Disc golf may not be a gear-intensive sport, but there’s one vital piece of equipment you’ll need if you want to bring your game to the next level: shoes.

The right shoes will give you the comfort, support and traction you need to play at the top of your game. We’ll share the best shoes for the game, and tell you what to look for when choosing a pair.

KEEN Women’s Targhee II Outdoor Shoe	Durable, comfortable, excellent grip and water-resistant design.
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot	Higher profile, excellent cushioning and heavier weight.
Adidas Terrex Swift R Gtx Women’s Hiking Shoes	Low profile, light weight, versatile design

Disc Golf Shoe Buying Guide for 2020

Know Before You Buy

Before you run out and buy a pair of shoes, there are some things you should know:

Expect to Pay More

High-quality shoes cost more – period. There’s no way around it. If you’re serious about playing disc golf or you play often, it’s worth the extra cost to buy a pair of shoes that won’t hurt your feet or leave you walking in a soggy puddle at the end of the game.

And settling for low-quality shoes means you’ll have to replace them more often – which means you’ll spend more in the long run.

Shoes that are ideal for disc golf may cost more than the average running shoe, but the price difference isn’t exceptionally dramatic.

Your Shoes Will Need Some Extra Care

Expect to spend a little more time on care and maintenance with your disc golf shoes. Because you’ll be playing in different weather conditions and on different terrains, your shoes will need:

• To be aired out after each use. Remove the insoles, and let the air work its magic. Don’t throw your shoes in the dryer. The heat of the dryer may wear out the glue that binds the upper and the sole.
• To be cleaned regularly. Brush off dried mud, and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away stains. Don’t toss your shoes in the washing machine. The agitation may wind up damaging your shoes.

A little extra care and maintenance will go a long way in extending the lifespan of your shoe and keep it looking its best.

When choosing a pair of shoes, keep these two important points in mind. To find the right shoe, you need to know which attributes make one pair better for disc golf than another.

 

What to Look for When Buying Disc Golf Shoes

Many new disc golf players assume they can hit the course with any old pair of shoes. While you can play in you running, walking or even street shoes, you’ll learn quickly that even on the course, the elements work against you.

If the grass is wet, your feet will be soaked – and stinky – by the end of the day. If the course is in a hilly park, your feet may be aching by the time you get back to the car.

The right shoe can make all the difference in your performance and your comfort level.

The question is: What do you even look for when buying disc golf shoes? Here are some things to consider:

Comfort

Comfort is the name of the game with any shoe. If the shoe doesn’t fit comfortably, it can lead to pain, blistering and even bruising. And it’s hard to stay on top of your game when you’re constantly thinking about your aching foot. Look for shoes that have comfort-enhancing features, like EVA midsoles and air cushioning.

Water Resistance

The weather is unpredictable. Even if rain isn’t in the forecast, the grass may still be wet because of morning dew – or an unexpected sprinkle. Water resistance is essential when playing disc golf. No one wants to play an entire game with wet feet.

Breathability

Along with water resistance, you also want a shoe that’s breathable. A breathable shoe will keep your feet cool and comfortable even when playing on a hot afternoon.

Grip

To play disc golf, you need shoes with good traction – especially when playing on wet grass. Some courses cover a variety of terrains, including dirt, concrete, wooded areas and wet, dewy grass. Depending on the weather, you may be trudging through mud or snow. A shoe with a good grip will help you face just about anything on the course with confidence.

Durability

Durability is always an important factor when buying shoes – and disc golf shoes are no exception. Shoes with leather uppers tend to last longer than those with fabric uppers.

Uppers made with high-quality materials are less likely to tear or rip under pressure.

Weight

Some people prefer lightweight shoes, while others want a heavier, more durable shoe. Weight is more of a personal preference, but something you should keep in mind when choosing a shoe. A lighter shoe may give you more momentum and power, while a heavier shoe may help prevent ankle rolling. Heavy shoes can also withstand tougher courses.

While there are a few shoes designed for disc golf, most players find that hiking or trail shoes are the best fit for this game. Hiking shoes provide the water resistance, comfort, support and traction you need to play at your best.

Reviews – Our 5 Picks for the Best Disc Golf Shoes

Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R (Men’s)

The Men’s Terrex Swift R from Adidas is a hiking shoe that’s designed for comfort, traction and shock absorption.

Featuring a rubber sole, the Terrex Swift R has the GORE-TEX Extended Comfort lining. This lining is waterproof and offers enhanced breathability to keep feet cool.

The outsole features super high traction rubber that provides optimal grip even when playing on wet grass.

The EVA midsole has an adiPRENE insert for added shock absorption and cushioning. There’s also a molded sockliner for enhanced cushioning and comfort.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Great traction for playing on wet surfaces
• Waterproof liner keeps feet dry

Cons

• Fits snug if you have wide feet
• Labeled as Women’s

The Terrex Swift R fits a little snug if you have a wide toe box, so keep this in mind when choosing a size. Unfortunately, there is no fix for this, so this may not be the right shoe for you if you have wider feet.

Also, these shoes are listed as Women’s, but they are actually men’s shoes.

With that said, the Terrex Swift R does a great job of keeping your feet dry, and the liners enhance the comfort of the shoe. If you play long sessions of disc golf, this shoe may be a good fit for you.

https://www.amazon.com/Adidas-Terrex-Swift-Womens-Hiking/dp/B011690KV2/

Merrell Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoe (Men’s)

Merrell’s Moab Ventilator is a water-resistant, breathable hiking shoe that’s also ideal for disc golf. Available in multiple sizes and colors, these shoes are highly durable and comfortable.

The shoe’s upper features a combination of mesh material and water-resistant leather for a comfortable fit and enhanced durability. Durable leather is featured in the toe box area – the area that takes the most abuse.

There’s also a rubber toe bumper for added foot protection, and a heel counter. The heel also features an air cushion for better stability and shock absorption.

The mesh upper helps keep the foot cool and allows for proper airflow as you move.

The Moab Ventilator shoe has a Vibram sole and an EVA foot frame that’s compression molded. For enhanced comfort and shock absorption, Adidas fitted the midsole with an Air Cushion and the outsole with the Multi-Sport TC5+.

The TC5+ provides an enhanced grip for better traction on wet grass.

The shoe is also fitted with Merrell’s M Select Fresh, which prevents moisture and sweat from creating unpleasant odors. Antimicrobial agents keep odor-causing bacteria from multiplying inside of your shoe.

Pros

• Comfortable fit
• Features water-resistant and durable leather
• Mesh upper improves airflow and helps keep the feet cool
• TC5+ outsole has a strong grip for playing on wet grass
• Bumper protection at the toe and heel
• Accommodates wide feet

Cons

• Heavy

The Moab Ventilator is a little on the heavy side compared to running shoes. With that said, most hiking shoes are a little heavier than other types of athletic shoes because they’re designed for stability and traction – not speed.

Overall, the Moab Ventilator is a comfortable shoe that provides durabilty and water-resistance. If you are looking for a shoe that can be used for both disc gold and hiking, this pair may be a good option for you.

https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Ventilator-Hiking-Walnut/dp/B000LOYWQ8/

KEEN Voyageur (Women’s)

The KEEN Voyageur offers durability, comfort and excellent traction to keep you on your feet even when playing on wet surfaces.

Designed for hiking, these shoes have a leather upper and a synthetic sole. With a 2″ heel and a 1.25″ platform, the Voyageur offers enhanced comfort and support.

These mid-height shoes have a rugged design with mesh underlays that enhance airflow and keep the feet cool.

With 4mm multi-directional lugs and compression-molded EVA midsole, these shoes can take a lot of abuse without sacrificing on comfort.

The Voyageur features KEEN’s Cleansport NXT technology, which provides natural odor control. These shoes also have a contoured heel lock and an ESS shank for torsion stability.

The metatomical footbed, made of dual-density EVA, is removable.

Pros

• Even weight distribution allows for all-day comfort
• Leather and mesh design keeps feet cool and dry
• Gripping outsole provides traction
• Comfortable design and great cushioning

Cons

• Sizing may be off

The Voyageur sometimes fits bigger than expected, so you might consider ordering a smaller size. Check the sizing chart before ordering.

KEEN’s Voyageur comes equipped with nearly all of the features you would want in a disc golf shoe: water-resistance, comfort, traction and support.

https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Voyageur-Hiking-Neutral-Green/dp/B00E0GOMLI/

KEEN Targhee II (Women’s)

A favorite among disc golf players, the Targhee II is a hiking shoe that offers great support, water-resistance and traction.

The Targhee II is a low-profile shoe with a nubuck leather upper. Nubuck offers added durability and water resistance to help keep your feet dry.

For added water resistance, the interior of the shoe features a Keen.Dry insert. This insert is a waterproof membrane that keeps moisture out of the shoe and allows for better airflow. The enhanced breathability keeps your feet comfortable all day.

The Targhee II offers KEEN’s S3 heel support structure. The S3 stands for suspension, shock and stability, and helps prevent ankle injuries.

The EVA footbed is removable, but provides arch support that hugs your foot’s natural contours. The midsole is also constructed with compression-molded EVA to give you a little extra spring in your step.

The ESS Shank reduces fatigue, while the multi-directional lugs allow for better traction on slick surfaces. The Keen.Protect feature ensures that your feet stay protected while playing.

Pros

• Waterproof design
• Durable nubuck leather upper
• Breathable design
• Better traction control thanks to the multi-directional lugs
• Comfortable
• Great arch support

Cons

• Sizes run a little small

The Targhee II shoes run a little small, so you may need to order one size up. Check the sizing chart for more details.

The Targhee II offers the durability, support and the traction needed to play disc golf in any kind of weather. If you’re looking for a high-quality shoe that also doubles as a hiking boot, this model may be a good fit for you.

https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Targhee-Outdoor-Magnet-Periwinkle/dp/B00RLV3AXA/

Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Boot (Men’s)

Merrell’s Moab 2 waterproof shoe is designed to keep feet comfortable, dry and supported for long periods of time. This shoe has a slightly higher profile, but offers a number of features that may enhance your disc golf game.

The Moab 2 features a suede leather and mesh upper, which provides water resistance, durability and breathability.

The interior of the shoe features Merrell’s M Select DRY, which keeps water and moisture out of the shoe. This works with the Bellows tongue, which also helps to keep debris and moisture out. Together, these features keep feet dry even when playing in very wet grass.

Plus, the breathable mesh lining keeps your feet cool.

The M-Select FIT.ECO and EVA footbed is contoured for a more natural, comfortable fit. There’s also a nylon arch shank and an EVA midsole for added comfort and stability.

The air cushion at the heel provides even more stability and absorbs shock.

To keep you on your feet, the TC5+ rubber outsole provides superior grip for better traction even on wet grass.

Pros

• Comfortable, supportive fit
• Water-resistant features keep feet dry
• Outsole provides better traction

Cons

• Heavy

The Moab 2 shoe weighs 2 pounds, which may be heavy for some wearers.

If you’re looking for a shoe that also provides more ankle support – on top of water resistance and comfort – the Moab 2 Waterproof shoe may be a good choice for you.

https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Waterproof-Hiking-Earth/dp/B005BJI6GU/

The Verdict

Offering durability, breathability, water resistance and a lighter weight, our favorite shoe for disc golf is the KEEN Targhee II.

 

The nubuck leather upper provides durability and extra water resistance, while the waterproof lining gives you even more protection from moisture. The outsole offers great traction, while the heel structure offers extra support and shock resistance.

While the Targhee II is our top pick, the other four shoes are also excellent choices. Each one brings something unique to the table, and it’s up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your own personal needs. Consider all aspects of the shoe – from comfort to heel structure and height – when making your decision.