Here’s my top 5 best spikeless golf shoes of 2021. I’ve only included shoes I’ve tried and tested myself, as well as ones that are currently available to buy. My list is in no particular order, and has a selection of both casual and performance focused shoes.
5. Footjoy Pro SL Carbon – £179
As the most expensive shoe on the list, you’d be forgiven for questioning whether the Footjoy Pro SL Carbon provides good value for money. However, these premium Pro SL don’t disappoint, and are worth the extra £30 in my opinion when compared with the regular Pro SL. The 3D textured collar and tongue are very comfortable, especially when coupled with the Orthalite fit bed, which gives a soft feel underfoot.
The Pro SL Carbon gets it’s name from the Carbon plate running through the midsole of the shoe. Carbon is used for it’s lightweight and strength properties, and in these shoes it gives them improved stability, as well as great energy return. I could certainly feel the increased comfort and slight ‘spring’ in my step using these over the regular Pro SL.
The Pittards leather has a premium feel, and the shoes have a sporty/traditional look. The outsole has an aggressive figure eight pattern which gives some of the best traction currently available on any spikeless golf shoes. If you can justify the considerable cost, you’ll be treating yourself to a cracking pair of golf shoes.
Buy them from Amazon here – https://amzn.to/3iZb7te
4. Puma RS-G – £90
The Puma RS-G doesn’t really look like a golf shoe…and that’s the point! Puma based the shoe on their popular RS3 running/lifestyle sneakers. Their chunky style won’t be for everyone, but for those with an eye for trendy kicks, these are a must. And at only £90, they’re easy on the wallet as well as the eye!
The RSG has a updated outsole, but interestingly it’s been designed for use off as well as on the course. As a result you won’t have any problems wearing these shoes out and about for everyday use. And you’ll be able to wear them on the course…so long as the conditions are good. I wouldn’t want to rely on the grip these shoes provide when the course is wet.
The Fusion Foam midsole feels fine. It’s not the softest feeling, but it’s comfortable enough to walk 18 holes in. The fit is surprisingly slim for a shoe that looks quite big, and I would recommend going up at least half a size.
Buy them in the UK here – https://prf.hn/l/rpJzDPe (American Golf) or https://amzn.to/3dL37qX (Amazon) Buy them in the US here – https://amzn.to/35i8sCy
3. Adidas CodeChaos – £130
The original Adidas CodeChaos launched in early 2020, and were probably my favourite golf shoes of the year. In 2021 Adidas have launched their updated model – the CodeChaos 21 PrimeBlue, and it doesn’t disappoint. Adidas have updated the upper design with the impressive knitted upper made from recycled ocean plastics, while the fantastic outsole and boost midsole have remained unchanged.
The look of the shoes won’t be for everyone, but that’s kind of the point with the CodeChaos range. The original really stood out, and the new version has doubled down on that philosophy…if you want a more reserved looking spikeless shoe from Adidas, you’ve got plenty of options (Tour360 XT SL 2.0, Adicross Retro, Solarthon and EQT to name four!).
The full length boost midsole foam makes the CodeChaos one of the most comfortable spikeless golf shoes available. It might be a little too soft and squidgy for some, but that’ll come down to personal preference. The aggressive rubber outsole raises up and covers the midsole on both the lateral and medial sides to help improve the stability, working with a piece of TPU in the the centre.
The fit is quite close, and you may want to go up half a size if you prefer a little more room in the toe box (I decided to in the end and I don’t regret it). You also feel close and connected to the ground, and it’s understandable why the shoe has been so popular with professional and amateur golfs alike!
Buy these golf shoes from Adidas here (£130/$150) – https://bit.ly/2TiBhfG
2. Payntr X100F – £120
You may not have heard of the brand Payntr before. That’s because the X100F is their first attempt at a pair of golf shoes. However, they’ve been making cricket footwear for several years, and employed Mike Fossey (designed many golf shoes for Nike and Under Armour) to help create these, and they’re certainly worth considering if you’re looking for a comfortable spikeless golf shoe that has great grip.
Like the Footjoy Pro SL, the X100F have a Carbon plate running through the midsole, which is visible through the transparent rubber sole, helping to improve the stability. The outsole is very aggressive, giving good traction out on the course.
The looks won’t be for everyone. There’s three colour options, White, Black and the Grey version you can see in my images. The upper is made from a Clarino Microfibre and provides good waterproof properties. however, the tongue is made from a soft mesh, and while also comfortable, is not waterproof, so I wouldn’t recommend using the shoes in heavy rain. The upper is also quite soft and flexible, which helps make them comfortable, but also means they’re the least stable shoes on this list. If you like the structure of a full leather upper and TPU heel counter and straps, these might not be for you.
Buy them from Amazon for £120/$120 here – https://amzn.to/3gTzDcC
1. Nike Air Max 270G – £130
The Nike Air Max 270G is a replica of the popular sneakers, but with an updated outsole designed for use on the golf course. When compared to the Puma RSG above, the outsole on the Nike is the more aggressive of the two, and is more suitable for use on the course rather than off it.
Nike have launched several colour ways of the shoe since the original three, and there will no doubt be more on the way. As with other shoes on the list, the looks of these shoes won’t be for everyone. But if you’re a big fan of the trainers these are likely to be a must.
A surprising feature of the 270G is the upper. It’s another close fitting golf shoe that won’t be for those with a wide foot. However the all in one booty construction means there’s no tongue and the fit is the fit, you can’t really adjust it. This also means that the shoe is incredibly waterproof, so while I wouldn’t want to rely on a spikes pair of shoes in the hard British winter, your feet should stay nice and dry in these.
These shoes are also incredibly comfortable, so long as you’re happy with the close fit. The midsole is nice and soft, and when coupled with the signature large air bubble at the heel, you feet will thank you for choosing these. There’s a nice amount of padding at the heel, with minimal padding on the tongue. And because it’s based on the lifestyle trainers, the shoes look great with a pair of no show socks.
Buy them from Nike here for £130 – https://tidd.ly/33tJjF7
