When it comes to buying any sports shoe, comfort is king. Fundamentally they must fulfil the specific purpose they were designed to do, but ultimately, if they’re uncomfortable to wear then you’re not going to invest your money, irrespective of how well they perform in other departments.
With the average round of golf lasting more than four hours, uncomfortable golf shoes can become a significant distraction to your game and affect your enjoyment considerably. Luckily, manufacturers fully appreciate this fact, which is why when you search where to find the best golf shoes in 2023 they are all designed with exceptional comfort being a non-negotiable.
In addition to providing sufficient cushioning, a quality golf shoe will ensure your heel and ankle are well supported so you can swing in confidence from any stance. Look for a balance of comfort and support when making your purchase.
We’ve drawn up a shortlist of the top cushioned golf shoes for men to ensure you still have a spring to your step when you reach the 18th hole.
Skechers Go Pro 5 Hyper Golf Shoes – $155 / £140 RRP
This model has a Major-winning pedigree having been worn by Matt Fitzpatrick during his US Open victory. The brand has dedicated a lot of time and effort to developing the Pro 5. They analyzed 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted podiatry foot scans in creating the model, which is undeniably comfortable. They feature a removable comfort insole with high-performance cushioning, an ultra-lightweight cushioned midsole, and a dynamic traction plate with replaceable cleats for maximum grip.
Puma Ignite Articulate Golf Shoes – $180 / £140 RRP
A favorite among amateur golfers, Ignite Articulate brilliantly combines comfort, style, and performance. It has been designed to perform on any lie, with any stance, and any swing. This is the brand’s most versatile version in the Ignite series and we can see why. The slip-on design has plenty of heel support and cushioning for out-of-the-box comfort and we’ve never had any issues with pinching or blistering. Puma’s special PU Foam provides excellent cushioning, making this one of the most comfortable shoes we’ve worn.
Nike Air Max 270 G Golf Shoes – $150 / £130 RRP
It doesn’t get any more iconic than Nike Air Max and the 270G is perfect for going straight from the course to the pub. It looks like it’s been designed to go for a run, but this is a superb golf shoe. The flexible-yet-substantial upper will keep you dry and, as you would expect from an Air product, the comfort is considerable with a giant ‘Air’ unit combined with a foam midsole. It’s a great price for a multi-purpose shoe when you consider a non-golf Air Max will cost at least the same amount, and we love the choice of colors, especially the Black-Hot Punch-White option.
Related: How Women Can Swing On The Golf Course
Payntr X 002 Golf Shoes – $190 / £150 RRP
The 002 looks great out of the box and even better on foot. It’s full-grain leather upper looks the part and is water-resistant and super supportive, and the Dual Density PMX Foam Midsole adds a spring to your step with maximum energy return. Payntr’s Neverwet skin is impenetrable, even in the worst weather. Rob Jerram, the Today’s Golfer digital editor, is a massive fan too. Despite having access to a host of big-name models, he’s chosen to wear them for more than 50 rounds.
Adidas CodeChaos 22 Golf Shoes – $160 / £140 RRP
When Adidas unleashed the CodeChaos range the styling caused a bit of a stir. But beneath all the razzle-dazzle, is a shoe that really hits the mark. CodeChaos is among the most comfortable Adidas shoes and uses the highly acclaimed Boost cushioning system. The sole is reminiscent of a trail or climbing model and provides exceptional levels of grip, while the upper, despite its looks, is completely waterproof. The CodeChaos is made from 50% plastics recovered from the ocean which will appeal to those buyers who value sustainability.
How to choose golf shoes
So, you’ve done your research and have confidence that your preferred model will make you feel like you are walking on clouds, but what other factors should you consider before parting way with your cash?
Fit – A golf shoe can be comfortable without fitting correctly. Don’t be seduced by underfoot softness without first considering if the fit causes excessive movement or your toes to pinch. With something as important as footwear, we strongly suggest having a few swings in your chosen model before committing to the purchase.
Stability – Consider your usual playing conditions and course requirements before deciding on the most appropriate level of stability from your new shoes. Spikeless models should provide ample grip on hard, fast courses, but tracks that are regularly soft and wet underfoot may be better suited to spiked models.
Protection – It’s rare to find a pair of recommended golf shoes that don’t offer at least a water-repellent finish. Ideally however, we suggest a more robust level of waterproofing if your budget allows to keep your feet fully protected.
