Great traction in a golf shoe gives you the confidence to swing without worrying about slipping or sliding. Golfers have traditionally turned to spiked shoes for the best grip but in 2025, we found that the top spikeless models now rival their spiked counterparts in traction. We’ve pulled together the three best spikeless and three best spiked golf shoes for traction. If you want to attack the ball without questioning the support under your feet, these are the shoes for you.
adidas adizero ZG (Spikeless)
The adidas adizero ZG is the most stable spikeless golf shoe of 2025 and it also tops the list for traction. It’s lightweight, low-profile and built with serious torsional rigidity.
The reason the adizero ZG didn’t top the list of best spikeless shoes in 2025 was its performance in the wet. The waterproof Sprintskin synthetic upper didn’t hold up quite as well as other waterproof protection.
Buy this if:
✅ You want the most stable spikeless shoe available.
✅ You walk more than you ride.
Don’t buy this if:
❌ You have a wide foot. The adizero ZG runs narrow in the toe box, even in standard width.
Payntr All Day SC (Spikeless)
The PAYNTR All Day SC might be the most complete spikeless golf shoe we’ve ever tested. It delivers elite comfort and grip with a malleable upper and PMX Nitro+ foam cushioning. It’s hard to find a weakness and that’s why it’s the best overall spikeless golf shoe of 2025.
Buy this if:
✅ You want top-tier comfort and traction.
✅ You need a shoe that accommodates a variety of foot shapes.
Don’t buy this if
❌ You want ground feel — the thicker midsole limits connection to the turf.
Payntr Match Day SC (Spikeless)
The PAYNTR Match Day SC is the premium pick in their lineup. It finished as the second-best spikeless golf shoe of 2025 and third-best spikeless for traction. It’s crafted with high-end materials so you’ll pay a little more but it delivers excellent comfort and traction, rivaling spiked shoes in grip.
Buy this if:
✅ You want a premium shoe with refined materials and dialed-in comfort.
✅ You walk often.
Don’t buy this if:
❌ You’re on a budget — at $200, this one sits at the top end of the price spectrum.
adidas TOUR360 24 (Spiked)
For the second year running, the TOUR360 is the top spiked golf shoe for men. With BOOST cushioning, a rigid TPU sole for stability and premium materials, it’s a well-rounded performer. It’s also the best spiked golf shoe for traction and comfortable enough that you forget you’re wearing a spiked shoe.
Buy this if:
✅ You want a high-performing spiked shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
✅ You need reliable stability and excellent grip, especially for aggressive swings.
Don’t buy this if:
❌ You have wide feet. This model runs narrow, particularly in the toe area.
Sunday Red Pioneer Cypress (Spiked)
The Sunday Red Pioneer Cypress delivered elite traction in testing. It tied for the highest traction score with the adidas TOUR360. It finished in the bottom half of the spiked test overall due to comfort and materials.
Buy this if:
✅ You want tour-level traction in a unique, lightweight design.
✅ You prefer a firmer, more structured shoe underfoot.
Don’t buy this if:
❌ You prioritize comfort — this one finished outside the top 10 due to a stiffer overall feel.
FootJoy Premiere (Spiked)
The FootJoy Premiere is a classic-looking spiked shoe with incredible grip. It tied for the top traction score in 2025 but fell in the overall rankings due to lower comfort scores and a firmer feel.
Buy this if:
✅ You like a traditional look but still want high-end traction and performance.
✅ You play on slick or uneven terrain where grip is non-negotiable.
Don’t buy this if:
❌ You’re after a plush, cushioned ride. The Premiere is more firm and structured than soft.
Does traction matter in a golf shoe?
Traction is one of the most important performance factors in a golf shoe because it directly affects your ability to stay grounded throughout the swing. Poor traction can lead to slipping during transition or at impact, which affects consistency, distance and control. When playing in wet conditions or on uneven terrain, great traction is a must.
Testers often talk about shoes with great traction helping them feel locked in on aggressive swings. Many of the PAYNTR models were described as having a “spike-like” grip. Shoes with lower traction scores were often said to cause players to lose confidence in their ability to swing through at full speed.
Final thoughts
If you want to see the full results of our spiked and spikeless men’s golf shoe testing, check them out here:
KP
1 year ago
I have a pair of Adidas 360 Tour and love them. My only gripe is the Boost. It’s white and it’s tough to get them clean because of the porous material.