If you have ever gone to the disc golf course with your running or regular shoes on, you agree that this footwear will prove too uncomfortable to be worn on the field for more than an hour.
Shoes are extremely important in disc golf. Disc golf is known for eating shoes. While running shoes are comfortable to play with, the constant planting, twisting, pulling off your toes, and concrete t-shirts can quickly destroy these types of shoes.
We absolutely need good shoes. So I put this list together. The list below shows you 10 of the absolute best disc golf shoes (include sports hiking, trail running shoes), so you can choose the best ones for you and your game.
Let’s go ahead and get into my favorite disc golf footwear on the market today!
In a hurry? Here are quick links to our top 10 recommendations for the best disc golf shoes:
- Adidas outdoor Men's Terrex Swift R2 GTX
- Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe
- Merrell Men's Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
- New Balance Women's WT410v5 Running Shoe
- KEEN Men's Targhee II Hiking Shoe
- Merrell Women's Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
- KEEN Women's Voyageur Hiking Shoe
- Skechers Go Golf Men's Torque Waterproof Golf Shoe
- PUMA Women's Ignite Blaze Sport Disc Golf Shoe
- adidas Men's Adipower S Boost 3 Golf Shoe
Comparison of the best shoes for disc golf:
Whatever your budget, here are my thoughts on the popular disc golf shoes currently on the market.
Table of Contents
Detailed Review of Best Disc Golf Shoes
So I want to give you an overview of some of the products first before digging into the details of the things to consider before buying disc golf shoes and answering some of your frequently asked questions. I’ve checked both men’s and women’s shoes here for your convenience.
We spent a lot of time and effort in compiling this guide. We spent 56 hours searching for the best shoes for disc golf on the market and have used various sources, such as reviews and reviews from professional golfers, to bring you the information you need.
You can blindly trust us because the more research you do, the more knowledge you get. We research for our beloved shoes as the best.
When choosing shoes for disc golf, it can be difficult to decide whether to prioritize durability or choose something more agile.
If you’re not sure what to get, the Terrex Swift R2 from Adidas gives you the best of both worlds.
This shoe strikes the perfect balance between these outdoor hiking shoes and athletic shoes, which makes it my first choice when it comes to disc golf shoes.
After using it for several years, I can vouch for its durability, which results from the combination of synthetic material and mesh material.
This weight might not be great for long-distance hiking, but given the multiple reasons you will cover during your disc golf games, this lightweight is a really good thing for you.
The only problem I have is the long break-in time of the product. I had to wear it for a long time to adapt to my feet. But believe me, there is no looking back when this is the case!
The Speedcross 4 from Salomon Men was released in 2016 as an update of the best-selling Speedcross 3.
I haven’t used Speedcross 3 yet, but I can definitely tell you the pros and cons of Speedcross 4.
I can really write home about the traction of Salomon disc golf shoes. It’s practically unstoppable on snow, mud, and even when wet.
The shoe has decent ground feedback and the price is justified based on the durability and performance it offers. Thanks to the quick tip system, I find it very comfortable and easy to put them on when wearing these shoes.
Plus, on a normal day, I don’t have to spend hours on the floor cleaning my shoes. It’s a great blessing if you ask me.
The shoe may look strong to you, but it’s very nimble and light. The actual weight of the shoes is just over 10 ounces. Remember they are small in size and buy accordingly.
The Moab Ventilator is known for providing good ventilation for hikers. The shoe is equipped with a leather upper and a breathable mesh lining that keeps your feet cool and dry from sweat.
The shoe has a leather toe cap that can be helpful for those pulling on the track.
If you are someone who often plays in difficult terrain, on rocky ground, or on muddy lawns, this might be an ideal shoe for you. On such a surface, you need shoes that give you a bit more sturdiness.
You can expect this from Merrell disc golf shoes as they do an amazing job of keeping the moisture away from the shoes including the tongue area.
The Moab ventilator has a good image in the market and is known for its walking golf shoes. Not only do their shoes provide traction for hikers, but they also provide ventilation.
The shoe has a leather upper and mesh lining that keeps feet cool and dry from sweat and moisture. It even comes with a leather toe cap, which is great for people who pull toes while playing on the course.
This is one of the best trail running shoe brands for all of the wonderful women out there. New Balance is one must-have shoe in your collection of disc golf shoes.
It has all the properties you would expect from a disc golf shoe.
The New Balance Women’s WT410v5 is quite breathable and has a well-meshed upper that allows good air circulation.
With this shoe, you can be sure that your feet will be dry and comfortable throughout the course.
They are light and offer additional comfort as the width allows a perfect fit. It comes with an amazing toe box that prevents your toes from being squeezed together or sleeping on top of each other due to a lack of space.
This means that there is enough space in the shoes for the toes, which also provides comfort for long hours.
If you are looking for a hugely popular mid-range hiking shoe, you’ve come to the right place.
Targhee did a great job making their shoes a little more traditional, but they definitely have modern features.
KEEN is a legendary brand known for its waterproof shoes and this time made possible in a leather shoe. The waterproof membrane lets all the steam out without water getting into the shoes.
The leather upper is combined with a hydrophobic mesh lining that keeps your feet dry and at the same time emphasizes the style of the shoe.
They’re a bit pricey compared to other shoes in this range, but the tech features and style make up for the added cost.
In my opinion, you should buy this shoe when you experience the cold season for most of the year as the waterproof mesh is quite thick. Your feet could get sweaty in summer.
The Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoe is one of the best supportive and well-built shoes you can find in this range for women. The leather fabric is extremely durable and comes with a Vibram sole.
For all women looking for a hiking shoe or disc golf shoe, Merrell is the right choice as it improves your reflexes and keeps your feet dry and moisture-free.
It prevents the build-up of heat in the shoes and no matter how extreme the outside temperature is, your feet will always stay dry.
If you have arthritic feet, this will provide adequate ventilation and support for your feet.
I’ve told you enough about its resilience and efficient construction, but one of the most important considerations when buying shoes is the breathability factor, especially when it comes to disc golf shoes.
Having your feet dry and odor-free while playing will improve your overall performance. Not to mention, it also helps correct your posture for a better and longer throw.
The bottom line is that these shoes are amazing for incredible grip, comfort, and strength.
The Keen Women’s Voyageur Walking Shoes are an excellent choice for women who have wide feet and need a shoe that is perfect for dry areas.
It has a mesh upper that makes the shoes extremely breathable and comfortable. But the shoes aren’t that great when it comes to water resistance or water resistance.
They’re the lightest in the four shoes we’ve mentioned for women so far.
Women who have gotten their hands on KEEN Voyageur are very impressed with the fact that these shoes are extremely comfortable. It provides extreme support for people who wear it during their hikes or in the hilly areas.
It offers a lot of space for the toes so that golfers can spread their toes easily and without restrictions when wearing the shoes.
If your only ever playing disc golf on real grass, it can be worth considering a golf shoe – like this one from Sketchers.
This particular option is great as it is a waterproof shoe and the upper is very sturdy. Because it’s so slick, it’s also very easy to remove any dirt or leaves you to pick up after a game day.
While this disc golf shoe isn’t designed for dealing with mud or uneven ground, its spikes do an excellent job of keeping you stable on most flat surfaces. You’ll be fine if you don’t play in a literal forest.
If you’re not a fan of disc golf hiking/trail running shoes this is a great choice – it’s very affordable.
If you are looking for specific women’s golf shoes, this is a fantastic choice. The Ignite Blaze Sport comes with Puma’s lace-up adjuster, so making the shoe as tight or loose as you want is a breeze.
Interestingly, this disc golf shoe doesn’t come with a tongue, which reduces the chance of water seeping through the top in heavy rain.
This may take some getting used to, but the fit is excellent – you no longer have to worry about bubbles ruining your game.
You also get Puma’s “Ignite Foam” in the midsole, which is particularly comfortable for you to walk on. There is a one-year waterproof guarantee, but this is still a very lightweight shoe.
As a sportier option, it’s not particularly durable, but it should last at least a year or two, depending on how often you play.
The Adipower Sport Boost 3 is another traditional golf shoe. However, no spikes are included that need to be replaced. You get a more modern rubber outsole that offers a great grip on grass.
The Adipower upper is made of special microfiber leather that offers excellent breathability and flexibility, yet is incredibly light.
The midsole also features Adidas’ special “Boost” material, which is firm enough to provide support and is still comfortable to run after hours of disc golf.
The shoe is true to size, but does not rub against the foot when playing – the inner material is extremely comfortable.
Ultimately, this is one of the most comfortable shoes you can use for disc golf. However, it is not really suitable for players playing golf courses with surfaces that are not primarily made of grass.
Key Features to Look for in the Best Shoes for Disc Golf
Disc golf shoes are very different from golf shoes, although both games are closely related as they use the same tools. What is different is the floor you play the games on.
While golf is played on a mowed and manicured course, disc golf is played on completely opposite ground. The game is often played in a harsh environment with varying terrain levels that slope in a very short time.
While all of the shoes listed are excellent choices, there are plenty of other brands of shoes that could do the job anyway.
We’ve all been there and played a sport where our shoes may not be the right size and material, and the whole experience was uncomfortable and painful. For this reason, it is important to choose the right pair of shoes for disc golf.
There are a few important characteristics a shoe should have that will benefit your disc golf performance. Knowing what key features to look for can help you find the best disc golf shoes.
Breathability vs. Waterproof
I’ll start this list with one of the most controversial points: breathability vs. waterproofness. If you live in a place where the weather can change throughout the year, your decision will definitely be more difficult.
The general disadvantage of waterproof shoes is that while they protect your feet from water, they are not very breathable. That being said, you will need waterproof golf shoes if you play early in the morning or play in a place where it rains a lot or there is water in the court.
Weight of the Shoes
The weight of the shoe is also important. When you are out and about, you can walk several kilometers without any problems, so the weight of the shoe must be taken into account when choosing a shoe.
However, what weight depends on the person. Some prefer lightweight as it is easier to step on and not too heavy on your feet. This allows for more flexibility when attempting a backhand while a heavier shoe may get in the way.
Others prefer a heavier shoe because they need the extra support it offers. A heavier shoe usually has more ankle support or thicker soles, which makes walking over rough terrain more comfortable.
Grip
Let’s start with the most important feature, the handle. A shoe with a good, strong grip will help you toss your T-shirt on and off.
Take into account the types of courses you typically play to find the right level of grip for you. If you look at the bottom of the shoe you will notice the profile and each shoe will have a different profile.
On uneven terrain with tree roots, mud, snow, etc., a shoe with a more pronounced and deeper profile, similar to a hiking shoe, is required.
Shoes labeled as athletic or running shoes with smaller, less defined treads are good for manicured or open stretches where the terrain is more stable.
Durability
You want these shoes to last especially long after you’ve paid a high price for some shoes in the market. If you drive a few times a week, that’s thousands of steps, tens of kilometers, and who knows how many backhand drives.
A cheap $20 pair of sneakers won’t last long after all of this. You want shoes that you can trust to last for months or even years and not worry about having a hole in the sole or the seams falling apart after a few laps.
Price
Disc golf itself is not an expensive sport. It’s only as expensive as you think it is because you and only you will be using the equipment or gear that you buy.
Everyone has a different budget and with the wonderful world of online shopping, you can find a shoe that suits you at the price you need it. All shoes in the series are of good quality, so the entry-level shoe could still be expensive for some.
The more frills you want in a shoe, the more expensive it will of course be. For a good quality shoe that you only want to buy once a year, be prepared to spend at least $40.
Why you need good shoes for disc golf
1. We can hike several miles
Even 9 holes of disc golf can be a half-mile walk or more! So it’s safe to say that you can run several kilometers at a time during your rounds of disc golf. You need the shoes to get a handle on all of that.
2. The terrain can be unpredictable
In disc golf, we throw discs through trees, forests, and over golf courses with unpredictable and mountainous terrain. For this reason, we really need good sports hiking trails.
3. Our feelings and how we play
Disc golf is a little more unpredictable than ball golf. Our movements as we throw discs over unpredictable terrain show that we need sturdy, durable, and reliable shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much should I spend on new shoes for disc golf?
There is a wide range of different shoes at different prices. The cheapest options i.e. Those under $30 are not really worth buying as these are usually made with unskilled labor and poor quality materials. The cheap shoes would fail the test in harsh weather conditions. At the same time, you don't have to buy a pair of $200 worth of shoes unless you are a total pro at the game. The best bet would be to pick something in a medium price range, somewhere between $ 70 and $100. You get many quality products in this range that will last a long time and you don't have to burn a hole in your pocket to buy the product.
Do I Need Waterproof Shoes?
Waterproof shoes are great for any disc golfer and especially for slippery, muddy, or rainy conditions. In these conditions, you cannot play relaxed unless you have waterproof footwear to help you pull through. The catch here, however, is that some waterproof shoes tend to make your feet uncomfortable by not letting them breathe well in the heat. Also, if you need waterproof shoes because you don't want to just sit outside because of the rain at home, make sure they are of good quality.
What kind of shoes are best for disc golf?
There are certain factors that make a shoe perfect for disc golfers. The ideal shoes will keep your feet completely dry but will not compromise breathability. Vibram outsoles are a plus if you play almost regularly. If you only play once or twice a week you can count on any type of good quality running or hiking shoes. In fact, if your location's climate isn't too extreme, even a good pair of running shoes will do. However, good trail shoes are a must if you are planning mountain trails.
Final Word
So, I’ll end the discussion about the best disc golf shoes here for today. I have absorbed all the information and trivia I have about the shoes through years of experience as a disc golfer.
So, you can see that there is a lot to consider when choosing the right disc golf shoes. When choosing your discs, consider everything from feel and weight to flight numbers and colors.
Hopefully, you will find my suggestions and ideas helpful. Now you can assume that you will go through the same process of choosing the right shoe.
