7 Best Women’s Golf Shoes – Pros & Cons of Each [2023]

The golf shoes that I wear can make or ruin my day on the golf course.

If I’m comfortable and stable in a pair of shoes, I may even convince myself to play an extra nine holes. With uncomfortable or inefficient shoes, I can’t wait to change at the end of a round.

I believe golf shoes can be a very important part of your game, and they can even prevent injuries. After thoroughly analyzing and testing numerous women’s golf shoes, here are 7 of the best women’s golf shoes available this year.

I made this list keeping in mind your budget so you could choose from a range of options.

Here’s a comparison of our three top choices for golfers who just need a quick recommendation:

 

FootJoy Fuel – Best Overall

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 3 (White/Pink, Gray/White, Navy)

Waterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• A mix of classic and modern look
• Waterproof
• Stability bridge to help with swing consistency

Cons:

• A little softer than some women golfers are looking for
• Maybe a more athletic profile if you prefer more of a classic Footjoy

The FootJoy Fuel are my favorite golf shoes for women right now. I’ve always liked FootJoy’s – they seem to fit consistently, and I can rely on them year after year. In addition, they have great waterproof technology and a mix of styles to choose from.

At first, I thought the Fuel might be a little sportier of a shoe than I prefer, but I actually like how it looks, and there are three colors to choose from.

When looking at this shoe from a technology perspective, the fact that it has the patented Stability Bridge is probably one of the most important features. If you feel like your current shoes are not helping you stay on your feet while hitting shots, the FJ Fuel for women could help.

In addition, the FootJoy Fuel, although less expensive than the Pro SL shoes, has a very similar design, enhancing grip and performance. I like this shoe for golfers who are serious about the game but also care about the value of the shoe that they purchase.

 

Adidas Women’s Tech Response – Best Value

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 3 (White/Silver, Black/Silver, White/Silver Metallic)

Waterproof: No

Pros:

• Great pricing
• Fits true to size
• Lightweight and breathable
• Has spikes for better traction

Cons: 

• Longevity is not the best
• Sort of a basic-looking shoe

The Adidas Women’s Tech Response is a great value shoe. I like this as an option for a first-time woman golfer because it’s affordable and will work for you for a few years if you play occasional golf. The Tech Response Women’s Golf Shoe has 6 spikes and does a great job of gripping the turf so you feel stable.

Inside the Women’s Tech Response, you will find an EVA sock liner that helps to add some comfort to the shoe.

The Tech Response isn’t a waterproof shoe, and it probably won’t last you more than a season or two if you play golf several times a week. However, for a lightweight and breathable feel and plenty of comfort, the Tech Response should be on your list.

In addition, if you are playing with a pair of shoes that is worn down or outdated, the Women’s Tech Response is an affordable and easy replacement.

 

New Balance Women’s Breathe – Best for Walking

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: 4 (White/Blueprint, White/Black, Black/Animal, Gray/Rose, White, Sand)

Waterproof: No

Pros:

• Foam midsole
• Comfortable and luxurious accommodation
• Breathable mesh upper

Cons:

• Water can enter the upper part of a shoe
• Low-profile shoes can get wet in longer turf

The New Balance Women’s Breathe is a great women’s golf shoe for walking. If you like to take a push cart or electric caddy when you play, you will find the New Balance Women’s Breathe to be a great solution.

I often use New Balance women’s running shoes for my training off the course and was glad to see that they also made golf shoes. These lower-profile shoes are built to work like running shoes, which I have had much experience with.

If you are serious about walking and ensuring comfort while out on the course, the New Balance Women’s Breathe should be on the list.

Comfort and breathability is important while walking, but so is support. The New Balance has a spikeless rubber outsole that gives you the not just at setup but at the top of the backswing and through impact. In other words, if you like to go after the ball with a bit of speed, you can do so with the Women’s Breathe from New Balance.

Don’t let your golf shoes keep you from enjoying a good walk on the course – give these New Balance a try.

 

Ecco Women’s Hybrid Gore-Tex Waterproof Shoes – Best for Water Protection

Sizes: 5-11.5

Colors: 11 (White/Silver/Gray, Concrete/PeachNectar, Delicacy/Shadow White, Eventide/Misty, Marine/White Sky, White/Air, White/Silver Pink, Limestone, White)

Waterproof: Yes

Pros:

• 100% leather
• Closer to the ground than other shoes
• Impressive waterproof technology
• Rotational support throughout the swing

Cons:

• Expensive
• Unique coloring and style is not a fit for all players

I’ll warn you to check the pricing before you fall in love with these golf shoes. Ecco golf shoes are pricey, but they do hold up well over time. If you want premium performance and quality, this is a good shoe; just be ready to pay for it.

The Ecco Women’s Hybrid Gore-Tex Waterproof Shoes have all the technology you could want out on the golf course. The Biom Natural Motion technology is a unique way to help you feel more connected to the ground as you swing.

In addition, the fact that these are 100% leather technology helps improve the overall quality and longevity. Inside the shoe is a removable Ortholite that is washable and breathable.

The X Tensa Invisible Technology is what gives you that firm stability you need when you rotate and turn in your golf swing. Overall, I can’t complain about anything that the Ecco Women’s Hybrid Gore-Tex has to offer. It’s just a little expensive compared to the other shoes recommended on this list.

The pricing is a direct result of the technology put into the shoe, and that’s why it earns a spot on our list.

 

Adidas Women’s Response Bounce – Best for Comfort

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 6 (Gray Coral, White Yellow, White Blue, White Magenta, Black/White, Black/Gold)

Waterproof: Water Resistant

Pros:

• Waterproof
• Spikes are built to last
• Wider in the forefoot for increased comfort
• Water-resistant

Cons:

• Waterproof and water resistant are two different things
• Color variations are not available in certain sizes

The Adidas Women’s Response Bounce is my favorite women’s golf shoe for comfort. I’ve been playing golf for 30 years, so I remember all too well the days when golf shoes were incredibly uncomfortable. Luckily, things have changed.

I like the Response Bounce from Adidas when it comes to comfort on the course. The Cloud Foam technology on the inside of the shoe feels like a sock with a cushion on it each time you step down. In addition, it’s a lightweight technology that doesn’t drag you down.

In other words, if you like to walk, this is another good one to consider.

The upper part of the shoe is made with microfiber leather. It has the Climastorm technology built in to help protect it from water. I won’t say it’s completely waterproof, but you should be fine even if you get caught in some wet grass or a slight rain on the course.

You don’t get too many women’s golf shoes designed with the words “tour performance,” so I was happy to see that with the Adidas Response Bounce model. The wider forefoot helps to improve comfort, but I like it from a stability standpoint as well.

Also, with 7 color combinations, you won’t have a hard time finding one of these to match your favorite golf outfit.

 

FootJoy Women’s Stratos Golf Shoe – Best for Stability

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 4 (Vanilla Merlot, White/Black/Pink, White/Gray Ice, Navy)

Waterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Great looking golf shoes
• Made with comfort in mind
• VersaTrax for better traction
• Waterproof material

Cons:

• Some golfers feel they run a little more narrow

FootJoy makes the list of the best women’s golf shoes yet again, this time with the Women’s Stratos Golf Shoe. The Stratos are a bit more high-end than the FJ Fuel, as they are made with plush leather. In addition, this is a waterproof shoe that comes with a one-year FootJoy warranty.

One of the technologies that help the Stratos stand out is performance traction. I like having a bit of extra grip in the shoes I play with, and it’s not just on the grass while I’m swinging; having some extra traction while walking to the first tee never hurts anyone!

Sometimes shoes that are waterproof and provide traction can get uncomfortable. FootJoy fixed that with their StratoFoam. I like the combination of comfort and power that the StratoFoam offers. It’s not too cushiony that you feel like you’re sinking and losing power.

Even if you aren’t in the market for two pairs of golf shoes right now, it can make sense to purchase something like the Stratos and then a cheaper shoe like the Tech REsponse and alternate them. The shoes will last longer, and you will be prepared for any course conditions.

 

Puma Women’s Ignite Blaze – Final Shoe to Consider

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 2 (White, Black)

Waterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Leather construction
• Waterproof technology
• Combination of traction and foam for all-around performance

Cons:

• The cleat needs to be replaced from time to time
• Limited color selection
• Issues with sizing for some golfers; check the size chart carefully

The last shoe on my list is the Puma Women’s Ignite Blaze. When I was choosing my last shoe, I had it down to the Under Armour and the Puma, and I went with Puma. I feel like Puma does a better job of appealing to a style that a woman golfer may want to wear.

These shoes can look good and at the same time give you the performance on the golf course that you need. In addition, Puma runs some great sales on shoes from time to time, so you may see the price drop if you watch these a bit.

The Puma Women’s Ignite Blaze has a full-grain Atlantis leather construction and is considered waterproof.

On the bottom of the shoe, you will find the Tornado Cleat. The spike looks a little like a tornado and does a good job of grabbing some turf while you go after the ball. Overall, if you are tired of the standard options from FJ or Adidas, take a look at Puma and its unique shoe technology.

 

How to choose the right golf shoe for you

I shared with you some of my favorite golf shoes on the market right now, but there are hundreds to choose from. If you want to be able to break down which shoes are best for you, here are the top things I look for when choosing women’s golf shoes…

Spiked vs. Spikeless

The spikeless vs. spiked decision was a tough one in the past. The performance was quite different because of technology. In today’s shoes, both spikeless and spiked shoes have benefits.

I have a pair of both, and I think it’s beneficial to take advantage of both technologies.

Spikeless shoes are so convenient because they can be worn on and off the course. In addition,

I love the spikeless for heading to the range. The spiked shoes feel great for tournament play or wet conditions.

Sizing

It would be amazing if all golf shoe manufacturers could collaborate and create a standard for golf shoe sizes. However, this is not the case.

Be very careful when buying a pair of golf shoes and the sizing. Many times I thought the size would be the same as it is in my sneakers, and it just isn’t. Read reviews from other purchasers and see if they say whether or not the shoe was trending small or large.

Most of the time, you can get a pretty good idea of how the shoe will fit.

Waterproof Technology

Golf shoes can be either water-resistant, waterproof or not waterproof. I don’t think waterproof golf shoes are a necessity; you just have to be smart about when you wear non waterproof shoes.

Having a pair of women’s golf shoes that are waterproof and one that are not seems to be a good option that allows for some versatility in the wardrobe. If you pay extra for a waterproof shoe, make sure it comes with a waterproof warranty.

Traction

Breathability is important as are flexibility and stability, but traction can be crucial if you want to develop more clubhead power. Better traction in your shoes will give you more confidence in your legs and help you stay more stable.

Golf shoes that have great traction will allow you to better utilize the ground forces while swinging. I also find the traction increases the life of the shoe. It’s worth it to me to pay a few dollars extra to get an extra season out of a shoe.

Comfort

The more comfortable the shoe, the less likely you are to want to remove it after your round.

When it comes to comfort, foam technology in shoes is to be avoided.

Select shoes with a durable outer sole and comfort foam technology.

Foam can sometimes feel too cushioned, and you feel like you are sinking into the shoe.

Walking vs. Riding Shoes

The concept of walking vs. jogging is often overlooked.

You may like a fashionable golf shoe or a golf sandal for a day at the course, if you use a golf cart. If you’re walking 18 holes you’ll need more comfort and technology.

If you’re going to get blisters and wet soles by the time you reach 18, you can forget about those cute shoes. Save your clubhouse shoes for walking, and opt for something more athletic or sneaker-like.