A nice 18-hole walk is one of the best ways to exercise and get the competitive juices flowing, but it can feel like torture with a lousy pair of golf shoes. Elite, comfortable golf shoes are out there, but the triple-digit price tags can make your eyes pop out of your head. There are options out there for people who don’t want to break the bank just to walk the fairways.

In high school, I played in tournaments for both my school and independently as an individual in my city. Every competition I ever entered required everyone to walk, so I always walked when I practiced, too. No such thing as too much preparation, right? The philosophy meant that I ended up walking about 72 holes a week. Within a week or two, I learned that my feet needed all the comfort and support they could get.

As someone who didn’t make any income of my own, however, I never wanted to ask for top-of-the-line material if the more budget-friendly options did the trick. And plenty of them do. Golf shoe brands provide multiple options with stability and support that won’t make you wince when you purchase them. Let’s take a look at some of the best budget golf shoes on the market.

The Rise of the Spikeless Golf Shoe

One of the biggest trends of the past two decades in golf is the spikeless golf shoe. Golf shoes used to have pronged spikes at the bottom, first metal and then plastic, to better grip the ground and not slip during someone’s swing.

The spikes on these shoes would scuff the thinner grass on the greens, but it was less of an issue with slower greens a few decades ago. As golf ball technology has improved and people have begun to hit the ball farther, more and more courses have increased their green speeds to maintain difficulty, meaning the grass on the greens got shorter and thinner. The increased maintenance on the greens exacerbated the shoe issues, with indents and spike marks left all over pristine greens.

As their own technology has improved, however, most golf shoe brands have started to release shoes without these spikes. The different iterations maintain the traction and stability of spiked golf shoes through manufactured ridges in the surface. The ridges also scuff the greens a lot less, meaning your greenskeeper will be thrilled to see you on the first tee with spikeless shoes for your footwear.

The rubber bottoms aren’t only a kindness to your course maintenance team, however. Most of the cheapest models from prominent golf shoe brands feature ridges instead of spikes now, meaning all the options listed below are spikeless golf shoes.

The Most Recommended Cheap Golf Shoes

1. Adidas Tech Response Spikeless Golf Shoes

Adidas is one of the most prominent and popular shoe brands in the golf industry right now. The Tech Response line is one of the best they make. They’re lightweight, and the material offers premium breathability, meaning you won’t feel the heat as badly if you want to walk the golf course on a warm summer’s day.

From a visual standpoint, the grays, whites, and blacks of this model result in a really muted and pleasing appearance. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and it won’t draw stares across the practice green, but it will compliment almost any outfit in your closet. The mesh material and comfortable sole means this is a shoe you can wear off the golf course as well, effectively feeling like a sneaker. If you don’t want to change shoes between your round and any 19th hole gatherings, this is one of the best options you can find.

2. Ram Golf Player Waterproof Golf Shoes

One of the friendliest options for your budget on the market, these Ram shoes offer durability and performance for just $60 per pair. These shoes feature a rubber outsole to keep golfers anchored during their swings and a phylon midsole to keep your feet comfortable for 9, 18, or even 36 holes. Ram also included a removable insole so golfers can customize the fit to their feet.

This is no short-term purchase, either. The PU leather is durable and easy to clean, meaning you can keep these shoes on your feet and clean for dozens of rounds. This is also the best waterproof option for golfers looking to not offend their wallet, offering a one-year waterproof warranty and moisture-wicking fabric for the inner material. If you want to play golf in the rain and don’t fear the elements, this is the best value golf shoe.

3. Puma Fusion Grip Golf Shoes

This Puma model is built for maximum breathability. The FUSIONFOAM technology provides comfortable cushioning for your feet, and the traction sole can maintain grip from the fairway, the rough, the bunkers, or any sidehill lie you end up in. The laces and mesh create a sneaker feel, meaning this is another shoe you can wear out and about even when you aren’t hitting the links. The easy and athletic lacing also helps the shoe stay tied and adds to the sneaker aesthetic. Your foot will feel supported from heel to toe, and you won’t overheat on especially toasty days.

4. Skechers Arch Fit GO GOLF Max 2 Golf Shoes

Skechers Go Golf shoes are the most recognized brand in golf footwear, with endorsements from brand ambassadors like Matt Kuchar and Matt Fitzpatrick elevating them among industry titans like Nike and Footjoy. The Skechers brand produces some of the most comfortable golf shoes in the industry, and these are no exceptions.

The foot mold for these shoes is podiatrist-designed to ensure a perfect fit, built from thousands of foot scans. Small rubber bumps resembling small spikes on the bottom of the shoe help you maintain your balance and grip throughout the entire golf swing. The cushioning is specially designed to maintain as much support and cushioning as possible while also being as lightweight as possible. The foam insole layer increases breathability for your feet, helping you not overheat, and is designed for durability round over round. The color schemes are also appealing as well, with a lot of classic visuals that go with most of the outfits in your wardrobe. These shoes are even waterproof, with a 12-month warranty, just like the Ram shoes, to ensure you can keep your feet dry and comfortable even if you want to brave the elements.

5. New Balance Fresh Foam Breathe Women’s Golf Shoes

Budget golf shoe options aren’t solely reserved for menswear. New Balance has plenty of comfortable, breathable golf shoes available for an affordable price, but the Fresh Foam Breathe women’s shoes are among the best in their inventory. The shoe fits as perfectly as high-quality running shoes, with mesh and foam material that help create a sneaker feel. The same high-quality craftsmanship that goes into all of New Balance’s other models is present here, with an easy fit that can be worn for the longest days on the course without the slightest hint of discomfort. The shoe also comes in a wide variety of vibrant color options, with the Sand Sd photographed above my favorite of the bunch.

6. Puma Laguna Fusion Women’s Knit Golf Shoes

Another high-quality women's golf shoe available within moderate price ranges, the knitted design of these shoes offers the best breathability on the market and support from all angles. Any and all foot shapes can walk even the most severe slopes and still not find any discomfort in these shoes. These feature the same FUSIONFOAM technology as the Fusion Grip shoes detailed above, meaning the knitted material isn’t the only comfortable aspect of the design. The soles will keep your feet supported from the opening tee shot to the final putt. Puma also might have the best aesthetic designs of any golf apparel company, and this extends to the Laguna Fusion models in their stock.

The navy blue option pictured above is a highlight, as is the Sunset Pink option. The knitted look also creates a visual I love, with the interweaving light and dark pattern seeming to almost shimmer as you look at it. However, there’s a lot more to love here than the visuals, as this is one of the most well-crafted shoes on the market at any price.

Find the Right Budget Golf Shoe for You

There is a litany of options right now in the golf shoe market. When you’re trying to weigh stability and durability with breathability and looks, it can feel like every option is the right fit and every option is the wrong fit. If you want a second opinion and a helping hand throughout the selection process, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our Curated Golf Experts today. They’re available all hours of the day for free, personalized advice to find the best option for you and your budget.