Wearing the proper footwear on the golf course makes completing the pivot portion of the swing much more effortless. The good news is that the best golf shoes don’t have to burn your budget.

Golfers on a tight budget will be happy to know that there are plenty of affordable options on the market. Check out our list of the 14 best cheap golf shoes. All of these are under $75 and will help you play golf at a higher level.

1. PUMA Ignite Fasten8 (Best Overall)

Sizes: 7 to 14 Wide

Colors: Silver, Black/Silver/White, Gold/Black, Navy/Silver, White/Silver, Quarry/Silver/Navy, Quite Shade

Pros

• Designed for maximum traction and stability thanks to the lugs that strategically placed in the proper zones
• The Fasten8 lacing system provides lots of foot and ankle support
• The midsole is packed with a specialty cushioning foam for added comfort
• Lightweight enough for comfort but durable enough for your most challenging rounds on the golf course

Cons

• Some golfers have complained about a lack of grip
• A few folks have said that the wide sizers still aren’t wide enough for their feet

With Rickie Fowler now back in the PGA Tour headlines almost every week, it’s only fitting that his primary sponsor, PUMA, sits at the top of our list. The Ignite Fasten8 looks fantastic on the course and at the country club restaurant. Give this remarkable pair of shoes a shot!

2. FootJoy Men’s FJ Flex (Most Comfortable)

Sizes: 7 to 15

Colors: Navy/White/Blue, White/Tan, Gray/White/Lime, Black/White/Red, Heather Gray/Black, Grey/Blue, Black/Charcoal, White, Slate/Red

Pros

• The breathable mesh upper helps keep your feet cool and dry
• The toe box strikes the perfect balance between comfort and support
• The VersaTrax outsole is engineered for lots of traction and grip
• The narrow heel feels and looks great

Cons

• Some people have had durability issues with this golf shoe
• The soles won’t hold up well in a washing machine

FootJoy has been the gold standard of golf shoes for quite some time. Though the company offers a plethora of options, the FJ Flex gets our vote for being the most comfortable shoe. You can play 36 holes in these babies with zero foot pain!

3. PUMA Men’s Fusion Evo Golf Shoe (Best Value)

Sizes: 7 to 17 Wide

Colors: PUMA White/Quarry, PUMA White/Navy Blazer, Navy Blazer/Quiet Shade, PUMA Black/Quiet Shade, Quiet Shade/Quiet Shade, High Rise/Limepunch, High Rise/Bright Cobalt

Pros

• The perfect option for golfers who need a budget-friendly golf shoe
• Engineered with the ideal mix of extra soft EVA foam and premium rubber
• The sole is made of a synthetic material that’s incredibly durable
• It provides more cushioning than any other brand on the market

Cons

• Some have experienced peeling in the sole after a few uses
• Can be very difficult to keep clean

PUMA makes its second appearance on our list with the Fusion EVO. Golfers will appreciate the excellent price and the PWRSTRAP Fit System, one of the industry’s best lace systems. This golf shoe provides tons of comfort, stability, and traction.

4. adidas Women’s Tech Response 2.0 Golf Shoe (Best for Women)

Sizes: 5 to 11

Colors: White/Silver/Grey, White/Silver Metallic/Hazy Sky, Black/Silver/Grey

Pros

• The best option for women who want a spiked golf shoe
• Designed with 6 spikes for maximum grip during the golf swing
• The sole is made of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, which is highly durable
• Provides comfort, confidence, and performance on the golf course

Cons

• Not enough arch support for some ladies
• It fits too tight in the toe area for a few folks

More women than ever are playing golf, which is refreshing to see. For women that need a premium golf shoe that won’t break the bank, the  Tech Response 2.0 is a phenomenal choice. This shoe has a look that’s both athletic and feminine.

5. Skechers Elite 4 Victory (Most Waterproof)

Sizes: 7.5 to 13 Wide

Colors: White/Grey, Black/White, Gray/Red, White/Navy, Navy Lime

Pros

• One of the few waterproof golf shoes that still have plenty of breathability
• The rubber sole holds up well in inclement weather
• The special Goga Max cushioning will have your feet feeling better than ever on the course
• Provides excellent traction and is lightweight, like a sneaker

Cons

• A few folks wish that the bottom provided more grip
• These tend to run a bit big for some people

I’ll be the first to admit I’m biased regarding Skechers. It’s the brand I’ve been wearing for the last 5 years on the golf course. If you play golf on a lot of rainy days, the Elite 4 Victory is the best waterproof golf shoe on the market.

6. adidas Men’s Tech Response 2.0 (Best Spiked Golf Shoe)

Sizes: 7 to 15 Wide

Colors: White, Grey, Black

Pros

• Perfect choice for golfers who want a low-top shoe with spikes
• It has extra foam padding around the midsole and insole for added softness
• Designed with unique lugs for even more grip, balance, and control
• Made with a little bit more room in the toe area

Cons

• Some golfers think that the heel portion of the shoe is too hard
• The soft spikes can be difficult to replace

adidas has been making high-quality athletic shoes for several decades and is a significant player in the golf industry. The Men’s Tech Response 2.0 is one of the company’s top sellers, mainly because of the outstanding traction that it provides.

7. New Balance Breeze V2 (Best Traction)

Sizes: 8 to 16 Wide

Colors: Navy, Grey, Black

Pros

• It provides superior traction on the course, especially for spikeless shoes
• These shoes are water resistant thanks to the welded water guard on the front
• The CUSH+ insole gives your feet plenty of comfort and protection
• Works great on the course or on the turf of the driving range

Cons

• You may need to order a half-size larger than your normal shoe size
• These shoes may be too narrow for golfers with wide feet

If you need an affordable pair of spikeless golf shoes, don’t forget about New Balance. They may not be a gigantic brand like Adidas or Nike, but they know how to make lightweight golf shoes. You won’t believe how much traction you’ll get with the V2s, even on days with less-than-ideal weather.

8. Nike Men’s Golf Shoe (Most Versatile)

Sizes: 8 to 12

Colors: White/Black, White/Black 101

Pros

• A solid golf shoe from arguably the most famous name in footwear
• Engineered with plenty of foam in both the insole and midsole
• Made with soft spikes that’ll give you lots of stability during your golf swing
• Stylish enough for the golf course and other social settings

Cons

• Lack of sizes
• Lack of color options

Nike has established itself as one of the world’s largest providers of athletic wear. This golf shoe checks all the boxes if you need an affordable option. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and versatile.

9. Callaway Solana XT (Most Breathable)

Sizes: 7 to 16

Colors: Grey, Black

Pros

• A fantastic choice for golfers that play in hot climates
• The upper portion is made of mesh to promote more airflow than other shoes
• Has strategically placed lugs around the bottom of the shoe for increased traction
• An established brand that’s highly respected in golf

Cons

• Lack of color schemes
• It has a very basic look

Callaway is more known for its drivers, irons, and golf balls, but they offer a solid line of golf shoes. The Solana XT is an ideal option for folks who play golf in hot weather. There’s a whole lot to like about this golf shoe.

10. Callaway Women’s Marin (Most Durable for Women)

Sizes: 7 to 10

Colors: Grey

Pros

• It comes with a 1-year waterproof warranty, which is a rarity in the industry
• The special lugs provide lots of grip and traction, especially for a spikeless golf shoe
• Designed with a nice combo of high-level mesh and microfiber leather to promote dryness
• With 5mm of extra foam in the insole, comfort is not an issue

Cons

• Not many sizes are available
• Only 1 color option

Women golfers will love this high-quality golf shoe from Callaway. The price is insanely good, and the fact that it’s waterproof is an added bonus. And since it’s Callaway, you can rest easy knowing this shoe has a high level of durability.

11. adidas Men’s S2g  (Most Stylish)

Sizes: 7 to 15 Wide

Colors: Grey Four/Core Black/Grey Six, Footwear White/Grey Three/Grey Two, Altered Blue/Crew Navy/Footwear White

Pros

• Made with a Primegreen recycled material that’s much easier on the environment
• Engineered for both comfort and high performance on the golf course
• The Traxion rubber outsole holds up incredibly well and gives golfers plenty of grip, regardless of the surface
• Your feet will feel great because of the extra cushioning in the midsole

Cons

• Not an ideal choice for rainy weather
• Even the wide sizes aren’t wide enough for some golfers

A lot of folks like to wear their golf shoes on and off the course. To do that, you need a golf shoe that’s stylish and functional. The S2g spikeless from adidas will always keep your feet comfortable, and the price is also pretty sweet.

12. Footjoy Flex Coastal

Sizes: 7 to 12

Colors: Blue, White, Black

Pros

• Comfortable and stylish enough for the golf course and plenty of other social settings
• The Versa-Trax outsole gives all the grip and traction you expect from Footjoy
• Made with a special mesh material that’s lightweight and breathes exceptionally well
• Has a look that’s basic but classy

Cons

• These tend to run about a half-size too big, so keep that in mind when ordering
• It doesn’t provide any kind of protection against water

This option from Footjoy is so comfy that you can wear them all day. It’s easy to see why Footjoy is the most reliable brand in the golf shoe world. This stylish golf shoe works for the course and for other business casual settings.

13. Skechers Torque Sport Fairway

Sizes: 7.5 to 14

Colors: Navy/Blue, White/Navy, Black/White, Charcoal Blue

Pros

• It comes with soft spikes on the bottom that are easy to replace and adjust
• Perfect for golfers who need a mid-top golf shoe with spikes
• Has the patented Goga Max cushioning for added comfort and softness
• It provides a secure fit in the heel but a little extra room in the toe area

Cons

• These golf shoes give only a tiny amount of water resistance
• A few golfers have had the spikes break after only a couple of rounds

Skechers makes another appearance on our list with its Torque Sport Fairway golf shoes. Golfers will love the relaxed fit and the extra traction they get from the soft spikes. Since these are mid-top shoes, they’d make a great choice for golfers who need some additional ankle support.

14. adidas Men’s Solarmotion Golf Shoe

Sizes: 7 to 15

Colors: Core Black/Ftwr White/Pulse Lime, Ftwr White/Core Black/Pulse Lime, Ftwr White/Dark Silver Metallic/Core Black, Grey Three/Ftwr White/Impact Orange

Pros

• The upper portion of the shoe is made of at least 50% recycled materials
• A waterproof film surrounds the base
• It comes with extra padding in the heel and toebox
• Available in some unique color patterns at reduced prices

Cons

• Some people wish these had more room in the toes

Here’s another solid option for golfers who are environmentally conscious. The Men’s Solarmotion was designed for folks who like to walk their rounds instead of riding in a golf cart. With an established brand like adidas, golfers know they’re getting a good product at a fair price.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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Let’s be honest—we could probably all do with learning how to clean our golf balls and other golf equipment better to make them last longer.

If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place. Golf equipment can be expensive, so it pays to look after it.

How do you clean golf balls?

While most of us leave our balls in the bottom pocket of our golf bags until we let one slip out of bounds, there’s a better way forward, both for the longevity of the ball and its dazzling appearance.

• The most tried-and-tested method is to get a bucket of warm water and mix some soap into it. A wipe with a damp cloth should remove any excess dirt. If you want to try a bit harder, a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush should do the job. One final rinse should have them looking close to new again.
• If that hasn’t worked, soak your golf balls in a bucket of water and add some white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, bleach or OxiClean (a mix of hydrogen peroxide and washing soda). Soak the balls for up to half an hour, but no longer, to avoid them becoming waterlogged. Again, a cloth or a soft-bristled brush should remove any remaining dirt. This method is considered one step up from the more traditional soap and water combination. 
• You don’t have to search very far before finding a photo of a load of golf balls in a dishwasher. But does it actually work? It has been tested many times, and it appears that the placement of the balls in your dishwasher doesn’t matter—the results are great. It should be noted that if you have a ‘Heated Dry’ cycle, it’s advisable to turn this off, as lengthy heat exposure and golf balls aren’t a good mix. This seems a particularly easy way to get old golf balls looking like new again.
• If you’re looking to remove your permanent marker lines, rubbing alcohol, acetone, or nail polish remover is your best bet. Rubbing alcohol is the gentlest of these solutions, while acetone is the harshest. If applying the latter, use gloves and take care when handling it.  

What not to do when cleaning your golf balls

When cleaning your golf balls, don’t…

• Soak the balls for too long 
• Leave them in the sun for too long, as this could change the internal compression, which will impact how the ball reacts off the clubface
• Use undiluted bleach, as this might have an unwanted effect on the ball’s outer layer 
• Use a sharp metal brush or too stiff a bristled brush, as you might scratch the surface of the ball or damage the outer layer, both of which will impact the performance of the ball 

How to clean golf shoes

Proper golf shoes are a significant investment, and with some straightforward care, you can easily prolong their lifespan, feel and performance.

FootJoy is the No. 1 golf shoe brand and offers valuable tips and advice on caring for your golf shoes. Some of the following will be alarmingly familiar…

• FootJoy suggest rotating your golf shoes, as two pairs of shoes will last more than twice the length of time one pair will
• Use a shoe horn when putting on your shoes to protect the heel. Damage to the heel can cause a poor fit and often leads to blistering 
• FootJoy strongly recommend leaving a shoe tree in your shoes when you’re not playing
• Don’t over-tighten your cleats, and check on them after each round 
• Don’t store your golf shoes in the boot of your car, as high temperatures will break down the materials over time

What to do with your golf shoes after a round

Always remove any dirt from your shoes straight after a round. Make the most of the air dryer if possible, and remove any residue, which will make the post-round clean much easier. Wet wipes are also a great way to give your golf shoes a thorough clean. A soft brush and warm water with soap/Fairy Liquid will also reach the tricky spots.

Tip: For optimal cleaning, remove the laces and inner soles to give your shoes the best chance of looking and performing at their best. When drying, place them in an airing cupboard or a well-ventilated area indoors, rather than in direct sunlight. Never use a hairdryer, as excessive heat can damage the uppers and outsoles.

Given that we live in the UK, we often play golf in the rain, so we must take care of our shoes. After cleaning, place a newspaper inside the shoes for approximately 8-10 hours to absorb excess water. Then, use the shoe tree to help the shoes return to their standard shape.

FootJoy offers a Wax Shoe Polish perfect for looking after high-quality leather and giving your shoes a lasting shine. However, remember that this is a polish, not a cleaning product, so ensure your shoes are as clean as possible before applying it.

How to clean golf gloves

Like with your shoes, it’s a good idea to have a few pairs of golf gloves on rotation to extend the lifespan of each of them. 

If you’re hitting balls on the range, there’s not necessarily any need to use one of your finest Cabretta leather offerings for this. Instead, it’s worth considering a synthetic glove for practice, as they’re more resistant to repeated use, and leather gloves certainly lose their effectiveness when used in high temperatures and sweating.

Air your golf gloves out as often as possible. Some golf bags even have a Velcro tab to let you attach your glove, which certainly helps you get the most out of them.

While Tour pros may change gloves every round or so, a decent glove should last you for 15-20 rounds at least. You can achieve this by not stuffing it in the bottom of your bag with the rest of your gear. There’s a chance that it might get punctured on the tees, and when folded up, your gloves will lose their shape and become crusty.

Remember how it felt when you first put that leather glove on? Well, put it back in your bag the same way that it came out. Stretch it back to its original shape and place it flat away from your other bits or, ideally, in the packet it came in.

And when it gets wet, that doesn’t necessarily spell the end of its lifespan. However, never use a hairdryer or put it on a radiator—instead, use your airing cupboard or just let it dry out naturally to help it back to its original shape.

Most leather gloves are not machine washable, either, so only gently hand-wash your favourite leather gloves with a mild detergent, and always air-dry afterwards. 

Specialist golf insurance through Golf Care

In addition to ensuring your golf equipment is kept in top condition, you may also want to consider protecting it with specialist golf insurance.

Through Golf Care, policies include Equipment Cover up to £7,500 and Public Liability up to £10m, so you can play golf with peace of mind. Get an online quote today.

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In a sport like golf, having the proper equipment can make all the difference in the world.

I’ll never forget how much my first pair of golf shoes helped my golf swing. I felt I could turn my back foot much easier with golf shoes than with regular street shoes.

All of that being said, a lot of folks may wonder if golf shoes are really a necessity to play golf or simply a matter of personal preference.

In this article, we’ll investigate whether or not golf shoes are needed to play a solid round of golf. We’ll also provide a few golf shoe choices to consider.

Do Golf Courses Require You to Wear Golf Shoes?

Surprisingly, most golf courses recommend golf shoes, but they don’t require them. Keep in mind, though, that some courses are more strict with their dress codes. In other words, at least have a pair of shoes on instead of some casual flip-flops when you arrive for your round.

If you do choose to wear golf shoes, remember that most golf courses have now outlawed metal spikes to cut down on turf damage. Because of this, it’s a good idea to buy spikeless golf shoes or at least ones with plastic spikes.

Do Golf Shoes Really Make a Difference?

Yes, golf shoes can make a huge difference in your overall game and help you shoot lower scores! Let’s briefly go over some of the benefits that proper golf footwear provides.

1. Better Traction and Stability

The golf swing is a complex athletic maneuver with lots of moving parts. Golf shoes, especially those with spikes, provide golfers with a solid foundation and better grip. This helps golfers complete a full turn off their back foot without slipping and sliding.

The spikes also allow for better traction, which is incredibly important on the golf course in wet conditions. More traction means more distance off the tee!

2. Injury Prevention

The right types of golf shoes can also prevent ankle and heel injuries. Golfers with a history of ankle problems can choose high-top golf shoes for added support and protection.

If you prefer walking your entire round instead of riding in a golf cart, the right pair of golf shoes can prevent blisters thanks to their extra padding. Nothing can derail a low-scoring round faster than a bad blister!

3. Most Golf Shoes Are Waterproof

This is another essential benefit of golf shoes. Have you ever noticed how regular tennis shoes get weighed down on rainy days? That’s the last thing you need when trying to hit good shots on the golf course!

Thankfully, most golf shoes have a high level of water resistance. This is a huge help when those uninvited popup showers hit.

4. Golf Shoes Are Usually More Lightweight

A full 18-hole round of golf can take four or five hours on a busy weekend. That’s a long time to be on your feet, so golfers need types of shoes that are lightweight.

Most golf shoes are much lighter than regular street shoes, which is a huge advantage during longer rounds.

Can You Play Golf with Regular Sneakers?

Yes, even with all the added benefits of golf shoes, some folks prefer to play golf in regular sneakers. This is perfectly acceptable and not against any type of attire rules at most golf courses.

Some beginners and even some professional golfers prefer the classic comfort that regular sneakers provide. However, golf shoe manufacturers now offer so many spikeless designs that most folks can find a new pair of golf shoes that feel just like regular sneakers.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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