If you hate playing golf rain, then you know how important it is to have a waterproof pair of golf shoes. One misstep into a puddle or standing water in the fairway and your day can easily be ruined.
If and when you step into your next puddle of freezing cold water, at least you can keep your feet dry for the remainder of the round. We searched and found the best waterproof golf shoes you can play in 2021. We tested a bunch of brands, and know one of these will keep your feet dry.
Review Of The Best Waterproof Golf Shoes
Adidas Men’s Tour 360 Boost 2.0
Our Top Choice
Are you looking for shoes with qualities like traction, waterproofing, and cushioning under one brand name? Then, Adidas Men’s Tour 360 Boost 2.0 will serve you the best.
The shoe has got TPU rubber sole on which there are strategically positioned spikes that offer superb traction. The work of spikes does not end by just providing you sufficient gripping. It also provides adequate stability and emits a perfect response while playing a drive.
If you want to complete all the 18 holes without even getting tired, then these shoes will help you out. The shoe’s midsole comes with energized cushioning, which gives a comfortable and relaxing feel. The Torsion Tunnel helps in the maintenance of flexibility while making a swing. It also provides excellent support to the heels along with the arch.
Premium leather in the upper sole provides sufficient stretchiness along with superior waterproofing. The use of features like 360Wrap and FitFoam sockliner helps you get a secure and stable fit without sacrificing comfort.
You may find these pair of shoes a bit heavier due to the use of leather and heavy spikes.
The use of leather not just makes the shoes waterproof but also takes care of the breathability. ClimaCool technology allows enough air to cross the shoes. It keeps the feet cool and dry in any weather condition, especially during wet ones.
If you have got some extra budget for your golf shoes, then these shoes are one of the best with their stylish upper and progressive lower.
What We Liked
- Impressive support.
- Energized cushioning.
- Sufficient breathability.
- Fantastic traction and gripping.
What We Didn’t Like
- A bit expensive.
- Pointed-toe design may cause some discomfort.
FootJoy Men’s Pro SL Golf Shoes
FootJoy is a reputed name in the golf shoe industry for a long time. There is not a single thing that can make us doubt the quality of its products. We added the Pro SL shoes on our list because of its amazing waterproofing and awesome traction. The importance to perfect fitting is also given by the incorporation of wide feet fitting feature.
The traction is simply excellent with the use of TPU molded outsole with classic rubber buds on it. The stability is not just achieved by proper gripping. Comfortable feel with support to arch and heel adds to the stability. For that, there is the use of Fine Tuned Foam (FTF) in these shoes.
When it comes to waterproofing, the use of chromo skin leather prevents water from getting in when you play on wet greens. There is the incorporation of Laser Plus technology in the upper sole, which provides perfect fitting to the players with a wider foot.
The lightweight design of these shoes ensures a relaxing playing environment for the golfer with a comfortable feel.
The breathability is average as the primary focus is on the waterproofing factor.
All in all, these shoes are one of the best with its classic leather manufacturing, high support, stylish look, and fantastic traction.
What We Liked
- Best in class traction.
- Special importance to waterproofing.
- Stylish look.
What We Didn’t Like
- High price.
Etonic Stabilizer Shoes
Etonic is one of the oldest golf shoes manufacturing company since 1945. Stabilizer shoes are one of the best and most popular models of the company.
These golf shoes are primarily known for their waterproofing quality because of microfiber leather on the upper sole. The microfiber leather and breathable mesh sections makes these shoes suitable for both wet and dry conditions. The air can easily cross through the shoes, which keeps the feet cool all day long.
There is a 2-color rubber outsole, which makes the shoes durable in the long run. The outsole has got seven removable cleats, which makes the shoes versatile and also promotes stability. The midsole of shoes comes with ample cushioning that makes walking the course comfortable without causing sore feet.
We also reviewed the Best golf shoes for walking the course. Be sure to check that out.
You can rely on the waterproofing quality of these shoes. The company is showing tremendous confidence in its product by offering a 2-year waterproof warranty.
In addition to other features, these shoes are available in 4 different color schemes, which include black/silver, white/red, white/silver/black, and white/blue.
What We Liked
- Superior waterproofing with the use of microfiber leather.
- 2-year waterproof warranty.
- Mesh tongue for improvement in breathability.
- 2-rubber outsole increases durability and makes the shoes look more appealing.
What We Didn’t Like
- It may be tedious to break-in on initial use.
- Limited availability.
ECCO Men’s Cool Gore-Tex Golf Shoe
Not everybody has a big budget for buying golf shoes. But a player that knows the true value of investing in golf shoes will definitely go for ECCO Cool Gore-Tex shoes. These shoes will give you value for each penny you spent on it.
The center of attraction in these shoes is the use of ECCO’s Gore-Tex Surround technology. It makes the shoes 100% waterproof providing you utmost comfort and dryness during rainiest days.
Unlike other spiked shoes, the spikes in these shoes are lightweight. It has got Champ Slim-Lok spikes, which are easy-to-replace. They offer you the best traction even on the wet surface without giving any tiring feel to your feet.
100% waterproofing doesn’t mean the company has compromised with the breathability feature. There is direct-injected midsole grid construction, which has got inner air channels. It ensures sufficient ventilation. For better convenience, there is the option of removable inlay sole.
All the money spent will go in vain if the shoes are not long-lasting and you have to look for new ones every now and then. Well, this is not the case with these ECCO shoes because it comes with Dritton Leather upper sole for excellent durability.
What We Liked
- If you want an extra width option, then the removable sole feature can help you out.
- The use of Champ slim spikes makes the shoes lightweight and adds to the comfort level.
- 100% waterproofing using Gore-Tex Surround construction.
What We Didn’t Like
- Expensive.
- Better arch support would be much comforting.
Skechers Performance Men’s Go Golf Drive 2 Golf Shoe
There is some advanced technology usage by Skechers in the construction of its Performance Go Golf Drive 2 model. To fight the wet weather conditions, there is H2GO Shield, which takes care of waterproofing. There is a moisture-wicking lining too, which ensures that your feet remain dry in any weather.
For offering a high level of comfort, the company uses Goga Mat technology in these shoes. This technology offers maximum cushioning, which results in an outstanding comfort level all day long. For additional comfort and stability, the shoes come with next-generation Resalyte midsole.
These shoes offer good traction and grip with a durable rubber traction plate, which has got Softspikes replaceable cleats on it.
For upper sole construction, the manufacturers use smooth faux leather, which improves flexibility. The side perforations, along with padded collar and tongue, take care of the breathability. So, even in warmer weather, your feet will remain cool without a drop of sweat.
In the spikeless category, these waterproof shoes perform really well.
What We Liked
- Use of locking cleat system, i.e., Slim-Lok Technology.
- Cushioning of EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) foam in the midsole.
- Nice traction.
What We Didn’t Like
- Users may find it a bit heavy.
- Some users even felt that the shoes are not long-lasting as they wore out too soon.
- Only two color options are available.
Conclusion
I hope that you have found our reviews and buying guide informative and helping. We all don’t need to have the same taste and preferences. But, we believe that learning about each feature of a waterproof golfing shoe will help you figure out which shoe is best for you. So, to help you in the selection process, we have discussed each aspect of the waterproof golf shoes in our buying guide. Additionally, we have mentioned each specification of the product in our reviews.
In our view, all the waterproof golf shoes on our list are fantastic and are worth buying. But, we consider the FootJoy Men’s Pro SL as the best waterproof golf shoes because it has all the features that a good shoe must possess. From high-in-class waterproofing to a lightweight, stylish, comforting, and durable design, these shoes have got everything. However, you have to pay a bit more for these shoes, but it is rightly said that you have to spend more if you want the best.
Understanding The Situation
Weather plays a crucial role when it comes to golfing. Rainy weather can turn a congenial golf round into something of a battle. Additionally, when you play an early morning session when the grass holds dew, gripping on wet greens is a tedious task. When you knock the golf ball away from a water hazard, good traction is also a necessity.
Will you be able to concentrate on your game when water pours inside your golfing shoes? Not only this, will you be able to play a perfect drive if your shoes don’t provide the right traction in wet grass? The answer is obviously no. So, what is the right thing to do in such situations? The best solution to prevent water from affecting your play is to invest in a premium quality best waterproof golf shoes.
Previously, I also used to overlook the importance of golf shoes. But, when I lost an important game due to the lack of grip on the wet grass, I realized how vital golfing shoes could be. I was unable to make a perfect swing because of the instability while standing on a wet surface. That was the day when realization dawns on me, and I realized that how a pair of waterproof shoes can help me make my way through a wet condition like a breeze.
So, I have put together a list of the best waterproof golf shoes. It will help you out in getting the right amount of traction along with preventing the water from wetting your socks. These shoes are capable enough to keep the rain or moisture away from getting inside your shoes. You’ll be able to play with full precision even at the time of the stormiest weather.
But before taking a look at the top picks, let us learn about the features of good waterproof golf shoes. If you know the features to consider while looking for a waterproof golfing shoe, you’ll be able to pick an ideal pair of shoes.
Guide To Choose The Best Waterproof Golf Shoes
All the golfing shoes out there are not the same. Each manufacturer designs golfing shoes differently to meet the preferences of various users. So, each shoe can impact a user in a different manner. It all depends on the specific needs or preferences of the golfer. So, I have looked out for several considerations and features that a waterproof golfing shoe must possess. The following list of considerations will help you in your quest to find the best waterproof golf shoes:
Spiked vs Spikeless
When it comes to the outsole of golf shoes, it can either be with spikes or spikeless or with cleats. Each variation has its own merits and demerits. Whichever outsole type you go for mainly depends on your personal choice and the terrain you frequently play on.
Spiked
Golf shoes with spikes are the best choice for sloping and wet golf courses. As the spikes go deeper into the surface, it provides better lateral stability along with improved support. There are shoes that gives you the option to remove the spikes, which makes them more versatile. Whenever you choose spiked shoes, always go for plastic spikes. It is because most of the golf courses have banned the use of metal spikes as it ruins the greens.
Spikeless
When we consider spikeless shoes, it has got small rubber lugs or studs on the outsole. With the improvement in technology, the spikeless shoes now offer exceptional traction and work well on a dry and flat surface. These low profile shoes are light in weight and are flexible too. The outsole of these shoes is comparatively softer than spiked ones, resulting in more comfort during long walks.
Style Of Shoes
Many golfers agree to the fact that a player performs well if he looks and feels better. So, when you choose the best waterproof golf shoes, you should also consider your personal style. We can categorize the shoes into two categories based on style, i.e., traditional dress style shoes and sneakers. Golf sandals are also there, but we are not considering that in our product review list because our primary focus is on golf shoes.
Traditional Dress Styles Golf Shoes
The golfers with great fashion sense admire these golfing shoes. There is the use of genuine leather in the construction of these shoes, which makes them naturally waterproof and gives them a classic look. They are usually spiked and are durable due to the use of high-end leather. One can wear these shoes only on the golf course, and it requires high maintenance. The golfer has to take out some time to clean and shine these shoes to maintain its good looks.
Sneaker Style Golf Shoes
These shoes look like casual shoes, which you usually wear off the golfing course. The spiked variants look much like the running shoes, and the spikeless ones give the appearance of casual sneakers. The sneaker-style shoes are much more flexible and light in weight in comparison to classic style shoes. There is the use of synthetic leather to make these shoes, and its design improves the performance of the player.
Construction Material
Material is one of the most vital considerations when you are choosing waterproof shoes. The material determines the comfort, durability, as well as the performance of the shoes. Here are some of the most common construction materials:
Natural Genuine Leather
When you are looking for waterproof shoes, then genuine leather is what most of the golfers prefer because it offers:
- Decent comfort level.
- Natural waterproofing.
It is the quality of the leather that, with continuous usage, it conforms to the golfer’s feet, which results in better fit along with comfort. However, you have to pay some extra pennies for high-quality leather shoes, but you’ll get value for your money. Other than this, these shoes need extra care to maintain its look and for long-lasting service.
Synthetic Leather
The appearance of synthetic leather is similar to natural leather, but it costs a lot less than the natural ones. It is even thinner, flexible, and light in weight than genuine leather. Most of the modern-style golf shoes use this material only. Synthetic leather does not need high maintenance. But, in the department of breathability, durability, and water-resistance, this material is not flawless like natural leather.
Breathable Fabrics
Fabrics are not that popular when playing in wet conditions. But, if you are playing during warmer weather conditions and dry surface, this fabric can do wonders. It offers exceptional comfort because of its high breathability.
Comfort-Level
The most important consideration that you should put on priority while choosing golf shoes is comfort. To get the best comfort from your shoes, always keep in mind the following points:
- The fitting of the shoes should be perfect.
- There should be sufficient space so that your toes can wiggle freely.
- The feet should not slide up and down when you walk.
- The feet should not rub against the sides of shoes while walking.
- There should be adequate cushioning on the midsole and insole for better heel and arch support.
- The material also plays an important role in increasing the comfort level, so always choose a material which offers:
- Shape conforming.
- Supple uppers.
Waterproofing vs Water-Resistant
Several people use the words waterproofing and water-resistant interchangeably. But in reality, they are not the same.
Water-resistance means that there will be repulsion of water to some extent. It does not mean that it will keep the water away entirely.
On the other hand, waterproofing means complete protection from water. There will be no water penetration in the shoes at all.
The genuine leather is naturally waterproof, but synthetic leather is water-resistant. Nowadays, manufacturers put a waterproof coating on the shoes for avoiding water penetration. In recent times, Gore-Tex material is gaining popularity because it offers a fantastic combination of waterproof design along with breathability.
Better Support Along With Stability
If you want to get an improvement in stability and support, then your golf shoes should be:
- Tight from the midfoot.
- Fit enough so that your feet do not move back and forth or suddenly come out of the shoes.
- Stretchy as well as flexible from the upper part for providing comfort to the forefoot.
- Sturdy from the midfoot portion for better lateral support.
- Suitable for flat feet and arch support by the inclusion of memory foam or custom orthotic insoles.
Be sure to check out some of our other popular reviews on PG Golf Links including Left handed golf clubs full set, our favorite Golf Cart Battery made by Trojan, and our recent posts on the Best 3 woods for higher handicap golfers and for those of you with a big head like myself, Extra Extra Large golf hats. Please check back often for updates.