The Best Golf Shoes of 2021

Although it might not be as exciting or trendy, our choice of footwear is just as important as our choice of clubs. Without the correct footwear, you won’t be getting the most out of your game. Traction, comfort, stability and protection are all important aspects when you delve into the footwear market. With that in mind, we have listed just five of the best golf shoes on the market for 2021. 

Adidas ZG21, £150.

Adidas’ ZG range looks to innovate the golf market for the better. Whether you opt for the ZG21 or the ZG21 BOA Golf Shoe, Adidas ensure that extra care has been taken as you traverse the golf course in wind, rain or shine. The lightweight, low profile of this collection provides a solid foundation for every shot whilst you battle the challenge ahead. A hybrid Lightstrike and Boost midsole is light and charges in energy with every step taken. 

The BOA Fit System enables a quick, micro-adjustable fit with the turn of the dial and the waterproof upper keeps feet nice and dry whilst playing in damp conditions. Moreover, both models are made with recycled content as part of Adidas’ ambition to end plastic waste. With 20% of pieces used to make the upper and a minimum of 50% recycled content used in each shoe, Adidas are leading the field in forward-thinking from both a golf and environmental perspective. 

Specs:

• Waterproof Sprintskin Synthetic Upper 
• Lightstrike Cushioning 
• Micro-Adjustable, Dial-Based fit System 

What Golfshake Say:

“ZG stands for zero gravity and whilst we know that’s not possible in a golf shoe, the designers over at Adidas didn’t want that to stop them. So, they’ve tried to produce a golf shoe that is not only lightweight, but very stable too. A lot of technology through other sports has been used as influence – including their running shoes - which results in a lot more stability through the swing.”

Nike Air Max 90G, £119.95.

The original Nike Air Max 90 was hailed so highly for its clean lines and timeless style, so it’s only natural that Nike would take great influence from their OG model. However, a few updates have been made for golf – like integrated traction and a thin overlay that acts as protection against water. A combination of fused overlays, eyestays and thoughtfully-placed mesh helps to replicate the original look of the Air Max 90. 

The mesh has a thin yet flexible overlay that will keep water away from your feet and also assist when cleaning the shoes. A foam midsole and Max Air unit in the heel helps to cushion every step and an integrated traction pattern ensures that you remain stable throughout the round – regardless of conditions. This new design has taken inspiration from the iconic Waffle outsole on the original Air Max 90, but with these updated implementations and the huge array of different colours, it could be the best golf shoe Nike have ever released. 

Specs:

• Underfoot comfort 
• Versatile Grip 
• Heritage Look 

What Golfshake Say:

"The modern yet retro look of these shoes harps back to the original Air Max 90 but keeps it fresh with the current golf market. The extreme comfort in the midsole and high level of traction means that it will compare favourably with many of the spiked offerings on the market too."

FootJoy Premier Series, from £159.99. 

FootJoy are the #1 shoe in golf, and that should come as little surprise when you understand how much effort goes into production of their proud products. The Premier Series is a modern reimagining of their lengthy footwear history, which has been further improved with technology and innovation – with the input of the best players on the planet, too. So, yeah, FootJoy know their industry. 

Their revolutionary VersaTrax+ technology has helped to deliver unrivalled traction and stability through all conditions and all types of playing surface. Multiple durometers of TPU and Pulsar cleats by Softspikes also help the shoe to perform in different types of surface whilst maintaining strong grip. Advanced materials have been used to deliver the next-gen of golf shoe and the firmer density cup around the heels provides perimeter heel support and stability through the swing. The latest OrthoLite EchoPlush FitBed is a cushioning system that has been designed to deter walking fatigue for ultimate comfort around the course. All shoes within the line come with a 1-year waterproof warranty and the premium leathers offer a soft touch and feel. 

Specs:

• Ultra-soft Sheepskin Leather 
• Dual Durometer TPU 
• VersaTax+ Outsole 

What Golfshake Say:

"These are a modern classic! The golfing purist will love the Premier Series and the traditional look of the shoe. The comfort is much better than previous shoes of this type meaning it’s a great all rounder. They have also been extremely popular at retail with many shops out of stock until at least September."

Under Armour HOVR Drive, £140.

Under Armour’s HOVR Drive golf shoes offer ultimate comfort thanks to the HOVR cushioning. They have also added GORE-TEX technology that will keep your feet dry, regardless of how bad weather conditions are. E-sizing has been implemented, which will help fit wider feet and a larger array of foot size in general. The breathable Clarino Microfibre upper and a lightweight waterproof membrane will also help you keep cool as you progress around the golf course. 

Rotational Resistance (RST 2.0) and Softspike Tornado spikes lock down horizontal traction and will remain comfortable throughout the round. Intelligently-placed cushioning also assists with the overall comfort of the shoe. The dual durometer Energy Web contains and moulds the HOVR foam to help conserve energy and eliminate impact step after step. These shoes weigh in at 337g, offering a lightweight alternative to rival products. 

Specs:

• RST 2.0
• HOVR Foam 
• Softspike

What Golfshake Say:

“They are super comfortable and very stable – as well as being light. Straight out of the box, they deliver everything that you could ever need from a pair of golf shoes. At the price, I believe it’s very good value in today’s market for such a high quality product.” 

PUMA RS-G, £89. 

If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option without sacrificing quality, then PUMA have you covered. The new bold and bulky silhouette has been inspired by PUMA’s RS-X, which has been designed to celebrate the reinvention and innovation to conquer the golf style – in ultimate fashion. The upper is seam-sealed and completely waterproof, with microfiber leather and TPU skin that helps to protect against elements, in addition to keeping you dry throughout the round. 

The outsole pattern features Carbon Rubber lugs which have been strategically positioned to provide further traction, and the performance Fusion Foam midsole delivers extreme cushioning. The RS-G has also take direct influence from the popular RS-X3 running shoe, with PUMA altering the design to succeed on the golf course. If you’re looking for footwear that will deliver in performance, quality and longevity – without breaking the bank – then welcome to the RS-G. 

Specs:

• Seam Sealed Upper 
• TPU Skin 
• GripZone Traction 

What Golfshake Say:

"These are funky, fresh, comfortable and come at an amazing price! PUMA always deliver on quality and the RS-G is no exception. For the golfer looking for a great on/off course modern look with great comfort, look no further."

We have provided just five excellent choices of footwear for the summer season. However, there are plenty more options available for you to peruse online!