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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 you 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 Cosmo 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 | 7-13 | Medium | 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 Cosmo 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.
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