The changing of the seasons is upon us and we are now headed for the final stretch of 2021. For many golfers in the northern hemisphere this means a change in footwear to accommodate the changing weather conditions. Those in a more constant climate it may be business as usual. For our group, it marks the point where we will begin tracking and ranking the new arrivals of golf footwear coming to market. And our Best golf shoes for 2021/2022 is where we will do it.
Similar to the format of our latest articles, we have drawn a line in the sand with our best golf shoes for 2021/2022. Now we intend to look forward. We will emphasize shoes coming onto market towards the second half of 2021 until about the same time next year. For those of you who have been checking in lately this message may be a little repetitive. You can also take a look at some of our previous best of golf shoe listings for our views on earlier models if you dont find here yet what you are looking for.
Since we are now looking forward the rankings here will be dynamic in that new products will be added and ranked as we have the chance to give them a look. The golf shoes for 2021/2022 rankings also is a general listing of the new shoes coming to the market. We will also be launching more targeted golf shoe rankings aimed at meeting specific golfers needs in the near future. So, if you are trying to satisfy one particular dimension don’t take for granted that it is at the top of this list.
Golf is no different than any sport or activity that involves being on your feet. When your feet hurt it distracts your focus from the job at hand. You quickly find yourself trying to find positions to minimize the discomfort. Your sore feet can end up having your complete swing in knots. We hope that our golf shoes for 2021/2022 rankings can help you find the golf shoes your feet deserve. Thus keeping your feet comfortable and your footwork under control resulting in your scores being where they should be.
ECCO Biom C4 Gore-Tex
We looked at our core rankings list and wondered amongst ourselves where does the ECCO Biom C4 Gore-tex belong. It was not a question of somewhere but rather almost everywhere. Ultimately, we felt it best represented a golf sneaker, but be assured its performance is not in any way limited by the category.
The construct of the shoe adds maybe a little more flair than we are used to seeing from ECCO and it is very well received. When you can look good and feel good at the same time you have a winning combination, and the Biom C4 delivers. A super-soft, Gore-Tex surrounded upper, combined with Ecco’s Exhaust Grid technology makes this one of the most comfortable, breathable and ready-to-go golf shoes on the market. I should have taken a picture of my feet (you can thank me for not doing so), after a day one 36 hole walk my feet still remained intact and blister free.
While they are not sized in a dual regular and wide saying options those of you with wider feet need not worry, the removable insole is specifically designed to be removed to allow more room without sacrificing any support and comfort.
The Biom C4, despite being spikeless, could easily have sneaked into our best golf shoes for the rain rankings. They keep your feet dry! And show a surprising amount of grip even in wet conditions. Now with all of this it is not surprising that the pricing pushes up into the premium category but if you are looking for a top-notch golf shoe then you will feel it is money well spent.
Available in a wide range of sizes and four really great color schemes no golfer will find it hard to find a pair of Biom C4’s that they are not thrilled to put on their feet.
- GORE-TEX SURROUND for 100% waterproof protection and 360-degree breathability
- ECCO FLUIDFORM Direct Comfort Technology for cushioning, rebound and flexibility
- BIOM NATURAL MOTION Technology brings you closer to the ground for stability and control
- ECCO MTN GRIP has three different sections providing traction, stability and rotational support throughout the swing
- ECCO Performance Leather from our own tanneries is combined with a new, super-stretchy mesh sock
Adidas ZG21 Motion Primegreen BOA Mid
The ZG21 Motion Primegreen BOA Mid Golf Shoes are an additional are the latest iteration in Adidas’ highly successful Motion golf shoe line. If we begin with thew obvious, like the other shoes in this line, 50% of the upper is recycled content and the shoes contain No virgin polyester. So, if you want to feel good about being green and carbon footprints (no pun intended :-)) they are a good start.
They are made to accommodate a wide foot and they do so very well so for those golfers with less than an average foot width you really may find yourself swimming in them, especially towards the toe box. Having a relatively wide foot and a high arch I felt very comfortable wearing them. There are three color schemes and range in sizes from 7 to 15 including half sizes so there should be ample options for you to find the size and look you are looking for.
If you are familiar with the other iterations of the ZG21 Motion line there are no surprises with these. The Six-spike, Thintech TPU outsole manages to keep you locked in during adverse playing conditions and the waterproofing works very well, especially from a textile shoe. They are lightweight and won’t slow you down even during the longest days on the course. There is a lot of spring and cushioning that really does reduce the wear and tear on your feet during a day on the course.
This all leads to what separates this version from the other, the BOA lacing system. We had some back-and-forth discussions about them and really struggled to find any consensus in the group. My personal opinion was that regardless of the fact that the lacing system really did fit like a glove to my foot I had it in my head that I was wearing biking shoes. I definitely took some abuse here and maybe it is just my odd traditionalist lace them up mentality. I guess the easiest is just to say I am more used to laces on golf shoes despite the fact of having several pairs of BOA system biking shoes that I love.
I do want to make it very clear. The comfort and performance are all there in the ZG21 Motion Primegreen BOA Mid Golf Shoes. Style is subjective and my hang ups definitely should not dissuade you from giving these a try. Adidas has been supplying the golf industry with top end options in footwear and gear for quite some time now and these ZG21’s are no different.
- Comfort, stability and a micro-adjustable fit define these men's adidas golf shoes. A mid-cut waterproof upper hugs the foot for a supportive feel while the BOA Fit System ensures just the right fit with the turn of a dial. A Boost midsole charges every step with energy. A six-spike outsole lets you play through all conditions with confident footing. This product is made with Primegreen, a series of high-performance recycled materials.
- Customizable fit
- Micro-adjustable dial lace system
- Engineered textile upper
- INSITE sockliner and Lightstrike cushioning
ECCO Biom G 3 Gore-tex
ECCO’s Biom G 3 Gore-tex is a top-notch golf shoe that does not disappoint. It would not be much a review to just say “Go buy a pair” so I will try to expand a little on why but you really should go put a pair on your feet and let them do the talking.
When I am playing a round of golf in wet conditions you will find them on my feet. They simply keep my feet dry and locked in better than any shoe I have tried on the market. Ever had that feeling while heading down an incline on a wet day on the course wondering if your feet are going to stay under you? Well, I don’t.
Now there is a big difference in keeping your feet dry in a plastic shoe and a top-notch Gore-Tex upper. It doesn’t make much sense to keep the rain out if your foot ends up smoldering inside the shoe anyway. And from a “freshness” perspective those around you will thank you for spending the little extra
As mentioned, these shoes keep you locked in. The 8 Zarma Tour spikes seem impervious to whatever conditions you throw at them. It really is a confidence booster when you don’t have to be concerned about being able to take a full swing at the ball. With 10 sizes available most will find the perfect fit. We found the sizing to run pretty standard and my wide feet don’t feel constrained in any way. There are two color options (black and white) but personal preference always keeps me leaning towards a dark show when looking for a wet weather shoe. While they can keep your feet dry there is no magic formula for keeping them clean.
The reality is that most of us golfers would like to avoid playing in the rain. It just is not the same level of comfort adding layers of water proofing as being able to play with your favorite polo. Having said, ECCO’s Biom G 3 Gore-tex golf shoe still finds a way to give you a ray of sunshine on what would be otherwise a wet and rainy day.
Words from the manufacturer….
Built from a BIOM® NATURAL MOTION® last, this pure performance golf shoe offers a fit and feel that only ECCO provides. Based on 2,500 scans of human feet, BIOM® gives you the ultimate fit, greater stability and forward momentum for more power during every swing. A re-engineered outsole cleat design, combined with innovative hybrid elements like the toe rotational-line, provide outstanding stability for serious players who prefer spiked shoes.
- X-TENSA INVISIBLE TECHNOLOGY links the sole unit to the laces via internal enforcement for additional stability
- GORE-TEX 100% waterproof technology combines optimized breathability & protection against elements
- BIOM NATURAL MOTION technology brings the player closer to the ground using an anatomical last
- Features ZARMA-TOUR spikes, combined with hybrid elements, including the rotation line on the toe and the addition of hybrid cleats
- BOA Fit System is engineered for ideal fit and comfort, quick lacing and easy adjustment
TRUE linkswear – True OG Feel
True Linkswear might not have the brand familiarity that many other top golf shoe manufacturers enjoy but they have a couple of models that really caught our attention, one of them being the True OG Feel.
A strong contender in our golf sneaker category, the True OG Feel combines stylish great looks with a lightweight high performing golf shoe. There are not many shoes on the market that have been able to get the look of the combined leather and mesh upper so right. The sole spikeless rubber sole does provide ample traction and stability so you should have no trouble staying in your swing.
They are classed as water repellent and they will keep your feet happy in a walk through a damp morning round but these are not wet weather golf shoes. For adverse rainy rounds there are other options better out there. Not to mention it would be a shame to get such a nice-looking shoe mudded up
The True OG Feel is a standard price ranged golf shoe so it won’t break the bank. Both color schemes are better than the other and with sizes from 7-15 there is a pair for almost all feet. The fit was a regular fit but for those with wide feet we would suggest you hop up a half size for a better fit.
Some words from the manufacturer….
- Fully breathable, one-piece sock-fit knit upper with DWR shell (durable water repellent)
- Flexible outsole and upper for ultimate on-course feel
- Zero-drop construction for optimal feel and power
- Reusable shoe bag in lieu of the traditional box
- Wide toe box accommodates up to 3E
- Lightweight (10.9 oz)
- Leather saddle and ORIGINAL lacing system for stable fit
- Aggressive rubber tread for on-course traction and versatility
- Fully breathable, one-piece sock-fit knit upper
- Flexible outsole and upper for ultimate on-course feel
- Zero-drop construction for optimal feel and power
- Wide toe box accommodates up to 3E
- Aggressive rubber tread for on-course traction and versatility
PUMA Proadapt Delta Mid
The PUMA Proadapt Delta Mid right away separates itself from most other golf shoes on the market. Few manufacturers have a mid-cut golf shoe on the market and we have yet to come across one that performs better. Based on its stylish looks and excellent performance it is very possible that this shoe is a trend setter. We would not be surprised seeing other manufacturers entering the segment in the future.
The mid cut adds extra support to a PUMA’s very well-designed PROADAPT DELTA cleated outsole keeping you locked in your swing in all conditions. The extra length seals the off foot better leading to even less moisture access. When coupled with the waterproof premium full grained leather you also get a great wet weather shoe. All told you really have a shoe that handles all conditions on the golf course.
We would advise you to consider half sizing up. We did find these shoes too have a little give once used for a few rounds but especially with a wider foot shape they do run small. Three color schemes are available and sizes range from size 7 to 13 with half sizes available. The Proadapt Delta’s features include:
- FULL-GRAIN ATLANTIS LEATHER
- ADAPTIVE FIT SYSTEM
- ADAPT-WRAP Tongue
- PRO-FIT INSOLE
- MOLDED COMFORT COLLAR
- ADAPT FOAM
- Topline Chassis
- PROADAPT OUTSOLE
- PWRADAPT
- DUAL-DUROMETER TORNADO CLEAT
- PROADAPT LAST
- 1-YEAR WATERPROOF
This is a premium golf shoe and falls in the premium price ranges lower end. But the quality and performance does justify the attached price tag. If you are looking for added support, willing to try something new, or just want a great golf shoe we suggest you give them a try.
- ADAPT FOAM-Puma Golf's all new foam provides stable cushioning, excellent dimensional stability and both high energy return and ground feel
- IGNITE FOAM-Revolutionary and proprietary midsole foam provides energy return, responsive comfort, stable cushioning, and superior step-in comfort
- ADAPTIVE FIT SYSTYEM-An internal bootie encompassing your foot is combined with an external bootie to ensure your feet are fully supported in high-wear areas
- IGNITE FOAM-Revolutionary and proprietary midsole foam provides energy return, responsive comfort, stable cushioning, and superior step-in comfort
- PROADAPT OUTSOLE-Tour proven full length TPU outsole provides next level traction and support throughout your swing, while flex-groves in key areas improves natural movement and provides unrivaled comfort for walking all day
Footjoy Men’s Superlites Xp
For those looking for a great lightweight golf shoe then the Footjoy Superlites Xp’s are well worth taking a look at. Footjoy has been synonymous for making quality golf footwear as long as I can remember and the Superlites will only strengthen their solid golf shoe lineup.
With sizes from 7 to 15 including half sizes multiplied by 4 different foot width sizing’s you could say that there is a pair of customized shoes for your feet’s needs. You really will be hard-pressed to find a shoe with more sizing options on the market. You can expect that the sizes run true to standard.
Being a lightweight spikeless shoe we would not advise them for those looking for their everyday rain shoe but the waterproofing does stand up well and comes with a 1-year guarantee. So, for the odd shower or morning conditions they will more than meet the needs of the average golfer.
One of our group gave a brand-new pair of the Superlites Xp a good working out during our DomRep golf getaway. Not only was their performance top notch their feet shoed no soreness despite the shoes being straight out of the box. There are currently 3 color options available that are more matching an elegant/professional look as opposed to someone looking for something flashy.
The last point that needs to be stated is they are available in the at the lower end of what we consider a standard priced golf shoe. Thus, the cost vs quality ratio is superb. So, if you are in the market for a high preforming, easy going shoe then grab a pair of Superlites Xp’s and give them a go.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Waterproof, easy care synthetic uppers provide a comfortable fit and added durability.
- TURF GRIPPING ADVANTAGE - Soft molded rubber traction elements ensure a slip free round with turf gripping traction.
- WATERPROOF - FJ warrants that this golf shoe will be waterproof in normal use for one year (U.S. Warranty).
- LASER PLUS FIT - The Laser Plus Last offers a full rounded toe character, standard fit across forefoot and instep, with a slightly narrow heel. Thicker insole provides increased underfoot cushioning for enhanced comfort.
PUMA Rs-g Golf Shoe
The PUMA Rs-g Golf Shoe is modelled after the similarly named RS-X3 running shoe and falls definitely in our golf sneaker category. That being said they definitely offer more support and traction than one might expect from its looks. The Rs-g could easily be mistaken for a trendy upbeat pair of casual sneakers as opposed to a pair of footwear that held firm on some of our longest drives of the day.
Right from cardboard box to 1st tee these sneakers bounced along for 36 holes without foot issues or soreness. I think my feet actually outlasted my legs on the day. But do be advised that you do need to size up. While the manufacturer suggests a half size I would steer more towards a full size if you have any kind of wider foot.
Four color schemes are available spread across sizes 7 thru 14 (half sizes also available) so there are plenty of options to keep both your feet happy and you fashion statement intact. Other features of the PUMA Rs-g’s include:
- Seam Sealed Upper
- Reflective Tongue Tab
- TPU Skin
- Soft Foam Sockliner
- FUSIONFOAM Midsole
- GripZone Traction
- Carbon Rubber Outsole
The waterproofing comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty so you need not worry about that morning dew putting a damper on your socks too soon. They come in with a RRSP in our standard pricing range for golf shoes so you are not having to spend any more than you would be for a decent pair of sneakers.
We really felt that Rs-g hit the mark from not only performance but for why most look to put their feet in a pair of golf sneakers. This is why it is the first entry making our new sneakers ranking list, only time will tell if it will keep its spot.
- Seam Sealed Upper
- Fusion Foam
- Soft foam Sock liner
- Grip zone Traction
- Waterproof
