Today’s golfer is just as concerned with looking cool on the course as they are off it, and the on-course fits are catching up to the latest zeitgesit movements. What’s out: the days of the stuffy old golfers in sweater vests and spiked brogue shoes at the country club. What’s in: Millennial and Gen-Z (and younger) golfers hitting the links in golf sneakers that feature extra traction on the outsoles for grip on the grass. Sneaker brands were happy to respond, expanding their range of golf shoes with plenty of modern, sneaker-inspired designs that are still packed with their signature athletic technology.
If you’re just getting into golf and want an affordable yet stylish pair of golf sneakers to get you started, tee up any of these budget-friendly spikeless options below. Whether you’re playing a full 18 holes or just hitting balls at the driving range, any of these entry level golf sneakers will get the job done nicely with plenty of performance and style.
Nike Infinity G: $75
A quick glance at the Nike Infinity G (G stands for golf) and you’d think somebody hit the course in a pair of running shoes. Actually, that will be a common trend throughout the entry level golf sneakers on this list, as most of them feature an athletic, running-inspired design. But the Infinity definitely looks the most like its respective brand’s running shoe offerings. This golf shoe in disguise features a water-repellant finish across the synthetic mesh-film upper in a low-top silhouette, and the lightweight foam midsole provides stable and responsive comfort as you walk the golf course and take your swings. Nike’s iconic waffle outsole design from the brand’s early days proves to be great for a golf shoe, too, as the many nubs on the sticky rubber outsole equip the Infinity with outstanding traction whether you’re in dry or wet conditions.
At only $75, the Infinity is one of the most affordable golf sneakers on the market, so you really can’t go wrong with a pair. And if you want a Nike golf sneaker with a few more bells and whistles, the Infinity Pro 2 with React cushioning is a step-up in performance at $110
FootJoy ProLite: $100
FootJoy is a golf-specific footwear brand that has been in the game much longer – over 100 years – than the sportswear brands now making golf sneakers like Nike and adidas. Their top entry level golf sneaker is the ProLite 2, a stylish, sporty design that’s one of the best buys on the market at $100. Highly rated by reviewers and consumers, the ProLite 2 features a lightweight upper built in synthetic leather through the toe and midfoot with breathable mesh at the heel. The upper is also fully waterproof (with a one-year warranty from the brand too!) to protect from morning dew or those unexpected downpours on the course. Excellent grip is also a major plus to the ProLite 2 thanks to the Duramax rubber outsole that features FootJoy’s Race Trak traction design that targets on-course swing forces.
adidas S2G Spikeless Leather 24: $110
A model that’s been getting rave reviews from golf shoe experts and consumers alike is the adidas S2G Spikeless Leather. The traditional adidas retro running shoe aesthetic of the S2G offers a versatile style that can be worn off the course, and its on-course performance makes it arguably the best buy on the market at the $110 price point. The all-leather upper is waterproof, with a moulded TPU heel clip for extra support through your swings. The S2G not only looks like a running shoe, but it also borrows Lightstrike foam from adidas’ running department for a stable and responsive feel under your feet that provides all-day comfort through your rounds – and then drinks with your golfing buddies after. The grippy outsole completes this stellar golf sneaker with, again, a retro running shoe-like design featuring hexagonal shaped nubs from heel to toe.
PUMA FUSION GRIP Spikeless: $85
If you’re a faithful fan of PUMA and looking for an entry-level golf sneaker, you’re going to want to tee up the FUSION GRIP Spikeless. This no-nonsense design features a running shoe-like upper built in breathable mesh with synthetic overlays at the toe and midfoot for added durability and support. If it’s a hot day out there on the links, you’re not going to have to worry about sweaty feet with these airy sneakers. The lightweight upper pairs with PUMA’s FUSIONFOAM midsole that cushions and provides energy return with every step. As you would expect from a shoe with ‘grip’ in its name, traction is another strong benefit, as the rubber outsole has a strategic design that grips any golfing surface well.
Overall, the FUSION GRIP Spikeless is a stylish, light, and breathable golf sneaker that provides all-day comfort on the course. And since it also looks like basically any modern running or training shoe out there, it’s versatile enough to be worn casually when your game is over.
Under Armour UA Charged Draw 2 Spikeless: $100
A superb spikeless golf sneaker offering from Under Armour is the UA Charged Draw 2. Comparable to the other models listed here, the Draw 2 features a modern running shoe style that you can also easily wear off the links. The construction includes a durable ripstop nylon upper with synthetic reinforcements. Under Armour’s proprietary Charged foam midsole provides soft, responsive cushioning with every step and swing taken during your next 18 holes. As for the outsole, you get excellent grip on every golfing surface thanks to UA’s Rotational Resistance traction design. The Draw 2 will help you stay focused on your game, not your footwear, thanks to its lightweight, well-cushioned, and ground-gripping design that may have you forgetting you even have a pair on. Reviewers say these are incredibly comfortable right out of the box, with no break-in time needed. A major plus, because after all, you can’t get a hole-in-one if you’re worried about your sneakers.