How to Pick the Best Shoes for FootGolf

You'll spend two-plus hours walking and kicking on a FootGolf round, so footwear matters more than most first-time players expect. The good news: you don't need to buy anything specialized — you just need to avoid the wrong category of shoe.

The one hard rule: no cleats

Almost every course that offers FootGolf bans metal or molded soccer cleats, the same way golf courses restrict metal spikes. Cleats dig into greens and fairways and tear up turf that the course has to maintain for both golf and FootGolf play — showing up in cleats is the single most common reason a player gets turned away at the first tee.

Turf shoes: the default choice

Turf shoes — soccer shoes with small rubber nubs instead of long studs — are the closest thing to an official FootGolf shoe. They give you enough traction for a controlled strike on grass without punching into the green, and they work equally well on wet or dry fairways.

Indoor soccer shoes and athletic sneakers

Indoor (futsal) soccer shoes or a flat-soled athletic sneaker with good tread are a perfectly acceptable alternative, especially for casual rounds on a firm, dry course. Avoid anything with a hard toe box or a smooth, slick sole — you'll lose the touch you need for short approach kicks.

What to consider when buying

• Waterproofing — an 18-hole round leaves plenty of time to walk through morning dew or a damp fairway
• A cushioned midsole — you're on your feet for two-plus hours, closer to a hike than a quick kickabout
• A snug, supportive fit — a loose shoe costs you accuracy on longer approach kicks
• Budget vs. premium — budget turf shoes cover the basics fine; spend more mainly for durability and comfort over frequent rounds, not for any real performance edge

Bottom line: you don't need golf shoes or specialty gear — a solid pair of turf or indoor soccer shoes you already own is probably good enough for your first round. See our full equipment and dress code guide for everything else to bring.