Updated on May 16, 2023
Golf shoes have come a long way in the style department. Gone are the days of the big, clunky metal spikes that couldn’t even be worn inside. In today’s world, lots of golf shoes are just as stylish as regular tennis shoes.
However, knowing which golf shoes can pass as regular shoes can take time and effort. If you want to wear golf shoes off the golf course in casual settings, check out our essential guide for doing it right.
What to Look for in a Golf Shoe That Can Be Worn Casually
Finding the right pair of golf shoes for casual wear doesn’t have to be all that difficult. When searching for the perfect pair, look for ones that meet the following criteria.
1. Get Spikeless Shoes
This is the most vital attribute to look for when searching for golf shoes that can be worn both on and off the course. Think about it. Most proper establishments wouldn’t take too kindly to you walking in with spikes on that could damage their floors.
Even if you have golf shoes with plastic or rubber spikes, they aren’t considered fashionable enough for any event. Spiked golf shoes look kind of weird, even in the most casual of settings. They can also be quite loud!
Luckily, every golf shoe manufacturer offers a slew of spikeless shoes. To make matters even better, most golfers think that spikeless golf shoes are much more comfortable and not as hard on their feet.
2. Obviously, Make Sure They’re Comfortable
When searching for a good pair of golf shoes, comfort is king! This is especially true if you want a shoe that can be worn to social events after your golf round. If the golf shoes you choose cause you any discomfort, you’re not going to want to wear them off the course.
A great way to ensure that your golf shoes will be comfortable is to try them on before buying them. While this isn’t always possible in today’s world of online ordering, it’s still not a bad plan. When trying on golf shoes, look for lightweight ones with extra cushioning. The right pair of shoes will feel just like regular sneakers!
3. Choose The Right Colors
Here’s another critical feature to consider when looking for versatile golf shoes. Though some folks overlook this attribute, finding the right color pattern makes a big difference. A golf shoe can be spikeless and comfortable, but it won’t work well in social settings if the colors are all wrong.
While it may be fun to wear some of Rickie Fowler’s uniquely colored golf shoes on the course, most of them probably wouldn’t look so good at family barbecues. A safe bet is to stick to neutral colors like black, white, or grey. These tend to pair well with a lot of different outfit combinations.
4. Choose The Right Style
This feature has a lot to do with personal preference and what type of social settings you attend. For example, I love the old-school golf shoes that Footjoy makes. The classic look gives me a nostalgic feel when I wear them.
However, that type of bulky, dressy look wouldn’t go well at laidback get-togethers. For casual settings, you’re better off finding a golf shoe that looks more like a regular running shoe.
On the other hand, the dressy Footjoy golf shoes would probably work well for church or some type of business casual setting. When buying golf shoes for everyday use, think about the events you’ll attend.
Clothes That Pair Well with Golf Shoes
While some golf shoes are highly versatile, you can’t assume they’ll go well with just any old outfit. In this section, we’ll go over what clothes pair well with golf shoes. Hopefully, this will give you some more ideas for your next outfit!
Jeans
Since jeans go well with just about any type of footwear, they’ll usually make a great choice with golf shoes. Most jeans are comfortable, and wearing lightweight, stylish golf shoes will only add to your comfort level.
Khaki Shorts
Golf shoes also pair well with khaki shorts or any other type of dress shorts. Just make sure that the color schemes match up well. Also, be sure to wear shorter ankle socks when wearing shorts. It’s a much more fashionable look.
Dress Pants
This one is a bit trickier, but some dress pants work just fine with golf shoes. There are no hard and fast rules when choosing this combo other than the style and colors have to match. For example, you wouldn’t want to wear black dress pants with solid white golf shoes!
Our Top 3 Picks of Golf Shoes That Can Be Worn Casually
Do you still need help picking out the perfect golf shoes that can double as casual shoes? This section is for you! Our staff has researched hundreds of different pairs to give you our 3 best golf shoes for informal settings. Enjoy!
Pros
- It has a classy look that works well off the golf course
- The upper is made of 100% leather, which is stylish and comfy
- It comes with a 2-year waterproof warranty
- The DuraMax outsole provides plenty of traction and grip
- Built for any weather conditions
Cons
- The price is a little on the high side
- Not available in black
If you’ve read any other of our golf shoe articles, you know we’re big fans of Footjoy. These folks have been making insanely comfortable golf shoes since 1857. The Men’s Contour is a great choice for folks that want a golf shoe with lots of durability and flexibility. It also works well in most social settings.
2. Adidas Men’s Tech Response Spikeless Golf Shoes (Best Value)
Pros
- Available in white, black, and grey
- These have plenty of tiny mesh holes for added breathability
- It provides lots of stability during the swing, even on rugged terrains
- The rubber soles won’t damage wooden floors or other hard surfaces
- It has an EVA midsole for added comfort
Cons
- Not made in the USA
- The toe box is too narrow for some golfers
Adidas has been one of the major players in athletic shoes for several decades. The Men’s Tech Response is an incredible choice that looks great on and off the golf course. These shoes are so light you’ll forget you’re wearing golf shoes.
3. PUMA Men’s Ignite Fasten8 Golf Shoe (Most Comfortable)
Most Comfortable
Pros
- Reasonable price for a reputable brand
- Made with Ignite Foam for comfort that’s second to none
- It gives you an excellent grip on the course without spikes
- Built with the Fasten8 system for added foot support
- Stylish enough for the golf course and the country club
Cons
- Several of the color patterns are currently out of stock
We mentioned Rickie Fowler earlier in this article, so it’s only fitting for his brand of golf shoes to make our list. The Ignite Fasten8 has many outstanding features, and it comes in primary colors that make good choices for off-the-course use. This golf shoe gives extra support to the ankle area as well.
Mike Noblin
Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.