I have the Nike Roshi G, and it's a highly comfortable and versatile shoe that I keep in my golf locker. While it may not offer the utmost stability or waterproofing, it's incredibly comfortable and suitable for various conditions. I find it perfect for around 85% of my rounds, except for heavy rain when more stability might be necessary. With the Nike brand and quality, it's a fantastic value golf shoe that I would highly recommend.
The FootJoy Flex I have is the 2019 model, although the newer ones look slightly different. I've worn this shoe for around 40 rounds, and it continues to impress me. Even though the bottom might not look like it offers much traction, I've never experienced a significant slip, even during early morning rounds with dew on the ground. It's a high-quality, super comfortable shoe that performs well in various conditions and doesn't come with a hefty price tag.
It's a versatile shoe that seamlessly transitions between walking around town and performing on the golf course while maintaining a non-golf shoe appearance. What sets it apart is the remarkable comfort it offers. During a trip to Reynolds Lake Oconee, I tried these shoes for the first time, and to my surprise, I didn't need to break them in. They were super comfortable, and I've continued to wear them for around 15 rounds since. I have the taupe beige colorway, which may not be for everyone, but it does a great job of not looking like a traditional golf shoe when you're out and about. They are priced at $175, which might be on the higher side, but if you haven't experienced True Linkswear shoes before, I highly recommend them for their comfort and variety of interesting models.
The OG Feel is our top pick for a Barefoot golf shoe. If you're someone who enjoys wearing Vibram-like Five Finger shoes when running but prefers a more conventional look for golf, this is the shoe for you. It offers the most natural feeling possible while remaining comfortable and protective. Out of all the shoes I've tried, this one might just be my favorite in terms of appearance.
These shoes are designed to be exceptionally stable, and in my experience, they live up to that reputation. Unlike many of the spikeless or hybrid models we've discussed, Squares are more akin to traditional tour shoes. They offer a planted, less flexible feel when you put them on, which may not feel as comfortable at first because they require some breaking in. The leather sides are thicker and firmer, but these shoes provide the most firm footing compared to anything else we've talked about.
In my opinion, the best overall traditional spiked golf shoe on the market is the Ecco Biom G5. Ecco is known for its spikeless shoes, but the G5 combines the best of both worlds. It features parts of the sole similar to their spikeless hybrid models but also incorporates traditional spikes. These shoes come with Boa laces, which allow for a perfect fit and eliminate the hassle of constantly tying and retying your shoelaces.
I wore them through a three-day tournament at Pronghorn and ended up wearing them all three rounds because of their comfort and performance. Notably, several people approached me to ask about them, which was surprising since I had just discovered them. They are incredibly comfortable.
I have two minor complaints: they tend to squeak on slick clubhouse floors, and the toe box can get a bit creased, but that adds character. The best part is the value. At $140, they offer a fantastic blend of technology, comfort, and playability.
The Ecco Biom C4 is my top pick for the best overall golf shoe in 2022. It's not only a golf shoe but my all-time favorite. This shoe offers the utmost comfort; you'll feel like you're walking on clouds when you put it on. What's remarkable is that it's both fully waterproof and exceptionally stable despite being a spikeless model. While I haven't tested it in very wet conditions, it has performed well in early morning rounds with dew and light rain.
Ecco's Hybrid models, including the Hybrid 2 and Hybrid 3, have improved over time, and the C4 continues this trend. It also looks fantastic. Although it might not have the sleek and sexy appearance of some other shoes, it has its unique style, and the quality of the yak leather used is unmatched in terms of softness.
Maintenance is simple, with easy cleaning using soap and water. The Ecco Biom C4 is priced at $230, which is not cheap, but it's a worthwhile investment. I still wear my Hybrid 2s and Hybrid 3s regularly, and the C4 has become my go-to for most rounds. It offers the best all-around experience and, in my opinion, stands as the very best golf shoe on the market.