As the golf calendar moves into its busiest stretch, the question of what to put on your feet becomes more important than ever. Summer golf demands shoes that can handle heat, moisture and long walks across firm ground without sacrificing stability or style. The 2026 market offers more choice than at any point in the sport’s history, with brands pushing technology and design in genuinely fascinating directions. Whether you favour a traditional spiked shoe, a versatile spikeless design, or something that bridges both worlds, this season has something for every golfer. Here is a guide to the shoes that are defining the summer.
FootJoy: The Tour Standard
FootJoy golf shoes remain the most played brand on the PGA Tour, and the numbers tell the story: more professionals trust FootJoy on major championship Sundays than any other manufacturer. The Pro|SL range has become the gold standard for spikeless golf shoes, offering a combination of comfort, stability and clean aesthetics that appeals to players of every level and every handicap. For summer 2026, FootJoy has refined the Pro|SL platform with improved breathability through laser-perforated uppers and a new StratoFoam midsole that provides more responsive cushioning on firm, sun-baked ground.
The Premiere Series continues to sit at the top of FootJoy’s range, favoured by tour professionals who prefer a traditional spiked option for maximum grip. The leather uppers age beautifully with proper care, developing a patina that gives them character, and the Pulsar cleats provide exceptional traction even on parched summer fairways where other shoes can slip on the hard ground. If you value craftsmanship and heritage in your golf shoes, FootJoy’s Premiere Series is difficult to look past. The brand’s century-plus history in golf footwear means they understand what works, and that experience shows in every detail.
ECCO: Scandinavian Comfort
ECCO golf shoes have earned a devoted following among golfers who prioritise all-day comfort without any compromise on performance. The Danish brand’s BIOM range uses direct-injection technology to bond the sole directly to the upper, eliminating the need for glue and creating a seamless, waterproof construction that feels remarkably natural underfoot from the very first wear. There is no break-in period with ECCO shoes; they feel ready from the first tee. For summer play, the BIOM H4 offers a lightweight option with GORE-TEX lining that keeps feet dry during early morning dew whilst remaining breathable as temperatures rise through the afternoon.
ECCO’s approach to design sits in a sweet spot between sporty and sophisticated. Their shoes look as appropriate at a business lunch as they do on a golf course, which explains their popularity among golfers who play straight from work or head to meetings afterwards. The Hydromax leather treatment provides water resistance without a waterproof membrane, allowing the shoe to breathe more freely in genuinely warm conditions. For the British golfer dealing with summer days that can range from morning dew to afternoon heat, this adaptability is invaluable.
Nike: Innovation Meets Style
Rory McIlroy’s historic Masters victory in the Victory Tour 4 “Pink Bloom” colourway sent shockwaves through the Nike golf shoe market, with the limited edition selling out within hours of his Sunday triumph. Nike’s approach to golf shoes has always prioritised visual impact alongside cutting-edge performance, and their 2026 summer range is no exception. The Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% features a carbon fibre plate borrowed from Nike’s marathon running division, providing energy return through the swing that purists once dismissed as gimmicky but converts now swear by. The technology genuinely works: players report feeling more connected to the ground at impact.
For warmer weather and more relaxed rounds, Nike’s Roshe G offers a casual option that has become a favourite for practice rounds, holiday golf and relaxed weekend play. The flyknit upper provides exceptional breathability, and the shoe’s low profile gives it a contemporary aesthetic that appeals to younger golfers who want their footwear to reflect their personal style beyond the course. It is not a shoe for a medal competition in the rain, but for a summer evening nine holes, it is hard to beat.
Puma: The Bold Choice
Puma golf shoes have carved out a distinctive position in the market by leaning into bold colourways and sporty silhouettes that stand apart from more traditional designs. The Ignite Articulate remains the brand’s flagship model, with a PWRADAPT chassis that provides adaptive traction across different surfaces and conditions. For summer 2026, Puma has introduced new colourways in coral, electric blue and sage green that reflect the season’s broader move towards more confident, expressive palettes on the course.
Rickie Fowler continues to be Puma’s most visible ambassador on tour, and his willingness to wear eye-catching colour combinations has given the brand permission to push design boundaries that others would not dare attempt. The PROADAPT Alphacat, Puma’s premium spikeless option, offers a more refined aesthetic for golfers who want the brand’s comfort technology in a slightly more understated package. It is a shoe that bridges the gap between Puma’s bold identity and the quieter tastes of the traditional golf market.
Choosing the Right Summer Shoe
The decision between spiked and spikeless remains golf’s great footwear debate, and there is no single correct answer. Spiked shoes offer superior grip on soft or wet ground, but spikeless designs provide better comfort for walking, easier transitions between course and clubhouse, and a longer lifespan for the outsole. For British summers, where conditions can change within a single round from dry and firm to soft and damp, many experienced golfers keep both options in their bag and choose based on the morning’s conditions.
Fit matters more than brand loyalty when choosing golf shoes. Every manufacturer uses different lasts and width options, so what feels perfect from FootJoy might not suit the same foot in a Nike or ECCO. The best advice for summer 2026 is to try before you buy wherever possible, prioritise breathability for the warmer months, and invest in quality rather than false economy. A good pair of golf shoes is the foundation of every comfortable round, and in the long summer months ahead, your feet will thank you for getting the decision right.
