2020 SPIKED SHOE BUYER’S GUIDE
MyGolfSpy’s top-rated spiked shoes for 2020?
adidas and Under Armour.
There you go. There’s your Buyer’s Guide.
(Just kidding. We’ll share some science if for no other reason than to justify our existence.)
If you think golf shoes are an accessory rather than an essential piece of equipment, consider this: Studies from FootJoy have shown that wearing the correct shoe can increase your swing speed by three miles per hour. Stability, traction and comfort combine to create the anchor that grounds you during a shot.
Not all that long ago, we saw a handful of companies battle it out for the No. 1 position. For 2020, however, adidas and Under Armour have commandeered all top five spots in the Best Spiked Shoe Buyer’s Guide. Both companies achieved what we considered darned near perfect balance across all testing metrics.
But if the kicks in the top five don’t suit you, all of the shoes in our top 10 performed well and are worthy of consideration.
Best For Stability - Under Armour Spieth 4
The Under Amour Spieth 4 earns the number one spot in the stability category. The Spieth 4s keeps your foot locked in place, while its wider sole helps prevent your foot from spilling over the shoe. One of the focal points in designing the shoe was to encourage golfers to use the ground to enhance their shot. Top-quality traction allows a golfer to dig into the earth and use it to their advantage.
Spiked Shoe Features That Matter
Comfort
Comfort should be the top priority no matter which shoe you’re considering. It’s important to understand that comfort starts with proper sizing. If you’re not wearing the correct size, you’re sacrificing comfort – and performance.
If you’re looking for the most comfortable shoe, try the New Balance Fresh Foam LinksPro. Other shoes that rival the Fresh Foam’s comfort are the adidas Tour 360 XT PK and the Skechers Torque-Twist.
Traction
Seldom is a quality golf shot preceded by a slip. Not all spiked shoe soles are created equal. Some designs provide significantly better traction than others. If you play in wet conditions often, this should be integral to your shoe decision.
If all-weather traction is your main concern, try the Under Armour Spieth 4 or the adidas Tour 360 XT.
DIY Spikes
Did you know that you can turn any regular shoe into a golf shoe? GolfKicks spikes screw into any shoe, allowing you to merge your everyday style with traction on the course.
Stability
You don’t want your foot vulnerable to slippage and spillover but you still want some freedom of movement. A perfectly stable shoe should consist of a molded heel cup along with structured mid-sole support. Weight distribution is also important during your swing. The right amount of foot freedom (lateral movement) is necessary to achieve correct weight distribution.
Golfers seeking the ultimate in stability should consider the Under Armour Spieth 4 and adidas Tour 360 XT. The FootJoy Tour X is also an excellent choice.
The Best Spiked Shoes 2020 - Features
| Product | Colors | Sizing | Real Life Fit | Width | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Adidas Tour 360 XT Check Price | 5 | 7 to 15 | 1/2 Size Big | M-W | 2 Year |
 | Adidas Tour 360 XT PK Check Price | 3 | 7 to 15 | 1/2 Size Big | M | 2 Year |
 | Asics Gel Course Duo Boa Check Price | 3 | 8 to 12 | Fits To Size | M | 1 Year |
 | Callaway LaGrange 2.0 Check Price | 2 | 8 to 14 | Fits To Size | M-W | 2 Year |
 | Ecco Strike 2.0 Check Price | 3 | 5-12.5 | 1/2 Size Big | M | 1 Year |
 | Footjoy Tour X Check Price | 3 | 7 to 15 | Fits To Size | N-EW | 2 Year |
 | New Balance Fresh Foam LinksPro Check Price | 2 | 8 to 16 | Fits To Size | M-EW | 2 Year |
 | Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour Check Price | 3 | 7 to 14 | Fits To Size | M | 2 Year |
 | Puma IGNITE PROADAPT Check Price | 3 | 7 to 14 | 1/2 Size Big | M | 1 Year |
 | Puma IGNITE PWRADAPT CAGED Check Price | 5 | 7 to 15 | 1 Size Big | M-W | 1 Year |
 | Skechers Go Golf Pro 4 Check Price | 2 | 7.5 to 14 | 1/2 Size Big | M | 2 Year |
 | Skechers Go Golf Torque-Twist Check Price | 3 | 7.5 to 13 | 1/2 Size Big | M-EW | 1 Year |
 | Sqairz Arrow Check Price | 2 | 7 to 13 | 1/2 Size Big | W | 2 Year |
 | Sqairz 20/20 Check Price | 2 | 7 to 13 | 1/2 Size Big | W | 2 Year |
 | Under Armour Hovr Drive GXT Check Price | 2 | 7 to 15 | Fits To Size | M-EW | 2 Year |
 | Under Armour Spieth 4 Check Price | 1 | 7 to 12 | 1 Size Big | M-EW | 2 Year |
 | Under Armour Hovr MatchPlay Check Price | 2 | 7 to 15 | Fits To Size | M-EW | 2 Year |
Best For Comfort - New Balance Fresh Foam LinksPro
Just like its Spikeless brother, New Balance Fresh Foam LinksPro offers 360° comfort. The Foam LinksPro also earned top traction and stability marks, making it an all-round performance shoe.
Expert Tips
- Not everyone needs the most stable golf shoe on the market. Try on different shoe designs to determine what level of stability works best for you.
- If you require more stability, look for designs with some form of wrap technology in the mid-foot section to help keep you anchored in your shoe.
- If something doesn’t feel quite right in an otherwise comfortable shoe, it may be worth trying the BOA/DISC alternative if offered. These closure systems often increase the cost of the shoe.
- While style preferences will vary among golfers, comfort is an absolute. Don’t sacrifice it for any reason.
- Have your foot measured to ensure you’re buying the proper size.
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The Best Spiked Shoe 2020 - Results
| Product | Stability | Comfort | Elements | Style | Traction | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas Tour 360 XT Check Price | 2nd | 8th | 2nd | 2nd | 2nd | 93.5 |
| Under Armour Hovr Drive GXT Check Price | 6th | 4th | 1st | 4th | 10th | 93 |
| Under Armour Spieth 4 Check Price | 1st | 11th | 2nd | 3rd | 1st | 92.5 |
| Adidas Tour 360 XT PK Check Price | 8th | 2nd | 16th | 1st | 4th | 91.5 |
| Under Armour Hovr MatchPlay Check Price | 4th | 5th | 4th | 4th | 15th | 91 |
| New Balance Fresh Foam LinksPro Check Price | 8th | 1st | 11th | 13th | 4th | 89.5 |
| Footjoy Tour X Check Price | 2nd | 11th | 7th | 7th | 4th | 89 |
| Callaway LaGrange 2.0 Check Price | 11th | 10th | 7th | 14th | 2nd | 86 |
| Skechers Go Golf Pro 4 Check Price | 4th | 8th | 7th | 15th | 16th | 85.5 |
| Sqairz Arrow Check Price | 11th | 13th | 4th | 10th | 10th | 85 |
| Skechers Go Golf Torque-Twist Check Price | 15th | 3rd | 14th | 17th | 4th | 84.5 |
| Sqairz 20/20 Check Price | 14th | 13th | 4th | 10th | 10th | 84.5 |
| Puma IGNITE PROADAPT Check Price | 6th | 16th | 7th | 7th | 10th | 84 |
| Asics Gel Course Duo Boa Check Price | 8th | 5th | 14th | 15th | 17th | 84 |
| Puma IGNITE PWRADAPT CAGED Check Price | 17th | 7th | 16th | 4th | 4th | 83.5 |
| Ecco Strike 2.0 Check Price | 16th | 15th | 11th | 12th | 4th | 80.5 |
| Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour Check Price | 11th | 17th | 11th | 7th | 10th | 77.5 |
Shape of Innovation - Sqairz Arrow
The Sqairz Arrow unique toebox will get you noticed on the course. Like its name suggests, the Sqairz has a square toe. The theory is the square toe helps golfers align properly over the ball. The Arrow's wider toe box allows your foot to lay flat which Squairz says encourages the correct amount of lateral movement. The shoe runs 1/2 size big, but with the right size, comfort, and stability increase making it a shoe to consider...if you can get past the shape.
Best Spiked Shoes of 2020 – FAQ
Q: How much should I spend on a shoe?
A: It’s possible to find well-designed, fully featured golf shoes for around $105. That said, the majority of top performers, including our choice for Best Stability, are closer to $200. As with anything else, your frequency of play should factor in the decision. Golfers who play just a few times a year may be able to find a suitable offering for less. Just don’t skimp on comfort to save a buck.
Q: Do I need to buy golf shoes? Can I play golf in regular shoes?
A: You can. But the correct footwear will contribute to your game. If you’re not playing for score, you can transform any shoe into a spiked golf shoe with screw-in spikes called GolfKicks. Discuss among yourselves.
Q: Is BOA/DISC technology better than laces?
A: Some golfers prefer these modern closure systems to traditional laces but it’s certainly not a universal preference. Users of BOA and DISC report a tendency for their shoes to loosen during a round and while it’s not a big deal to re-tighten, it can be an annoyance. Also consider that if a shoelace breaks, it’s easily replaceable whereas warranty replacements for other closure systems can take time.
WU
2 years agoMan, I read the reviews here carefully and so I went with the Adidas. And boy, lemme tell ya guys, you guys made a mistake. The new Adidas shoes are not the best shoes this year. I’ve worn previous generation Adidas too, as well others like Sketchers Go Golf etc, and only based on the reviews here, I went and got the Adidas again. I was thinking of may be getting the Asics or even UA, but I went with the Adidas because of wha you said – and the review is incorrect.
The XT spikes are way too soft. The Boost is too soft. I wore these for about 3 weeks straight, probably 4 rounds a week and a few buckets – and the Boost is already gone. It’s done. It’s so soft, they sink down like some bathroom sponge. Imagine stepping on a sponge and it gets flat? That’s what this Boost feels like.
Also, the leather sidewall and around the heel do not wrap around and hug the heel like the previous generation and so the foot moves around too much because it’s too loose and there is no side support, and along with the softness of the Boost, the foot squishes around as if you’re wearing one of them soft, lightweight breathable tennis or running shoe as opposed to a solid base golf shoe. The XT spikes are not stable, they are too soft and move around so much you lose traction and toque and you will miss hit shots like I have been.
Anyway, I am very disappointed to say the least. You need to revise these reviews based after a month of use, because after all, these shoes are all meant to last at least a year or two, and if they get this worn after a month, the reviews need to indicate it as such.
Brenda C Ezell
2 years agoGreat article
I went with the ADIDAS 360 spineless (no spike-less gotta love spell checker). I wear a 12E (not D, not EEE). The 12 wide fit perfectly. The shoe provides support evenly under the entire foot. It has a nice snug everywhere fit in the upper. Plenty of room in toe box. I’ve had a lot of foot issues in the past and I’m VERY picky with shoes. They were expensive but they seem to have excellent quality. They are some of the best shoes I’ve ever wore.
Tom
2 years agoFWIW, I have smaller but wide feet. Usually buy a 4e in shoes for reference. It’s tough for me to find shoes. I actually just got through with trying on all the below and ended up keeping the Puma ignite caged. I tried: Footjoy Fury 4e, Contour 4e, Tour s 4e, UA Spieth 4 ee, Skechers pro wide, additas tour 360 wide, tour 360 2.0 wide, Puma ignite caged wide, True og premium, G4 gallivanter wide, Nike zoom infinity tour wide
David Meriwether
2 years agoAny comments toward a category of “best for walkers”? I’m 73 and still walking most every week, but there are a good many folk who have just started and are converts except for the sore feet.
Brandon
2 years agoDon’t all of you just buy shoes when a good deal pops up on eBay?
DB
2 years agoThe UA shoes look nice, but I’ll be honest I’m not interested in golf shoes with Gore-Tex. Sure it’s great for the rain but I’ve never worn a pair with Gore-Tex and my feet weren’t drenched in sweat by the end of the round. No thanks.
Did you guys test all the Gore-Tex shoes playing a round of golf in 95-degree weather? I doubt it.
Harry Nodwell
2 years agoActually DB we did. I have personally worn them in 95-degree heat with 85% humidity and they performed just fine. We leave no stone unturned when it comes to testing.
Russell Ditton
2 years agoDo chicks wear golf shoes or just us blokes?
Do you have a list of female spiked golf shoes that you’ve tested?
Steven
2 years agoI’m wearing spike less shoes. Before when I was wearing spikes several problems arose. First I found that if you didn’t really clean and even take them off and clean, I Had a hard time getting them off to replace. Second at times I would change manufacturers or styles and would end up having leftover spikes that don’t fit. I currently wear FJ SL/pro. I have 2pairs and alternate. Thanks for the report and keep up the good work.
Troy
2 years agoJust purchased a pair of the UA Hovr Drive GXT. They are a sturdy shoe, great traction, stability and look great. Have worn them for two rounds thus far, both walking. They are a bit firm at first, but will very likely loosen up a bit as I wear them. Am very happy, would suggest them to anyone.
Mackie
2 years agoLove the tour 360. But clunking out mud from golf shoes at the trunk of the car just makes it feel so year 2000 again. Just got the nike infinity pro shoes with the fancy spring spikes. They are awesome. First shoe ive ever owned, when after i got home from a round i didnt experience any leg fatigue, my thigh and hips and calves werent sore. You guys shouldve tested those. Only took one hole of walking to break them in. They’re stable and the fancy spike deal actually grips too. After the round, i just got in my car and drove off. No clunk at the trunk!! And i dont think they are considered spikeless either. Just gave my footjoy collection to a buddy with the same size as me. Sorry FJ!
Tom P
2 years agoI totally agree with HAC and John P , only FJ and NB offer shoes in a X wide size. We feel left out of the conversation when you name the best of something that does not include everyone.
There have also been reviews on Amazon that people really hate these shoes because of poor heel structure.
Harry Nodwell
2 years agoFootjoy, New Balance, Under Armour and Skechers all offer Extra Wide options as stated in the features chart.
George
2 years ago360 is the worst golf shoe I’ve tried. It’s a cheap clunky turf collector. Made for waking on the moon maybe but not a golf shoe.
Bill
2 years agoGotta say, I agree with this 100%. Bought into the “hype” of Adidas having the greatest golf shoes, got Tour 360s in leather and also the knit. Extremely clunky, grass collectors, and gave me blisters the size of half dollars – both shoes.
I was able to return the knits in time, but unfortunately ended up stuck with the leathers. I use them at the range and sometimes in scrambles where I’m in a cart and don’t have to walk around too much. I may have gotten a size too big as well, so that’s something to consider when it comes to the blisters. Just not a big fan of that all leather thin heel section.
The TW13 still remain the most comfortable and versatile golf shoe I’ve ever worn. I had purchased 2 pairs back then and kept them in pristine condition with frequent cleaning. The heel section is especially nice and I’m still hunting for a shoe 7 years later that can take the top spot for me.
Joe
2 years agoAs a diehard Adidas fan I agree with you when it comes to their spikes (gym shoes is a different story, I love them )…
But for spikes im shocked how poorly the Puma ProAdapt’s are scored here. I haven’t met anyone who has had any negative thing to say about them. I firmly believe they are the most comfortable spike ive ever worn and to see them rated here as the 2nd most uncomfortable shoe is crazy. I get this is entirely subjective, but ive tried the top 4 shoes they recommend and Puma blows them all away
Under Armour has never made a good shoe or golf shoe. IMO thats the area they lack the most in
Luc Lacoursiere
2 years agoMark M is right, please take out the the style portion of your evaluation. You don’t do it for clubs (especially putters, where you make a point of saying to try any putters regardless of looks), so you shouldn’t do it for shoes either.
Lou
2 years agoIt’s June, fellows. I’ve already bought my golf shoes for this summer and fall. I doubt I’m alone. How about talking golf balls. For instance, I notice Vice was the only DTC ball in Golf Magazine’s new list. Where was your favorite, Snell? Everyone benefits when you go in depth in a product we all need every round. Only some people buy one or several new pairs of shoes a year. We all buy plenty of golf balls. Rank them please.
VandalDO
2 years agoI’ve already bought two pairs of new golf kicks from True Linkswear. Always interesting to see what MGS test either way. I also noted that only Vice was the lone DTC ball company in Golf Magazine’s recent issue. I’d hate to say that it is likely due to the fact that they advertise in the magazine. I’ll stick with my Snell MTB-X. Best ball for the money IMHO.
Michael
2 years agoThank you again MGS. Enjoyed the review. I own 4 pairs of golf shoes (FJ Sport, FJ Hyperflex, Adidas Adipower Boost, and Skechers Go Golf Elite). Bought the Skechers based on a previous MGS review and was really impressed with the comfort and performance. Results from this test have me of 2 minds; is Skechers quality slipping or has UA and Adidas just passed them. My Adidas is my 2nd favorite golf shoe for comfort and performance. The FJ’s are ok but I’m a walker who carries his bag so not as impressed with those 2. I save the FJ Sport for rounds I know I’ll be using a cart. Always wait for sales or closeouts to buy my golf shoes so don’t pay more than $90 for a pair. That’s why I love being able to scan the MGS reviews from previous years. Keep up the great work.
HAC
2 years agoThese reviews are nice but almost irrelevant to me. I need an extra-wide shoe so I have to buy either FootJoy or New Balance. The other criteria are nice, but not real important if the shoe does not fit. Please use your megaphone to get more of your brands to make shoes in a variety of widths.
Trip D
2 years agoI’ve been wearing Adidas for years, and I’m not sure why anyone would want to pay twice as much for a shoe that’s probably inferior. I’m sure there’s not a great deal of difference in any good shoe, so why pay more?
Dan
2 years agoI wear the Adidas shoes. I found my size 14 shoes to be a wee bit tight. Maybe the 1/2 size larger is only in the smaller sizes. And that’s the only gripe I have.
Jaykay
2 years agoI just bought a pair of Adidas 360XT-SL and will wear them on course for the first time tomorrow. I used the Adidas foot measure as I could only buy them online as all golf stores are still shut in UK. I take a UK size 9 in street shoes but the Adidas measuring system said that I needed a UK 10.5. They were right, so beware when ordering these shoes if you can’t try them on before buying. Incidentally my last 2 pairs were Footjoy and they were UK 9.5. It would be nice if golf shoes sizes were accurate.
tscdave
2 years agoThanks for the article. I prefer spikeless, but believe in having one pair of spiked shoes for wet or very hilly conditions. That Adidas shoe looks great for the money!
John P
2 years agoIt would be great if you mentioned which brands offer Wide and Extra Wide shoes. I wear New Balance because they are the only brand offering Extra Wide shoes that actually fit.
Harry Nodwell
2 years agoIf you look at the features chart you will see the size range for each manufacture
Mark M
2 years agoHi guys, as usual love the testing that you do for us consumers!
Regarding the shoe tests, I think it would add to the MyGolfSpy performance only testing mantra if you could provide an alternate chart and rankings using performance ONLY numbers, taking style out of the equation because that is SO subjective.
I would also be really interested in seeing a head to head between the top 5 spikeless and spiked shoes using the same metrics. I’m curious how they would compare since spikeless technology has had more time to evolve and improve.
Thanks again!