What is disc golf? Is it a game? A sport? A hobby? What’s the difference between disc golf and mini golf?
If you’re a disc golf enthusiast, you probably know the answer to questions like these. If you’re new to the sport, there’s plenty of information out there for you. Take a look around the disc golf scene and you’ll find everything from tournaments, clubs, shops and even a World Championship!
For many beginners, the biggest obstacle is getting a set of disc golf discs. Why? Well, they can be intimidating. Discs are made in all different shapes, colors, weights, and sizes. They even have different material compositions. Beyond their overall construction, they do different things. There are putters, midranges, and drivers. Each does something different, and has a specific purpose.
But don’t worry, we have a comprehensive buying guide to help you select your first disc golf set. We cover all the questions a first-time buyer has. We’ll also help you figure out what you need to know before you invest in your first disc golf disc.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| PUMA Men's Ignite Nxt Disc Golf Shoe | Best Overall |  |
| adidas Men's Adipower s Boost 3 Onix/C Golf Shoe | Budget Pick |  |
| Under Armour Men's Horizon Str Ankle Boot | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. PUMA Men's Ignite Nxt Disc Golf Shoe
Pros:
- Great grip on most surfaces
- Excellent durability
- Good price
Cons:
- The rubber toe will wear out faster than other shoes
- They may be too bulky for wearing post game
The PUMA Ignite DG shoe has the perfect combination of style and comfort. This disc golf shoe is perfect for the disc golfer who is looking for a shoe that offers grip on all surfaces of the course, while staying comfortable during a long day of standing and walking. The shoe is padded with the PUMA evoLITE® midsole technology to increase comfort and durability. The shoe also offers mesh throughout the entire shoe to increase air flow keeping this shoe fresh at all times.
2. Salomon Men's Speedcross 3 Trail Running Shoe
Pros:
- Innovative design
- Sturdy yet flexible upper
- Excellent traction
- Highly padded insole
Salomon created a revolutionary design with their Speedcross 3 Trail Running Shoe. This shoe is a bit different than what you are probably used to seeing from your standard pair of trail running shoes.
The Speedcross 3 Trail running shoes feature a completely new design that is meant to improve your foot speed, by acting as a protector to the trail. They accomplish this by putting a very sturdy outsole on the bottom of the shoe. It also features an articulated construction, which makes the shoes feel more like a traditional hiking shoe than a trail running shoe.
The toe box on this shoe is also very roomy, which allows you to feel like your toes have plenty of space to move around. This feature will also increase your foot speed. The material from the upper on the shoe comes very close to the outsole, which makes these shoes tougher, yet lighter, than most other trail running shoes.
3. adidas Men's Terrex Swift R GTX Hiking Shoe
Pros:
- No break-in period required
- Good ventilation for hot weather
- Easily cleanable with a hose
Cons:
- Sizing runs large, so you may want to go a half-size down
- Laces aren’t long enough
- No shock absorption
If you are an avid hiker or backpacker there’s a good chance you make a lot of use of the trailhead. If you are, you may already be familiar with the Terrex Swift.
These neutral hikers offer superior grip and traction, water resistance and heel support. They also run true to size, according to users.
These hikers are designed to have a rugged sole, so you can wear them almost anywhere. They have a good amount of arch support, which is nice, and ample toe room. The soles are made with a sticky rubber so you can easily keep a grip on rocky terrain.
4. adidas Men's Tour360 X BOA Cleated Golf Shoe
Pros:
- The BOA system is easy to use as you can tighten or loosen each part of the shoe individually
- Very comfortable and durable shoe
- Multiple color choices
These are incredibly comfortable golf shoes and in fact, they are one of the very first pairs of Adidas golf shoes to be equipped with the 360 degree X®LITE MESH upper technology.
This revolutionary shoe features an adaptive fit that supports the foot and provides stability while walking.
The shoe has a synthetic and leather combination upper to give it the aesthetic appeal that you would want in a golf shoe. There is also 360-degree locking X®LITE beaded eyelets and an Adidas Climavent system, to create a breathable shoe.
5. PUMA Men's Titantour Ignite Disc Golf-Shoes
Pros:
- High-quality volleyball-style soles
- Great traction
Cons:
- With only 2 pairs of eyes, they’re not as durable as others
- The tongue is a tad uncomfortable
This budget-friendly shoe does exactly what you’d want it to do, with only some drawbacks that you should know before buying them. Puma’s Ignite midsole provides sturdy support for your run and its soft, yet durable mesh tongue and collar feels great against the skin.
Don’t choose the PUMA shoes just because they are the cheapest, but because they have a great combination of quality and price. The price to performance ratio of these shoes is just brilliant. The only downside is that they’re not as durable.
They’re not very breathable and they don’t have good grip. However, you can use them in places with minimal rainfall such as on a beach.
6. adidas outdoor Men's Terrex AX2R
Pros:
- Removable gaiters to prevent mud and dirt build up
- Non-marking rubber soles
- Cushioned fit just like it’s indoor cousin
- Great fit and stability
Narrow fit; generously fitting up to a women’s US 6.5 wide
The Adidas outdoor Men’s Terrex AX2R is a great choice for a person who enjoys jogging, trail running, everyday use, or playing disc golf. This trail shoe has a cushioned fit with a removable metatarsal guard to create room for custom orthotics or extra cushioning. As well as a breathable mesh upper.
The outsole is designed with 3mm rough, non-marking Continental rubber to keep you on your feet no matter where you go. The traction sandal print is designed to give you all the grip you need.
7. adidas Men's Adipower s Boost 3 Onix/C Golf Shoe
Pros:
- Distributes 60% of power to the heel, so it will allow you to drive through the ball with less effort.
- This allows you to build power and drive, creating a higher pair.
- The long lacing system will provide you a more secure fit along with keeping your foot in the shoe.
- You can easily walk with the shoe with the traction and the comfort it provides.
- Exciting design and color will allow you to wear them both on and off the course.
- The most comfortable, but high performance shoe.
- Great look and fit
- The lightest golf shoe
- Comfortable sole and lightweight performance
- Outstanding stability and comfort
Adidas has always been one of the most recognizable shoe companies in the world, especially for sports. As one of the top shoe providers in any sport, the adidas Adipower s Boost 3 Onix/C golf shoe is sure to be a top performer.
8. Merrell Men's Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoe
This shoe is 100% waterproof and lets no liquid in by way of unpaved trails, rocky and dusty trails, and other nasty terrain.
This boot is equipped with a lug pattern that will grab in most conditions.
These are constructed with materials that wick away moisture and air-flow vented mesh.
9. adidas Men's Tour 360 Boost 2.0 Golf Shoe
Pros:
- Super lightweight
- Extremely comfortable
- Flexible
- Waterproof
- Available in two colors
If you’re planning to buy some new golfing shoes, then there’s only one choice to go with: adidas Men’s Tour 360 Boost 2.0 Golf Shoe.
The shoe is built with durable synthetic leather overlays coupled with comfy interior lining and premium sockliner. The ergonomic design fits any foot type whilst the visible full-length Boost midsole provides high energy return with each and every step you take.
The Kangaroo leather upper is very light and breathable, while the weave and overlay materials on the toe give you just enough protection from wear and tear.
10. Salomon Women's Speedcross 3 Trail Running Shoe
Pros:
- Supportive
- Good arch support
- Durable
- Washable
- Low heel-to-toe drop
- Good grip
- Lightweight
- Air cushion in the heel
- Comfortable
- Non-marking soles
Salomon makes a fantastic trail running shoe with the Speedcross 3s for both men and women. The low-profile midsole and sock-like construction make it a great choice for trail running and those wet days on the camp grounds when you want to leave your camp shoes at home.
It’s a versatile shoe that can also be used as an everyday cross-training shoe.
The shoes provide great arch support and a good superior support sole unit. The laces are synthetic and look like they are backed with reflective material.
11. adidas Outdoor Women's Kanadia 8 TR Trail Running Shoe
Pros:
- Very light on your feet
- Nice traction on the trails, while still supporting speed well
- The uppers are nicely constructed
- Breathable mesh
Cons:
- Too small
- Some reviewers reported a strap cutting into the ankle area
- The fit is not that great
This is one of the best shoes out there that will get great grip on the greenest of courses. You may even use it in snow, which is a lot of snow.
The shoes are ultra light weight. It has a toe bumper to protect your toes. It comes with a well designed mesh for good air flow. This is a solid shoe for running at night.
The fit runs a bit small. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one. This won’t happen if you order online. You can check the sizing chart to make sure the size is right. The shoes are meant for trails. If you need a sneaker for the gym, look elsewhere.
12. KEEN Women's Targhee II Hiking Shoe
Pros:
- Simple design
- Excellent grip on all sorts of surfaces
- Breathable and comfortable interior
Cons:
- Only available in a wide width
- Low cut ankle design
If you have ever gone jogging in the woods during the winter, you would have learned that you don’t wear just any type of shoe. You probably need one that looks good at the same time performs well. KEEP Women’s Targhee II hiking shoe has something to offer for women who are looking to go to the great outdoors on a sunny day.
This hiking shoe is designed to provide stability and traction on all kinds of surfaces, and with its low cut ankle design, its ready to take on rocks and other surfaces as well.
13. Under Armour Men's Horizon Str Ankle Boot
Pros:
- The boots are versatile, as they can serve as stylish boots when you’re not playing golf
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable
- Non-Marking super grip rubber soles
Disc Golf in a nutshell is a low-cost way to play all kinds of games with friends. It’s a sport originated in the US.
So no wonder it has one of the biggest communities of fans. It’s one of those sports that are easy to learn, yet hard to master.
Disc Golf is played year-round with the whole family: from those who play while walking the course, to those who merely want to toss the disc back and forth in shorter rounds with or competitive team play.
14. KEEN Men's Saltzman Wp-m Hiking Shoe
Pros:
- It is lightweight and breathable
- Salt-resistant and water-resistant
- It is sturdy
Cons:
- Does not have much ankle support
- Has no toe protection
This shoe is a durable hiking shoe that is great for long-distance treks. Around the foot, you will find a breathable mesh that allows air to pass in and out for a super comfortable fit. There is a traditional lacing system that provides a snug fit and you will never feel as if your foot is moving too much inside.
The sole is made from a high quality rubber that is able to resist cuts and scrapes when you are all over the trails. This prevents you from having to replace your shoe every month because of a few ruts. You also get a rubber toe protector that does not allow the shoe to be damaged when you step on a rock.
The best thing about this hiking shoe is that it has a foot-shaped design with a toe box that allows for natural movement. This means that you will never feel as if you have to walk on the point of your toes. The shoe will provide you with ample room to bend your toes even when you are wearing socks. Additionally, the heel is also padded, which will make your walk more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best shoes for disc golf?
Studies show that weather can affect our performance in pretty much all sports. When it comes to individual, weather can directly impact your putting so the 16 best disc golf shoes are a valuable investment. It is also important to consider the amount of walking involved between your car, the hole, and the next tee as this can also impact your performance.
What shoes does Paul McBeth wear?
Paul McBeth would wear the Vans Coronado III. These are really popular among serious players because they offer great performance, comfort, and grip without looking like athletic shoes.
They are made out of synthetic materials and mesh, so they breathe nicely even when they’re wet. They don’t let your feet get too hot or sweaty, which is nice. Also, they’re lightweight and have some nice arch support in them, which keeps your feet comfortable and happy for hours on end.
They fit true to size so you might want to size up half a size for your toes or size down half a size to get a more snug fit.
Of course, they’re also great shoes for people who prioritize looks. As you can see, they’re quite fashionable:
Does Merrell make golf shoes?
Yes, Merrell does make golf shoes, but they are not made with a golf swing in mind. Merrell has come out with golf shoe lines with names like Altitude, Pace Glove, and Hydro Glove. They are made for more casual rounds of golf and are available at different price points. Some are made more for the sport and others are more for leisure. Most people who buy Merrell’s golf shoes do so because they like another of their shoes and don’t need a golf shoe specifically.
How do I choose golf shoes?
The most important thing to consider when you purchase a pair of golf shoes is comfort, as comfort equals performance when it comes to golf shoes. As a general rule, golf shoes are more comfortable than athletic shoes because they cater to walking on surfaces that are softer than the red dust you may find on an athletic field.
Ask yourself whether you will be walking and standing in your golf shoes for the full 18 holes or if you will be doing a lot of walking or moving around at the course before your round. If you plan on walking and standing in your golf shoes for extended periods of time, you may want a pair that offers a little more support and padding for the ankles. If you will be playing with friends who do not wear golf shoes, you may also want a pair that is easy to slip on and off.
Conclusion
If you're looking to play disc golf and you're new to the game, there's no doubt you're going to want to purchase a good pair of shoes. There are so many options and it can be hard to know which shoes will work well for you. In this guide, we've done our best to lay out all of your options in a single place, without any of the marketing mumbo jumbo that you're bound to be inundated with online.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| PUMA Men's Ignite Nxt Disc Golf Shoe | Best Overall | |
| adidas Men's Adipower s Boost 3 Onix/C Golf Shoe | Budget Pick | |
| Under Armour Men's Horizon Str Ankle Boot | Upgrade Pick | |