Quick Menu
Is Wearing Trail Running Shoes For Golf Okay?
Trail running shoes are a great alternative to spikeless golf shoes if you’re just getting into the sport or have left your golf shoes behind.
Trail shoes are made to be durable and provide exceptional grip on all kinds of terrain.
But can they perform on a golf course?
Yes, they absolutely can, but that doesn’t mean they are as good as the real deal.
We’ve tested and found that they performed just as well, if not a little better, in some areas and poorly in others.
Below, we have reviewed two of Hokas’ trail ranges against standard pairs of golf shoes.
The two being put under the microscope are the EVO XC and SpeedGoat 5.
EVO XC Spikeless For The Golf Course
The EVO XC Spikeless shoe is packed full of technology. Specifically designed for cross-country racing, the XC Spikeless is light, cushioned where needed, and grippy while going in any direction.
EVO XC Comfort
The EVO XC Spikeless shoes, made for cross-country athletes, must be comfortable to compete in running shoes.
Like most other trail runners, it is firm in the toe and plush in the heel, making running or walking a golf course an enjoyable experience.
Coming in at just 5.7 ounces and made from a lightweight ripstop polyester upper, this shoe combines nimbleness and breathability to get around the course quickly.
The EVO XC came out on top for comfort compared to our standard golf shoe.
EVO XC Grip
This is the first loss for the EVO XC shoes.
Although trail shoes are designed to grip different terrains as you walk or hike, they are not designed to twist or turn like you do in golf.
After hitting the driver for a while with each, we found that most of the slips, shifts, or mishits came from the EVO XC.
That’s not to say the spikeless golf shoes we were using didn’t have a few slips either.
But not nearly as much as the trail shoes.
Golf shoes are designed with the movement of the golf swing in mind, so this shouldn’t be a surprise.
EVO XC Durable
Trail runners are suited for some of the harshest conditions on earth, and they will be able to handle the lush fairways at your local club just fine.
The EVO XC Spikeless shoe features a high-abrasion rubber outsole that is made to take beating after beating.
This increases durability, grip, and traction, adding another reason to the list that they would make for terrific golf footwear.
However, if you play in wet conditions with soft soil, the trail runners would fall apart quicker than any golf shoe.
Golf shoes are often made waterproof and from more robust materials.
Where trail runners are made to be light so you can move faster, golf shoes are not.
Giving golf shoes a slight edge in terms of durability.
Hoka SpeedGoat 5 For The Golf Course
SpeedGoat 5 Comfort
This shouldn’t be a surprise, but the SpeedGoat5 beat our test golf shoe just like the EVO XC.
But which was the comfiest of the two Hoka shoes?
We have to give this award to the SpeedGoat 5. We found their midsole to be comfier.
Now, don’t get it twisted the golf shoe being used in this test is comfortable, too, it just can’t compete with the trail shoes.
Which is fair and understandable.
SpeedGoat 5 Grip
The SpeedGoat 5 performed better than the EVO XC during our grip tests.
However, it wasn’t good enough to beat the golf shoe.
We sometimes slipped and slid as we crushed golf balls down the range…
But it wasn’t far off our test shoe, which was impressive as we didn’t have high hopes after the first round.
So, although the SpeedGoats lost this round, it was extremely close. In boxing terms, you might say it was a 10-9 round!
SpeedGoat 5 Durable
There isn’t much to say here, as what we said for the EVO XC applies here, too.
These shoes are nowhere near waterproof; unless you play in sunny California for most of the year, the shoes will break down.
Or you will catch a cold from the wet feet, whichever comes first.
So overall, it was another win for actual golf shoes, although it was more competitive.
Hoka Trail Running Shoes: Smash Or Pass As Golf Shoe Alternatives?
Between the two Hoka trail shoes we compared today, we recommend the Speedgoat 5 if you get a pair.
Although they didn’t win in the tests, they are still a good alternative.
Especially if you prioritize comfort above everything else or are a runner yourself.
Essentially, you could kill two birds with one stone.
Buying a pair of Hoka trail runners makes the most sense for people who enjoy hiking/jogging in nature and playing golf.
Enjoyed this post? Checkout our new posts:
Are Spikeless Golf Shoes Better Than Spiked?
Can You Wear Golf Shoes Casually?
How To Choose to Correct Golf Shoes?
Do You Have To Wear Golf Shoes?