus Softspikes Stealth cleats so the feet can move naturally during the swing while staying grounded. Heel support and a Velcro strap over the ankle supply extra stability.
OGIO CITY TURF; $120
You can go straight from the course to the office in this waterproof leather shoe (below center). A tension band wraps around the heel and over the foot for support, while a memory foam insole boosts comfort. Also, stabilizers in the heel and forefoot prevent the feet from too much lateral movement.
UNDER ARMOUR DRIVE ONE; $200
One of three models in the company’s first line of golf shoes, the Drive One (below center) showcases a springy foam midsole called “Micro G” (borrowed from other Under Armour athletic shoes), a dual-density removable sock liner, and a breathable, waterproof microfiber upper to keep feet comfortable in all kinds of playing conditions. A specially engineered outsole lets feet move naturally during the swing, while a carbon heel counter and nine Champ Zarma Tour cleats provide a strong base from which to take your most athletic cut at the ball.
SKECHERS GO GOLF BIONIC 2; $100
A minimal difference in height (4 mm) between the heel and toe combines with a flexible outsole to encourage a neutral posture and natural footwork during the swing (below left). A waterproof synthetic upper with a soft fabric lining helps your feet feel good during the round, and more than 100 traction bars in the sole keep you connected to the ground.
TRUE LINKSWEAR ELEMENTS HYBRID; $100
The company’s best all-weather shoe (below right) features two mesh layers beneath a breathable waterproof membrane. A temperature-regulating liner keeps your feet comfortable in hot or cold weather. The thin, flexible rubber outsole is the same height from heel to toe, which mimics the sensation of walking barefoot, while spikeless cleats let you transition from the links to the street.