Golf shoes: the complete guide to choosing the right pair in 2026

What is a golf shoe?

A golf shoe differs from a classic sneaker in three ways: a technical sole (with or without cleats) that improves traction, reinforced heel support, and cushioning designed for extended walking on a hilly course like ours. It fulfills three essential functions for your game.

Unlike a classic athletic shoe, the upper and sole are designed for a very specific movement: a rapid rotation of the pelvis and shoulders, followed by a sudden weight transfer to the forefoot upon impact. This movement stresses the body in a way that few other sports replicate, hence the benefit of dedicated equipment rather than a versatile running shoe.

• Stabilize the foot during the swing rotation, thanks to heel support and lateral hold
• Optimize traction on dry or wet terrain, thanks to a multidirectional grip
• Ensuring comfort over the course of a game, thanks to cushioning and breathability

In short, a good pair of shoes secures your footing, reduces fatigue and helps you repeat the same movement, shot after shot, from the first hole to the last hole.

Why your shoes change your game

Impact stability

The swing is a rotational movement involving weight transfer. If the foot slips inside the shoe, the body compensates, which degrades the consistency of contact and ball direction. A stable base helps to reproduce the same movement under pressure, regardless of the stakes of the shot.

Grip on wet grass

In Haute-Savoie, morning dew and damp fairways are common for much of the year, especially around Lake Annecy. A suitable sole limits micro-slips at the most critical moment: impact. On a sloping tee shot or a sloping lie, this grip often makes the difference between a controlled shot and losing your balance.

Comfort over the course of a journey

A nine-hole round already represents several kilometers of walking, and an 18-hole round even more. An uncomfortable pair of shoes will eventually affect your posture, especially towards the end of your round when fatigue sets in. Good cushioning and proper support help you stay focused until the final putt.

Breathability also plays a crucial role, especially on hot summer days around Lake Annecy. A mesh or perforated leather upper limits internal moisture, while a removable insole allows for ventilation between games. These details, often overlooked when purchasing shoes, make a real difference over a full season of play.

With or without cleats: what's the difference?

Models with cleats

Cleats offer the highest traction, especially useful on wet ground or in competition. They are the safest choice if you play year-round, early in the morning, or on hilly courses.

• Key features: Superior grip, stability during the swing, safety on slopes and inclines
• Namely: crampon maintenance, lower off-road versatility

Spikeless models

Spikeless models use a rubber sole with a traction pattern. Lighter and often more comfortable, they are well-suited for beginners or for playing, especially in dry conditions.

• Key features: Comfortable walking, lightweight, easy to use, simple maintenance
• Namely: Variable traction on very wet ground depending on the model

To explore each option in more detail, consult our dedicated articles: the guide to models with crampons and the guide to spikeless models.

If you often play in wet conditions, opt for cleats. If you walk a lot in dry weather, a comfortable spikeless model is often the best choice.

There are also hybrid models, a middle ground between the two types: a premium spikeless sole with reinforced traction zones that mimic the effect of cleats. These models are well-suited if you play from spring to autumn, with occasional outings in wet conditions, and don't want the hassle of maintaining removable cleats.

How to choose your golf shoes: 7 essential criteria

These seven criteria help you select a model that is truly suited to your game, rather than a purely aesthetic choice.

1. Lateral stability — look for a stable base and reinforcements that limit twisting during the swing rotation.
2. Traction adapted to your terrain — cleats or premium spikeless if moisture is frequent; comfortable spikeless if the terrain is dry.
3. Comfort and cushioning — Good cushioning reduces plantar fatigue, without sacrificing the stability needed for impact.
4. Impermeability — In France, a waterproof version is almost always cost-effective: dry feet, preserved concentration.
5. Heel support — Laces tight, walk a few steps: the heel should not lift.
6. Weight — lighter for walking comfort, more structured for stability on wet ground.
7. Durability and value for money — the €90-150 range remains the best compromise for the majority of golfers.

One final point deserves your attention: the flexibility of the sole in the forefoot area. A sole that is too rigid can restrict the natural rolling motion of the foot at the end of the swing, while a sole that is too flexible lacks stability at impact. The right balance depends on your foot shape and your swing, which is why it's a good idea to try several models before making your final decision.

Which golf shoes should you choose based on your skill level?

Beginner

Priority should be given to walking comfort and good heel support. A comfortable, ideally waterproof, spikeless model is often the best starting point—it's also what we recommend during the free introductory courses.

Intermediate

Looking for more consistency? Prioritize lateral stability, heel support, and reliable traction. On a course that's often wet, like the Belvédère trail, crampons make a real difference.

Regular player

If you play year-round, invest in a durable, stable, and waterproof pair. Traction and support become priorities over time, season after season.

At this level, many golfers choose to alternate between two pairs: one comfort-oriented pair for practice, and a performance-oriented pair for competitions or outings in challenging weather. This rotation also helps each pair last longer by spreading the wear and tear over more sessions.

To go further depending on your profile: the guide man and the woman's guide.

What size golf shoes should I choose?

The ideal fit is based on three points: a slight space at the toes (5 to 10 mm), a locked heel without upward movement, and lateral support without painful compression.

Always try on your golf shoes with your usual socks, and avoid sizing up to "be comfortable": you would lose support and increase the risk of blisters during the game.

For a detailed guide by size and brand, see our size guide.

Which brands should I choose?

Brands are a useful guide, but your choice should primarily depend on your intended use: terrain, weather, and frequency of play. Use them as a starting point, then compare the specific features: traction, stability, waterproofing, and heel support.

• FootJoy: stability and pure golf orientation
• ECCO: premium comfort and meticulous finishing
• adidas Golf: stability and sports technologies
• Nike Golf: style and dynamic feel
• Skechers Golf: walking comfort often accessible

How to care for your golf shoes?

Regular maintenance prolongs the life and performance of your pair, season after season.

• After a wet course: Remove the dirt with a soft brush, wipe with a damp cloth, and allow to air dry — never on a radiator or with a hairdryer.
• Waterproofing: Even a waterproof pair benefits from regular maintenance spray to prolong its protection.
• Cleats: Replace them as soon as they become smooth to maintain a reliable grip

What budget should I plan for golf shoes?

If you play occasionally, a comfortable spikeless model may suffice. If you play weekly, durability and waterproofing become worthwhile: you'll maintain support and traction for longer.

• Less than €90: occasional use, dry terrain
• €90 to €150: best value for money for most golfers
• Over €150: premium comfort, stability and durability for regular play

Common mistakes to avoid

Some mistakes are common among golfers, beginners as well as experienced players, and they are sometimes enough to ruin a good pair that was well chosen on paper.

• Buying solely based on aesthetics, without checking the heel support or the actual traction of the model
• Neglecting to try things on at the end of the day, while the foot swells slightly over the course of the hours and games
• Choose a size too large to gain immediate comfort, at the cost of support during the swing
• Ignore the usual terrain type and relying solely on the season, when the actual weather matters more
• Never change your cleats Once they are smooth, this gradually reduces grip without us noticing.

Most of these mistakes are easily corrected with a little attention when buying: take the time to try on several sizes, test the fit by walking briskly, and don't hesitate to ask for advice rather than choosing solely from photos or online. Trying them on in person remains, to this day, the best way to avoid disappointment after just a few games.

Playing in bad weather: a factor not to be overlooked

The climate in the Annecy region often alternates between cool mornings, persistent dew, and passing showers. In these conditions, waterproofing and traction become as important as the overall comfort of the shoe.

A high-quality waterproof membrane prevents moisture from seeping through the insole after a few holes, preserving both your comfort and concentration until the end of your round. On steeper sections of the course, good traction also minimizes micro-slips that can disrupt your balance during your swing.

Finally, remember to carry a spare pair in your bag on uncertain days: finishing the last holes with soaking wet shoes impairs both comfort and concentration, and can turn a good part of the game into a painful end to the course.