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2021 Spikeless Shoe Buyer’s Guide
Ever wondered what type of shoes are taking over the industry? Spiked or spikeless? In 2021, we tested 34 different pairs of spikeless shoes compared to 20 in the spiked category. Do the math.
While its spiked sibling has done well in the past, the technology advancements speak for themselves. World long-drive champion Kyle Berkshire wears a spikeless shoe and many pro golfers do as well.
The best spikeless golf shoes for 2021 don’t trade comfort for stability or value for style. You can still go from the office to the golf course but the spikeless category is about much more than versatility. Any of the shoes in our top 10 will give you just about everything you could want from a golf shoe.
WINNER – adidas Tour 360 XT-SL TEX
If you’re looking for a new spikeless golf shoe for the 2021 season, look no further than the adidas Tour 360 XT-SL TEX. Its consistent overall performance across most categories earned it the No. 1 spot. Compared to its sibling, the XT-SL TEX has a softer, more padded heel section for those golfers who don’t like that firmer feeling.
- Second in stability
- First in comfort
- 15th in elements
- Fourth in traction
MOST STABLE SHOE - adidas Tour 360 XT SL 2
If you need the maximum amount of stability in your shoes look no further than the adidas Tour 360 XT SL 2. Its solid base combined with their boost technology will make it an easy walk. The XT SL 2 has top notch traction to keep you grounded throughout your swing.
Spikeless Shoe Features That Matter
Comfort
Like any footwear—heck, any apparel, for that matter—the most significant factor is proper sizing. Many brands offer half sizes and multiple widths along with various support features. Don’t get seduced by appearance or brand name. With plenty of choices available, you are sure to find the combination of comfort and style you’re looking for.
If you want the most comfortable shoe, try the adidas Tour 360 XT-SL TEX. Other shoes that rival the XT-SL TEX’s comfort are the adidas S2G SL and the Inesis Dry Grip and Waterproof models.
Traction
This has been the proverbial millstone around spikeless shoes from their inception. True or not, the perception is that spikeless shoes do not offer significant traction. And while that’s generally accurate in wet conditions, the best spikeless shoes for 2021 maintain their grip even when the course is soft.
If all-weather traction is your main concern, try the Inesis Waterproof or the adidas Tour 360 XT-SL TEX.
Stability
Spikeless designs tend to be less stable than traditional spiked shoes. It’s not unintentional, as the purpose of early spikeless shoes was to allow more freedom of movement as well as increased comfort. That being said, while the ideal level of stability varies among golfers, a shoe should never be so unstable that your foot spills over the edge of the footbed.
As spikeless shoes have grown in popularity, the need to marry the lifestyle design of spikeless shoes with more traditional shoe elements has emerged. As a result, we’re seeing more options designed around greater stability. In doing so, you often lose a bit of the casual gym-shoe look. It’s a small price to pay for spikeless options that offer the stability of a traditional golf shoe.
Golfers seeking the ultimate in stability should consider the adidas Tour 360 XT SL 2 and Under Armour HOVR Show SL. The Inesis Waterproof is also an excellent choice.
MOST COMFORTABLE SHOE - adidas S2G SL
Ever wanted a shoe what fits like a glove? If so, the adidas S2G SL is the shoe for you. Your foot feels compact but not restricted. The best part is that your foot has cushioning hitting you from every angle. Throw in its lightweight design and boost technology and you have the most comfortable shoe on the market.
EXPERT TIP - Do you want your foot to breath?
Golfers looking for increased breathability should consider designs with a "knit" textile structure. Not only are knit/textile shoes breathable and lightweight, but most are fully waterproof despite the mesh-like material.
THE BEST SPIKELESS SHOES OF 2021 - FEATURES
| Product | Colors | Sizing | Width | Real Life Fit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Adidas EQT SL Check Price | 2 | 7-15 | Wide | 1/2 Size Big |
 | Adidas S2G SL Check Price | 3 | 7-15 | Medium | 1/2 Size Big |
 | Adidas Tour 360 XT SL 2 Check Price | 3 | 7-15 | Medium | 1/2 Size Big |
 | Adidas Tour 360 XT-SL TEX Check Price | 3 | 7-15 | Medium | 1/2 Size Big |
 | Asics Gel Course - Glide Check Price | 6 | 6-14 | Medium | True To Size |
 | ASICS Gel Course ACE Check Price | 3 | 7-13 | Medium | True To Size |
 | Callaway Coronado V2 SL Check Price | 3 | 8-14 | M/W | True To Size |
 | Callaway Del Mar Sunset Check Price | 3 | 8-15 | M/W | True To Size |
 | Cuater The MoneyMaker Check Price | 4 | 8-13 | Medium | 1/2 Size Big |
 | Cuater The Wildcard Check Price | 3 | 8-13 | Medium | 1/2 Size Big |
 | DUCA Del Cosma Monterosso Check Price | 1 | 7-14 | Medium | True To Size |
 | DUCA Del Cosma Flyer Check Price | 1 | 7-14 | Medium | True To Size |
 | ECCO S Hybrid Check Price | 3 | 9-13.5 | Wide | 1/2 Size Big |
 | FootJoy Premiere Series Flint Check Price | 3 | 7-15 | N/M/W/EW | True To Size |
 | FootJoy Pro SL Check Price | 8 | 7-15 | N/M/W/EW | True To Size |
 | FootJoy Pro SL Carbon Check Price | 2 | 7-15 | N/M/W/EW | True To Size |
 | GFore MG4 Plus Check Price | 4 | 7-14 | Medium | True To Size |
 | GFore MG4-1 Check Price | 1 | 7-15 | Medium | True To Size |
 | Inesis Dry Grip Check Price | 3 | 6.5-13.5 | Medium | True To Size |
 | Inesis Mountain Check Price | 2 | 6.5-13.5 | Medium | True To Size |
 | Inesis Waterproof Check Price | 5 | 6.5-13.5 | Medium | True To Size |
 | New Balance Fresh Foam Links BOA Check Price | 2 | 8-14 | M/W | True To Size |
 | New Balance Fresh Foam Pace SL Check Price | 3 | 7-17 | Medium | True To Size |
 | Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour Check Price | 3 | 3.5-16 | Medium | True To Size |
 | Nike React Infinity Pro Check Price | 7 | 3.5-16 | Medium | True To Size |
 | PAYNTR X 001 F Check Price | 3 | 8-13 | Medium | True To Size |
 | PUMA Fusion EVO Check Price | 2 | 7-17 | M/EW | True To Size |
 | PUMA IGNITE FASTEN 8 Check Price | 5 | 7-14 | Medium | 1/2 Size Big |
 | PUMA RSG Check Price | 3 | 7-13 | Medium | True To Size |
 | Skechers Go Golf Elite Tour SL Check Price | 2 | 7-13 | Medium | True To Size |
 | Skechers GO GOLF Elite 4 Victory Check Price | 4 | 7.5-13 | M/EW | True To Size |
 | Under Armour Curry 6 Check Price | 2 | 7-13 | Medium | True To Size |
 | Under Armour HOVR Forge RCSL Check Price | 2 | 7.14 | Medium | True To Size |
 | Under Armour HOVR Show SL Check Price | 2 | 7-15 | Medium | True To Size |
EXPERT TIP - Try the BOA
While BOA/DISC offerings are less common in spikeless designs, shoes with these closure systems often fit differently than the laced versions. If the laced model doesn't feel quite right, it's worth trying the BOA/DISC closure system if it’s available, but be ready to pay for it.
More Tips
- Not everyone needs a ton of stability in a golf shoe. Try different shoe designs to determine what level of stability works best for you.
- If you find that you want or need maximum stability, look for designs with “cage technology” in the mid-foot section. It’s common in traditional spiked shoes but companies have begun adding stability-enhancing components to their spikeless designs.
- Depending on the manufacture, sizes can vary. If you can’t try them on, check the company’s sizing sheet to ensure you get the size you need.
- Whether you choose spiked or spikeless, have your foot measured to ensure you’re buying the proper size.
- To play your best, you need to be grounded. A shoe that doesn’t provide proper traction is going to cost you strokes.
- In general, spikeless shoes are easier on turf than the more aggressively spiked shoes. If you want your superintendent and the golfers that follow you to love you, go spikeless.
BEST NEWCOMER - PAYNTR X 001 F
The PAYNTR X 001 F may not be new to sports but when it comes to golf its brand new. The 001 F performed exceptionally well across all categories beating out the best in the market. Its superb traction and comfort makes this shoe one to put on your list to buy.
A New Shoe Can Boost Your Swing Speed
According to FootJoy, wearing the right golf shoe can add up to 3 mph of swing speed.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect spikeless golf shoe to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Spikeless Shoes are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating spikeless golf shoes include stability, comfort, elements, and traction.
THE BEST SPIKELESS SHOES 2021 - RESULTS
| Product | Stability | Comfort | Elements | Traction | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas Tour 360 XT-SL TEX Check Price | 2nd | 1st | 15th | 4th | 95 |
| Adidas S2G SL Check Price | 5th | 1st | 15th | 4th | 94.5 |
| Under Armour HOVR Show SL Check Price | 2nd | 6th | 2nd | 4th | 93.5 |
| Adidas Tour 360 XT SL 2 Check Price | 1st | 23rd | 2nd | 4th | 93 |
| PAYNTR X 001 F Check Price | 5th | 4th | 7th | 4th | 92 |
 | Inesis Waterproof Check Price | 2nd | 9th | 2nd | 1st | 91 |
| ECCO S Hybrid Check Price | 11th | 18th | 1st | 17th | 89.5 |
| Callaway Coronado V2 SL Check Price | 18th | 4th | 22nd | 17th | 89 |
| Skechers Go Golf Elite Tour SL Check Price | 5th | 9th | 9th | 22nd | 89 |
| Cuater The MoneyMaker Check Price | 18th | 23rd | 15th | 4th | 88.5 |
| GFore MG4 Plus Check Price | 23rd | 18th | 7th | 11th | 88 |
| New Balance Fresh Foam Pace SL Check Price | 21st | 6th | 22nd | 22nd | 87 |
| ASICS Gel Course ACE Check Price | 11th | 15th | 9th | 17th | 87 |
| Under Armour HOVR Forge RCSL Check Price | 28th | 15th | 15th | 4th | 87 |
| Inesis Dry Grip Check Price | 23rd | 3rd | 27th | 1st | 86.5 |
| Skechers GO GOLF Elite 4 Victory Check Price | 11th | 9th | 9th | 22nd | 86.5 |
| PUMA IGNITE FASTEN 8 Check Price | 11th | 9th | 22nd | 31st | 85.5 |
| Asics Gel Course - Glide Check Price | 23rd | 6th | 22nd | 17th | 85 |
| FootJoy Pro SL Carbon Check Price | 5th | 30th | 2nd | 22nd | 85 |
| PUMA Fusion EVO Check Price | 30th | 9th | 27th | 30th | 83.5 |
| Under Armour Curry 6 Check Price | 23rd | 22nd | 27th | 11th | 83.5 |
| Nike React Infinity Pro Check Price | 11th | 25th | 19th | 32nd | 83.5 |
| Callaway Del Mar Sunset Check Price | 21st | 28th | 27th | 11th | 83.5 |
| GFore MG4-1 Check Price | 31st | 15th | 34th | 11th | 82.5 |
| New Balance Fresh Foam Links BOA Check Price | 28th | 18th | 19th | 17th | 82.5 |
| Adidas EQT SL Check Price | 23rd | 18th | 32nd | 22nd | 82 |
| Cuater The Wildcard Check Price | 33rd | 9th | 32nd | 11th | 81.5 |
| PUMA RSG Check Price | 11th | 25th | 22nd | 32nd | 81 |
| FootJoy Premiere Series Flint Check Price | 5th | 31st | 9th | 11th | 81 |
 | FootJoy Pro SL Check Price | 18th | 33rd | 2nd | 22nd | 79 |
| DUCA Del Cosma Flyer Check Price | 31st | 29th | 19th | 22nd | 78 |
| Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour Check Price | 11th | 33rd | 9th | 32nd | 77 |
 | Inesis Mountain Check Price | 5th | 31st | 9th | 3rd | 76.5 |
| DUCA Del Cosma Monterosso Check Price | 34th | 25th | 27th | 29th | 75 |
Best Spikeless Shoes of 2021 – FAQ
Q: How much should I spend on a shoe?
A: While it’s possible to find a well-designed, fully featured golf shoe for around $80, the majority of top performers sell for around $150. Golfers who play just a few times a year may be able to find a suitable option for less. Never skimp on comfort to save a buck.
Q: What is the main feature I should look for when buying a spikeless shoe?
A: Comfort is by far the most important factor, followed by traction. Stability is also an important consideration but different golfers require different levels of stability. Only after you have those three considerations covered should style factor into the decision.
Q: Is BOA/DISC technology better than laces?
A: Use of BOA and DISC technology is less prevalent in spikeless designs. Some golfers prefer 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 throughout a round. Although it’s not a big deal to re-tighten, who wants to worry about it? Also consider that if a shoelace breaks, it’s easily replaceable whereas warranty replacements for other closure systems can take some time.
Kyle Barthelson
2 years agoHaving a hard time finding the New Balance shoe in the test with the BOA. The New Balance website doesn’t show one and I can’t find on on google. Anyone know anything about these? Future release date?
WYBob
2 years agoOverall a very good synopsis of of whats available and the key attributes of each shoe . I will repeat the comment I made on your Best Spiked Shoe article- one of the key attributes for comfort is choosing a shoe that utilized a last that most closely matches your foot. Each manufacturer utilizes their own lasts, and hence each fits an individual’s foot differently. I know that Adidas fits me best because of their heel cup design. That heal cup might be too narrow/tight for others. I believe many of the previous comments regarding fit of a particular shoe brand are in response to the specic lasts used by that manufaturer. Net/net-just like clubs, get properly fit. .I also agree with one of the previous posters that durability should be a criteria in your future evaluations.
Jarrad S
2 years agoRecently purchased a pair of the Nike Air Max 270G. A bit disappointed to see them not on the list. They are insanely comfortable and have excellent reviews as far as waterproofing goes.
Bobarino
2 years agoI bought two pair of the Inesis Waterproof last season which are still going strong. They are fantastic shoes. Best traction and stability I’ve ever had in a spikeless shoe. Def not for those who must have flashy feet, but not nearly as dowdy as the Sketchers in previous years. Inesis FTW.
Tony
2 years agoComfort is one thing when you try them on in the store and take a few steps & it’ an entirely different thing when you walk 18/36 holes in them over unlevel terrain…..That’s one reason I have not bought Addidas in years.
The other factor that I would love more information on, recognizing the difficulty in acquiring that data, is DURABILITY.. Walkers need shoes that will last over time & not fall apart after a few rounds. Any data on that would be appreciated before popping $150.00 on a pair of shoes that will be worthless next month
Matt A
2 years agoHow in the world was the Adidas CodeChaos not make the list? I’ve played them all winter, they are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn and my feet have never gotten wet..
Bri
2 years agoI agree, been wearing the boot version of them in extreme wet and mud this winter and they’ve been great..
Brad
2 years agoCan’t seem to find the New Balance Links BOA shoes anywhere. Are they yet to be released?
Garett
2 years agoI like the look of the textile shoes and they are probably super comfortable, but I’m worried about waterproofness (lots of heavy dew in the mornings when I play) and how difficult they might be to keep clean. What are other people’s experience with them?
ChrisA
2 years agoI would love to buy Adidas shoes but have never found any that are wide enough for me.
Dr Tee
2 years agoNothing beats TRUE for style, comfort and stability. I have 4 pairs: Knit I, Knit II, OG Masters edition, and Lux Knit. I am asked about these evertime I play because they are amazing looking. Nearly all the shoes you reviewed look like gym shoes and would never fill the bill for dining room or office. Furthermore— I sometimes shop for shoes off course at Dick’s, Worldwide Golf, and PGA Superstore and have never even seen the Inesis shoes you are so enamored with…. a good review would have included TRUE which would have blown the others away!!
John K
2 years agoFully agree! I own 3 pair of True’s last offering of spiked shoes(swear they are still the best yet)but also own the former Outsider and 2 pairs of The Major. Additionally an OG as well. They consistently over the last 2-3 years have provide some of the best spike-less offerings! How they weren’t included is truly an oversight on MGS part!
Mike
2 years agoWhy would you wear your golf shoes to the dining room or the office? Even in my poorest days right out of college I owned more than one pair of shoes.
Jon Silverberg
2 years agoCouldn’t disagree more…I bought two pair of True spikeless golf shoes a few years ago, and they did not have enough metatarsal arch support in either pair. After an hour or two, my feet hurt like hell. I’ve nevwer hafd that problem with any other golf shoe.
Rodrigo
2 years agoIf you need “metatarsal arch support”, maybe you should rethink the shoes you are wearing and the issues you already have in your feet. True’s originals are intended to respect the natural biology of our feet – large space for the toes, no drop between heel and toe etc. If you don’t feel more stable with your feet actually “planted” on the ground, and need suport below them, then your feet lost the optimal structure they once had..
Drew
2 years agoTRUE lost their way a few years ago. Rubber nubs were coming off, rips, etc. I quit buying that brand and now stick with Skechers.
Ted Ray
2 years agoNot sure I get the True love. Bought two pair about two years ago – really didn’t like them. Very uncomfortable with poor traction. Waste of money for me.
As for finding a pair of Inesis, you see, there’s this thing called Google that can help you find damn near anything…
Just a thought.
Tim D
2 years agoCompletely agree on True shoes.. I have (had) a pair that were uncomfortable and gave no real support. Wore them for about 10 rounds and threw them away. I’ll never buy another pair.
Drew
2 years agoMy Golf Catalogue is really cranking out articles in time for tax refunds.
Pete S
2 years agoGreat review, I don’t think I would have ever tried the Adidas shoes the past couple of years if not for the fact that they consistently do well in your testing. As with anything in golf, each person needs to find what works for them through testing/fitting etc.
My only complaint with some of the Adidas shoes is they are usually pretty ugly.
DGA3
2 years agoI clicked on the link for the winning Adidas shoe and found many reviews that listed it as a 1-star, because it was so uncomfortable, especially in the heel, which has a rigid plastic piece in it. Consequently, I am wondering how it ended up ranking #1 in comfort, when – even on Adidas own site – it has many low ratings for comfort.
Harry Nodwell
2 years agoWhen I tested them, they were very comfortable with a compact overall feel. The padding was in the right places with good arch support. There were no complaints on this end.
Michael
2 years agoIt’s called a heel counter and it is there to provide stability to the ankle to prevent increase moments on inversion or eversion of the sub talar joint.
Any quality running shoe has one
Mike
2 years agoShoes are such a unique purchase for me and probably other folks too in that everything has to fit just right. This is a good article and may give me some ideas of shoes to try if I were to buy spikeless shoes (which I wouldn’t). I guess I still don’t understand the concept of golf shoes that double as “go hang out with my friend shoes”. I do own more than one pair of shoes, And if a buddy showed up wearing golf shoes, he’d definitely get a WTF look.
Scott King
2 years agoI actually dont like, cant tolerate, the feel of spikes when walking. I have been wearing True’s for a long time. Stopped and picked back up when they got their shit together with a pair of ecco’s. Now though i feel like i need better structure in my golf shoe. Will be shopping this coming weekend to see if something better for my foot is out there. Hoping to solve a little heel plantar fasciitis. Adidas rarely fit , but i will be trying them out. Any other suggestions not on the list?
Paul
2 years agoTrue Linkswear are the best golf shoes I’ve ever owned. Wide toe boxes, super comfortable, waterproof, and stylish.
Pete S
2 years agoWhich are your favorite ones? I had some a few years ago but then they stopped selling at retail and went to online only. Haven’t tried any since then.
Scott
2 years agoJust purchased a pair and are looking forward to trying out.
JAS
2 years agoNice amount of research on these spike less shoes, but come on man, why have golf shoes if they are not waterproof? How comfortable is it to have wet feet?
Harry Nodwell
2 years agoJust because some shoes aren’t labeled as “waterproof” doesn’t mean that shoes with textile upper can’t do a great job at repelling the water. We have tested them and there are a lot that hold up well to consistent rain.
Scott
2 years agoI would 2nd the comments on the MG4+. It is the most comfortable shoe much less golf shoe I have ever worn.
Jeremy
2 years agoI love what you do, which is why I contribute what I contribute, but I must say so long as True Linkswear is not included in the testing, it feels irrelevant. They are the category leader among sneaker heads and as someone who exhausts most of his disposable income on golf shoes and equipment, I’ve found them to be heads and shoulders above anyone else.
Jamie Katz
2 years agoReally appreciate the work you do, but I will echo the refrain from others on this test. I need an extra-wide. set of shoes Last year, you had a New Balance shoe that worked. How about having the best of the extra-wides each year for those of us with fat feet? And if you need a couple of guys to work with Harry on the project, since he probably doesn’t have big feet, I’ll volunteer and I’m sure others will as well.
Harry Nodwell
2 years agoWe label in the feature section which shoes come in extra wide. This will help you narrow it down and choose which one performed well in testing
Kevin S
2 years agoIn my world (size 14 Wide), I am almost always stuck with buying what is available and usually I have to pick a based on color I like (wrong style or model) or a style I like (but color I would rather not have). If I wore one size smaller- MANY more options open up. 🙁
rob earl
2 years agoThe biggest complaint I have with golf shoes is the difficulty I have in getting a wide size.
Neil mclester
2 years agoGo Ecco, I’m in the same boat needing a wide fit and have found biom hybrid and biom cool pro a really wide comfy fit….appreciate they are costly but to me worth it!
James
2 years agoYet again, no True Linkswear shoes in this test. Why?
Joe Bales
2 years agoI love the evaluations, you provide information that is relevant and easy to understand. However,er as someone who spent some time in clothing retail, I would be cautions about giving out “comfort” scores, as these are very individualized and subjective. I love spikeless shoes and have two pair that are both in your rankings. One of the shoes, a very high ranking overall and one that you gave a very high comfort ranking to, are almost unwearable for me due to the way they fit my foot. My favorite pair, has a very low comfort ranking on your scale, yet it’s probably my most comfortable shoe. If I switch those comfort scores, based on my preference, then my FootJoy shoe, that you had well down in the overall rankings would be a top 3 shoe.
Mg
2 years agoI am not a spikeless shoe golfer, but out of desperation I purchased the adidas S2G in the lace up and BOA versions. I was able to put my insoles in the golf shoes. Very comfortable shoes, both of them. Thought the traction was good. Good looking shoes, already had multiple comments on how good they look. I am concerned about dirt on the shoe material ( bought a navy and grey) so I sprayed booth pairs with scotch guard. I think they will work for me. Thanks for the shoe review.
Ben
2 years agoThe GFore MG4+ have been incredible for me since early fall. They are incredibly comfortable when walking 18, but their greatest attribute is their resistance to the elements and ability to clean. A wet rag and a quick scrub has muddy shoes looking brand new. Couldn’t recommend them enough.
This is coming from the most penny-pinching golfer in America.