New golf equipment for 2021: Footwear

This story first appeared in the February issue of Golfweek Magazine.

White shoes with a black saddle. White shoes with a brown saddle. All white. All black. It seemed golf shoes were trapped in an endless cycle of conformity for decades.

Thankfully, those days are over. While there are plenty of golfers who still love to play in classic-looking footwear, the trend is toward athletic-looking golf shoes with bold colors and sporty styles. From posh private clubs to municipal tracks, more and more golfers are wearing shoes that resemble something that might be seen at a 10K race.

That does not mean these shoes are short on golf-specific details. Manufacturers study how golfers put stress on their feet during the swing, looking at various traction elements and how cleats dig into the grass. They are always tinkering with new materials that provide pillow-like cushioning without increasing weight.

But regardless of the style of shoe you prefer, getting footwear that fits properly is key. Walking a course can easily involve strolling four or five miles up and down hills, and even if you ride in a cart, you will walk a lot during your round.

Shoes that are too tight are never comfortable, and footwear that is too big can rob you of traction and potentially lead to blisters. Your shoes should flex under the balls of your feet to ensure both comfort and traction when you walk, yet they need to be rigid enough to keep you locked to the turf so you can maintain your balance off the tee.

Here are several new options that are sure to be popular this spring.

Adidas ZG21

Adidas ZG21 golf shoes. (Adidas)

Price: $180 with laces, $200 with BOA Spiked shoes tend to be heavier and more rigid than spikeless shoes, so Adidas set out to make the ZG21 the lightest spiked shoe possible. Twenty percent lighter than the Tour 360 is replaces, the ZG21 is still waterproof and features Lightstrike, an ultra-lightweight material that combines with Boost cushioning in the heel to create extra comfort. The new Swingplane outsole has traction elements and spikes to increase grip while reducing weight.

Asics GEL-Course Ace

Asics GEL-Course Ace. (Asics)

Price: $149.99 Inspired by high-performance running shoes Asics has made for years, the GEL-Course Ace is a spikeless shoe designed to provide lots of comfort. While scores of small traction units in the sole grip turf, sand and dirt, the GEL pad under the heel cushions every step. The mesh upper saves weight and increases breathability, and the GEL-Course Ace is waterproof.

Cuater The Ringer

Cuater The Ringer. (Cuater)

Price: $199.95 This waterproof, ground-grabbing golf shoe disguises itself as a sneaker that’s ready to run a half-marathon. And in addition to sporty looks, The Ringer has an outsole covered with traction elements and replaceable spikes along a breathable mesh liner, so feet stay cool and dry.

Ecco Biom H4

Ecco Biom H4 (Ecco)

Price: $200 While the new MTN Grip outsole enhances traction and rotational support, Ecco’s new Biom H4 also features Fluidform Direct Comfort technology to deliver low-to-the-ground cushioning. That should increase stability, too. The waterproof leather is complimented by GORE-TEX to keep feet dry and comfortable.

FootJoy HyperFlex

FootJoy HyperFlex (FootJoy)

Price: $170 with laces, $200 for BOA These are not your grandfather’s FootJoys. The waterproof HyperFlex feels like a sock when you put it on thanks to the mesh upper and stretchy fit. The shoe has StratoFoam for cushioning and shock absorption in the midsole, along with a new sole design that incorporates grooves to allow your foot to bend more naturally. The WRAPID closure system uses a BOA Fit ratcheting system that covers the top of your foot and secures it in place for a customized fit without creation pressure points.

G/Fore Limited Edition Camo Gallivanter

G/Fore Limited Edition Camo Gallivanter (G/Fore)

Price: $225 On the top, this shoe is Cary Grant, a timeless classic with a premium waterproof leather upper. But when you swing into your follow through, playing partners will see a lightweight spikeless sole covered with traction elements framed by an irreverent camo pattern. The anti-microbial foam footbed is machine washable to ensure Gallivanter stays fresh.

Puma Fasten8

Puma Fasten8 shoes. (Puma)

Price: $140 Building on the momentum Puma has created in the spikeless shoes space, the Fasten8 has a PWRCage support system to provide lateral support around the midfoot. The waterproof knit upper keeps feet dry, and it is breathable for comfort. Ignite foam in the midsole provides cushioning, while the traction elements in the sole hold you in place during a swing or a walk down the fairway.

Skechers Go Golf Elite Tour SL

Skechers Go Golf Elite Tour SL (Skechers)

Price: $130 If you want spiked-shoe-style traction and stability without the spikes, the new Elite Tour SL could be for you. The outsole features 236 touchpoints to the ground for solid grip, while the waterproof leather upper keeps feet dry. ULTRA GO foam in the midsole provides cushion that is designed to keep feet close to the ground.

Under Armour HOVR Show

Under Armour HOVR Show (Under Armour)

Price: $150 This new spikeless offering features Under Armour’s most-advanced cushioning material, HOVR foam, to return energy to feet and soften every step without elevating your feet. The Rotational Resistance Traction system incorporates scores of small traction elements over the entire outside to provide grip, even on slick sidehill lies. The upper is waterproof yet breathable.

Adidas Women's ZG21

Adiaas ZG21 BOA women's golf shoes. (Adidas)

Price: $190 The women’s version of the new ZG21 is every bit as technically advanced as the men’s shoe. The micro-adjustability of the BOA ratcheting system ensures a perfect fit and extra lateral stability. The combination of Lightstrike and Boost foam creates plenty of under-foot cushioning, and the Insight sock liner promotes comfort. The synthetic upper is waterproof.

FootJoy Women’s Premiere

FoorJoy Women's Premiere BOA. (FootJoy)

Price: $190 (laced), $220 (BOA) A modern interpretation of the classic that will become available at retail in March, the Women’s Premiere shoes feature full-grain leather uppers and the VersaTrax+ outsole that combines cleats with traction elements to keep your foot locked down. The molded footbed helps ensure a soft, cushioned walk, and the Premieres come with a two-year waterproof warranty.

Puma Women’s Laguna Fusion

Puma Women’s Laguna Fusion (Puma)

Price: $80 This sporty shoe features a highly breathable mesh upper that is water-resistant, along with FusionFoam in the midsole for extra cushioning and comfort. The runner outsole is loaded with traction elements to keep your feet firmly in place. Available in nine colors.

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