This year the NCG team have rigorously tested thirty-one different pairs of newly released shoes from eleven of golf’s most notable brands to put together our list of the best budget golf shoes that you can buy in 2023.
We’ve worn them in the sun, in the rain, in the sleet, on our home courses, on away courses, in the fairway, in the sand, in the rough, and sadly even in the heather to be able to create honest reviews you the club golfer can actually trust.
We’ve scoured through all the press releases and know all the technology, and left no stone unturned to be able to assemble our list of the best budget golf shoes 2023.
Best Budget Golf Shoes 2023
Under Armour Charged Draw RST E golf shoes
I found the shoe to be extremely comfortable straight out of the box. The Charged Cushioning in the midsole, the moulded EVA footbed and the padding around the collar all conspired to make wearing this shoe an absolute pleasure. And, allied to the lightness of the shoe, I’d have absolutely no hesitation in wearing this for 36 holes in a day.
And how about performance? Well, the heel cup that felt the part certainly did a good job of keeping my foot well locked into position, and the low profile spiked outsole gripped firmly in the wet conditions with no hint of slipping.
Although I was not particularly fond of the look of the shoe, the comfort and performance were really very good. When one considers that this shoe is priced at well under £100 then I have no doubt that it will be a popular choice for a wide variety of golfers.
PROS
- Extremely comfortable out of the box
- Lightweight
- Excellent value
CONS
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Last updated: 2023-04-13 12:00:07
Sizes: UK 6-12
Colours: Grey, Black, White
More info: Under Armour website
Callaway Apex Coronado S golf shoe
I found the shoe to be extremely comfortable straight out of the box. The leather upper felt supportive but flexed nicely in play. There was a springy, cushioned feeling walking between shots.
One might expect such a comfortable shoe to compromise on performance. This was absolutely not the case on testing. The Fusion-Lite TPU sole offered excellent feel and traction. The nine cleats and some additional nubbins afforded excellent grip, with no hint of slipping.
The configuration of the outsole really means that this is a shoe that belongs on the course rather than the clubhouse. So this is not the shoe for the individual who prefers to put on their footwear at home.
Although I was not particularly fond of the look of the shoe, the comfort and performance were first class, and I think this would make an excellent winter shoe.
PROS
- Extremely comfortable out of the box.
- Excellent traction.
- Lightweight.
CONS
- Looks won’t appeal to all
Sorry, no prices available at this time.
Sizes: UK 6.5-11 (inc. half sizes) 12 and 13
Colours: Black/camo or White/camo.
More info: Callaway Golf
Under Armour Charged Phantom SL Golf Shoe
If you’re looking for a classic golf shoe, then this probably isn’t the one for you. However, if you are in the market for a reliable, comfortable piece of footwear to see you through the summer season with some added flair, then don’t dismiss these as an option.
The molded EVA sockliner is a great addition for a quick slip-on if you’re running a little late to your tee time (we’ve all been there). They also offer a great sock-like fit feel which is extremely comfortable.
Even in the slightly damper conditions of the course, the shoes held up well. I didn’t feel any lack of control or concern about slipping mid-golf swing. Despite it not hindering my golf in the wet, I would suggest these are ideal summer shoes. As these are highly water resistant, the morning dew wouldn’t affect the shoes, and still look fashionable with some summer golf attire.
An ideal clubhouse shoe, perfect for dropping your bag outside and heading into the bar to talk about the previous four hours
PROS
- Very comfortable.
- Versatile.
- Modern and fashionable.
CONS
- Not a traditional golf shoe.
- Perhaps only suitable for summer wear.
Buy Now
Last updated: 2023-04-13 12:01:59
Sizes: UK 7-12 (inc. half sizes).
Colours: Grey, Black, White
More information: Under Armour
Ram FX Tour golf shoes
This shoe presented a clean and sporty look out of the box. The synthetic upper has some detailing to add texture and interest, and a contrasting black saddle links the heel piece to the midsole and collar of the shoe. There are neat Ram logos on the tongue and heel piece which add some visual interest.
Testing was carried out over two rounds in damp conditions on my home heathland course. I found the shoe to be very comfortable straight out of the box. The grip from the soft spikes was secure, with no slipping on uneven or awkward lies. However this shoe does lack the locked-in feeling that some of the other brands offer – there isn’t the torsional stability that you will find in, for example, a tour-validated shoe. And that, I think, is the only significant downside of the FX Tour.
It is important to point out that with an RRP of £59.99, this pair of shoes costs less than half the price of most of the shoes that I am currently testing, and , as such, I think that they represent excellent value for money with a clean appearance, comfortable fit and a 12 month waterproof guarantee.
PROS
- Comfortable straight out of the box
- Lightweight
- Easy to care for
- Very good value
CONS
Sorry, no prices available at this time.
Sizes: UK 6-11 (inc. half sizes) 12 and 13
Colours: White/black, White/blue, Black
More info: Ram Golf
Skechers Go Golf Pro 5 Hyper Golf shoes
It is fair to say my first impression of this shoe out of the box was not the best. But this is more to do with my personal taste for going for plain colours and a ‘safe’ look.
The research and development that has gone into this shoe is clearly effective via the podiatrist certified arch support. There is a lot written about foot fatigue, and these shoes seem to have addressed this in a comprehensive manner. I can honestly say it is the comfiest golf shoe I have worn, combined with no issues at all when it comes to grip. Interestingly I am normally a UK size 12 but the size 11 fit perfectly well and so that might be something to consider when ordering.
It is fair to say that before putting them on I would have been apprehensive wearing these off the golf course. But by the end of the round, it would not have bothered me walking into the Clubhouse spike bar. Primarily as they are more comfortable than my normal shoes. Overall, a fantastic shoe and I am now a Skechers convert.
PROS
- Extremely comfortable
- Great grip
- Nice shape and styling
CONS
- Pin stripe effect on the top may not be to everyone’s liking
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Last updated: 2023-04-13 13:20:12
Sizes: UK 6-13 (inc. half sizes 8-12).
Colours: Grey/Red / Black/Grey / Black
More info: Skechers Website
FootJoy Pro SL golf shoes
The first thing I noticed on opening the box was the leather upper which felt really soft and supple. The overall appearance was of an athletic-looking shoe with a quality feel. It also felt very light. Indeed, on getting out the kitchen scales, this size 7.5 shoe weighed in at a lean 360 grams which is very much at the lighter end of the spectrum.
This latest model has Stratofoam midsole cushioning to enhance underfoot comfort and support. It also felt stable thanks to what FootJoy calls the Power Harness – essentially this is the medial and lateral support which combines with the heel piece.
So this is another quality product from FootJoy that will have wide appeal; from young to old, from casual golfer to tour pro. I think that this is a well-constructed and comfortable shoe that performs well and comes in at a reasonable price point, considering the premium construction.
PROS
- Premium leather upper.
- Comfortable.
- Performs well on & off course.
CONS
- The Pro SL carbon is better
Buy Now
Last updated: 2023-04-13 11:58:51
Sizes: UK 7-11 (inc.half sizes)
Colours: White, Black.
More information: FootJoy Website
Best Budget Golf Shoes 2023
How do we test golf shoes?
At National Club Golfer, we are passionate about producing accurate and thorough reviews and making sure our testing process is rigorous so we get a good understanding of how each pair of shoes performs.
Each shoe is worn out on the golf course whilst playing golf, so we can get an idea of overall performance in terms of factors like comfort, grip, stability in the golf swing, waterproof protection and how they actually look on the golf course.
What is important when buying Golf shoes?
When buying new golf footwear its important to know what attributes or features you value the most before deciding on a brand or model to buy. For example, do you want spiked or spikeless shoes?
A lot of golfers think comfort is paramount when choosing a shoe, we are going to be standing in them for 3-5 hours right? Some golf shoes on the market have special insoles and cushioned mid-soles designed to keep your feet feeling fresh. Also it’s pretty common for golfers with wide feet to wear the wrong sized pair of golf shoes so its worth getting fit properly.
Grip is vital to good performance on the golf course as any foot slip in dry or wet conditions can not only cause the golf club to swing improperly but may also lead to an injury.
Nearly all golf shoes will either be fully waterproof or offer some kind of water resistance, and this is important as real die-hard golfers play in every weather condition. Having wet feet for 4 hours is not and will never be fun.
How good the shoe looks is of course subjective to personal style, but is important to any player. Do you prefer an athletic-looking shoe, or are you more traditional? Does your shoe offer on-course off-course style or do you want shoes purely for the course? Does the style of shoe you like have the best color options for your golfing wardrobe?
Price is the last factor to consider. With the models above we have tried to find shoes at all different price points so if you want a shoe at a lower cost, you can get one. Or if you want to spend more, you can do that too. Importantly there is something for everyone.
What brands produce the best golf shoes?
All of the products in this best golf shoes 2023 article are picked from the brands that offer what we believe to be the best budget shoes on the market.
Do any pros wear spikeless golf shoes on tour?
As you will see on TV when watching the PGA, LPGA & DP World Tour, professionals wear both spiked and spikeless golf shoes, depending on their preference.
Some tour players are looking for extra stability and grip for maximum power creation that a spiked golf shoe might offer, and others are looking for the comfort and style that spikeless golf shoes offer. Some tour players prefer a running shoe style, and others a traditional classic leather shoe; there really isn’t a hard or fast rule as to what tour players wear.
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