There are two types of spikeless golf shoes:Â Those that you can wear all-year round in any conditions, and those specifically designed for the dry summer months.
On tour, we’ve seen a shift from spiked to spikeless in recent years because there are now models which don’t compromise on traction and stability.
Find out which ones we think can hack it all year round and which ones should be saved for the summer months only.
Best spikeless golf shoes 2017: FootJoy Pro/SL
In a nutshell: One of the most popular models on tour worn by Adam Scott, Lee Westwood, Louis Oosthuizen, and more. Expect stylish looks and superb all-round performance. Essentially an upgrade from the popular DryJoys Casual model.
What’s the tech? Two layers of foam with one being soft for supreme comfort and the other firmer for added stability. There are strategic TPU traction points on the sole.
We love these because… they ooze class and style, with the stability and traction of spiked but all the comfort benefits of spikeless.
Price: £140/£155 (BOA)
More information can be found on the FootJoy website.
Best spikeless golf shoes 2017: Ecco Cage Pro
In a nutshell: Classy premium leather shoe with a really funky sole design.
What’s the tech? There’s a stability cage which wraps from heel to toe and the all-new Spydr grip on the sole is less aggressive on the greens, provides outstanding grip in all conditions and minimises the clogging of grass and mud.
We love these because… they perform like a comfy pair of trainers off the course, with excellent stability and traction on it.
Price: £160
More information can be found on the Ecco website.
Best spikeless golf shoes 2017: Adidas Adipower Sport Boost
In a nutshell: Feel more like a lightweight pair of running trainers and will have you bouncing along the fairways.
What’s the tech? The Boost cushioning foam helps return energy to your feet. The upper keeps water out but also allows air to circulate, preventing your feet getting too sweaty.
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We love these because… you can play for 36 holes in them and still feel light on your feet, so get them top of your list if comfort is your number one priority.
Price: £99.95
More information can be found on the Adidas website.
Best spikeless golf shoes 2017: Puma Ignite Spikeless Sport
In a nutshell: Those who went to school in the early ’90s will remember the Puma Disc fondly. The system has now been added to these super-lightweight golf shoes.
What’s the tech? Turn the Disc for the perfect fit then release with one click the other way. The upper features a flexible mesh combined with premium leather.
We love these because… you won’t find a better pair to wear with shorts and ankle socks and will want to wear them all the time when off the course.
Price: £99.99
More information can be found on the Puma website.
Best spikeless golf shoes 2017: Under Armour Performance SL
In a nutshell: A more solid and robust option than Under Armour’s other spikeless model, the Tempo Hybrids, these are waterproof and have added traction.
What’s the tech? A premium cork footbed adds lightweight comfort while the outsole includes what Under Armour call ‘rotational resistance’ to keep you locked down during your swing.
We love these because… there is no compromise on traction and stability, but they are lighter and more flexible than UA’s spiked models.
Price: £110
More information can be found on the Under Armour website.
Best spikeless golf shoes 2017: Nike Lunar Control Vapor
In a nutshell: Designed with input from Rory McIlroy, the outsole is inspired by the thread on a snow mobile.
What’s the tech? The unique outsole offers exceptional grip and keeps you nice and low to the ground. Very lightweight and flexible.
We love these because… they feel like you are really nice and low to the ground with superb traction. And if you opt for the orange model above they’ll ensure you get noticed – just as Thomas Pieters did at the Masters.
Price: £120
More information can be found on the Nike website.
Best spikeless golf shoes 2017: Skechers Go Golf Elite Elite 2
In a nutshell: A lightweight and fully waterproof shoe with a lot of lot of grip thanks to the way the sole interacts with the turf.
What’s the tech? The use of 5GEN foam acts as a very effective impact cushion – like a shock absorber – and means it is extremely difficult to jar or roll your ankle.
We love these because… of the superb out-of-the-box comfort. These aren’t just comfortable golf shoes, they are up there with the most comfortable shoes we’ve worn. You feel like you’re walking on cushioned air.
Price: £99
More information can be found on the Skechers website.
Best spikeless golf shoes 2017: Mizuno Nexlite SL
In a nutshell: A return to the golf footwear market for Mizuno who have tapped into their rich running shoe heritage.
What’s the tech? At just 275 grams these were as light as anything we tested. It utilises the patented Mizuno Wave platform which incorporates long-lasting cushioning, stability and comfort.
We love these because… of the stylish design you’d expect from Mizuno. A very lightweight trainer-style shoe that you’ll barely notice you have on after a while. Why not get a pair to match up with your irons?
Price: £90
More information can be found on the Mizuno website.
NCG verdict
We feel that we could almost split the shoes into two categories.
The FootJoy Pro/SL, Ecco Cage Pro, Under Armour Performance SL, Nike Lunar Control Vapor and Skechers Go Golf Elite 2 are the models which will perform equally well in January as they will in June.
The FootJoy Pro/SL just has the edge for style and all-round performance while the comfort award is split between the Ecco Cage Pro and Skechers Go Golf Elite 2.
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If you’re just after a pair for the UK summer trips abroad then check out the Puma Ignite Sport, Adidas Adipower Sport Boost and Mizuno Nexlite SL.
We love the Puma shoes because they are so lightweight and casual. You’ll get a lot of wear out of these off the course.
But the Adidas are just as comfortable and have a bit more support and stability through the golf swing.
The spikeless shoe market has never been stronger and there’s certainly no pairs here that will let you down.
All the Gear: Get the Jordan Spieth look with new Under Armour range
Review: Skechers GO GOLF Elite 2 shoes
Equipment: Nike Lunar Control 4 reader review
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