Ten waterproof golf shoes compared on how well each upper keeps water out, plus grip and comfort over a full round.
Every shoe on this page states waterproofing in its own manufacturer listing, either as a membrane, a treated upper or a written warranty. Shoes that only claim a water guard over the forefoot or a water-resistant finish were left out, because those are the ones that let you down in the third hole of a wet morning. The field runs from a 59 dollar microfiber shoe to a 270 dollar Gore-Tex model.
Waterproof golf shoes: the ten picks at a glance
There are three ways a golf shoe keeps water out. A laminated membrane such as Gore-Tex or ECCO-TEX sits inside the shoe and blocks water while letting vapor out, which is the most reliable and the most expensive. A treated microfiber or full grain leather upper blocks water at the surface, which works well and costs less. A coated knit or mesh is the lightest of the three and depends most on the coating staying intact.
The second thing to check is the warranty, because it is the only claim a manufacturer has to stand behind. Six of the ten shoes here carry a written waterproof warranty of one or two years. The third is traction: spiked shoes hold better on wet slopes, spikeless shoes walk better off the course. Below you get three picks first, then the table, then each shoe in detail.
- Two year warranty and a knit upperFootJoy Hyperflex
- The strongest waterproofing hereECCO Biom C5 BOA Gore-Tex
- Warranty and spikes for around 110 dollarsCallaway Solana TRX V3
- Cheapest shoe with a waterproof warrantySkechers Tempo Spikeless
| Shoe | Waterproofing | Warranty | Traction | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FootJoy Men's Hyperflexbest overall | Coated ControlKNIT upper | 2 years | PowerPlate, spikeless | One shoe for every condition |
| ECCO Men's Biom C5 BOA Gore-Texbest waterproofing | Gore-Tex Surround membrane | Not stated | BIOM C5 multi-directional outsole | Wet, sand and mud |
| FootJoy Men's Traditions Blucherbest leather | Full grain leather | 1 year | Pulsar LP cleats by Softspikes | Classic looks and a dress code |
| Under Armour Men's Drive Fade 2 Golf Cleatsbest spikes | Waterproof microfiber upper | Not stated | UA S3 spikes by Softspikes | Wet slopes and hard swings |
| New Balance Men's Brighton v2best cleated comfort | Waterproof microfiber leather | Not stated | FastTwist 3.0 Pulsar cleats | Walking a wet course in spikes |
| Callaway Solana TRX V3best warranty value | Microfiber leather with opti-dri | 2 years | 5 spike dura-rubber outsole | Warranty and spikes on a budget |
| New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Contend v2best spikeless cushioning | Waterproof performance mesh | 2 years | Smart rubber spikeless outsole | All day walking comfort |
| Skechers Tempo Spikeless Waterproofbest value | Waterproof synthetic upper | 1 year | GRIPFLEX spikeless TPU | A first waterproof golf shoe |
| Puma Fusion Grip 6 EVOlightest package | Microfiber upper | 1 year | Spikeless outsole | On and off the course |
| ULTIANT Men's Golf Shoesbest budget | Waterproof microfiber upper | Not stated | 9 molded TPU claws | Occasional rounds and range days |
The ten waterproof golf shoes in detail
- Waterproofingcoated ControlKNIT upper
- Warrantywaterproof in normal use for two years
- Upperspiral-wound engineered knit, easy to clean
- FitTruFIT system with a locked-in heel
- MidsoleStratoFOAM tuned for golf
- PowerPowerPlate harnesses rotational forces
Best for: A golfer who wants one pair for the season and plays whatever the forecast says
The Hyperflex is the shoe to buy if you do not want to think about the weather again. FootJoy warrants it waterproof in normal use for two years, which is the strongest commitment in this list, and the construction behind that claim is a spiral-wound engineered knit with a durable coating rather than a membrane.
The rest is built around the swing rather than around walking. TruFIT locks the heel, StratoFOAM is tuned for golf rather than running, and the PowerPlate is there to transfer the rotational force of the downswing into the ground. What you notice on the course is weight: a knit shoe with this much structure still walks lighter than any leather shoe here.
Pros
- A two year waterproof warranty is the longest term on offer here, and only three shoes in this list match it
- A knit upper is far lighter and more flexible than leather, so this walks like a trainer rather than a golf shoe
- The durable coating is designed to be wiped clean, which matters on a knit that would otherwise soak up mud
- PowerPlate targets the rotational forces of the swing rather than just cushioning the step
Cons
- At around 190 dollars it is the second most expensive shoe in this list
- A coated knit depends on the coating, and knit uppers scuff more visibly than leather
- FootJoy does not publish a weight figure for this model
- WaterproofingGore-Tex Surround, 100 percent waterproof with 360 degree breathability
- ClosureBOA Fit System, adjusted with a dial
- UpperECCO Performance Leather with a stretch knitted sock
- OutsoleBIOM C5, multi-directional traction
- Conditionsrated for wet, dry, sand and mud
- Insoleremovable and washable, can come out for extra width
Best for: Anyone who plays through winter, early mornings and heavy dew
This is the top of the range and the reason is the membrane. Gore-Tex Surround is not a laminate over the upper only, it wraps the foot so water cannot enter from any direction, and it vents through the sole rather than just through the top of the shoe. In practice that means feet stay dry in standing water and do not cook on a warm afternoon.
The rest of the shoe matches. ECCO Performance Leather from the company's own tanneries, a stretch knit sock for the collar, a BIOM C5 outsole rated for wet grass, dry grass, sand and mud, and a BOA dial instead of laces. It costs more than three of the budget shoes here combined, and it is the only one that will not need a second thought in January.
Pros
- Gore-Tex Surround is the only construction here that is waterproof from every direction and still breathes through the sole
- The BOA dial adjusts tension in a twist, which works with cold or gloved hands better than laces
- ECCO tans its own performance leather, and the C5 pairs it with a stretch knit sock for a closer fit
- Taking the insole out gains width, which is a real fix for a shoe that runs narrow
Cons
- At around 270 dollars it is by far the most expensive shoe in this list
- ECCO does not state a waterproof warranty period for it
- A BOA dial is another part that can break, and it is not user-replaceable in the field
- Waterproofingfull grain leather upper
- Warrantywaterproof in normal use for one year
- Comfortmolded high density EVA FitBed with a foam Achilles pad
- Midsolefoam, for lightweight comfort
- TractionPulsar LP cleats by Softspikes
- Styleclassic blucher, saddle-free
Best for: Private clubs, a strict dress code and anyone who prefers a real leather shoe
The Traditions is the classic golf shoe in this list, and full grain leather is the reason to buy it. FootJoy describes it as offering waterproof comfort, breathability and durability, and backs the waterproofing with a one year warranty in normal use.
What leather actually buys you is time. A treated microfiber upper eventually gives up at the flex point; a well kept leather shoe outlasts several of them, and it is the only option here that fits comfortably at a club with a strict dress code. The cost is weight and a break-in period, and the fittings are conventional Pulsar LP cleats you can replace when they wear.
Pros
- Full grain leather is the most durable upper here and it holds its shape over years rather than seasons
- The one year waterproof warranty is written into the listing, not implied
- Replaceable Pulsar LP cleats mean the traction can be renewed instead of the shoe
- The Achilles pad addresses the one place a stiff leather golf shoe usually rubs
Cons
- Leather is the heaviest option here and it needs breaking in
- One year of warranty against two on the Hyperflex and the Callaway
- At around 160 dollars it costs more than the two shoes with the longer warranty
- Waterproofingwaterproof microfiber upper, breathable
- SpikesUA S3, designed with Softspikes and a golf biomechanist
- CushioningUA HOVR in the heel
- Fitmolded sockliner
- Outsolelightweight, durable and flexible TPU
- Upper feelsofter, more premium microfiber than the first Drive Fade
Best for: Golfers who want cleats and play on slopes that get slick
The Drive Fade 2 is the spiked shoe for golfers who care most about what happens under the foot. The UA S3 spike was designed with Softspikes and a golf biomechanist for directional traction, and that is a meaningfully different brief from a spike designed for walking grip.
The upper is a softer, more premium microfiber than the first Drive Fade, and Under Armour describes it as durable, waterproof and breathable. The gap in the listing is the warranty: there is no stated waterproof period, so you are buying the material claim rather than a commitment. HOVR cushioning in the heel makes it one of the more comfortable cleated shoes here over eighteen holes.
Pros
- The UA S3 spike was developed with Softspikes and a biomechanist specifically for directional traction in the swing
- A microfiber upper is waterproof and breathable without the break-in of leather
- HOVR cushioning in the heel is the same system Under Armour uses in its running shoes
- Cleated shoes can be re-spiked, so the grip is renewable
Cons
- Under Armour states waterproofing on the upper but does not publish a warranty period
- Cleats are noisier and less comfortable off the course than spikeless soles
- At around 140 dollars this is priced above several shoes with a written warranty
- Waterproofingwaterproof microfiber leather upper
- MidsoleDynaSoft, 10 mm drop
- OutsoleNDurance rubber
- CleatsFastTwist 3.0 Pulsar
- Insolemolded CUSH+
- Widthsavailable in medium and wide
Best for: Cleated golf for anyone who walks the course rather than riding it
The Brighton v2 is what happens when a running shoe company builds a cleated golf shoe. The midsole is DynaSoft with a 10 mm drop, the insole is a molded CUSH+, and the result is a spiked shoe you can walk 18 holes in without the usual flat-plank feeling underfoot.
Waterproofing comes from a microfiber leather upper, which New Balance describes as protecting your feet from moisture on wet courses. There is no published warranty period, which is the one place the cheaper Contend v2 beats it. It is also one of the few golf shoes here sold in wide sizes.
Pros
- Microfiber leather is the most practical waterproof upper: it wipes clean and does not need breaking in
- A 10 mm drop with DynaSoft foam is a running shoe setup, which is why it walks so well
- FastTwist 3.0 cleats are a common standard, so replacements are easy to find
- Offered in wide sizes, which few golf shoes in this price class are
Cons
- New Balance states the waterproof upper but publishes no warranty term for this model
- The Contend v2 further down this list carries a two year warranty for 20 dollars less
- Cleats mean you are changing shoes at the clubhouse
- Waterproofingmicrofiber leather upper with opti-dri protection
- Warranty2 year limited waterproof warranty
- Outsole5 spike dura-rubber
- MidsoleForged DX EVA
- Insole5 mm PLUSfoam
- Traction typereplaceable spikes
Best for: A golfer who wants spikes and a long warranty without paying FootJoy money
The Solana TRX V3 is the value pick among the cleated shoes. Callaway puts a two year limited waterproof warranty on it, the same term FootJoy gives the Hyperflex at nearly twice the price, and the upper doing the work is a microfiber leather with the opti-dri treatment.
Underneath is a five spike dura-rubber outsole, which gives more anchor points than the four spike layouts you usually find at this price, and a Forged DX EVA midsole that keeps you close to the ground. It is not the most cushioned shoe here, and it is not the lightest, but nothing else pairs this warranty with this many spikes at this price.
Pros
- A two year waterproof warranty at around 110 dollars is the best warranty per dollar in this list
- Five spikes give more anchor points than the four spike layouts common at this price
- Microfiber leather with opti-dri wipes clean and does not soak
- Forged DX EVA keeps a natural ground feel rather than lifting you onto a thick platform
Cons
- Callaway does not publish a weight, and a five spike outsole is not light
- A 5 mm insole is thinner than the cushioning on the New Balance and Skechers shoes
- Spiked shoes wear their advantage out: replace the cleats or the grip claim stops being true
- Waterproofingwaterproof performance mesh upper with FantomFit support
- Warranty2 year waterproof warranty
- MidsoleFresh Foam, 10 mm drop
- Outsolesmart rubber spikeless with pressure mapping colors
- Insolemolded CUSH+
- Weight classultralight upper construction
Best for: Golfers who walk, carry and would rather not own a second pair of shoes for the clubhouse
The Contend v2 is the best argument in this list for spending less. The upper is a waterproof performance mesh with FantomFit support, and New Balance backs it with a two year waterproof warranty, which is the same term as shoes here costing 90 dollars more.
The platform is where it earns its place: Fresh Foam with a 10 mm drop and a molded CUSH+ insole is a walking setup rather than a stance-only one. Worth knowing before you buy: the newer v3 is not the same shoe on this point. It swaps the fully waterproof upper for a welded water guard over the forefoot, which is why the v2 is the one in this list.
Pros
- A two year waterproof warranty on a 100 dollar shoe is the best combination of price and commitment here
- Fresh Foam with a 10 mm drop is the most cushioned platform in this list for walking a full round
- The pressure mapping on the outsole shows where the grip zones are, so wear is easy to read
- Spikeless means it goes from the car to the course to lunch without changing
Cons
- A mesh upper, even a waterproof one, is more vulnerable to cuts than leather or microfiber
- Spikeless traction gives up ground to cleats on steep wet lies
- This is the previous version, and New Balance has since moved to a v3 that is only water-guarded at the forefoot
- Waterproofingwaterproof construction with a synthetic upper
- Warrantyone year waterproof warranty
- Insolehigh-rebound GOGA MAX
- CushioningECO FLIGHT, made with at least 10 percent recycled material
- OutsoleGRIPFLEX spikeless TPU
- Closurelace-up
Best for: A first waterproof golf shoe, or a spare pair that lives in the car
The Tempo is the value entry and the numbers are straightforward: about 90 dollars, a one year waterproof warranty, a GOGA MAX insole and a GRIPFLEX spikeless outsole. Nothing here is exotic, and nothing here is missing either.
Two honest caveats. The warranty is one year rather than the two you get from Callaway and New Balance, and Skechers does not say what the synthetic upper is made of. Against that, this is the cheapest way to get a waterproof claim someone has to stand behind, and the cushioning is better than the price suggests.
Pros
- Around 90 dollars for a shoe with a written one year waterproof warranty is the cheapest entry to that promise here
- GOGA MAX is the insole Skechers uses across its walking range, and it is the most comfortable part of the shoe
- The GRIPFLEX outsole grips without spikes, so it does not mark greens or clubhouse floors
- ECO FLIGHT cushioning uses at least 10 percent recycled material
Cons
- One year of warranty is the shortest term among the shoes that offer one
- Skechers does not name the synthetic upper material
- The listing text is written for running shoes in places, which is a sign of a shared product template rather than a golf-specific build
- Waterproofing1-year waterproof protection
- Warrantyone year waterproof warranty
- Uppermicrofiber, lightweight and durable
- CushioningFUSION FOAM
- Outsolespikeless, usable on and off the course
- Stylesmooth premium finish for everyday wear
Best for: Golfers who want one shoe for the round and the drive home
The Fusion Grip 6 EVO is the cheapest shoe here that still comes with a waterproof warranty, and Puma is direct about the target: soft cushioning, a spikeless outsole, and a microfiber upper smooth enough to wear away from the course.
It is a walking shoe first. FUSION FOAM is on the soft side, and combined with a spikeless outsole that means comfort on the fairway and less bite on a wet slope than a cleated shoe gives you. Stock at any given size is thin, which is normal for Puma golf colorways.
Pros
- Around 71 dollars with a written one year waterproof warranty, the lowest price for that combination here
- A microfiber upper wipes clean, which is the practical advantage over knit and mesh
- FUSION FOAM is soft rather than firm, which suits walking more than it suits a hard swing
- Spikeless and plain enough to wear off the course without looking like golf shoes
Cons
- Stock is thin, and Puma rotates colorways of this model quickly
- Puma publishes no weight or drop figures
- A soft foam and a spikeless sole is the least stable combination in this list on wet slopes
- Waterproofingwaterproof microfiber upper that blocks moisture
- OutsoleTPU-wrapped with 9 one-piece molded claws
- Midsolelightweight MD foam
- Ventilationbreathable mesh around the ankle
- Closuretraditional lace-up
- Cleatsfixed, non-removable
Best for: Occasional rounds, range days and a first pair that does not need to survive a decade
The ULTIANT is the budget end of this list and it does the important things. The upper is a microfiber that blocks moisture and wipes clean, the outsole is TPU-wrapped with nine one-piece molded claws for turf grip, and the midsole is a light MD foam.
What you give up is recourse and longevity. There is no waterproof warranty stated anywhere in the listing, and the claws are fixed rather than replaceable, so once the traction is worn the shoe is done. For someone playing a handful of rounds a year, or buying a first pair before committing to the game, that math works.
Pros
- Under 60 dollars, the cheapest shoe here by a clear margin
- Nine molded TPU claws give more turf bite than a flat spikeless sole
- A microfiber upper wipes clean after mud and blocks moisture
- Mesh at the ankle keeps the shoe from getting stuffy despite the sealed upper
Cons
- No waterproof warranty of any kind is stated
- The claws are molded in and cannot be replaced, so worn traction means a new shoe
- ULTIANT is not a golf brand with a service history, and sizing runs on EU numbers
Checklist: What Makes a Great Waterproof Golf Shoe
- Waterproofing and the warranty behind it: A membrane such as Gore-Tex or ECCO-TEX is the most reliable construction, followed by a treated microfiber or full grain leather upper, then a coated knit or mesh. Whatever the material, check for a written waterproof warranty: six of the ten shoes on this page state one, at either one or two years, and that term is the only part of the claim a manufacturer has to stand behind.
- Comfort: Ensure the shoe provides ample cushioning through technologies like EVA midsoles and responsive foam, which are essential for comfort during long rounds and can help prevent foot fatigue.
- Traction: Consider shoes with robust outsole designs, such as spikeless grip patterns or replaceable Softspikes, that offer stable footing on various terrains, crucial for maintaining a steady swing.
- Durability: Select shoes crafted with quality materials like synthetic leather or performance mesh that can withstand the rigors of the game and preserve the shoe's integrity over time.
- Fit and Style: Look for shoes with a secure fit system that adapts to foot movement and offers a variety of colorways or designs to match personal preferences and golf attire.
- Maintenance: None of these shoes are machine washable. Microfiber and coated knit uppers are designed to be wiped clean, leather needs occasional care, and mesh takes the longest to dry out. On cleated models the spikes are the wear part: replaceable Softspikes or FastTwist cleats can be renewed, molded claws cannot.
FAQ
What are the essential qualities to look for in waterproof golf shoes?
The essential qualities include advanced waterproof technology, ample cushioning, stable traction, durability, a secure fit, and ease of maintenance.
Can comfortable waterproof golf shoes make a difference in a round of golf?
Yes, comfortable waterproof golf shoes can prevent foot fatigue and improve performance during a round of golf.
How important is traction in choosing a waterproof golf shoe?
Traction is crucial for stable footing and a steady swing, which is essential for golfers on various terrains.
