2017 SPIKED GOLF SHOE BUYER'S GUIDE
Golf shoes are changing, and they're changing fast. In 2017 golfers demand a shoe not only look good but also provide 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 toes. 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.
FEATURES CHART
| Name | Price | Color(s) | Sole Design | Sizing | Waterproofing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKECHERS GO GOLF PRO 2 | $119.95 | 4 | Cushioned Comfort Insole | 7.5-14 | None |
| UNDER ARMOUR SPIETH ONE | $159.51 | 4 | EVA footbed | 7-15 | 2 years |
| ADIDAS TOUR 360 BOOST | $139.99 | 12 | Full-length Boost Foam | 7-15 | 2 years |
| FOOTJOY HYPERFLEX | $157.23 | 3 | Next Gen HeelLoc | 7.5-15 | 2 years |
| NIKE LUNAR COMMAND 2 | $98.99 | 6 | Lunarlon cushioning | 7-14 | 1 year |
| FOOTJOY FREESTYLE | $119.99 | 3 | InnerSok | 7.5-11.5 | 2 years |
| ADIDAS POWERBAND BOA | $153.37 | 5 | FitFoam PU Sockliner | 7-15 | 2 years |
| ADIDAS ADIPURE TP | $200.00 | 3 | EVA footbed | 7.5-14 | 2 years |
| ECCO COOL 18 GTX | $279.95 | 1 | Perforated grid/ PU Mid-Sole | 5-13.5 | 3 years |
| NEW BALANCE 2004 | $101.91 | 3 | RevLite | 8-15 | 2 years |
| CALLAWAY CORONADO | $154.95 | 2 | Opti-Soft EVA | 8-14 | 2 years |
| NEW BALANCE WHT 3001 | $160.03 | 1 | RevLite | 9-15 | 2 years |
| CALLAWAY LA JOLLA | $101.89 | 3 | Opti-Soft EVA | 8-14 | 2 years |
| TRUELINKSWEAR CLASSIX | $169.99 | 3 | Zero-Drop Heel | 7-14 | 2 years |
| PUMA TITANTOUR IGNITE DISC | $132.32 | 2 | Ignite foam | 8.5-14 | 2 years |
| LAMBDA MONZA | $296.18 | 4 | Ethylene-vinyl acetate insert | 7.5-11.5 | 1 year |
We put in hours of testing utilizing data-driven protocols to test new metrics. The numbers are better than ever.
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, outsoles, and undersoles for anything that could limit functionality or comfort.
Stability (20 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. The most comfortable shoes feel light on the feet, yet provided the stability needed during the round.
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.
Fit (15 points) - We examined the length, width, ankle entry, toe box, midsection, and heel cup to ensure that each shoe provided a snug and comfortable fit. Shoes that rank poorly in this category caused discomfort stemming from the fit itself. On the other hand, shoes that perform well fit like a glove.
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 2017
SKECHERS GO GOLF PRO 2
"Editor's Choice"
|
Price
|
$119.95 |
|
Stability
|
1st |
|
Comfort
|
1st |
|
Elements
|
4th |
|
Style
|
6th |
|
Fit
|
1st |
|
Score
|
93.5 |
What We Liked
Did you know: In 2015 Skechers surpassed Adidas as the 2nd largest shoe company in America? Not only did this stat surprise us but so did their golf shoes. In this years test we rated the Skechers Go Golf Pro 2 to be by far the best performing spiked golf shoe in the market. Say what you will about the perception of the brand or logo, these golf shoes are incredible performers.
Pros
- “The Best Spiked Shoe in 2017”
- “Most Stable Spiked Shoe for 2017”
- “Best in Class” Comfort
- “Best in Class” Fit
- “Best in Class” Stability
Cons
- No weatherproofing warranty
- Logo placement and size
- Stiffness in the heel
UNDER ARMOUR SPIETH ONE
|
Price
|
$159.51 |
|
Stability
|
3rd |
|
Comfort
|
4th |
|
Elements
|
2nd |
|
Style
|
3rd |
|
Fit
|
2nd |
|
Score
|
88.75 |
What We Liked
The Under Armour Spieth One is a great golf shoe and strong all-around performer. Best way to describe this shoe is you get the feel of a classic golf shoe with the performance of modern athletic footwear. It is a stable shoe and on the rigid side from from heel through the toes. Heel cup gives excellent stability while allowing for just enough movement through swing.
Pros
- Top 5 across the board
- Variety of style options
- Locked in fit through Mid-Foot
- Outstanding waterproofing
- BOA option
Cons
- Midsole not most comfortable
- Awkward ridge along the back heel
ADIDAS TOUR 360 BOOST
|
Price
|
$139.99 |
|
Stability
|
2nd |
|
Comfort
|
7th |
|
Elements
|
2nd |
|
Style
|
1st |
|
Fit
|
4th |
|
Score
|
87.25 |
What We Liked
A nice classic Adidas spike golf shoe that gives you almost everything you could expect from a golf shoe. Provides above average stability, comfort and colorway options. The TORSION TUNNEL creates a feel of being locked-in throughout the swing. Toe box is slightly rigid during stride.
Pros
- “Best in Class” Style
- Full length Boost Technology
- Diverse selection of colorways
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Potentially too stable for those who prefer a more mobile design
- Not the best walking shoe
FOOTJOY HYPERFLEX 2
"Best Walking Shoe"
|
Price
|
$157.23 |
|
Stability
|
7th |
|
Comfort
|
3rd |
|
Elements
|
11th |
|
Style
|
12th |
|
Fit
|
9th |
|
Score
|
86.25 |
What We Liked
FootJoy does an incredible job with their golf shoe offerings regarding stability. They provide golfers with just about every option possible for choosing exactly the type of stability YOU prefer. The FootJoy HyperFlex is the goldilocks of the line-up. Not too much, not too little, just the right amount. While the style of this shoe was not preferred by testers it was ranked as our “Best Walking Shoe” in 2017.
Pros
- “Best Walking Shoe” in 2017
- The BioMorph material ensures proper fit
- More stable than material might suggest
- Lightweight
- BOA option
Cons
- Style won’t appeal to all
- Slightly narrow through mid-foot
NIKE LUNAR COMMAND 2
"Best Buy"
|
Price
|
$98.99 |
|
Stability
|
3rd |
|
Comfort
|
6th |
|
Elements
|
10th |
|
Style
|
1st |
|
Fit
|
9th |
|
Score
|
85 |
What We Liked
The Nike Lunar Command 2 is an above average golf shoe in almost all categories. For those looking for a more open toe box and a medium amount of stability with modern styling options this shoe is a good option for you. It creates a snug feel around the ankle and nice heel cup design.
Pros
- “Best in Class” Style
- Outstanding waterproofing
- Exceptionally well-designed toe box
- Well-designed heel cup allows for maximum power
- Great stability from the heel to the mid-foot
- BOA option
Cons
- Makes awkward noises while walking
- During walking binding of material around big toe
- The lack of height in the heel limits stability
- Tend to land full foot rather than heel striking
2017 SPIKED SHOE BUYERS GUIDE
| Name | Price | Stability | Comfort | Elements | Style | Fit | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKECHERS GO GOLF PRO 2 | $119.95 | 1st | 1st | 4th | 6th | 1st | 93.5 |
| UNDER ARMOUR SPIETH ONE | $159.51 | 3rd | 4th | 2nd | 3rd | 2nd | 88.75 |
| ADIDAS TOUR 360 BOOST | $139.99 | 2nd | 7th | 2nd | 1st | 4th | 87.25 |
| FOOTJOY HYPERFLEX | $157.23 | 7th | 3rd | 11th | 12th | 9th | 86.25 |
| NIKE LUNAR COMMAND 2 | $98.99 | 3rd | 6th | 10th | 1st | 9th | 85 |
| FOOTJOY FREESTYLE | $119.99 | 13th | 2nd | 15th | 15th | 5th | 84.25 |
| ADIDAS POWERBAND BOA | $153.27 | 7th | 7th | 6th | 11th | 2nd | 83.75 |
| ADIDAS ADIPURE TP | $200.00 | 5th | 11th | 1st | 4th | 6th | 83.25 |
| ECCO COOL 18 GTX | $279.95 | 6th | 4th | 15th | 14th | 6th | 82.5 |
| NEW BALANCE 2004 | $101.91 | 7th | 10th | 8th | 6th | 6th | 82.25 |
| CALLAWAY CORONADO | $154.95 | 9th | 14th | 7th | 5th | 13th | 79.75 |
| NEW BALANCE 3001 | $160.03 | 15th | 9th | 8th | 8th | 9th | 78.5 |
| CALLAWAY LA JOLLA | $101.89 | 12th | 11th | 16th | 12th | 14th | 76.5 |
| TRUELINKSWEAR CLASSIX | $169.99 | 10th | 15th | 5th | 8th | 12th | 76.5 |
| PUMA TITANTOUR IGNITE DISC | $132.32 | 13th | 13th | 8th | 15th | 14th | 75.5 |
| LAMBDA MONZA | $296.18 | 16th | 16th | 8th | 8th | 16th | 65 |
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