Let’s be real: you can technically play disc golf in Crocs. You can even play barefoot if you want to fully embrace your inner woodland hippie.
But if you’ve ever tried launching a forehand drive on wet grass in a pair of slippery Vans, you already know that the right shoes matter. Comfort and grip aren’t just luxuries—they’re survival gear for your ankles, your pride, and your ability to not eat dirt mid-round.
I’ve played in everything from busted-up skate shoes to trail runners, and I can tell you: your footwear will make or break your game. (And sometimes your actual bones. True story: twisted my ankle at hole 7 last summer because I thought Converse was a “lifestyle choice.” It was. A bad one.)
So what should you wear when stepping up to the tee pad? Let’s break it down.
The Holy Grail: Grip Meets Comfort
Disc golf isn’t quite hiking, and it isn’t quite sprinting—it’s that awkward in-between zone where you’re jogging across uneven terrain while pretending your frisbee obsession counts as cardio. You need shoes that check two boxes:
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Comfort: Because you’re walking 18 holes (or 36 if you hate yourself).
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Grip: Because grass + mud + roots + sudden lunges = slip ‘n’ slide.
The gold standard? Trail running shoes. They’re lightweight, have aggressive tread patterns, and won’t make you feel like you strapped cinderblocks to your feet. They’re basically the sweet spot for disc golfers who want traction without the bulk of hiking boots.
Trail Runners vs. Hiking Shoes: Fight!
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Trail Runners: Light, breathable, built for speed. Perfect for dry days, moderate terrain, and people who sweat like they just ran a marathon even though they’ve only thrown two discs.
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Hiking Shoes/Boots: Heavier, sturdier, often waterproof. Amazing on soggy courses or if you’re playing somewhere that looks like a Tolkien forest. Downside? You might feel like you’re lugging around ankle weights.
I’ll admit it—I switch between both depending on the weather. Rainy Saturday? Hiking boots. Sunny Tuesday league round? Trail runners. Variety is the spice of disc golf, or at least the justification for why I own too many shoes.
Do Disc Golf Shoes Exist?
Technically yes. A few brands make “disc golf shoes” with rugged soles, reinforced toes, and waterproofing. They’re basically trail shoes in disguise but marketed to people like us who fall for niche gear. And while I’m not saying you need them… if you’re the kind of player who color-coordinates their bag, discs, and towel, then yeah—you’re probably also buying the disc golf-specific shoes. No judgment. Okay, some judgment.
Avoid These Shoe Sins
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Canvas Sneakers: Sorry Chuck Taylors, you’re cute but useless here. One morning dew puddle and you’re soaked for the next four hours.
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Running Shoes (Road): The flat tread is about as grippy as buttered glass. Prepare for some epic wipeouts.
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Flip Flops: If you wear flip flops to a disc golf course, you don’t need shoes—you need Jesus.
Waterproofing: The Unsung Hero
Look, you might think, “It’s not raining, I’m fine.” Wrong. Morning dew, muddy fairways, swampy roughs—your socks will betray you faster than a rogue roller. A shoe with Gore-Tex or at least a water-resistant coating is worth its weight in gold. Bonus points if you keep a spare pair of dry socks in your bag. (Yes, I’ve been that guy wringing out wet socks mid-round. No, it’s not fun.)
My Current Rotation
Right now, I rock a pair of Salomon trail runners for most rounds. Light, grippy, and tough enough to survive the abuse of toe-drag putters. But when it’s been raining for three days straight, I break out my Merrell hiking shoes. Not as sleek, but my feet stay dry, and I don’t spend the day slip-sliding like I’m auditioning for a bad TikTok dance trend.
Final Word: Choose Wisely
Disc golf is already humbling enough—do yourself a favor and at least give your feet a fighting chance. You don’t need to break the bank, but you do need shoes that keep you grounded (literally). Whether you go for trail runners, waterproof hikers, or the disc-golf-branded kicks, just remember this: comfort and grip will save your round, your ankles, and maybe even your dignity.
So lace up, step up, and for the love of chains, stop wearing slip-ons to league night.
If you’re looking to up your disc golf game, start with your feet. The best disc golf shoes combine comfort, grip, and durability—because the right shoes won’t just carry you through the course, they’ll carry your scorecard too.
Step Into Style (and Grip)
Your shoes might keep you upright, but your shirt keeps you looking legendary. If you’re ready to pair your perfect kicks with some equally perfect threads, check out our Funny Disc Golf Shirts Collection.
Because let’s be honest—having the best grip on the course means nothing if your style slips.
