2018 SPIKED GOLF SHOE BUYER’S GUIDE

Golf shoes are changing, and they’re changing fast. In 2018 golfers demand a shoe not only look good but also provides comfort, right out of the box. It must also provide stability in the right places and be able to handle the harsh conditions encountered on the course throughout the entire season.

The aim of this spiked golf shoe buyer’s guide is to ensure you get the functionality of a spiked shoe with the comfort of your favorite sneaker.

The process of buying anything in today’s time has become stressful and time-consuming. We feel the best reviews are those that help you make the right choices and help you get the most out of your time and money. This way you can buy with confidence and eliminate a lot of the guesswork. We are here to help show you how a product will perform before you buy.

One key to our testing protocols is that we test products head-to-head. We select the top products from each category and put them through extensive and detailed head-to-head testing. We test both in the lab and in the field. We score each product across a range of weighted categories. We then rank the products, explain why, and give awards to the best performing products in the category.

Our rankings are based on many factors. This includes the stability provided by the shoe throughout the round. The comfort of the shoe a golfer gets straight from the box and during the swing. The ability of the shoe to resist golf course conditions without breaking down. We also consider the style of the shoe, and the overall fit of the shoe all the way from the heel to the toe. In our spiked shoe category, we also looked at the design and functionality of the traction technology.

THE METRICS

We’re always fine-tuning the process to make sure we’re collecting the best data possible. Continuing that trend we’ve updated and refined this year’s analysis to bring you the best buying advice possible.

We put in hours of testing utilizing data-driven protocols and enhanced metrics.

Over the course of the test, golfers hit balls while wearing each pair of shoes. There were opportunities for breaks in the test to reduce sweat and limit tester fatigue. We also closely examined each shoe, looking at the insoles, midsoles, and outsoles for anything that could limit functionality or comfort.

Stability (25 points) – How much support does the shoe provide throughout the golf swing? Does it stabilize the ankle? If the ankle moves, by how much and in which direction? We also test how far the ball of the foot and toes slide forward and laterally. We find that poor performing shoes allow the foot to move, roll, or slide instead of forcing them to turn. Shoes that performed well have effectively designed heel cups which help lock the ankle into place. These shoes create improved balance by way of the added lower body stability. We also notice shoes with either horizontal patterns and or slicker material on the insole allow the ball of the foot and toes to slide more during the swing.

Comfort (40 points) – Straight from the box do you feel like you can play 9? 18? 36? While many shoes are comfortable while standing or sitting they become uncomfortable when walking long distances. We noticed that some shoes have uncomfortable contouring of their insoles while others had unpliable outsoles. We also examined the length, width, ankle entry, toe box, midsection, and heel cup to ensure that each shoe provided a snug and comfortable fit. The most comfortable shoes feel light on the feet, yet provided the stability needed during the round. Grading will take into account every aspect of comfort and how the shoe fits on the foot

Elements (15 points) – On the golf course, one faces a variety of different conditions. A quality golf shoe must be able to handle these conditions. From dew to mud to rain a golf shoe must be able to keep your feet safe from the elements. The best shoes in this category have well-designed midsoles, uppers, and outsoles that seal the shoe from the elements.

Style (10 points) – Score is established by considering what we believe the majority of consumers would deem stylish, not whether the individual tester likes the look of the shoe. Survey questions provided to testers were developed to combat any brand-driven favoritism on the part of the individual respondent.

Traction (10 points) – No one likes slipping when hitting a shot on a golf course. Therefore, it’s critical that a golf shoe keep you grounded when hitting a shot. The best shoes in this category allow the golfer to swing without slipping.

It should be noted; traction is not the same as stability.

Final grades were awarded based on total scores. Best Overall is our highest overall scoring spiked golf shoe, and awards are given to the top five shoes. Also, more specific Best in Class recognitions are awarded to shoes in certain categories (like fit, comfort, and stability) that push the industry’s design envelope.

We also give an “Editor’s Choice” and a “Best Buy” award to those products that provide value products that compete with the bigger names on performance.

THE BEST SPIKED SHOES OF 2018

2018 Spiked Shoes Ranking

Name	Price	Stability	Comfort	Elements	Style	Traction	Score
Adidas Tour 360 Boost 2.0	$200.00	2nd	5th	1st	1st	1st	92.5
Skechers Go Golf Prov V.3	$150.00	5th	1st	1st	8th	4th	92
Under Armour UA Spieth 2	$200.00	1st	11th	1st	4th	1st	91
Adidas Tour 360 EQT Boa	$230.00	2nd	8th	1st	5th	4th	90.5
Footjoy Tour S	$249.99	5th	9th	1st	1st	4th	90.5
Callaway La Jolla	$119.95	2nd	4th	11th	5th	4th	90
Footjoy DNA Helix	$209.99	7th	3rd	1st	8th	10th	90
Footjoy Hyper Flex 2	$159.99	7th	9th	11th	10th	1st	87
Puma IGNITE PWRADAPT DISC	$150.00	13th	1st	13th	1st	4th	87
Skechers Go Golf Focus 2	$150.00	9th	5th	1st	11th	10th	86
New Balance Minimus Tour	$139.99	9th	5th	8th	13th	12th	84.5
Nike Air Zoom Precision	$180.00	9th	11th	8th	11th	13th	82.5
Callaway Coronado	$154.95	12th	13th	10th	5th	4th	80.5