2017 SPIKELESS 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 spikeless 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 want to help solve that problem for you. The MyGolfSpy mission is simple: create the world's most objective and comprehensive testing in the industry. 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 testing products head-to-head. We select the top products from each category and put the products through 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 and explain why, and give awards to the best performing products in the category.
This year we approached spikeless shoe testing with more critical scoring and improved protocols. This was based on an intensive look at the market and feedback from consumers just like you. Several key findings from that research influenced the shoe testing process for 2017.
Our findings 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. The style of the shoe as deemed by the majority of consumers. And the overall fit of the shoe all the way from the heel to the toes.
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.
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, testers hit balls wearing each pair of shoes. For each pair of shoes testers hit eight shots, and gave scores during and after the test. There were opportunities for breaks in the test both in attempt to limit sweat and tester fatigue. We also closely examined parts of the shoes without our testers present. We checked the insoles, midsoles, and outsoles for anything that could limit functionality or comfort.
Stability (20 points) - How much support does the shoe provide throughout the golf swing? Does the ankle feel stable? Does the ankle move and 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 ankles and or balls of the foot and toes to roll and or slide instead of forcing them to turn. Shoes that performed well had effectively designed heel 'cups' helping lock the ankle into place. In these shoes balance feels improved because of the more stable lower body. 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.
It should be noted, a spikeless golf shoe should not trade stability for comfort.
Comfort (40 points) - Straight from the box do you feel like you can play 9? 18? 36? While many shoes were comfortable while standing or sitting they became uncomfortable when walking long distances. We noticed that some shoes had uncomfortable contouring of their insoles while others had unpliable outsoles. The most comfortable shoes felt 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. Therefore one of the main jobs a golf shoe faces is how it handles those 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 had 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 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 'bowl' to ensure that each shoe provided a snug and comfortable fit. Shoes that finished poorly in this category caused discomfort that stemmed from the fit itself. On the other hand, shoes that performed well fit like a glove.
Final grades were awarded based on total scores. Best Overall is our highest overall scoring spikeless golf shoe, and awards are given to the top five shoes. In addition, more specific Best in Class recognitions are awarded to shoes in certain categories (like fit, comfort, and stability) that push the industry ‘envelope.’
We also give an "Editor's Choice" and a "Best Buy" award to those companies that provide value products that seriously compete with the bigger names.
THE BEST SPIKELESS SHOES OF 2017
SKECHERS GO GOLF DRIVE 2
"Best Buy"
|
Stability
|
2nd |
|
Comfort
|
1st |
|
Condition Resistance
|
3rd |
|
Style
|
6th |
|
Fit
|
2nd |
|
Score
|
93 |
What We Liked
– “The Best Spikeless Shoe in 2017”
– Tempur-Pedic like comfort for the feet
– Perfect amount of stability
– Exceptional performance in every category
– Absolutely does not disappoint in a single category.
Pros
– Goga Mat Insole
– Great Value
– “Best in Class” Comfort
– Perfectly Stable
– Top 5 in Everything But Style
Cons
-Style Plays To The Middle
– Logo placement and size
– No weatherproofing warranty
FOOTJOY PRO SL
"Best Stability"
|
Stability
|
1st |
|
Comfort
|
2nd |
|
Condition Resistance
|
4th |
|
Style
|
8th |
|
Fit
|
3rd |
|
Score
|
90.5 |
What We Liked
– “Most Stable Spikeless Shoe for 2017”
– Shoe Was Built For The Serious Golfer
– Incredible Upper Heel Through Mid-Foot Design
– Superb Comfort
Pros
– “Best in Class” Stability
– TPU tech aids traction
– BOA option
Cons
– Slightly long in the toe
– Style
– Little Bit Heavy
ADIDAS CROSSKNIT BOOST
|
Stability
|
3rd |
|
Comfort
|
3rd |
|
Condition Resistance
|
15th |
|
Style
|
4th |
|
Fit
|
1st |
|
Score
|
86.625 |
What We Liked
– Best Golf Shoe That Feels Like A Sneaker
– Boost Technology Is Incredible
– Straight From Course To Normal Activities Without Changing Shoes
-Diverse style options
Pros
-“Best in Class” Fit
-Boost technology
-Extremely lightweight
Cons
-Slightly snug for those with wide feet
-Difficult to get the foot into the shoe
NIKE FI IMPACT 2
|
Stability
|
7th |
|
Comfort
|
4th |
|
Condition Resistance
|
7th |
|
Style
|
2nd |
|
Fit
|
4th |
|
Score
|
85.125 |
What We Liked
-The Perfect ‘Range Shoe’
-Fit and Comfort Make it Easy To Walk 18 Holes
Pros
-Lightweight
-Diverse style options
Cons
-Toe box too open
-Tough to actually get foot into shoe
-Spikeless technology awkward on hard surfaces
-Mesh upper limits stability and waterproofing
GFORE GALIVANTER IV.0
|
Stability
|
6th |
|
Comfort
|
6th |
|
Condition Resistance
|
9th |
|
Style
|
1st |
|
Fit
|
7th |
|
Score
|
84.75 |
What We Liked
– Perfect Classic/Modern Golf Shoe
– Surprisingly lightweight and comfortable for classic style shoe
– Stunning design without sacrificing performance
Pros
-“Best in Class” Style
-Soft and supple leather
-Comfortable insole
Cons
-Ridges on insole cause minor sliding during the swing
2017 SPIKELESS SHOE BUYERS GUIDE
| Product | Price | Stability | Comfort | Elements | Style | Fit | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKETCHERS GO GOLF DRIVE 2 | $85.00 | 2nd | 1st | 3rd | 6th | 2nd | 93 |
| FOOTJOY PRO SL | $149.99 | 1st | 2nd | 4th | 8th | 3rd | 90.5 |
| ADIDAS CROSSKNIT BOOST | $160.00 | 3rd | 3rd | 15th | 4th | 1st | 86.63 |
| NIKE FI IMPACT 2 | $134.97 | 7th | 4th | 7th | 2nd | 4th | 85.13 |
| GFORE GALIVANTER IV.O | $185.00 | 6th | 6th | 9th | 1st | 7th | 84.75 |
| ECCO CAGE PRO | $210.00 | 5th | 5th | 8th | 10th | 5th | 83.63 |
| TRUELINKSWEAR ELEMENTS HYBRID | $99.99 | 8th | 7th | 4th | 8th | 6th | 82.25 |
| GFORE LONGWING GALIVANTER | $225.00 | 9th | 8th | 4th | 3rd | 7th | 81.13 |
| BIION | $99.99 | 12th | 10th | 1st | 5th | 7th | 79.5 |
| GFORE CRUSUADER | $250.00 | 4th | 9th | 9th | 14th | 11th | 78.25 |
| ROYAL ALBATROSS CREW | $285.63 | 9th | 11th | 13th | 12th | 7th | 76.5 |
| ROYAL ALBATROSS BROGUE | $285.63 | 9th | 13th | 12th | 10th | 11th | 75.13 |
| TRUELINKSWEAR TRUEMOTION | $79.99 | 13th | 11th | 9th | 14th | 15th | 72.5 |
| NIKE ZOOM 90 IT | $175.00 | 14th | 15th | 2nd | 13th | 13th | 69 |
| PUMA IGNITE SPIKELESS SPORT DISC | $120.00 | 15th | 14th | 14th | 7th | 13th | 66 |
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