Looking for some new disc golf shoes?
In this buyer’s guide, we’ll review the top 9 best disc golf shoes on the market right now.
And after that, we’ll discuss some key things to consider when buying, helping you pick the best shoes for disc golf.
The footwear on this list is intended to be the best available for every kind of terrain. However, they must also be able to deal with any demanding movement or circumstance that comes their way.
Contents
Best Disc Golf Shoes
First, we’ll review the 9 best disc golf shoes for sale in 2022.
- Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX
- Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
- Adidas Terrex Tracerocker GTX Trail Running Shoe
- Sketchers Torque
- Keen Steens Hiking Shoe
- Puma Ignite Blaze Sport Disc Golf Shoe
- Under Armour Horizon STR Hiking Boot
- Adipower Adipower 4orged S Golf Shoe
- Puma Ignite Proadapt Golf Shoes
1. Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX
When choosing shoes for disc golf, it can be hard to decide whether to prioritize durability or to go for something a little more agile.
If you’re not sure what to get, the Terrex Swift R2 from Adidas gives you the best of both worlds.
As it’s marketed as a waterproof hiking shoe, it comes with a thick lug rubber sole, and a watertight lining to keep your feet dry. The upper is very tough, and the seams won’t split for absolutely ages, even after hundreds of firm front-foot plants.
However, Adidas’s sporting pedigree still shines through with this shoe. You get the company’s patented “ADIPRENE” material in the heel for added comfort, plus TPU in the insole for additional cushioning.
It’s also quite light for a trail running shoe, giving you the ability to play your full range of strokes, and making it perfect for disc golf.
Overall, this is a well-balanced disc golf shoe, at a pretty reasonable price. It’s also available in tons of different colorways – there’s something for everybody.
Pros
- Not too heavy.
- Excellent grip in any weather.
- Very tough.
- Relatively inexpensive.
Cons
- N/A – potentially the best disc golf shoe for many disc golfers.
Overall value rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
2. Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
If you often play on really uneven terrain (on muddy turf, or in forests for example), it can be worth picking up a specialized hiking shoe for that extra little bit of sturdiness.
As you’d expect from Merrell, this shoe does a fantastic job keeping out moisture, even on the tongue area. However, the actual outer is made of mesh, meaning it’s still fairly breathable.
Although the outsole doesn’t come with spikes, the 5mm lugs do a fantastic job in terms of grip, even when you’re throwing on wet grass or rough terrain.
You also get a blended EVA footbed, which has included arch and heel support. So if you suffer from fallen arches, this is a fantastic pick – with the right size, you won’t experience any annoying internal slippage, even when playing the hardest of drives.
Plus, there’s an air cushion in the heel for a little extra comfort when you’ve been standing up for absolutely ages.
At 1lb 15oz, this disc golf shoe is slightly on the heavy side. This isn’t a big deal for most disc golfers though, and considering what you’re getting, the price is very reasonable.
Pros
- Tough but comfortable.
- Good overall support.
- Reasonable price.
- Great grip.
Cons
- Slightly heavy, but this is because it’s tougher than the average shoe.
Overall value rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
3. Adidas Terrex Tracerocker GTX Trail Running Shoe
This is another slightly more agile option from Adidas.
Because this shoe was originally designed for trail running, it offers plenty of agility, and definitely doesn’t feel too sluggish or heavy like some hiking shoes might.
The outsole offers fantastic traction, even on wet ground, and the EVA foam in the midsole feels fantastic to walk on. Overall, this is a very comfortable shoe. And what’s more, the price is very reasonable.
We had previously looked at the non-GTX version of this shoe and were unhappy only with the lack of waterproofing. This GTX version has a gore-tex lining, so now offers great waterproofing.
And secondly, this isn’t the toughest disc golf shoe out there. Because it’s a very slightly cheaper option than the Terrex Swift R2 GTX for example, it’s not quite as tough.
Pros
- Very agile.
- Great price.
- Extremely comfortable, especially the midsole.
Cons
- Durability could be a little better.
Overall value rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
4. Sketchers Torque
If you only ever play disc golf on proper grass, it can be worth considering a golf shoe – like this one from Sketchers.
This particular option is great because it’s a waterproof shoe, and the upper is really tough. Since it’s so smooth, it’s also really easy to clean off any dirt or leaves you pick up after a day’s play.
While this disc golf shoe isn’t going to be great for dealing with mud or super-uneven ground, its spikes do a great job keeping you stable on most flat surfaces. You’ll be fine unless you’re playing disc golf in a literal forest.
On the whole, if you’re not a fan of hiking/trail running shoes for disc golf, this is a great pick – it’s very reasonably priced.
Pros
- Waterproof shoe.
- Easy to clean.
- Great grip on grass.
- Reasonably priced.
Cons
- Spikes are a little small for use in mud.
Overall value rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
5. Keen Steens Hiking Shoe
This is pretty much the toughest disc golf shoe out there. If you’re fed up of wearing out your shoes in a matter of months, it’s definitely worth checking out Keen’s product.
The first area of reinforcement is the toe. It comes with a tall, thick toe guard, which can withstand thousands of toe drags without splitting. This toe guard then attaches to the even thicker rubber outsole, complete with extremely deep lugs, which do a fantastic job even in frosty conditions.
Furthermore, the water resistant leather and mesh upper is reasonably thick, meaning it won’t come apart easily. We’d classify this as a winter shoe – in summer your feet might get a bit sweaty, depending on how thick your socks are.
The Steens also fits pretty well, and comes with a traditional lacing system – it’s up to you whether or not you’d prefer a dial/pull-to-tighten mechanism instead.
The price is OK – they’re not too cheap but are by no means expensive either.
However, with the added protection these disc golf shoes offer comes excess weight – these are some of the heaviest shoes out there. This isn’t such a bad thing though for most disc golfers, especially if you play on a disc golf course which isn’t really suitable for more athletic-style shoes.
Pros
- Extremely durable.
- Comfy.
- Great grip.
- Waterproof mesh lining.
Cons
- Can get a little warm in the summer.
- Reasonably heavy compared to other styles of disc golf shoe.
Overall value rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
6. Puma Ignite Blaze Sport Disc Golf Shoe
As a girl, you don’t need to buy women’s disc golf shoes if you don’t want to – the range is pretty poor compared to what’s available for men. The only difference between the two is women’s shoe sizes are a little bit smaller.
But if you are looking for a specialized women’s option, this is a fantastic pick. Like their Proadapt model, the Ignite Blaze Sport comes with Puma’s lace adjustment disc, making it a breeze to get the shoe as tight or as loose as you want it.
Interestingly, this disc golf shoe doesn’t come with a tongue, reducing the likelihood that water will seep in through the top in heavy rain. This may take a bit of getting used to, but the fit is excellent – no longer will you have to worry about blisters ruining your game.
The spikes aren’t too long nor too short, meaning they do OK on uneven terrain but still offer good agility on grass. This is a pretty sleek shoe – if you love to pivot on the ball of your foot or heel when throwing, it’s a great pick.
You also get Puma’s “Ignite Foam” in the midsole, which is exceptionally comfortable to walk on. There’s a one-year waterproof guarantee, but this is still a very lightweight water resistant shoe.
As a sportier option, it’s not super-duper durable, but should hold up for a year or two at the very least, depending on how often you play.
Pros
- Lightweight, agile design.
- Reasonable price.
- No tongue – waterproof shoe.
- Laces won’t come undone – comes with an adjustment system.
Cons
- Sleek, meaning the upper isn’t incredibly durable when faced with extensive use in harsh weather.
Overall value rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
7. Under Armour Horizon STR Hiking Boot
Like Adidas, Under Armour also have a slightly sporty take on the traditional hiking boot.
The actual rubber on the outsole is relatively thin, and the midsole is made of 100% EVA, meaning this is a very flexible shoe.
It performs really well on pretty much any shot – no matter whether you’re making a run-up for a tee-off or playing a slow putt.
This agility also makes for a very comfortable shoe. The PU/textile upper is pretty flexible, and the back of the shoe is made of a breathable mesh lining material.
There’s also a foam layer near the ankle collar, adding that little bit of extra cushioning.
What’s more, the Horizon STR is incredibly light, at only 9.3oz, and the price is very reasonable.
The issue with this disc golf shoe is that while the sole is very flexible, Under Armour have added a little bit too much rigidity in the upper material.
As a result, it’s not incredibly breathable, and it’s possible to develop blisters (especially after hours upon hours of play).
Pros
- Reasonably-priced.
- Well-cushioned.
- Very lightweight.
- Flexible sole.
Cons
- Upper is a little rigid.
- Water-resistant, not waterproof.
Overall value rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
8. Adipower 4orged S Golf Shoe
The Adipower 4orged S is another traditional golf shoe. However, it doesn’t come with spikes which need replacing – you get a more modern rubber outsole, which offers excellent grip on grass.
Obviously, this shoe isn’t going to be anywhere near as tough as something designed for climbing mountains, and its rubber spikes aren’t incredibly long. Despite this, it holds up pretty well when used on your average turf surface. The Climastorm upper is water-resistant, meaning you can still use this shoe if you play in long grass on dewy mornings.
The Adipower’s upper is made of a special microfiber leather, which offers superb breathability and flexibility while still being incredibly lightweight.
You also get Adidas’s specialized “Boost” material in the midsole, which is firm enough to offer support while still being plenty comfortable to walk on after hours of disc golf. The shoe fits true-to-size but won’t rub against your foot as you play – the inner material is extremely comfy.
Ultimately, this is one of the most comfortable shoes out there you could feasibly use for disc golf. However, it’s not really suitable for those playing on a disc golf course with a surface that isn’t mostly grass.
Pros
- Incredibly comfortable.
- Very lightweight.
- Surprisingly good grip.
Cons
- Not designed for anything other than grass & bunker sand.
Overall value rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
9. Puma Ignite Proadapt Golf Shoes
This is another well-balanced option from Puma. The difference between this shoe and the rest of the range though is the Ignite Proadapt has an Atlantis leather upper, rather than being made of synthetics. This material has advantages and disadvantages.
Firstly, this leather feels great to wear. Unlike some synthetics, it does an excellent job molding to the shape of your foot.
So if you’re worried about your new pair of shoes not fitting too well, this material can help alleviate this problem.
In addition, the leather has been treated to make it waterproof.
Also, this leather is very easy to clean – you’ll want to wipe it down of any dirt/debris to avoid it deteriorating.
The only real downside to leather is it can wear out a little quicker, especially when compared to the mesh synthetics typically seen on hiking shoes. If you maintain it well enough though, you should get a good year or two of disc golf out of these shoes no problem.
As you’d expect from Puma, you also get their Ignite Foam material in the insole, which helps to improve stability while also being very comfortable to walk on.
Overall, if you like the idea of leather shoes, these are definitely worth trying. Just be aware that this material behaves a little differently to most stiffer synthetics.
Pros
- Fits incredibly well.
- Soft but supportive sole.
- Waterproof.
- Excellent overall comfort.
Cons
- Leather material isn’t as durable as comparable synthetics.
Overall value rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price
Disc Golf Shoe Buyer’s Guide
Now, let’s discuss some things to consider to help you find the best disc golf shoes for your specific needs.
What makes a disc golf shoe?
As you’re probably aware, only one or two companies globally make shoes specifically for disc golf.
You can use trainers, indoor soccer shoes, or skate shoes on the green, but it’s probably not a good idea. They’ll get dirty very quickly, and the constant planting, rotating and toe dragging will tear them apart in no time at all.
You basically have two choices:
- Hiking shoes.
- Golf shoes – the spikeless ones, with rubber lugs.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages, as we’ll discuss below.
Hiking shoes vs golf shoes
Your average hiking shoe or trail running shoe will obviously be very tough. They’re meant to get wet and dirty, can withstand just about anything you throw at them, and are almost always waterproof, making them some of the best shoes for disc golf.
However, when compared to a hiking shoe, sportier golf/athletic shoes will be lighter and more breathable, which is very useful in humid conditions. They enable you the full range of movement required to plant your foot, pivot, and drag your toe with ease. But they might not stay dry on incredibly dewy mornings.
Ultimately, the best disc golf shoes out there will strike a nice balance – not too thin but not too hot.
You should also consider your environment – if you live in the south-east for example, it might be worth prioritizing breathability over a little extra thickness. On the other hand, if you often deal with muddy, dewy, heavily-forested terrain rather than a typical golf course, hiking shoes will tend to last a lot longer.
Waterproof disc golf shoes
Waterproofing is nearly always a good thing to have on a disc golf shoe. As we just mentioned, this is why disc golfers love hiking shoes so much as opposed to running shoes.
Generally, waterproof shoes come with a waterproof membrane. And ideally, this waterproof lining will be nice and durable, to ensure you keep your feet cool and dry for as long as you use the shoe.
There are two reasons why you might not want waterproof disc golf shoes:
- You only ever play on flat disc golf courses, and very rarely in the wet. Meaning, you’re not dealing with mud, or thick, wet grass.
- You valuable breathability above waterproofing. For example if you mostly play in very humid weather.
Remember, although most disc golfers will go for a waterproof shoe, these are two very valid reasons to avoid these products if you so choose. A waterproof hiking shoe will not only be more expensive (in general), it will also be less agile and less breathable. However, hiking shoes are still very popular for disc golfers.
Getting a grip
The last thing you want when making a crucial putt is to slip and lose your balance mid-throw. This is why it’s so challenging to play well in frosty/wet conditions.
Most of the better-quality disc-golf shoes out there have a thick rubber outsole with really deep tread marks (a lug sole). Wearing these sorts of products, you can traverse wet ground, rotting leaves and frost-covered dirt without slipping up.
The best thing about prioritizing grip though is the confidence it gives you as a disc golfer.
Nothing beats being able to throw as hard as you like (and using any technique) without having to worry about falling over.
Picking a size
For the most part, you should probably stick to your regular shoe size. Be sure to find out if the shoe fits big or small though before buying.
If you’re stuck between two different sizes or half-sizes, it’s probably a better idea to go a size down rather than a size up. The last thing you want is your foot slipping inside your shoe as you pivot on muddy grass or other rough terrain. Not only can this mess up your throw, it could also lead to serious injury if you fall over.
However, you definitely don’t want your pair of shoes to be too tight – this will lead to even greater discomfort in the long run.
What are the best brands to go for?
There are basically two types of disc golf shoe brands on the market:
- Old-school sport shoe brands, like Adidas, Under Armour, and Puma.
- Hiking shoe brands like Keen and Merrell.
Neither is strictly better than the other. As a general rule though, companies that normally specialize in hiking shoes tend to make tougher disc golf shoes. On the other hand, shoes from athletic brands will often be a little bit sportier (meaning they have better breathability and flexibility) but may not last as long.
Only specialized disc golf brands like Latitude 64 currently make shoes designed specifically for disc golf. Adidas has a few regular golf options which are good value, while Under Armour makes hiking boots – some of which work well for disc golf.
Confusingly, Puma includes the word “disc” in some of their product titles, referring to the contraption their shoes come with which you use to tighten up your laces. So if you type in “disc golf shoes”, just be aware that the majority of what comes up will actually be golf shoes.
How much should I pay for disc golf shoes?
There’s a massive array of different shoes available at a number of different price points.
The cheapest options (in the $20-$40 range) just aren’t worth going for. They’re so cheap because they’re made with poor-quality materials and low-skilled labor.
As a result, they often fall apart quite easily, especially when faced with harsh weather conditions.
Similarly, you don’t absolutely need a $200 pair of disc golf shoes, unless you’re an aspiring pro. Although these more expensive products will feel awesome to wear and offer a good balance between waterproofing and breathability, they’re just not worth the money – most of the time, you can find a better-value option at a lower price-point.
Your best bet is to go for a well-made mid-range shoe, spending around $80-$100. This enables you to get a quality product (which you won’t have to replace for absolutely ages) without breaking the bank.
Be sure to look at each shoe on its merits though. There are definitely diamonds in the rough, as well as surprisingly average super-expensive pair of shoes.
What else should I look out for?
When assessing whether or not a shoe is worth buying, keep an eye out for the following features:
- An extended warranty, especially covering waterproofing. Some manufacturers will guarantee the quality of their craftsmanship, which is always a good sign.
- Excellent arch support, especially if you’re flat-footed. Ultimately, you want your foot to stay in place inside your shoe as you play, so getting the right size (and support) is very important.
- A padded insole. After spending hours on your feet, walking on something super-soft is a godsend.
- Good customer reviews. If you’re not buying a shoe designed specifically for disc golf, press CTRL+F and search for “disc golf” to find those who’ve tested the shoe on the green.
Conclusion
Remember, you and your disc golf shoe are going to go through a lot together. Whether it be the dizzying highs of sinking a hole in one, or the pain of missing a crucial putt, you’ll want a shoe that supports you and gives you the confidence to play as well as you possibly can. You might also consider getting a specialized disc golf cart to carry your spare shoes and discs.
So, to find the best disc golf shoe for you, identify exactly what you need. Would a breathable shoe help keep your feet dry on humid summer days, or do you need waterproof hiking shoe to keep out the mud and rain on the disc golf course? Are you fed up of wearing holes in your shoes, or do you need something a little more nimble to improve your putt percentage?