It’s no mystery why the golfer looking for top-of-the-line traction generally wears spiked golf shoes. For the most part, spiked golf shoes offer better traction and contact with the playing surface. You’d be hard-pressed to find a pair of spiked golf shoes that aren’t at least well above average in this regard.
On the flipside, spikeless shoes are very hit or miss. Some are really, really bad. Some are average. And a few are leagues above the rest in this regard. A spikeless shoe that can rival the traction of a spiked shoe is a game-changer for the golfer looking for comfort without sacrificing performance.
Most spikeless shoes don’t have very good traction. These five shoes defy the odds.
1. PAYNTR X 002 LE
The entire PAYNTR line of spikeless golf shoes features stellar traction. The X 002 LE is right up there with the best of the best and rivals any spiked shoe out there. If you put a premium on ground contact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spikeless shoe.
2. Under Armour Drive Pro
Similar to the PAYNTR, the Under Armour Drive Pro SL provides great 360-degree spikeless traction. It has you covered from toe to heel and everywhere in between. Don’t sleep on this one!
3. Skechers Go Golf Max 3
The Skechers Go Golf Max 3 has traction that’s made from the same TPU you’d usually see on spiked counterparts. It penetrates the ground to provide uncompromised spikeless traction.
4. FootJoy Pro|SLX Carbon
The FootJoy Pro/SLX Carbon is a beast of a shoe for both stability and traction. The unique radial traction pattern and TPU construction provide grip that doesn’t give up, no matter the lie or condition.
5. ECCO LT1
The best spikeless golf shoe of 2024 isn’t just comfortable, it has great traction. The diamond-like pattern isn’t the most convincing to the eye but once you set foot on the turf, this pair proves it has traction to compete with the big boys.
vito
10 months ago
Best shoes for walking the course and great traction and comfort are trail runners by Sacony and Rockport. They last longer than golf shoes and the traction is better. And you can generally get last years models at prices below $85. My Rockports are truly waterPROOF(not just resistant). I play 75-100 rounds a year and they show no wear after a year.
League Golfer
10 months ago
Vito, I agree. I wear Merrill MOAB all leather “day hikers” in sloppy Spring, Fall, and Winter golf here in Western New York State. Although these are supposed to be waterproof and are labeled as such, they do still leak even when new, but the traction and durability and easy of cleaning are still better than my NB spineless golf shoes. The comfort of both companies shoes is quite good. Exactly which models of Saucony and Rockport do you recommend and are they available in wide widths?