9 Super Comfy Golf Shoes You Can Use For Walking And Running

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It’s no secret that good quality shoes, in many cases, can be expensive – regardless of whether they’re running shoes, casual shoes or golf shoes.

It makes sense then that if you’re going to splash out on some decent footwear, you might as well buy a pair that can be used in more than one setting.

This is particularly pertinent for golfers as it seems wasteful to spend a decent amount of money on a pair of golf shoes, only to wear them once – or, for the lucky ones, maybe twice – per week.

This train of thought is likely what’s brought you to this article. From scouring the internet, I’ve found the following nine golf shoes to also be perfectly suitable for walking and running:

But before I get into the reviews of why I’ve chosen these nine shoes, let’s take a look at some key questions regarding whether or not it’s a good idea to use golf shoes for walking and running.

Can golf shoes be used for walking and running?

Yes, golf shoes can be used for walking and running provided they have spikeless, rubber soles. You also want a design that is made predominantly from synthetic or cotton, rather than leather, as they will be more comfortable and give you more support when walking or running long distances.

Of course, a golf shoe can never provide as much support for your feet and ankles than a proper, top-line runner (yet is still better than playing barefoot) but there are certain makes and models that are very suitable for casual walking and running providing you’re not planning on entering any marathons.

The shoes I’ve reviewed in greater detail further down the page all have certain traits in common – they are breathable, they are lightweight, they have plenty of cushioning in the sole and, most importantly, they are spikeless.

All these characteristics are essential if you’re seeking a golf shoe that can be used for exercise away from the course.

What is the difference between golf shoes and normal shoes?

The biggest difference between golf shoes and normal shoes are the materials used to make them along with the design of the soles. High-end golf shoes are often crafted from leather so they last longer in all weather conditions, whereas normal runners are usually made from synthetics, making them more lightweight and comfortable.

Golf being a year-round sport requires golf shoes to be durable, above all else – it’s not uncommon to play entire rounds in the rain during winter, and having a shoe made from leather allows you to wipe them clean easily once you arrive home from the course.

You can also apply something like a leather protection spray that will help them last longer, no matter how many times they get wet.

Similarly, golf shoes can also come with screw-in rubber spikes or small (virtually ‘spikeless’) grips on their soles to help players maintain good traction with the turf in all weather conditions.

By contrast, if you’ve ever worn runners while playing golf in the wet, you’ll know how difficult it is to clean them after a round (they’ll never, ever look as white as what they once did), and how little grip they give you out on the fairways.

Which type of golf shoes are best for walking and running?

The best golf shoes for walking and running are ones made from synthetics, not leather. Synthetic or cotton materials are far more comfortable to wear and offer a lot more comfort when walking or running long distances. Leather shoes may start to cause discomfort on long walks or runs.

I own a leather pair of golf shoes and while they give me fantastic traction out on the course, regardless of whether it’s slippery or dry, my feet do tend to get sore after a standard four-hour, 18-hole round.

In comparison, when I’ve played in summer wearing my runners, I’ve certainly noticed my feet are less achy when walking off the last green (however, I get less grip as the absence of spikes impacts turf interaction).

So, if you’re looking for a golf shoe that can also be used for walking or running, you definitely want a pair that are made from synthetics and have plenty of padding in the soles (which, of course, need to be spikeless).

Best golf shoes for walking and running

With all this in mind, I’ve been able to narrow down the list of golf shoes suitable for walking and running to nine options.

Of course, there are hundreds of shoes available online, but I’ve found these pairs to be largely reputable in terms of known brands (with one exception) and priced well within what is reasonable for the average player.

Let’s take a deeper look at why you should consider the shoes below for golf, but also walking and running.

Footjoy Flex Golf Shoe

If you’re after a golf shoe that is great for dry weather, but can also be used for walking, running and in the gym, then the FootJoy Flex is right up your alley.

What I love about this shoe is its rubber sole and performance mesh construction, giving you a lightweight feel, breathability and plenty of comfort.

You could easily wear these shoes while strolling around the park, or smashing out a weight session – but, importantly, they will still give you adequate traction on the fairways.

Available in eight different styles and colours – ranging from grey, white and blue to green, slate and red – you’ll be hard to find a FootJoy Flex design that you don’t like.

New Balance Breeze V2 Golf Shoe

While I would describe the FootJoy Flex as more of a court shoe, the New Balance Breeze V2 definitely leans more towards an out-and-out runner.

The crown of the shoe – the part covering the top of your foot – is far more built up and sturdy, with supporting overlays on top of the mesh underlay affording far more stability.

Similarly, the cushioning around the heel and ankle is notably thicker, which again adds comfort.

The one thing to note, however, is the rubber spikes are slightly more pronounced in the New Balance Breeze V2 golf shoe, meaning if you’re intending to wear them on long walks and runs, I’d recommend you doing so on grass rather than roads (so as not to wear the soles down too quickly).

FootJoy FJ Flex Coastal Golf Shoe

The FootJoy Flex Coastal golf shoe is similar to the standard flex model, but looks more like a casual runner than a shoe specifically designed for golf.

It has extra cushioning around the ankle and heel, which lends itself well for walking or running long distances, while a soft midsole adds additional comfort and stability.

Again, it is constructed with lightweight performance mesh, allowing your feet to breathe and increasing mobility.

Unlike the standard FootJoy Flex, the Coastal model only comes in three designs, giving you less choice.

Adidas Codechaos 21 Primeblue Golf Shoes

The Adidas Codechaos 21 Primeblue golf shoe is certainly eye-catching in its appearance and makes more of a statement than some other options on the market.

Adidas have done well to blend a patterned, knitted mesh with a synthetic upper to enable both breathability and stability – something welcomed by all golfers and fitness enthusiasts.

When compared against the New Balance Breeze V2, I would say there is a little less cushioning around the ankle and heel, but only marginally.

Again, with slightly longer rubber grips on the sole, these shoes would best be used on grass – and if you don’t like the bold look of the Adidas Codechaos 21 Primeblue shoe, you can always check out the more conservative Codechaos Sport model.

Adidas Solarthon Primegreen Golf Shoes

The Adidas Solarthon Primegreen golf shoe differs from the Adidas Codechaos 21 Primeblue in a number of distinct ways.

It has somewhat of a lower profile, with a lower cut of material around the ankle and heel coupled with a more pronounced shoe tongue.

The rubber base has added ‘boost’ at the midsole to give the wearer soft, supportive cushioning, which is exactly what you need if planning on undertaking long walks or runs in these shoes.

Finally, the moulded spikes are extremely subtle meaning these shoes can be used on virtually any terrain (of course, harder surfaces will wear the soles quicker and is worth consideration when mapping out your walking/running route).

Puma Ignite Fasten8 Golf Shoes

The Puma Ignite Fasten8 golf shoe is the first on this list that is constructed more from a synthetic upper rather than lightweight mesh, making it one of the most durable choices here.

Much like the New Balance Breeze V2, those sturdy overlays not only secure your feet firmly but also offer protection against the elements – far more than breathable netting would – which increases the longevity of this shoe by reducing wear and tear.

Where the Puma Ignite Fasten8 does differ from the Breeze V2, however, is in the heel – there is little cushioning, which does suggest this shoe would be better for shorter, more casual walks or jogs than long distance treks.

Where it makes up for this, however, is in the thick, pillow-like synthetic foam soles – Puma says this material provides energy return and responsive comfort, meaning your feet won’t get sore quickly (if at all).

ASICS Gel-Course Ace Golf Shoes

ASICS manufacture some of the best sports footwear in the world so it’s no surprise that the ASICS Gel-Course Ace golf shoe has found its way into my top nine selections.

Having previously owned ASICS runners, I can tell you there is one thing that puts this brand above all others – and that’s comfort (with this golf shoe being no exception).

This shoe has some unique design characteristics up its sleeve that sets it apart from its competitors, namely the ‘Flytefoam’ technology and rearfoot cushioning system which combine for maximum comfort by minimising shock on impact.

The other ASICS Gel-Course traits that stand out are the durable upper construction for prolonged shelf-life and the added padding around the ankle and heel to minimise rubbing and keep you comfortable on long rounds, walks or runs.

Thestron Golf and Walking Shoes

When you’ve got a shoe that specifically markets itself as both a golf and walking shoe, it’s hard to leave it off the list – but I haven’t included the Thestron Golf and Walking Shoe purely as a token gesture.

One of the obvious appeals of this shoe is its price; it comes in well under the cost of most other rivals on the market, which is something to consider if you’re on a tight budget.

In terms of design, the Thestron combines lightweight mesh with synthetic leather uppers to create a shoe that is both breathable and durable – the inclusion of leather, however, suggests this shoe is more geared towards golf than long distance walking or running.

It does counteract this, however, by packing plenty of cushioning around the ankle and heel to keep your feet snug and comfortable – if budget is your number one consideration, the Thestron Golf and Walking Shoe presents a viable option, but be wary of the leather trims.

Adidas Crossknit DPR Golf Shoe

With a third Adidas model on this list, it’s no surprise that this manufacturer is one of the best on the planet when it comes to creating runners and golf shoes – and the Adidas Crossknit DPR blends both these traits to perfection.

At first glance, this shoe looks super comfortable with the lightweight, breathable mesh combining with the synthetic, foam sole to give the impression you’ll be walking on pillows.

The shoe’s tongue is thin and unobtrusive while the neoprene heel (which is unique to the Adidas Crossknit DPR) lacks the same level of cushioning seen in some other brands I’ve reviewed, yet still gives enough padding.

The rubber grips on the sole is enough to provide ample traction on the fairways in dry weather, but not too much that it stops you wearing these shoes while walking or running without any problem whatsoever.

Final message

If you want a shoe that combines cutting-edge golf technology with the comfort of runners, you’re in luck – because, as I’ve demonstrated, there are plenty of shoes on the market that fit this brief.

Before deciding on a shoe, you need to be clear on how you intend to use it – if planning short, casual walks or runs you can easily get away with one of the more lightweight, mesh-heavy designs.

By comparison, if you are someone who loves longer, more demanding walks or runs you should seriously consider a model that affords maximum comfort and stability, and more cushioning around the ankle and heel.

But remember: all of these shoes are designed to be ‘golf first’ and will never perform on the running track quite as well as specially-made runners.

If you’re happy to make that concession, one of these nine shoes will certainly do the job.

Drew Wallace
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