High-tops are likely not the style you think of first when looking for a new pair of golf shoes, but maybe it’s time to give them a second look. We recently rounded up the best golf shoes for men and women in our annual shoe guides for more than 100 great spiked and spikeless options that won’t let you down this season. Then singer Lil Nas X inspired us by putting his high-top sneaks to the test at the New York City Half Marathon.
Coach Men’s C202 High Top Sneaker $275 $138 | Coach Buy Now Coach Women’s Distressed Leather High-Top Sneaker $181 | Coach Buy Now
The singer, who usually runs on a treadmill, finished the 13.1 miles in 2:32:53, made even more impressive thanks to his rocking retro, distressed-leather-and-rubber kicks. He did, however, end up needing a wheelchair to cart him around later, an accessory he handled jovially. Golf sneakerheads are no strangers to the high-top renaissance. Brands like FootJoy, Duca Del Cosma and adidas have classic styles for winter weather (a.k.a. Golf boots) featuring higher tops, and brands like G/Fore, lululemon and NOBULL have responded with a more measured in-between “mid-top” silhouette for golf. And Nike literally *just* released a trendy monochrome gray high-top Air Jordan model for men’s and women’s golf.
In the spirit of trying something new—whether that means running a half-marathon for the first time (hopefully with a little more preparation to be on the safe side, though with just as much legendary style!) or sporting a bold pair of kicks—here are some of the best high-tops and mid-tops designed for golf on the market right now that will work for harsher winter weather or milder springtime sunny plays.
More From Golf 2024 Shoe Guide Golf Digest Logo The best men’s golf shoes of 2024 2024 Shoe Guide Golf Digest Logo The best women’s golf shoes of 2024 Sponsored Best Golf Gifts: Ideas for golfers who have everything Nike Unisex Air Jordan 9 G
Kicking off with the newest look on this list, the new member of the Jordan golf family comes in a steely gray or a stark black-and-white contrast print with removable spikes and weather-resistant technology. Statement zig-zag laces add depth to the bouncy look and feel, buffered by memory-foam insoles and a cushioned, synthetic leather tongue for extra support around the ankles, which is great for those of us who like to walk all 18 holes, especially as the weather warms.
$230 | Nike Buy Now FootJoy Men’s Stormwalker
We promise every shoe on this list will not be a boot! But we’d be remiss not to highlight this golfer’s favorite style. Designed to withstand the toughest of wintery and rainy conditions on the course, this waterproof, cleated option is pro-approved, and comes in a sleek, stylish, timeless black packaging.
$130 | FootJoy Buy Now Duca Del Cosma Women’s Lorenza Brown One more boot, this one for the ladies. Designed for cold, wintery plays, this (faux) fur-lined boot features hallmarks of the handcrafted Italian design DDC is known for, like glossy onyx snakeskin textured print and a removable insole with cushioning foam and a supportive, recycled cork base to move with your swing and allow for extra stability. $239 | Duca Del Cosma Buy Now G/Fore Men’s MG4+ Colour Block Mid-Top Golf Shoe A stellar example of the mid-top trend sweeping the golf shoe world, this water-resistant royal red and svelte black design is animated by white color-blocking action and features a removable, washable, antimicrobial and uber pillowy insole for the kind of pep and bounce modern shoe wearers look for in golf. $250 | G/Fore Buy Now FAIRLIAR Women’s Socks High Top Golf Shoes This sporty design packs a lot of technology and detailing into its flirty, springtime design. A trick-of-the-eye built-in sock look adds visual intrigue and gives this golf-specific shoe an updated preppy look and feel. Perfect for pairing with a gingham pleated golf skort. $398 | Fairliar Buy Now adidas Unisex Codechaos Laceless Golf Shoes
These otherworldly kicks made headlines a few months back when they were first released, but the ultra modern design still looks and feels brand new (or even forward-thinking). Taking on the laceless movement in the golf shoe world, these spineless knit grippers hug and move with the foot, from the arch to the ankle, offering stability, performance and style. The environmentally conscious design is available for men and women.
$200 $140 | adidas Buy Now PUMA Limited Edition DRYLBL Boot Golf Shoes This special release boot is designed for winter, but works well for unpredictable spring weather, suitable for cooler mornings or surprise showers (though able to withstand much wilder conditions familiar to dedicated golfers). $180 $118 | PUMA Buy Now lululemon Women’s Chargefeel 2 Mid Workout Shoe
Not specifically designed for golf, but still an option to consider, this second iteration of lulu’s mid-top knit shoe is made for running and working out, which means it’ll work nicely for a round on a pretty day. Hugging and supporting the foot like a cushioned sock, this design comes in a trendy sage hue as well as classic white, acorn, and black.
RELATED: We tried the lululemon Chargefeel 2 Workout Shoe on the golf course. Here’s how it went
$148 | lululemon Buy Now Converse Unisex Chuck 70 Marquis
Great for nights out to your local bar-and-synthetic-golf club venue, these classic canvas styles have the retro appeal of Lil Nas X’s Coach variety, at a lower price point and with upgraded mesh, tape, and foam details for added comfort—all packaged in a streamlined, rad understated navy or cream design. Made breathable for all-day summer wear.
$100 | Converse Buy Now More high top shoes to consider for golf and other workouts (many on sale now): Nobull Men’s Gum High-Top Nobull Outwork $139 | Nobull Buy Now adidas Men’s ZG21 Motion Primegreen BOA Mid Golf Shoes $230 $161 | adidas Buy Now SOREL Women’s Explorer Defy Mid Shoe $145 $62 | Sorel Buy Now Nike Men’s Air Jordan I High G Golf Shoes $190 | Nike Buy Now Nike Women’s Blazer Mid 77 Shoes $105 $71 | Nike Buy Now
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com