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As they make up a significant percentage of its catalog, Nike golf shoes have consistently dominated the sector of performance footwear, and so has been the case since the early aughts. Much of this is in part to Tiger Woods and his signature line that put the Swoosh’s golf line on the map, ultimately convincing recreational players and modern-day pros like Rory Mcllroy that if it was good enough for the greatest, it’s good enough for them. Although Woods is no longer affiliated with Nike, there’s still a whole lot going on for the sub brand. Nike Golf’s latest signee, Guido Migliozzi, is another Olympian added to its roster.
On the footwear front, Nike recently unveiled a quartet of NRG golf shoes in anticipation of the 2024 PGA Championship. This lineup included the Air Zoom Infinity Tour, Air Pegasus ’89, Air Zoom Victory Tour 3, and Air Jordan 9 G. These earth-toned colorways may scream “Dune” collab at first glance, but they’re a tribute to traditional golf clubs, highlighted by subtle woodgrain motifs across the uppers.
But, of course, Nike golf shoe innovation goes well beyond colorways. The brand remains at the forefront of pushing boundaries, churning out weatherized staples like the Air Jordan 1 G, ultra-breathable options like its Nike Free Golf NN, and everything in between. Each pair of spikeless kicks boasts the signature integrated traction to boot; this should come as no surprise since Nike workout shoes consistently deliver optimal traction for staying stable through their geared activity, so Nike golf shoes are no different.
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To sweeten the deal for enthusiasts, this past year has been friendly to Nike Golf in the collab department, seeing the company link up with performance peers and pioneers like Eastside Golf, Malbon, and even Stone Island.
As the sport continues to surge, we composed a guide to the best Nike golf shoes based on advice from respected podiatrist Hillary Brenner and our extensive research to help you find the perfect pair for any course, weather condition, or foot type. Keep reading and take a swing at your next winning pair.
Colorways available: White and red, white and blue, black and gray, green and
blue
Pros: Flyknit provides breathability; multi-directional traction for maximum grip
Cons: Some testers recommend going up half a size
Building on the Victory Tour line’s legacy, one notable upgrade lies in the brand’s use of an innovative full-length Zoom Air unit with ZoomX foam in the midsole, enhancing the shoe’s performance by ensuring efficient energy return. For breathability’s sake, Nike puts its revolutionary Flyknit construction to great use, promoting long-lasting comfort, even in lengthy sessions on the field. Last but not least, the shoes’ multi-directional traction pattern has been updated for superior grip and stability, which is especially crucial in perfecting swings.
What testers say: “5 Stars… once I got the right size. I’m a UK 12 in pretty much every brand and shoe, so ordered the 12. They were tiny… toes were scrunched up on the end and literally felt like a 10.5 and the smallest 12’s EVER. Reordered the 13’s and fitted like they should. Don’t know if there’s 20mm between sizes or if something was wrong with the 12’s. I wanted a spiked and all leather shoe, something traditional, sporty and waterproof and a little bit exclusive/trendy. These tick all the boxes. Love them.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $190
Colorways available: Black and red, black and white, white and black
Pros: Timeless design reimagined for performance, weather-friendly barrier
Cons: Mild traction
Price upon publish date of this article: $130
Colorways available: Black and brown, white and brown, grey and white
Pros: The most popular Jordan silhouette retooled for the course
Cons: Lack of padding within the shoe
What testers say: “I wear these daily. I love how they are more durable than the regular Jordan 1 basketball shoe. They do feel a little stiffer but they hold up way better. The fit is similar to the basketball shoe version. I usually wear 9 in running and lifestyle shoes but in Jordan 1s I size down a half size.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Colorways available: Black and white, red and white, grey and blue
Pros: Made with at least 20% recycled materials, impressively breathable
Cons: Spikeless design isn’t for everyone
Price upon publish date of this article: $90
Colorways available: Black and white, white and blue, white and volt
Pros: 2 Zoom Air units in the forefoot, six extra spikes
Cons: Slightly larger fit
What testers say: “I normally were a 10.5 4E shoe with Nike. I struggled finding a golf shoe that was wide enough with other brands, so I gave Nike’s Wide a try. I found that they had more room in the toe box/forefoot than other brands, some of which in Extra Wide. I did have to size up a half size, but have no pressure on my toes. Also, the spikes provide great traction. The upper in the show is great at water resistance and wipes clean easily. My experience has been positive and I would recommend them if you need more room in the forefoot.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $170
Colorways available: Black and red, white and blue, white and orange
Pros: Made using sustainable materials, rubber pattern engineered for wet
conditions
Cons: Waterproof qualities may decline as time goes on
What testers say: “Love these golf shoes. They are super comfortable and lightweight on your feet. So far they are waterproof. Find it so hard to find comfy golf shoes that fit nicely and i’ve found them!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $110.97
Colorways available: Black and red, white and purple, white and red
Pros: Air Jordan’s signature Formula 23 foam, reliable for all 18 holes
Cons: Reviews suggest the shoe requires a break-in period and tongue adjusting
What testers say: One golfer wrote that they “had to size down, and [the shoe] is on the narrower/long side. Purple version the tongue is padded so it’s comfortable, but does not stay in place. Have to constantly adjust the tongue.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $195
Colorways available: White and black, black and white
Pros: Doesn’t sacrifice the original look; water-resistant upper
Cons: Narrow silhouette
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
Colorways available: White and black, black and white
Pros: Doesn’t sacrifice the original look; water-resistant upper
Cons: Narrow silhouette
Price upon publish date of this article: $120
What to Look For in the Best Nike Golf Shoes
- Materials: It’s best to wear leather-based shoes when teeing off in wetter conditions. Although suitable GORE-TEX options from Nike hit the scene occasionally, they can be challenging to secure, so leather’s your next best bet. Meanwhile, you’ll want something breathable for dryer, warmer conditions to provide extra circulation on hot days. That said, if anyone knows about keeping things airy, it’s Nike, whose use of FireFly and innovative meshes has practically redefined air circulation in performance footwear.
- Traction: Just like when looking for the Nike walking shoes, considering traction and stability in golf shoes is vital. These don’t just ground your swing but also maintain your balance and prevent potential slips on slippery terrain. To no surprise, Nike’s Integrated Traction tech serves as a silent hero, assuring reliability that’s up to par. Of course, this modern-day tech is often accompanied by spiked soles, although the latter is less necessary than it used to be.
- Fit: One lesson you can learn from Disney’s animated library: finding a shoe that fits like a glove can change everything. At their best, perfectly fitting golf shoes allow you to walk, swing, and man the cart with unwavering stability and ground-loving traction; at worst, a tight pair might leave you in pain or, in even dryer, warmer conditions, give you the yips. You can improve your swing by finding the Cinderella fit — no bigger or smaller.
- Support: Standing all day on the course is bound to irritate your feet. It might even make your ankles feel weak, especially for those who suffer from lingering pain and need dependable support. Plantar fasciitis is one of the many forms this arrives in, and, according to podiatrist Hilary Brenner, it’s best avoided and treated by wearing properly cushioned shoes. When discussing the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, the New York-based expert suggests that “standing for long periods, running, and even your foot shape can play a role” in developing any symptoms of ongoing discomfort. Needless to say, if you want to stay stable and safe on the course, buy golf shoes that provide a reliable, plush feel.
Spiked vs. Spikeless Nike Golf Shoes
A set of spiked shoes, like the Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour 2, are best suited for hazardous conditions, with the biggest culprit being slippery grass. Until the ‘90s, brands typically made these tiny traction devices out of metal before attaching them to outsoles; rule changes have seen brands switch to softer iterations made from plastic or rubber. Ultimately, this helps golf courses stay pristine and players remain comfortable during long sessions, as the high-density design molds to your foot over time.
On the other hand, spikeless golf shoes sit atop studded outsoles that deliver similar traction to their pokey competitors. Plus, you can wear them straight to the course without needing to change your shoes, which is very convenient for anyone who doesn’t like carrying an extra pair – so, anyone. Some examples that stand out in this aisle include the Roshe G Next Nature or Air Jordan 1 Low G.
How We Chose the Best Nike Golf Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Learn more about us here.
To curate this guide of Nike’s best golf shoes, we referred to a professional podiatrist’s advice and indexed on our research. After all, staying comfortable on your feet all day is essential, knowing you could be out on the course for quite a while. Additionally, we delved into all the integral elements that construct a proper golf shoe from top to bottom. By accounting for her expert-level knowledge, researching what makes a suitable grip for any field, narrowing down the appropriate materials for varying forecasts, and referring to a range of customer reviews, we scoured Nike’s catalog up and down, assuring you can shop and tee off with nothing short of confidence.
Meet the Author
Yoni Yardeni is a Los Angeles-based fashion, footwear and culture journalist who has written articles for publications including HiConsumption and HotNewHipHop. Through prior stints, his work ranged from curating buyer’s guides for the fashion world’s best boots, sneakers, and jackets to revisiting Lil Wayne’s quintessential mixtapes and albums. Yardeni wrote the original version of this article on the best Nike golf shoes and updated the story with new product picks for summer 2024 in June 2024.
