When it comes to golf footwear, golfers are more than spoilt for choice. There are plenty of top quality options on the market. But the choice remain. Do you go with a spiked offering or down the spikeless golf shoe route. Well, understanding the key differences between the two can help you make the best decision for your game and personal preferences.
- RELATED: Best Spiked Golf Shoes 2025
- RELATED: Best Spikeless Golf Shoes 2025
The choice between spiked and spikeless shoes has become a topic of ongoing debate among golfers of all skill levels. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages in key areas like comfort, traction, and style.
Some golfers will undoubtedly have a preference either way. The off-course versatility and generally more casual look of spikeless golf shoes make them a big appeal, especially for younger golfers. I have to say I tend to lean to more of a spikeless offering for these reasons, especially int he summer.
Alternatively, other golfers prioritise stability over anything else. If this is the case then the spiked options will keep you nicely rooted to the ground better, I feel. For me, when playing a more competitive game rather than a casual round, my spike shoes are often my go-to.
Anyway, enough about my personal preferences, let’s take a further look at the key areas of what separates the two styles. Here’s a look at the technology to see how they differ from each other and ultimately, what are the best golf shoes on the market?
Spiked Golf Shoes vs Spikeless Golf Shoes: Comfort
This is often the deciding factor for a lot of people when buying shoes in general, never mind golf shoes. Comfort is king after all. Many people will tell you that spikeless shoes are more comfortable and have the upper hand in this category. But is this purely due to the fact they are often lighter or are they built to be more comfy?
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Some spikeless shoes out there are so light you can barely feel them. But they are also built more like athletic sneakers, offering more flexibility, and better cushioning. Our reviewers found that their designs make them just as useable and comfortable way from the course and in a casual.
Many brands will argue that once a shoe becomes too light, it ceases to have the ability to perform properly as a golf shoe.
But, I have to say, there’s no real technological grounds on why a spiked model can’t be as comfortable.
It simply depends on the quality of the shoe. From our testing, we found that the FootJoy Pro/SLX Carbon Golf Shoe has exceptional out of the box comfort.
Sometimes a spiked shoe has a more rigid structure because they are trying to keep the foot more stable through the swing. But there’s absolutely no reason why a spiked shoe can’t be just as comfortable as a spikeless golf shoe.abs
Spiked vs Spikeless Golf Shoes: Traction
Spikeless golf shoes were pretty much unheard of until Fred Couples rocked up at the 2010 Masters in a pair of Ecco Street. Now, most golfers a wearing a pair, whether that be club golfers at your local course or pros playing at Augusta National. They are far from uncommon today.
One of the reasons for this is that they no longer believe there is a trade off when it comes to traction. To be fair it’s quite rare for golfers, especially on the PGA Tour to be playing in slippery conditions. But even in the wet conditions we’ve seen at recent Open Championships, a large percentage of the field have still opted for spikeless models.
A spikeless model doesn’t seem to pick up as much of the golf course. And I know which type of shoe greenkeepers prefer but from my experience with spiked models, I believe these have all given me better traction than any spikeless model I have worn. I think spiked golf shoes are unmatched in this area.
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So do spiked shoes offer more traction? In my opinion, they do. Although spikeless shoes have come a long way with advanced rubber outsoles and aggressive tread patterns, and they can perform admirably in dry, well-maintained conditions.
Spiked vs Spikeless Golf Shoes: Style
There aren’t many spiked golf shoes which look overly stylish. They’re the more traditional golf shoes, that’s for sure. But that’s not much of a negative as the FootJoy Premiere Series Field LX 2025 Golf Shoes still set the benchmark for classic spiked shoes.
Their traditional styling that looks high quality thanks to its leather features. Our review team loved the classy look and if Keith Mitchell, Style Icon, wears them, then they’re good enough for us.
On the whole, however, most other brands seem to be transitioning their spiked golf shoe models to a more trainer-like (or even football boot) style. I think this follows the shift in golf fashion over the last decade to a more casual look to perhaps appeal to more beginner younger golfers and those who prefer a more laid-back aesthetic.
On the contrary, there are some really smart spikeless shoes out there this year. As well as what we have come to expect which are shoes that look great with a pair of jeans and can be worn down the pub.
So what are better, Spiked or Spikeless Golf Shoes?
The answer to this is ultimately ultimately down to personal preference. Before jumping in to buy a pair of new golf shoes then consider the above factors and how important each one is for your needs.
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If you often play in challenging weather or on hilly courses, spiked shoes may offer the traction you need. If comfort, versatility, and everyday wear are more important, spikeless could be your best bet.
One solution could be to invest in one of each and here at NCG we have some great picks for you to choose from…
NCG Top Three Picks – The Best Spiked Golf Shoes
FootJoy HyperFlex 2025 Golf Shoe
It seems that with each successive FootJoy shoe review I do, they get more comfortable, and the new HyperFlex is no exception – it delivers outstanding comfort. My foot felt securely cosseted and so well supported from toe to mid foot through to heel. I cannot recall enjoying wearing a golf shoe more than this model.
I have worn this shoe on several rounds at my home heathland course in typical spring conditions. My feet have remained dry throughout, and although I haven’t yet had the opportunity to wear them for 36 holes in a day, I am sure that they would be fine.
Pros:
- Supremely comfortable.
- Excellent traction and performance.
- Waterproof and easy to care for.
Cons:
- Rather uninspiring looks.
- RELATED: Read our full FootJoy HyperFlex 2025 Golf Shoe review here.
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Pros:
- Comfortable
- Great traction
- Very waterproof
Cons:
- No cons
- RELATED: Read our review of the G/FORE Gallivan2r G/Lock Saddle Golf Shoe here.
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Better known for producing quality cricket shoes Payntr have now entered the golf market. It is not often a new golf shoe comes along and you think, yep, I might just consider shifting allegiance and move away from the more established brands. Having tested these shoes I do think they could be a disruptor in the market. Along with Jason Day, I would happily be a Payntr brand champion!
Simply – they are the best golf shoes I have ever tested.
They are unbelievably comfortable, attractively designed and leaves you with the feeling a lot of thought has gone into producing a shoe to break into the golf market.
If you are looking for a new shoe for the Spring/Summer I would seriously consider the PAYNTR brand. What’s more if you get lucky with your size and colour preference there are some great deals to be had – read on to find out more
Pros:
- Unbelievably comfortable
- Attractive sporty style
- Colourway of grey and green I loved
Cons:
- Might be hard to clean and so not a 12 month a year shoe
- RELATED: Read our full PAYNTR X-001 Mesh Spikeless Golf Shoe here.
