2012 Gear Guide: Golf Shoes

Adidas Adicross

Price: $90Type: SpikelessWeight: 14.3 ozSlip Resistance: HighFlexibility: MaximumTech Talk: The Adicross features 124 traction nodules to help the foot flex naturally during the swing. A synthetic cap over the toe makes it resistant to scuffing. Justin Rose wore these during his win at a soggy 2011 BMW Championship.Player Comments: "Very comfortable, very cool and very necessary. A real winner." . . . "They grip great, and they're shockingly lightweight."Info: adidasgolf.com

Callaway Del Mar

Price: $130Type: SpikelessWeight: 13.8 ozSlip Resistance: ModerateFlexibility: MaximumTech Talk: The rubber outsole has seven fixed cleats surrounded by more than 100 rubber lugs. The lightweight, waterproof leather upper is sealed with a moisture-wicking lining, and the shoe's tongue has gel tubes to evenly disperse pressure across the top of the foot.Player Comments: "The shoe felt natural during my swing." . . . "Among the most comfortable, most stable sneaker-type golf shoes I've tried."Info: callawaygolf.com

Ecco Golf Street Textile

Price: $150Type: SpikelessWeight: 13.5 ozSlip Resistance: ModerateFlexibility: MaximumTech Talk: The outsole is made with 100 thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) traction bars that provide more than 800 traction angles for grip in all conditions. The upper, which is made from leather and a performance textile, is lined with a breathable mesh.Player Comments: "More comfortable than bedroom slippers. More functional than you'd believe." . . . "After 18, I didn't take these shoes off, and that's never happened."Info: eccousa.com

FootJoy Contour Casuals

Price: $100Type: SpikelessWeight: 13.5 ozSlip Resistance: HighFlexibility: MaximumTech Talk: Designed to be worn on and off the course, this waterproof shoe has a rubber-nub outsole that is designed to enhance comfort and traction. With 47 possible size and width combinations (the most of any spikeless shoe), finding the right fit won't be a problem.Player Comments: "When the spikes eventually wear out, I'll still have some stylin' shoes to wear." . . . "The comfort is second to none."Info: footjoy.com

Kikkor Golf Tenny Clayburn

Price: $100Type: SpikelessWeight: 17.6 ozSlip Resistance: ModerateFlexibility: HighTech Talk: The thin foam midsole is designed to increase feel and stability, and foam in the tongue and collar molds to a golfer's foot. The suede leather upper is water-resistant, and the fixed-cleat tread is built into the sole to keep the foot lower to the ground.Player Comments: "They can be worn on or off the course without damaging the tread." . . . "The high level of comfort lives up to their cool, casual look."Info: kikkor.com

true linkswear true tour

Price: $150Type: SpikelessWeight: 12.3 ozSlip Resistance: HighFlexibility: MaximumTech Talk: The outsole is designed so your entire foot is 10 millimeters above the ground (half the industry average), and its flexibility helps stability by maximizing the shoe's ground contact. A wide toe box allows your toes to spread during the swing.Player Comments: "Great comfort and surprisingly good grip." . . . "They might look a little different, but they're the most comfortable golf shoes I've ever worn."Info: truelinkswear.com

Allen Edmonds honors collection

Price: $345Type: ClassicWeight: 23 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: ModerateTech Talk: The collection features a Goodyear welt construction, water-resistant sole and an 11-cleat sole with a midfoot rubber traction pad. There are nine styles, including uppers made of calfskin and sharkskin.Player Comments: "The Bugatti Veyron of golf shoes: luxurious in every aspect." . . . "Classic, classy design. The packaging was the best I've seen in golf."Info: allenedmonds.com

ecco golf world class gtx

Price: $450Type: ClassicWeight: 22.3 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: ModerateTech Talk: The calfskin leather upper has a waterproof Gore-Tex lining, and the vegetable-tanned, leather-covered insole is removable. The water-repellent leather outsole includes TPU in the heel area.Player Comments: "They're a little beefy, but it seemed the harder I swung, the more steady my feet stayed." . . . "Maybe not my first choice for a 36-hole day, but these made me strut like Ben Hogan.Info: eccousa.com

footjoy dryjoys tour

Price: $150Type: ClassicWeight: 17.4 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: HighTech Talk: The DryJoys Tour has a breathable leather upper. The shoe's outsole features soft TPU in the forefoot (for added flexibility), a fiberglass-composite bridge in the midfoot and Softspikes Cyclone cleats (designed for green-friendly traction).Player Comments: "Great style and stability." . . . "A bit stiff to start, but after a round it becomes the best shoe to play golf in." . . . "I love the alligator-accents look."Info: footjoy.com

footjoy fj iCON

Price: $230Type: ClassicWeight: 18.5 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: ModerateTech Talk: The outsole features an alloy shank and varying densities of TPU for stability and support. The midsole is made of a soft copolymer. Surrounded by a full-grain leather upper, the leather-covered polyurethane insole is designed to conform to each foot's shape.Player Comments: "As they started to break in, they were among the more comfortable shoes I tested." . . . "The cushion in the sole almost formed around my foot."Info: footjoy.com

nike Air zoom tw 2012

Price: $230Type: ClassicWeight: 17.1 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: HighTech Talk: The water-resistant leather upper features high-strength fibers to increase stability. Sections of the outsole are designed to flex independently to maintain ground contact, and cushioning in the heel provides comfort and support.Player Comments: "With these shoes, it felt easy to swing through the shot and stay stable." . . . "It's definitely a shoe you can wear for four-plus hours."Info: nikegolf.com

adidas powerband 4.0

Price: $150Type: AthleticWeight: 17.2 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: HighTech Talk: The leather upper with synthetic overlays combines with the company's low-profile outsole and TPU forefoot to provide stability. A molded polyurethane insole inlay is designed for cushioning and support.Player Comments: "The best part about these shoes was the support they gave my heels while I was playing." . . . "They have the right balance of comfort and stability."Info: adidasgolf.com

adidas tour360 atv

Price: $190Type: AthleticWeight: 18 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: HighTech Talk: The full-grain leather shoe features a 10-spike outsole that is designed to flex with your foot during the swing. A strengthened molded polyurethane sole inlay provides additional support. The heel is divided into five sections for balance on uneven stances.Player Comments: "It felt like my feet were firmly planted during every shot no matter the terrain or how hard I swung."Info: adidasgolf.com

Asics gel-linksmaster

Price: $100Type: AthleticWeight: 16.2 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: HighTech Talk: A compression-molded midsole is designed to lessen the shock to the foot while walking. The gel-cushioning system in the heel is similar to the cushioning in the company's running shoe. Champ's Scorpion Stinger cleats provide traction.Player Comments: "The shoes felt low to the ground, which made me feel more comfortable when I swung." . . . "Great grip on non-level surfaces."Info: asics.com

Callaway razr

Price: $185Type: AthleticWeight: 17 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: HighTech Talk: The full-grain leather upper has a two-year waterproof guarantee. The lightweight TPU outsole features a low-profile cleat receptacle developed by Softspikes to improve feel and decrease spike pressure. A special layer inside the shoe is designed to manage temperature.Player Comments: "The shoe had a very secure feel. There was no sliding around." . . . "Comfortable throughout the round."Info: callawaygolf.com

ecco biom golf hydromax

Price: $235Type: SpikelessWeight: 15.7 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: MaximumTech Talk: The leather upper is made from yak (for better strength and breathability over traditional leathers) and contains a hydrophobic compound that helps protect against the elements. A flexible midsole arch support is intended to mimic the shape of the foot.Player Comments: "They have a comfortable feel." . . . "There's little to no foot fatigue or discomfort. It's an all-around good shoe."Info: eccousa.com

etonic g-sok

Price: $80Type: AthleticWeight: 15.4 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: HighTech Talk: Even with a leather upper, this shoe is among the lightest in the category. A lightweight midsole provides cushioning, and the outsole is made of a high-grade rubber compound to enhance durability. A mesh sock liner manages internal temperature.Player Comments: "A great shoe on the hilly course I played on." . . . "A nice, wide body for the foot along with good cushioning and excellent grip."Info: etonic.com

footjoy FJ sport

Price: $150Type: AthleticWeight: 15.1 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: HighTech Talk: The FJ Sport is lighter than some spikeless models and features a molded TPU outsole for stability and an external heel stabilizer to support the force of the downswing. Softer, more flexible sections in the forefoot are designed to aid walking on uneven surfaces.Player Comments: "Young-looking—the guys wanted to know if I was having a midlife crisis. But now I think I’m stylin', and they're jealous."Info: footjoy.com

footjoy xps-1

Price: $220Type: AthleticWeight: 19.6 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: HighTech Talk: The ultra-soft leather upper is treated to provide maximum waterproofing without a membrane. A gel collar around the ankle adds comfort, and the TPU outsole has the largest surface area in company history.Player Comments: "The wide sole keeps you balanced. The technology is well integrated with a traditional golf-shoe look." . . . "The shoe feels meatier, and the sole keeps you stable."Info: footjoy.com

nike dunk ng

Price: $130Type: AthleticWeight: 18.6 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: HighTech Talk: The golf version of Nike's old basketball classic has a rubber cupsole with seven cleats and a full-grain leather upper with a two-year waterproof warranty. A full-length, contoured sock liner adds comfort.Player Comments: "The look is nice. These shoes felt very relaxing on my feet throughout the 18 holes. They give you good grip and stability during the swing." . . . "Easy to put on and take off."Info: nikegolf.com

nike lunar control

Price: $150Type: AthleticWeight: 14.6 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: HighTech Talk: The lightest shoe in the group features high-strength fibers in the saddle that brace the foot. A dense foam in the midsole adds cushioning. The outsole has two channels to aid stability and flexibility.Player Comments: "Very comfortable, with lots of cushioning. It has fewer spikes, but I didn't feel any difference in the grip, and it did less damage to the greens."Info: nikegolf.com

oakley full auto tour

Price: $160Type: AthleticWeight: 15.4 ozSlip Resistance: HighFlexibility: HighTech Talk: The upper features a waterproof, full-grain leather and molded thermoplastic rubber for stability. The upper's poromeric construction aids breathability, and the copolymer in the midsole offers cushioning. The outsole uses abrasion-resistant, injection-molded polymer.Player Comments: "Futuristic styling. The comfort was awesome." . . . "Extremely comfortable, very stable footing."Info: oakley.com

puma ace 2

Price: $80Type: AthleticWeight: 14.7 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: HighTech Talk: The water-resistant synthetic leather upper combines with a solid rubber outsole that features low-profile, three-pronged cleats positioned around the perimeter of the sole for traction. A breathable molded copolymer insole adds support and cushioning.Player Comments: "It looks great, with good lines and color, and it's very stable during the swing." . . . "Very comfortable. It provides good grip."Info: puma.com

puma super cell fusion ice

Price: $220Type: AthleticWeight: 18.1 ozSlip Resistance: MaximumFlexibility: HighTech Talk: This shoe is designed to be as stable as possible to help you confidently add speed to your swing. The new medial support and heel-toe protection features were inspired by motocross boots. The shoe also has a wider outsole in the heel and forefoot for better support.Player Comments: "Plenty of room inside for my feet." . . . "Very soft. The styling didn't reflect my taste at first, but it won me over."Info: puma.com

Sole Science

By Ashley Mayo, E Michael Johnson, Mike Stachura and Stina Sternberg

Photos by Josephine Schiele/CNP Digital Studio

Our in-depth guide to golf footwear features 24 models that will change the way your feet feel and your swing moves.