While it may not be obvious, golf footwear can impact your game—you want to be comfortable, confident, and ready-to-play in order to perform your best. As a golf professional and teacher for over ten years, one of the first things I look at are a student’s shoes, because the right golf shoe will make a better player.

I once had a ten-year-old student who played in regular running shoes and walked a nine-hole course in a tournament. She constantly complained about tired and hurting feet, so I told her mom about the benefits of golf-specific shoes: how their stability, traction, grip, and breathability make walking and playing easier on the feet. The next time I saw this student, she had new golf shoes and was smiling, laughing, more energetic, and playing better.

In recent years, spikeless golf shoes have become very popular. After all, it's nice to go from the course to daily life without changing shoes. Spiked shoes are still favored for certain weather conditions and tournament play, but some of the best golf shoes today are spikeless, and many golfers are taking advantage of their convenience and comfort.

So, what are the best spikeless golf shoes on the market? It's a subjective answer because one has to consider personal factors such as feet width, arch issues, waterproof protection, play conditions, among other preferences. With that in mind, here are my top-recommended spikeless golf shoes to inspire your shoe search (please note that many of these styles are also available in women’s sizes):

1. ECCO Men’s Golf Biom H4

A lot of technology is built into these 100%-waterproof golf shoes, like the GORE-TEX Surround construction mixed with an Exhaust Grid to help your feet stay ventilated with 360° breathability. The Biom H4’s craftsmanship makes it one of the most comfortable spikeless golf shoes on the market. There are some great details here, such as a wider, squarer toe box for wider feet and a padded collar and tongue, which really make a difference on the course. ECCO shoes also tend to last a long time, and the two-year waterproof-warranty is impressive. No need for spikes on these shoes, as the ECCO MTN GRIP soles provide a lot of traction.

2. Puma PROADAPT ALPHACAT

These spikeless Pumas are some of the most comfortable golf shoes I've tried. They have good cushioning with ADAPT foam, and a PROADAPT outsole with stability in every step. The outsole grip provides a secure footing, and the uppers are made with EXOSHELL materials, keeping your feet light on the course. The DISC system it features is Puma's non-lace system, which I personally enjoy using, as there’s no need for double knots or worrying about loose shoelaces. Their one-year waterproof warranty is also a welcomed benefit. The PROADAPT ALPHACAT feel like normal sneakers, but offer the stability, flexibility, and lightness of shoes.

3. Skechers Arch Fit GO GOLF Max 2

Lots of cushioning, a podiatrist-consulted design, and a one-year waterproof warranty make these spikeless shoes very popular. It has a removable insole designed to mold to your feet, and the Arch Fit technology provides arch support and minimizes foot discomfort, making them especially good for golfers with arch issues. The outsole of the Skechers GO GOLF offer superior grip and traction. Breathability is highly desired in golf shoes, and these certainly provide it: I’ve never felt my feet get sweaty with these, a pleasant surprise during the swing when you’ve been walking for hours on grass. Available in two color combinations, these are a good option for golfers who like a sneaker feel and comfortability all day, on-and-off the course.

4. FootJoy MyJoys Pro

The MyJoys Pro has been a prominent model for a few years, and with good reason, as they're comfortable and reliable shoes. The Infinity outsole is built to give your feet stability and grip with 189 points of traction—that's a lot of connection to the ground! And the StratoFoam midsole ensures comfort in the heel and foot. Footjoy offers many styles and models, and is a popular golf shoe company; their two-year waterproof-warranty also provides a lot of peace of mind.

5. Adidas CODECHAOS BOA

One of the best compliments I can give these shoes is that when I wear them, I forget that I have them on. They fit that well. While CODECHAOS BOA tends to be narrow in the toe box, the heel cup provides just the right kind of support. The BOA fit system offers a sense of security that lets me focus on playing, instead of worrying about my shoes. Its rubber outsole with aggressive traction screams, “You will not slip.” The waterproof uppers ensure your feet stay dry and comfy for the round, and the BOOST technology keeps your feet stay energized and comfortable. This model also comes with a one-year waterproof-warranty.

6. Nike Roshe G Next Nature

These are a comfortable style worn by many tour players, and have become staple for many because they offer genuine comfort. Especially if you walk a lot, the extra support of these shoes make them a strong contender. Be aware that Nike shoes tend to run a bit narrow, though. The sole grip is well-made and works great even in wet conditions. However, there’s no waterproof-warranty on these running-style shoes, so they're best for summer, with their ample breathability and flexibility. I like the Roshe G’s pleasantly snug feeling through the upper mesh, since it feels like a regular shoe. And kudos to Nike for making 20% of this shoe using recycled materials, minimizing its carbon footprint. A variety of color combinations are also available, so there’s something for just about everyone.

Next Steps for Finding the Right Spikeless Golf Shoes

There are many different golf shoes on the market, and there are many different types of feet out there, so finding the right shoes for your game can be daunting. Spikeless shoes can offer you comfort, a good fit, and convenience. I encourage you to try different shoes on, walk around in them for a few minutes, and really see how they feel. Take your time and spend your dollar on a quality shoe. Your feet will thank you later. If you’d like further assistance finding the best spikeless golf shoes for you or have any other questions about the game, feel free to reach out to a Curated Golf Expert like myself.