Best Waterproof Golf Shoes 2022

Best Waterproof Golf Shoes

When playing outside of the summer months, courses tend to be wet underfoot and you're bound to be caught in a shower or two. Needless to say, getting the best golf shoes possible is imperative, especially when the weather takes a turn for the worse. To help you stay comfortable and play better golf, a sturdy pair of the best waterproof golf shoes will keep your feet warm in all conditions. Traditionally, you'd opt for a cleated or spiked shoe during the winter months but technologies have come on so far now that the best spikeless golf shoes can offer serious stability too.

There's plenty of technology available to keep your feet dry and stable, and there's a wide range of styling out there for you to find your favorite pair. We also think the best models in this category should be comfortable too as you do not want to compromise on comfort. Acknowledging this below we have taken a look at some of the best waterproof models on the market and if you're thinking about buying a pair of shoes as a present over the holiday period, why not check out our ideas on the best Christmas golf gifts (opens in new tab)!

We also think you should check out our guides to the best golf shoes for winter or the best golf waterproofs so you can be best prepared for the cold, wind and rain on the golf course. 

VIDEO: Watch Dan Parker's verdict on the 10 best golf shoes of 2022

Best Waterproof Golf Shoes

Spikeless Models

The newest iteration of the iconic Pro SL will hit retailers worldwide on February 15th 2022. The fourth generation sees some of the comfort we loved from the FootJoy Stratos golf shoe and the brand’s Hyperflex design, added to the midsole of the new 2022 Pro SL. This provides comfort whilst also returning energy to your feet as you step. In addition, the upper of the new version has been cleaned up and, as you can see from the pictures of the sample we tested, the colors have been simplified.

As for the on course performance, this continues to deliver. The comfort straight out of the box is superb and the sole design is among the best spikeless golf shoes we have worn on the course. It provides all the traction you need, even in wet, wintery conditions.

• Read our full FootJoy Pro SL 2022 shoe review

Three years on from its previous Biom Hybrid release, Ecco has given us the Biom H4 and what a shoe it is. Of course, it is on this list because the leather upper is waterproof thanks to the GORE-TEX membrane, but it comes packed with so much performance.

Among a great many other things, what we really like about this shoe is that it retains its breathability while ensuring your feet remain completely dry. A lot of models are guilty of being a little stuffy in this regard. Elsewhere, there is a tremendous amount of comfort provided and loads of grip and traction, making the Ecco Biom H4 one of the best shoes we’ve ever tested.

• Read our full Ecco Biom H4 Golf Shoe review (opens in new tab)

Our final spikeless pick in this best waterproof golf shoes guide is the Skechers Go Golf Drive 5. Combining a relaxed design with Skechers patented Arch Fit technology the Drive 5 is a comfortable spikeless golf shoe that offers great performance on the course. Firstly there is ample cushioning on offer here, and these shoes almost felt like slippers the moment we put them on. Walking and playing in, these shoes were very nice and didn't rub on our heels. 

They were also totally waterproof and kept our feet dry during a rather wet round. on the course. That also gave us a great opportunity to test the shoe's grip and again, the shoe proved it could withstand the elements, providing us with excellent traction off the turf with no sliding issues. The lack of spikes on the shoe and its cool style mean it is a very versatile on-course/off-course shoe that can also help improve your playing performance. 

Spiked Models

There's a reason why Rory McIlroy wears these shoes, as they are a fantastic spiked offering from Nike that strikes an excellent balance between being a classy and sporty golf shoe. They were designed with McIlroy's swing in mind, taking data from the three-time FedEx Cup champion's swing and implementing that into designing this pair of high-performance shoes. They offer brilliant traction on the turf, helping golfers power through their shots from all kinds of lies and are 100 per cent waterproof, meaning they can be worn all year round. 

The best part of these shoes, though, is the comfort they offer. Thanks to the Air Zoom insert on their sole, they combine well with a React foam heel to give you a stable and comfortable ride on the course. We were really grateful for this when walking on uneven surfaces during our testing rounds. The shoe also has additional ankle support around the top line, which again proved vital when we lost our ball in the long rough. Overall, these are a very stylish, performance-enhancing golf shoe that offers excellent comfort and stability on the golf course.  

• Read our full Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 2 Golf Shoe Review

One of the most traditional golf shoes on the market, The Legend by Cuater offers golfers a technology-packed, classic golf shoe that can be worn all year round. It's got to be said that this simple, clean design isn't seen as often in golf shoes anymore as brands constantly try to find the 'new' look to capture a golfer's eye. Alongside the FootJoy Premiere Series line of shoes, we think The Legend is probably the most 'classic' looking brogue you can currently buy.

Premium materials are used throughout and you can feel the quality of The Legend immediately when you pick them out of the box and again as soon they are on your feet. The Legend features what Cuater call its Sweet Spot Technology Cushioning System, which is used in the midsole to great effect.

• Read our full Cuater The Legend golf shoe review (opens in new tab)

The new Hovr Drive 2 addresses the specific needs of golfers, supporting your feet during the very specific movement of the golf swing. As much as we may not think it, the golf swing is a highly athletic movement and we all need the right equipment and grip on our feet to aid those movements. 

As such, the Hovr Drive 2 has applied the science of biomechanics in the design on its outsole to develop rotational, horizontal, vertical and internal traction. The most convincing of this traction comes from the new 3D moulded heel cup construction, which effectively creates a vacuum around the heel, locking it in for incredible levels of stability. 

Alongside working on the four dimensional traction in the Hovr Drive 2, Under Armour has introduced a new upper silhouette which is much sleeker than previous models. The upper has been brought closer to the foot to help increase the locked-in feeling created by the heel cup and outsole while making for a more dynamic looking silhouette. It should be noted that this model made our Editors Choice list for 2022 so is a worthy inclusion in this best waterproof golf shoes guide.

• Read our full Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 golf shoe review

Without a doubt one of the most impressive spiked golf shoes we've tested in recent memory, the Tour Alpha should be on the shortlist of golf shoes for any serious golfer out there. The Tour Alpha becomes FootJoy’s premier performance shoe for golfers seeking the ultimate in grip and stability.

Visually, it looks packed full of technology, especially around the heel area but when you pick up the Tour Alpha it feels surprisingly light for a performance cleated shoe. Slide your foot in and the comfort is immediate - the padding around the ankle and underfoot is substantial enough to take away the pressure when walking, but not too soft where walking 18 holes would feel like hard work

The fit is also worth mentioning - in the correct size (we often come down half a size in FootJoy golf shoes) the fit is snug and really encapsulates the foot evenly without pinching in any areas. Visually, this shoe is on point. There’s lots going on in the rear but when you’re wearing them, looking down the shoe looks clean and classic. With the cleats being positioned so close to the perimeter of the outsole, the pods that house them do stick out slightly but it’s not enough to distract you or put you off wearing them.

• Read our full FootJoy Tour Alpha golf shoe review

Our final selection in this best waterproof golf shoes guide is the ZG21 from adidas. Adidas put a lot into this shoe and it shows in the end product. In the ZG21, the brand has created one of the lightest and most performance-packed products we've ever tested. For that reason, it is also one of the best waterproof shoes on the market today.

As with any adidas shoe, it is really comfortable and this is down to the renowned Boost technology and new Lightstrike cushioning. Although spiked, this combination makes it a breeze to walk the fairways in. The four-layer upper is fully waterproof which we put to the test over several rounds without disappointment.

• Read our full Adidas ZG21 golf shoe review (opens in new tab)

How we test golf shoes

When it comes to testing golf shoes (opens in new tab) Golf Monthly has a strong testing procedure that revolves around putting them to the test over a number of rounds and in a variety of different conditions.

This is especially important when trying to find the best waterproof golf shoes because that way we can obviously test how waterproof the shoes are, as well as testing for things like grip, stability, durability, and traction. We do this by just playing the game because we undoubtedly put ourselves in odd positions and stances during each round. We often get caught in the odd shower too.

That being said before testing we will usually attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology. That isn’t to say manufacturers can buy a good review though, because we tell it how it is for all golf product reviews, not just golf shoes.

What to consider when buying the best waterproof golf shoes

What factors should you consider when trying to find the best waterproof golf shoe for you? Let's take a look.

Waterproofing

Obviously, in this section of the golf shoe market, waterproofing is the most important factor. Most golf shoes these days offer waterproof protection but some, like the models above, are better than others. As such be sure to take an in-depth look at golf shoe specifications to see if the brand says a shoe is 100% waterproof, or just water-resistant. Also it is worth checking if a model has a waterproof guarantee or warranty as well.

Comfort

As you would expect, comfort is also an important factor here. Golf shoes regardless of conditions or weather must be comfortable, with most models these days having specific foam technologies, or specific sole designs that are designed to house your feet in comfort all day when out on the golf course.

Grip/Stability/Traction

Given how slippery and difficult conditions can be in the wet, your golf shoes have to be able to perform in terms of stability and grip too. If your feet are slipping on the ground then chances are you won't hit a good shot, or you wont have the confidence to commit to a golf shot in the first place. As such be aware of what research brands have done into traction patterns, lugs and spikes on the golf shoes so you know which models will make sure your feet don't slip.

Looks

This is entirely subjective but you need to make sure you like the look of your golf shoes and there is a model above for all different types of fashion sense. You can go for classic finishes like the Pro SL or Gallivanter shoes from FootJoy  and G/FORE respectively. Or if you want a model to stand out, we also like the Ecco Biom H4 or Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 models.

Budget

The last factor to consider is budget. With most of the models above there are designs at different price points so simply go for a design with a price you are happy to commit to.

FAQs

We hope you enjoyed this guide on the best waterproof golf shoes. For more shoe guides check out the Golf Monthly website.