If you grew up the way I did, you wore the soles off of every single pair of shoes you owned.
Not only did I wear the soles out quicker than Usain Bolt on a random Tuesday but this process repeated several times per year. The activity level was obviously different back then but there were plenty of tell-tale signs that led to purchasing new shoes.
Golf footwear is similar. You’ll reach a point that clearly signals that you need new golf shoes. As a kid, you can manage with a little hole in the toe or a slight reduction in traction. As a golfer, that slight reduction in traction might be the difference between driving the green on your favorite par-4 or slipping and hitting it O.B.
There are plenty of signs but today I’m going to give you two obvious reasons to buy new golf shoes ASAP.
Traction is worn down/gone completely
If the traction is worn down, torn or gone altogether, you need new golf shoes. Pay special attention to the toes and the heels as they are the main areas that need top-tier traction.
If you wear spiked shoes, examine the spikes. If they’re ripped, asymmetrical or missing, you’re losing traction which hurts your golf swing.
A simple trick to extend the life of spikes is avoiding concrete as much as possible and bringing a pair of shoes to slip into when walking through the parking lot.
Your removable insoles are fried
The best golf shoes feature premium removable insoles to increase comfort.
While the removable insoles are a major bonus in terms of comfort, they can be more prone to deterioration. So it’s important to examine them regularly for wear and tear.
Typical wear and tear might look like thinning of the removable insole, tearing at the sides or a lingering stench.
Golf shoes that are built to last
I know you’re probably wondering: “What golf shoes hold up the longest?”
I’ve got a few durable recommendations for you, fresh off our testers’ feet.
The NIKE Free Golf NN may not be the best golf shoe but it’s built to last.
One of our testers said he “rotates shoes, but I’m still playing in two pairs that I broke in during 2024, so a single pair will last more than a full season of 60+ rounds. Probably 90% are walking rounds.”
More than a full season with ~90% walking is solid. If you play a similar amount of golf, you should buy 2 pairs and let both propel you through 2-3 seasons. If you play less than 60 rounds of golf per year, the NIKE Free Golf NN should last you longer than the aforementioned golfer.
If you’re looking for dependability mixed with slightly above-average performance, the NIKE Free Golf NN is a great fit.
The Under Armour Drive Pro Clone is another great contender in terms of durability.
The Under Armour team added special emphasis on the upper and the traction, two things that directly correlate with how long you will game the Drive Pro Clone.
Assuming you treat them right, the spikes should last you long enough to play more than enough golf to justify purchasing the Drive Pro Clone.
The PAYNTR Reserve Classic SL is built to last with a solid and comfortable fit and a spikeless traction pattern that outperforms most other spikeless golf shoes. The Reserve Classic SL performed well in this year’s testing pool, notching the “Editor’s Pick” badge.
Our testers noted that “there are few traction patterns out there that hold up to PAYNTR’s spikeless outsole.” PAYNTR is also offering MyGolfSpy readers 10% off with code MYGOLFSPY.
Parting thoughts
Do your research and add durability to your list of importance when it comes to selecting new golf shoes.
Aside from sneaker-heads, no one wants to go through the process of buying new golf shoes every year. And with proper selection and care, you shouldn’t have to. We research more than 50 different golf shoes every year to make sure you are properly equipped when making your decision.
If these options don’t appeal, here are the best spiked and spikeless golf shoes of 2026.
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