There is no denying that some of the best golf sneakers have come in the last decade or so. We’ve seen some of the greatest sneakers of all time turned into golf shoes, putting a fresh spin on the already iconic silhouettes. For those in the know, they’ll understand just how the world of golf sneakers has changed. It should come as no surprise that golfers, just like most other athletes, can also be sneakerheads too – just look at Pat Perez!
Over the past few years, big brands have started to really up their golf sneaker game. Big names like Nike, Jordan and adidas have been concentrating on transforming classic models into great golf cleats. Basketball golf sneakers have become a big part of the game, with some players on the PGA Tour doing the most on the course. With that in mind, we decided it was about time we showed off some of the best golf shoes to ever release.
We’ll be taking a look at Nike golf sneakers, Air Jordan golf sneakers and adidas golf sneakers to make an impact. Without further delay, let’s take a closer look at some of the best golf sneakers of all time!
Nike Air Max 1 G “White/University Red” (2019)
It should come as no surprise that one of the biggest sportswear brands on the planet would start releasing pretty impressive golf shoes. Nike has never been a stranger to the course, with signature athletes like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy all wearing the Swooshes clothing. Over the past few years though, Nike started to put some of its most iconic models on the court. One of those was the Nike Air Max 1 updated for the course.
Bearing the same classic colourway construction as the OG, the Nike Air Max 1 G was always going to be a hole in one. The white and red colourway adorned the leather upper to give this shoe its distinctive look. More importantly, the shape was as close to the original as possible whilst still being perfectly functional as a golf shoe. It didn’t take long for these to hit the course, with the Nike Air Max 1 G selling out instantly on release day.
Air Jordan 1 G “Chicago” (2017)
It’s no secret that Michael Jordan is an avid golfer. The six-time NBA Champion has spent thousands of hours on the course, being just as fiercely competitive on the fairway as he was the hardwood. With that in mind, it made perfect sense for Nike and Jordan to start making golf shoes. Originally made as PEs for His Airness, it seems that Air Jordan golf sneakers were always in the pipeline. In 2017, the golf world finally got their chance to wearing Air Jordans on the course.
Featuring the classic red, white and black leather upper, the shoe was a one to one remake of the Air Jordan 1. Taking the Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”, Jordan Brand updated it for the golfing world. Instead of the traditional sole, soft spikes were used with a large Jumpman on the sole. Elsewhere, a padded ankle, “Nike” Wings logo and Jumpman on the tongue were used too. Pat Perez wore these on the course and they instantly made headlines.
Air Jordan 5 Low G “Fire Red” (2020)
Last year saw the 30th anniversary of the Air Jordan 5. Tinker Hatfield’s iconic design and Michael Jordan’s fifth signature sneaker released back in 1990 and was an instant hit. In that same year, MJ was still very much a rookie on the course, putting his five years experience to the test a few times a week. However, to celebrate the anniversary, Jordan Brand had big plans for the AJ5. One of those included a low top golf version of the “Fire Red” colourway.
Transforming the silhouette, Jordan Brand really nailed the Air Jordan 5 Low Golf “Fire Red”. Keeping the same white leather upper, the shoe used a muted grey tongue instead of the traditional 3M. A red sockliner and matching black and red midsole gave the shoe its OG look and feel. Updates included the use of an icy soft spike sole making this a perfect Jordan golf sneaker. These are definitely one of our favourite Air Jordan golf shoes!
Nike Air Max 90 G “Infrared” (2021)
2020 marked a lot of important sneaker anniversaries. Last year meant the 30th anniversary of the Nike Air Max 90. To celebrate, Nike brought the OG silhouette back in its true form, naming it the Nike Air Max III as it was in 1990. The return of classic colourways, as well as the original shape, meant that it was a huge hit in the sneaker community. However, one of the best Nike golf sneakers to release actually took place this year in the form of the Air Max 90 G “Infrared”.
Nike’s homage to the “Infrared” colourway wouldn’t look out of place in the street let alone the course. Tinker Hatfield’s classic sneaker came equipped with the same colour blocking to give its distinctive look. However, instead of the traditional suede and leather, an ultra-breathable mesh was used throughout. Replacing the Air Max sole unit was tread pattern, making this pair better equipped for the green than the streets. Let’s just hope these improve your game as they will your course cred’.
Air Jordan 3 G “White Cement” (2018)
As we’ve already seen, some of the best golf shoes around have come from Jordan Brand. Michael Jordan’s love of golf is well-known, making for some pretty memorable photos. Rumour has it that MJ also has an insanely low handicap, playing off just 1.2. With that in mind, it makes sense that Jordan Brand golf shoes should take on a life of their own on the court. In 2018, Jordan Brand had that very idea, creating an Air Jordan 3 perfect for the course.
Using the instantly recognisable “White Cement” colourway, the Air Jordan 3 Golf sneaker was always going to be a hit. Featuring a white tumbled leather upper, cement print on the mudguard and heel and Jumpman branding, these classic basketball sneakers were given a new lease of life. The updated spike sole meant these were great for the green but less so for the basketball court. Selling out instantly, these made a couple of appearances on the PGA Tour. We can see why!
adidas ZX 8000 Golf “Aqua” (2020)
When the adidas ZX 8000 was released in 1984, it was a revolutionary sneaker. The original “Aqua” colourway has become something of a legend in the sneaker world. Over the past 37 years, the adidas ZX 8000 has remained one of the most important sneakers of all time. Last year, adidas decided it was about time to bring the ZX 8000 to the course. It did so by launching a limited-edition Golf version of the OG “Aqua” colourway.
Changing the classic running silhouette into a golf sneaker was relatively easy. The shoe used the same mesh, suede and leather construction in the distinctive “Aqua” colour scheme. Yellow accents hit all the right areas too, from the sole, stripes and updated “ZX Golf” lace dubrae. The only difference on this compared to the retail street pair was the midsole. An updated midsole featuring Boost and Torsion support was used, making this fit for the fairway. It didn’t take long for these to sell out, as you can imagine.
Air Jordan 11 Low G “Cool Grey” (2019)
When the Air Jordan 11 released in 1996, it was one of the most important sneakers in history. The flashiness of the silhouette is what drew sneakerheads in, with the patent leather being a distinguishing feature. Over the past 25 years, we’ve seen a number of new colourways of the Air Jordan 11. However, one of the first non-OG pairs to really make an impact was the “Cool Grey”. Well, in 2019, Jordan Brand decided to bring the “Cool Grey” to the golf course.
Opting for the Air Jordan 11 Low, the “Cool Grey” golf Jordan was an instant hit. The fully leather upper featured the same grey hues on the original, getting the balance just right. A larger patent leather mudguard was used to provide more protection from the hazards found on the course too. Finally, a spike sole unit was used in the updated icy blue colour to have maximum effect on this AJ11. These sold out quicker than Masters tickets and it’s easy to see why.
Nike Air Max 97 G “Silver Bullet” (2020)
Despite 2020 having a distinct lack of golf tournaments, that didn’t stop Nike from dropping some great golf sneakers. Having seen the success that the Air Max 1 and Air Max 90 golf shoes had had, Nike started to experiment with other golf Air Max models. At the very beginning of the year, Nike dropped arguably the most fitting Air Max golf sneaker of all time: the Nike Air Max 97 G “Silver Bullet”.
Taking Christian Tresser’s iconic design, Nike kept the classic Air Max sneaker relatively the same. The silver upper used the same mesh and leather construction with killer results. A black sock liner and tongue gave a nice balance, whilst the red Swooshes on the tongue and midsection rounded the upper off nicely. Finally, a white midsole, complete with Air Max 97 air unit, featured golf spikes to ensure these were a great golf shoe. This is arguably the best Nike golf shoe of all time.
Air Jordan 4 G “White Cement” (2021)
As we’ve already seen, Jordan Brand golf sneakers tend to be pretty great. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a number of classic Air Jordan shoes turned from lifestyle silhouettes to golf cleats. What’s crazy is that the pairs never seem to look too out of place on the course. However, 2021 was the year that Jordan Brand started amping it up. Last year, golf and sneaker fans alike were treated to something pretty special – an Air Jordan 4 G “White Cement”.
Taking another of Tinker Hatfield’s crazy designs, Jordan Brand turned the Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” into a fully functional golf shoe. The traditional white leather upper was used and accented with mesh panelling, with the “Flight” tongue tag also coming as standard. In fact, the shoe was so close to the original that the sole unit was almost the same. An updated soft spike sole was used, making these fit for the course. Whilst they may look good, however, there’s no guarantee these AJ4s improve your game.
Nike Air Max 97 Golf (2020)
Nike really has really been blurring the lines between golf and athletic sneakers over the past few years. We’ve seen throughout this piece the great Nike golf sneakers that have released in recent history. Of course, that’s not to say that sometimes Nike doesn’t take inspiration from the golf course when designing new golf Air Max. One of those truly playful golf Air Max sneakers came last year, with some pretty great results.
Featuring a fully corduroy upper and suede kiltie, the Nike Air Max 97 Golf was almost a Sean Wotherspoon Air Max 1/97 for the course. A combination of cream, green, orange and tan suede gave this golf Air Max 97 a distinct look, with the removable kiltie being an added bonus. The white midsole, complete with Air Max sole unit and tread sole unit, was another nice addition. Although these may have been for the golf course, we can’t help but feel these would have made a great pair of lifestyle AM97s.
Final Thoughts
That concludes our list of the best golf sneakers of all time! We’ve seen some great golf sneakers drop over the years, most of which go from being icons on the court to the course. The best Jordan golf shoes, best Nike golf shoes and best adidas golf shoes have all come in the last decade, meaning there’s still some more to come. If you’re looking for some new golf sneakers, head over to KLEKT!
