Best golf shoes 2016 test
Our favourite spiked and spikeless shoes for the new season
Never has there been a more exciting time for premium golf shoes.
The latest crop for 2016 are not only lightweight and breathable, but more stable, comfortable, flexible, versatile and stylish than ever before.
Some of them even work with your swing to help you play better golf.
Whether you crave the stability of spikes or softness of spikeless, there is something for everyone this year. Here are 10 of our favourites.
There are few golf shoes that can rival the snazzy, iconic, new adidas Tour360 Boost, as worn on Tour by Dustin Johnson. Beautifully cushioned, strong where you need it and striking in appearance, this adidas gem is a perfect option for all-year round golf fans. The option of a BOA lacing system for an additional £30 only adds to its appeal.
RRP: £130
Read: adidas Tour360 Boost review
Every once in a while, a piece of equipment comes along that has you reaching for superlatives, none of which seem to do the product justice. That is where we find ourselves with ECCO’s new Cage shoe. One of the best, most comfortable, grippiest, sturdiest shoes we have ever tested. A little steep in price but you will likely not feel short changed.
RRP: £170
Read: ECCO Cage review
FootJoy kissed the Red Eyed Tree Frog, and now it's found its prince. Sleek, snug, soft and stable, the FreeStyle is suited to every type of swing. The bold looks of the hero version may not appeal to everyone, but it does come in more traditional colours. A fantastic spiked golf shoe that offers the ultimate in comfort, traction and energy.
RRP: £135
Read: FJ FreeStyle review
Billed as FootJoy's "athletic" shoe offering, the sporty-looking HyperFlex ticks every box for a product claiming such a title. This revamped version for 2016 maintains the aesthetic of the original HyperFlex, but comes in more colours and the option of the popular BOA. A premium golf shoe that gives players who are looking for more variety, more variety.
RRP: £140
Read: FJ HyperFlex review
Suited for waltzing around both course and office, the new FJ Versaluxe shoe represents one of the most versatile premium spikeless models on the market today. The product provides ample levels of comfort and feel, as well as very smart looks. Given its versatility, the £140 price tag seems fair. Ideal for when playing on baked fairways rather than boggy ones.
RRP: £140
Read: FJ Versaluxe
Previous shoe offerings from the luxury American golf brand were impressive, banking top marks for style, but we did feel there was some room for improvement in the performance stakes - and thankfully there is no such concern with the latest Gallivanter line. A high-performing premium golf shoe with fashionable looks, ample comfort and lots of grip.
RRP: £150
Read: G/Fore Pebble Gallivanter review
Nike’s Lunar Control 4 shoes sought inspiration from a variety of sports, and unsurprisingly its headlining staff player is Rory McIlroy. The result? One of the most athletic golf shoes on the market. Reminiscent in aesthetic terms to a football boot, the Nike Lunar Control 4 provides superb levels of traction and comfort, and locks the foot in throughout the stroke.
RRP: £130
Read: Nike Lunar Control 4 review
If you have ever wondered what it feels like to float on a cloud, we suggest slipping on a pair of Rickie Fowler's new Puma TitanTour Ignite shoes. Stacked with Ignite foam, these shoes are as comfy and cushy as it gets for a spiked offering. They also dazzle in their appearance and perform how you would expect for the price tag. One very easy golf award.
RRP: £130
Read: PUMA TitanTour Ignite review
Packed with aforementioned Ignite foam, PUMA's latest spikeless shoe has drawn inspiration from classic golf footwear and combined it into a sportier design that can be worn on and off the course. Incredibly lightweight, remarkably snug, sleek in shape and great value for money, this versatile new model is about as perfect as it gets for a spikeless shoe.
RRP: £100
Read: PUMA Ignite Spikeless
The new Skechers Go Golf Elite unites its premium Go Golf Pro leather upper with an innovative spikeless design to deliver outstanding comfort and performance. If you enjoy a snugly fitted, lightweight and flexible design that will keep your feet feeling fresh for more than just 18 holes, you will want to take a closer look at this one, especially given its generous price tag.
RRP: £99
Read: Skechers Go Golf Elite
Which golf shoes are you wearing this season and why? Share your thoughts in the forum below or join us on Twitter and Facebook.
Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.
