The best golf shoes for all weather types
Ask any experienced golfer, and they’ll tell you the same thing… your golf shoes can make or break a round in the same way your golf clubs can.
It’s not simply a case of buying golf shoes that look good, either. Traction, warmth, breathability, and grip all shift depending on what the weather throws at you. The wrong pair can leave you slipping on your backswing or dealing with cold, soggy feet after just a couple of holes.
A shoe built for a bone-dry fairway in July won’t necessarily cut it on a sodden one in January. And a shoe designed to keep your feet cool in the summer could leave you shivering in December.
So whether you’re teeing off on a blustery coastal links or a firm, fast fairway, here’s our complete guide to finding the best golf shoes for every condition you’re likely to face this year.
The best golf shoes for wet weather
Rain is a fact of golfing life here in the UK, so a genuinely waterproof golf shoe should be in every player’s arsenal. When you’re shopping around, look out for sealed uppers, taped seams and, ideally, a GORE-TEX membrane, which keeps water firmly on the outside of the shoe while still allowing your feet to breathe.
Our men’s waterproof golf shoes and ladies’ waterproof golf shoes collections are packed with options from the biggest names in golf. The Ecco BIOM range is a great example, pairing a weatherproof leather upper with an incredibly snug, sock-like fit, so you stay dry and secure even when the heavens open mid-round.
After true peace of mind? It’s also worth checking whether your chosen pair comes with a manufacturer’s waterproof warranty. Many of the best waterproof golf shoes on the market do (often one year), but always check before you buy if this is important to you.
The best golf shoes for cold weather
When temperatures plummet, waterproof protection alone isn’t good enough – you need to stay warm, too. This is where dedicated golf boots really come into their own, with thermal linings, taller collars to keep out chilly drafts, and chunkier, more insulated soles underfoot.
Our golf boots collection includes plenty of cold-weather favourites, including the FootJoy golf boots range and adidas golf boots, both built to keep your feet warm and dry through the depths of a British winter without sacrificing the stability you need for a consistent, controlled swing.
Golf boots also tend to offer a sturdier, more supportive fit than a standard golf shoe, thanks to their higher ankle coverage and robust cleats, both of which come in handy on frost-covered or waterlogged fairways when good footing is hard to come by.
Breathable golf shoes for summer
Once the weather warms up, priorities flip entirely. Now, you’re on the hunt for lightweight, breathable materials that let air circulate freely and stop your feet from overheating, all without compromising on grip or support.
Mesh uppers and trainer-inspired designs, like those found in our Nike golf shoes range, are ideal for the warmer months, offering the airflow of a running shoe with the performance of a proper golf shoe. Many of these styles are spikeless golf shoes, too, adding to that lightweight, freeing feel underfoot.
For a much deeper dive into exactly what to look for in a warm-weather shoe (from mesh construction to sweat-wicking linings), take a look at our dedicated guide on what to look for in the best summer golf shoes.
The best lightweight golf shoes
Lightweight golf shoes aren’t just reserved for summer, though. Plenty of golfers prefer a lighter shoe all year round, particularly if they’re walking 18 holes rather than taking a buggy.
Ranges like the New Balance 480 SL and New Balance 550 SL borrow heavily from classic running silhouettes, keeping weight to an absolute minimum without skimping on comfort or cushioning. If you’d rather go spikeless entirely, our men’s spikeless golf shoes collection is stacked with similarly light, low-profile options.
The beauty of today’s lightweight golf shoes is that you’re no longer sacrificing performance for comfort. Most modern golf shoes with outsole technology means even the lightest golf shoes on the market can still deliver excellent traction and stability, however far you’re planning to walk.
The best golf shoes for links courses
Links golf is a different game entirely… Exposed, windswept, and often played across firm, fast-running turf that can send an unfamiliar shoe skidding. You need something that keeps you anchored through a full golf swing, even when the wind’s doing its best to throw you off.
Spiked golf shoes tend to have the edge on the golf course here, and ranges like the adidas Tour360 and FootJoy Tour Rival are built with tour-level traction and support in mind, ideal for the demands of a true links layout. A secure Boa fastening can also make a real difference on a links course, letting you dial in a precise, locked-in fit before every shot, whatever the wind is doing.
The best golf shoes for firm fairways
Firm, dry fairways might sound like a golfer’s dream, but they bring their own challenges. Harder ground means more impact travelling up through your feet and legs with every step and every shot.
Look for shoes with excellent cushioning and shock absorption, such as the New Balance 997 or FootJoy Pro/SLX, both designed to soften the blow of firmer conditions while still delivering the traction you need to strike the ball cleanly and consistently.
A supportive, well-cushioned shoe becomes especially important the more of these firmer rounds you play, helping to protect your joints from the repeated impact that comes with walking a hard, fast-running course.
The best golf shoes for coastal golf
Coastal courses bring together practically every challenge on this list in one round: driving wind, salty sea air, sudden showers, and firm, sandy turf, often all within the same 18 holes.
A durable, weatherproof leather shoe, like those found throughout our Ecco golf shoes range, holds up well against salt air and changeable conditions, resisting the wear and tear that a seaside course can inflict on lesser materials. Pairing this with a spiked sole and a secure Boa fastening will help keep you steady underfoot when the wind picks up off the water, and your footing matters more than ever.
Grab the best golf footwear for every condition at GolfShoes.co.uk
Whatever the weather, and wherever you’re teeing off, you’ll find a pair of golf shoes to match at GolfShoes.co.uk. From waterproof shoes and traditional golf shoes to lightweight summer trainers, our full range of men’s and women’s golf shoes covers every condition and every course, from your local parkland to the toughest coastal links. Whether you're partial to spiked shoes, spikeless shoes, or you're simply looking for the most comfortable golf shoes to take you across the course with ease, we've got you covered to help you play golf to your best.
Browse our full collection of golf shoes at the links above, or get in touch with the GolfShoes.co.uk team if you need a helping hand finding your perfect pair.
