Best Spikeless Golf Shoes 2022

Best Spikeless Golf Shoes

Thanks to drastic innovations in golf shoe technology, the spikeless shoe market has grown rapidly to the point where the best spikeless golf shoes can more than stand up against some of the best-spiked designs on the market. These shoes are one of the most versatile pieces of kit to have come out in recent years. They are wearable on and off the course, deliver style and functionality, but most importantly are very comfortable to wear. 

VIDEO: Watch Dan Parker's verdict on the 10 best golf shoes of 2022

In years gone by they would have been scoffed at by the serious golfer for offering far less grip and traction than the best-spiked golf shoes (opens in new tab) but, thanks to creative designs by the major golf manufacturers, the new generation of spikeless designs provide impressive levels of grip and stability.

So much so that many of the world’s top professional golfers now opt to wear spikeless shoes. If you haven’t tried a pair yet, you really should. You’ll be surprised at how much grip is on offer here and might just be converted. Below are some of the best spikeless golf shoes currently on the market. Additionally, if you think comfort or waterproofing are priorities when it comes to golf shoes, then make sure you read our guides on the most comfortable golf shoes (opens in new tab), and the best waterproof golf shoes (opens in new tab) too.

Best Spikeless Golf Shoes

Bolder in terms of aesthetics than you will find elsewhere in the range, the FootJoy Fuel golf shoe aims to combine those modern, athletic looks with the high-level golf-specific performance you’d expect from one of the best golf shoes (opens in new tab) of 2022. The synthetic upper might not have the refined look of the premium leather alternatives like the Premiere Series (opens in new tab) but the benefit is how hard wearing it is. We tested the white, blue and grey colorway and thought this was an incredibly versatile option that could be worn with trousers and shorts, in all seasons.

• Read our full FootJoy Fuel Golf Shoe Review  (opens in new tab)

One of the most technology-packed spikeless golf shoes we've tested this year, the Ecco Biom C4 seriously impressed us with its overall comfort, grip, style and breathability. It's built nicely on the foundations of the excellent Biom H4 (opens in new tab), which carries over into 2022, but the new sneaker style has won our hearts from a style perspective, and the performance is there to match.

The Biom C4 uses Ecco's Exhaust Grid technology that scoops fresh air towards the sole of the foot to keep it cool. This, combined with Gore-Tex surround and breathable Ortholite insole makes this the most breathable shoe (opens in new tab) we've tested in 2022 by some stretch. Another excellent touch from Ecco is that the insole is removable to allow for more width in the shoe. This will make the Biom C4 suitable for those with wider feet (opens in new tab) and there was still the same amount of comfort and cushioning with the first insole removed.

It's certainly a step in the more athletic direction for an Ecco shoe, and we think this aesthetic move will attract golfers of all ages into Ecco shoes - we think these are some of the best-looking golf shoes this year

• Read our full Ecco Biom C4 Golf Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

The FootJoy Pro/SL Carbon shoe may look similar to the stylish Pro/SL, but in fact, it has a carbon fiber inlay integrated into the midsole running along the entire length of the shoe. It is an extremely comfortable and stable spikeless shoe - making it one of the best and atop the tree when it comes to the best FootJoy golf shoes (opens in new tab).

It is a little more rigid in all directions than the Pro/SL, ideal for golfers with overactive lower halves that need even more stability during their swing. Despite that, it still feels supremely comfortable thanks to the additional padding around the ankle and the new Stratofoam in the midsole definitely puts a little more spring in your step.

• Read our full FootJoy Pro SL Carbon 2022 Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

G/FORE (opens in new tab)is a relative newcomer with tons of style and attitude to help you stand out from the crowd. We’ve seen this with models like the Gallivanter (opens in new tab) and MG4+ (opens in new tab), and the brand’s flair is evident once again in the new spikeless MG4x2 shoes. This is a cross-trainer shoe, a multi-functional model designed for both on and off the course. A lot of golf shoes struggle to find the balance between on and off-course versatility; many end up failing on one or sometimes both tasks with either the style or performance being compromised. Not so with the MG4x2 shoes.

On the course, the Sawtooth sole design offers one of the most compelling spikeless outsoles on the market even in wet and soft underfoot conditions. They also feature a molded heel cup that prevents the heel from slipping, so your feet always feel really secure. Meanwhile, the upper is both breathable and waterproof, meaning your feet will stay dry from rain and not get too hot when temperatures rise

• Read our full G/FORE MG4x2 Golf Shoes Review (opens in new tab)

The brilliant adidas Codechaos has an all-new look for 2022. It's similarly bold to the 2020 model (pictured further down) but now comes with a new wraparound outsole that adds a unique look as well as more grip and stability. It's a super comfortable golf shoe too. It's one of those golf shoes that you forget you are wearing, such is the nature of the comfort, support and grip on offer. 

It features adidas' Boost technology throughout the entire shoe - a technology we have become familiar with in the similarly excellent adidas Tour 360 22 and adidas Rebelcross golf shoes. As advertised by the brand, the Boost midsole gives instant comfort and the Codechaos 22 shoes took no time at all to break in. 

• Read our full adidas Codechaos 22 Golf Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

Under Armour's latest flagship model comes in the shape of the HOVR Tour SL, a shoe with a full-knit upper and the backing of bio-mechanist Jean-Jaques Rivet. It's a bold golf shoe with even bolder claims. The highlight of this shoe is the spikeless outsole. By using a mixture of TPU on the center of the outsole and rubber nubs on the toe and heel, Under Armour has built a shoe on one of the best spikeless outsoles currently on the market. I had to regularly remind myself I wasn't wearing spikes, such is the grip on offer from this outsole and I truly think this has all-year-round wearability. 

The HOVR Tour SL uses Under Armour's proprietary Intelliknit technology that claims to overcome the performance shortfalls of a knit upper. Using 'stretch' yarns and 'lockdown' yarns combined, the shoe gives you support in the parts of the foot where you need it most, and flexibility elsewhere. There is a tendency in golf to forget that all of our golf swings - no matter where you are on the handicap spectrum - are highly athletic movements, and we need golf shoes to support those movements. This was certainly Under Armour's philosophy when crafting the HOVR Tour SL and that certainly feels like it's been achieved in what is the flagship model of their golf shoe range (opens in new tab).

• Read our full Under Armour HOVR Tour SL Golf Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

The strapline for the FootJoy Stratos 2022 shoe boasts of offering the golfer ‘luxurious comfort’. This is in no small part down to the use of Pittards NappaLuxe leather for the upper and the brand’s StratoFoam under the foot.

When you first pick up the shoe, the first thing you will notice is the styling, which is designed to offer a classic look. There are no flashes of bold color or overly aggressive spikeless designs here, it is all very simple and understated. What's more, despite being spikeless, it offers ample grip, with the sole offering lots of contact points with the ground.

• Read our full FootJoy Stratos 2022 Golf Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

PUMA have always been a front runner when pushing the boundaries to design trendy yet functional golf shoes and the GS-Fast, an update on their much talked about RS-G Golf Shoes (opens in new tab), certainly continues that trend. These are a statement shoe for those players wanting to complete a streetwear look on the course. Admittedly these shoes will not be everyone's cup of tea and we did get several comments about them from playing partners and other members of the golf course when we first tested them out. 

But aesthetics aside, our testing procedures showed us that PUMA have put an awful lot of technology into these shoes, making them one of the most comfortable spikeless golf shoes (opens in new tab) on the market. Their chunky sole provides exceptional level of cushioning as you walk around the course, while the mesh sock-liner prevents the risk of blisters arising on your feet. 

The GS-Fast comes with a wide rubber outsole that is littered with a ton of small rubber studs. That means these shoes are better used as a summer golf shoe but still performed very well in slightly soft autumnal conditions with their grippy outsole providing solid traction on the turf. They are also completely waterproof and are very easy to wipe down after your round. 

• Read our full Puma GS-Fast Golf Shoe Review (opens in new tab) 

If ever there was a shoe to be brought out for when you really want to look your best it is the Duca Del Cosma Churchill. These look and feel like a high-end brand and, with the classic brogue style, they will easily transfer to wearing them away from the course. The Churchill comes in either the dapper Cognac or Royal Blue color combinations. We tried the former that are probably easier to match with trousers and, of all of the impressive Duca range, there’s a strong chance that these will be the ones that immediately catch your eye.

Tech-wise the Churchill features an Airplay IV outsole which they introduced in 2021. This features strategically-positioned functional nubs that are paired with an EVA cushioning system which provides a sturdy grip along with guaranteed comfort (opens in new tab). If your feet are prone to dancing a little bit too much through the swing then these will really appeal as they are particularly solid. Also noteworthy are the recyclable heel and toe cap.

• Read our full Duca Del Cosma Churchill Golf Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

The True Linkswear OG Feel spikeless golf shoes offer a unique playing experience, as they provide a feel that is almost as if you're playing barefoot. In our testing, however, while you definitely enjoy a heightened connection to the ground while both swinging and walking, the OG Feel shoes also proved to be extremely supportive and comfortable, and the comfort was there right out of the box.

The OG Feel shoes are lightweight in their design and we experienced no foot fatigue after wearing them. They're also available in eight stylish color options, all of which look quite sharp. It should be noted that the OG Feel is not a waterproof golf shoe, rather it was intended to excel in terms of its breathability, a performance promise that was realized in our testing.

• Read our full True Linkswear OG Feel Golf Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

The new Go Golf Drive 5 is a versatile, casual, waterproof, spikeless golf shoe that provides a relaxed fit, with the Arch Fit insole system offering podiatrist-certified arch support. The ample cushioning on offer here, particularly around the heel section, meant that they almost felt like slippers the moment we put them on. We have occasionally in the past had issues with the heel section in Skechers' golf shoes sitting a little too high, but not so here – the Go Golf Drive 5 is supremely comfortable to walk and play in.

• Read our full Skechers Go Golf Drive 5 Golf Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

FootJoy has always had a diverse range of shoes for every occasion and the Contour Jogger perfectly bridges the gap between the office and the golf course. Visually, this shoe impresses, offering up a premium, sophisticated look with its water resistant soft suede uppers and white midsole. 

Although they aren't the lightest spikeless shoes on the market, they are certainly one of the most comfortable. This is down to a soft feel from the suede upper, as well as the padded tongue around the top of your foot and a soft yet responsive feeling underfoot from the Stratolite foam. This means you can wear these shoes all day without experiencing any fatigue.

• Read our full FootJoy Contour Jogger Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

The shoe has a full-grain leather upper which is not only waterproof, but adds a really premium feel. These shoes fit excellently around your feet and provided a firmer feeling underfoot which we really enjoyed when out on the course. It should be said if you want a really soft golf shoe perhaps look elsewhere. 

One particular comfortable design feature we liked was the FitFoam Geo element around the heel which protrudes outwards and creates a precise fit around the ankle. It also stopped any rubbing or discomfort in that area as well. Of course, there is also Boost midsole cushioning, featured in many of the best adidas golf shoes (opens in new tab), which always performs as it should.

• Read our full adidas Flopshot Golf Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

The new Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 SL, put simply, is a spikeless version of the HOVR Drive 2. This shoe stands out thanks to the spikeless outsole. As was the case with the outsole on the HOVR Tour SL, Under Armour has once again nailed this aspect. Using a mixture of plastic and TPU nubs, the brand has created what I think is the most convincing spikeless outsole on the market.

It's another Under Armour from 2022 that creates a brilliant 'locked-in' feeling that is both comfortable and supportive. This is all aided by the molded heel cup and, while it looks rather large, does a great job of keeping your heel locked into the sole of the shoe when swinging. It's worth noting how lightweight these shoes are though. Combined with the breathable nature of the upper, these are a great shoe to wear when the weather gets hot. It'll still be a great shoe to wear if it's wet too - the fully waterproof upper and excellent outsole will keep you covered. 

• Read our full Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 SL Golf Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

The OG 1.2 golf shoes from True Linkswear are a great option for golfers who enjoy walking when they play. Their Zero Drop design keeps a player's feet flat to the playing surface as opposed to being propped up by added cushioning, which provides exceptional ground connection during the swing and posture benefits as well. During testing, it offered a feel that closely resembled playing barefoot but with more traction, support, and comfort than one might expect.

We also found these shoes to be especially stylish and their leather alternative uppers are fully waterproof as well as scratch-proof. The OG 1.2s were also very comfortable right out of the box but we did find that they ran a bit on the small side, so going up in size might be a good option, especially for golfers who sometimes fall in between sizes.

• Read our full True Linkswear OG 1.2 Golf Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

Asics’ new Gel-Kayano Ace golf shoe is an impressive addition to the spikeless shoe category for 2022. It’s a lightweight design that has a modern, athletic look, but the Gel-Kayano Ace also offers stability and support that exceeds what might be expected from such a light shoe. That stability and support comes from a design approach that is often used in high-end running shoes, as a wider toe box and snug-fitting midfoot and heel sections have been utilized.

The Gel-Kayano Ace’s sole also excels in terms of the traction it provides, as small rubber spikes and channels have been strategically positioned to maximize a golfer’s ability to stay in complete control during the golf swing. The Gel-Kayano Ace is also fully waterproof and available in four different colors for golfers to choose from.

• Read our full Asics Gel-Kayano Ace Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

A shoe that was a huge hit when it was released last year, the Codechaos shoes from adidas feature an upper made of multi-layer mesh, giving the shoe a unique texture while enhancing durability and breathability. This also keeps them extremely lightweight which is perfect for out on the course. The design and look may not be for some, but after thorough testing, they are not only one of the best spikeless golf shoes on sale at the moment but also the best adidas golf shoes (opens in new tab) too.

• Read our full Adidas Codechaos Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

Another new addition to the fantastic range of Puma golf shoes (opens in new tab) is the Alphacat. This is a shoe that looks very much like a trainer and we recently put this model through its paces out on the course. It features a layer of Adapt Foam cushioning which is built from an EVA material and an impact-resistant polymer. That creates a firm-feeling shoe that is still very comfortable to wear. But it does not fall into the trap of being too soft. Our testing revealed the highlight of the shoe to be the support it provides around the ankle. Once your foot is in the shoe it feels locked in place, giving you the ability to confidently swing for the hills on an awkward lie without the feeling that your foot might move.

From an aesthetic point of view we think Puma has got it spot on here. We tested the grey and white model which really looks smart thanks to the shock of orange that dominates the heel and the faux mesh pattern across the whole shoe. The Alphacat strikes a poised look in the two other colorways too and the grey and black versions have similar, sharp contrasts. We'd also highly recommend getting them half a size up, as they come up a little short around the toe area and we were most comfortable in a half size up from normal.

• Read our full Puma Pro Adapt Alphacat Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

Whilst G/FORE are synonymous with outlandish designs and colorways, the MG4+ has a more understated and yet modern look and appeal. Lightweight and completely waterproof, the shoe does not compromise in terms of comfort either thanks to ForeFoam cushioning and a triple density footbed which is "the ultimate massage for your soles." When we put the shoes through their paces, they were comfortable from start to finish, and performed about as well as is possible on a debut outing and beyond.

A common thing with spikeless shoes can be less stability and grip than spiked models but there was never a situation in which this came to fruition in these shoes. This is thanks to the non-slip outsole and the stability comes from the heel cup at the back of the shoe that really locks the foot in place without sacrificing any comfort.

• Read our full G/FORE MG4+ Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

The Flex franchise from FootJoy has become an appealing option for many golfers over the last few years. The idea behind the original version was to offer golfers trainer-like comfort and good on course traction, all at an attractive price point. The 2022 version continues that ethos but with some important upgrades.

Firstly, there is the styling, the most eye-catching aspect of which is the waterproof mesh upper. We were pleased to see the Flex XP 2022 comes with a one year waterproof warranty. Indeed, it did a good job of keeping the water out during my testing. However, the mesh upper developed a muddy look that was harder (but not impossible) to clean than, for instance, the FootJoy Pro SL 2022. Secondly, the VersaTrax outsole provided good stability on the course. We had no issues slipping during the swing. What’s more, the stability you get comes from an outsole design that isn’t too aggressive. For us, this makes it one of the best spikeless golf shoes when it comes to course/off course design. 

• Read our full FootJoy Flex XP 2022 Golf Shoe review

The sports footwear performance brand has already turned heads in the golf world, with its shoe that is said to give golfers a competitive advantage thanks to a unique 3D traction system specifically designed to prevent rotational slippage. There is also a Responsive Power Plate and midsole cavity that make it easier to utilize ground reaction forces, while the underfoot cushioning and PMX foam midsole provide all-day comfort that is breathable and waterproof (opens in new tab).

Visually, this shoe will turn heads because there are lots of elements to catch your eye such as the color blocks and laces. Overall it is an impressive debut by Payntr in the world of golf but there is one thing to remember – we found these shoes to come out on the small side, so you might want to opt for a half a size bigger than you normally would.

• Read our full Payntr X 001 F Golf Shoe Review (opens in new tab)

How we tested the best spikeless golf shoes

Our golf shoe testing methodology (opens in new tab) revolves around putting models to the test over a number of rounds and in different conditions. This is so we can gain a better idea of overall performance in terms of factors like grip comfort, grip, stability, waterproofing and how they actually look on the golf course. Each of the shoes listed above has been personally used by a member of the Golf Monthly team and golf shoe testing is headed up by Golf Monthly Staff Writer Dan Parker (opens in new tab).

This is the best way of testing a golf shoe as using it in the real world over a number of weeks allows us to see how they perform when variables change like weather, ground conditions, different stances and lies, and so on. We think this also gives us information on the little details as well like which brands come up small or large, which models start to rub a bit too much after 36 holes, which designs can be used off the golf course and for the drive home? We are very comprehensive in our tests to the point where we will regularly attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology. That isn't to say manufacturers can buy a good review though, as all our reviews are made by golfers, for golfers. 

What to consider when buying spikeless golf shoes

There is a lot to consider when purchasing your next pair of spikeless golf shoes. Modern golf shoes feature a ton of technology that can make picking the right golf shoe for you a difficult decision. But that's why we're here to help. Below we have set out a list of key considerations that you need to keep in mind when purchasing your next pair of spikeless golf shoes. 

1. Comfort

As you would expect, comfort is king when it comes to golf shoes. An uncomfortable golf shoe is useless so it is worth trying some models on before you buy so you know what you like the feel of. For example, some models have specific foam technologies or specific sole designs that are designed to house your feet in comfort all day when out on the golf course.

2. Grip/Stability/Traction

Spikeless shoe design has improved massively in these factors. Previously, spiked models were the only way to ensure grip and stability in difficult lies or when the weather makes ground conditions slippery. This is no longer the case because most of the models above have specifically designed traction patterns and lugs to make sure your feet don't slip.

3. Looks 

This is entirely subjective but you need to make sure you like the look of your golf shoes and there is a model above for all different types of fashion sense. If you want a traditional design then something like the FootJoy Pro/SL will work well, whereas if you want to stand out a bit more, the adidas Codechaos or Spieth 5 from Under Armour are good choices.

4. Waterproofing

Most golf shoes these days offer a degree of waterproof protection but some are better than others so if you see yourself playing in the rain a lot models like the Inesis, Ecco or G/FORE are perfect for all-weather play.

5. Sizes

Be wary of different sizes because many brands like Payntr and Nike offer shoes that can come up quite small or large if you have got the wrong size. As such it is worth checking out brand websites to see how the shoes convert to size guides from around the world.

6. Price

The last factor to consider is price. With the models above we have tried to find shoes at all different price points so if you want a cheap model, you can get one. Or if you want to spend more, you can do that too. Importantly there is something for everyone.

While there are some fantastic spikeless golf shoes on the market, you should also check out some of our other guides on the best waterproof golf shoes (opens in new tab), best golf shoes for comfort (opens in new tab) and our guide to the best spiked golf shoes (opens in new tab). 

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