Footwear is probably not the first thing most players think about when picking up disc golf. Immediate attention always goes to discs, bags, or even practice baskets. But a shoe is the only thing connecting a player to the ground, providing leverage and the basis for a good shot.
Along with constant torque and friction on the tee pad, disc golfers' shoes have to stand up to abuse in mud, snow, rain, and sometimes treacherous terrains. When you first start out, it can be difficult to identify what qualities to look for in the ideal disc golf shoe. This post should help you do that and become familiar with brands and models popular among disc golfers.
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Is There a True Disc Golf Shoe?
In the latter half of 2021, startup company Idio Sports ran a successful Kickstarter to fund the production of their shoe the Syncrasy. Unlike any other shoe we'll talk about, this one was designed specifically for disc golf. It has gained the support of top pros like Nate Sexton, Corey Ellis, Aaron Gossage, and Paige Pierce and is also worn by other elite players during competition.
The first Syncrasies reached the waiting feet of the public in the latter half of 2022, and updated models have received generally solid reviews for their performance. These kicks have special features like a toe guard that stops the shoe from being destroyed by toe-dragging (common in disc golf), multi-directional treads that allow for the sort of rotation used in disc golf throws, and flexibility in the places disc golfers need it most. They're also made of water-resistant materials.
We reached out to Ellis, a power-thrower, a 2023 PDGA Major winner, and one of the best putters on the planet, to learn why he has opted to wear Syncrasies on tour. He said that while he'd always dreamed of having a shoe sponsor, he didn't bite on partnering with Idio until he'd tried out the product for months while playing and practicing for some of the world's highest profile disc golf events.
He found that Syncrasies delivered on their creator's promise to be better for disc golf than other athletic shoes not made specifically for the sport.
"Throughout the years, I’ve tried New Balance, Keen, Vans, Adidas, and several other major shoe brands," Ellis told us. "I had mostly used the Adidas Terrex but frequently experienced sore feet post-round. The Adidas were very stiff as they are made for trail running. The Syncrasy forms to and moves with your foot while providing support and protection."
Ellis has also been very impressed with the grip the shoes' treads provide.
"My favorite thing about the Syncrasies is I don’t have to worry about slipping in a vast majority of conditions," Ellis said.
For those that prefer a high-top shoe, Idio has also released the Brawler, which provides more ankle support via what they've dubbed their Adapt-A-Brace compression collar.
If you like supporting small businesses rather than big corporations, Idio might also be a good fit for you. Syncrasies are the brainchild of a disc golfer and all-around sports enthusiast who got inspired to create a disc golf shoe...and did it. You can learn more about the inventor of the Idio Syncrasy and the shoe's creation in "Shoe Of Our Own: Behind Idio's Syncrasy Disc Golf Shoe."
Barefoot Shoes for Disc Golf
Those who've been paying attention to the feet of top pro disc golfers in recent years would've noticed ever more of them shod in models from British shoe brand Vivobarefoot. The shoes have been popular among European disc golfers for some time, but the last few seasons have seen a big uptick in pros wearing them stateside.
Previously, Eagle McMahon was the only big-name U.S. disc golfer wearing Vivobarefoots. He praised them for a plethora of benefits in a 2022 Instagram post:
"My feet have become stronger [which has] alleviated any foot pain I once had," McMahon wrote. "I also believe that they [the shoes] have benefited my disc golf game because of their low profile and great grip. They allow me to be more in touch with my environment and the ability to have greater control and grip when on the course."
The shoes – particularly the Primus Trail and Magna models – seemed to explode on the U.S. pro scene in 2023, and Vivos could be seen on the feet of various winners at top events over the last two years. Perhaps the most notable convert to Vivos has been Ricky Wysocki, a two-time pro disc golf world champion who was second in Disc Golf Pro Tour points in 2024.
As the brand name suggests, Vivobarefoot shoes are meant to be as minimal as possible. They do have puncture-resistant soles and their trail running models have three-pronged treads similar to Idio Syncrasies'. However, there is little cushioning, and the shoes are zero-drop, meaning the heel isn't elevated above the level of the toes. Typical running shoes elevate the heel around 10mm from toe-level.
For disc golfers used to typical outdoor or tennis shoes, Vivobarefoots (or any barefoot shoe) will definitely intensify what your feet sense as you play, and it'll be up to the individual to decide whether that stronger connection to the ground is for them or not. Additionally, barefoot shoes can take time to get used to, and it's a good idea to transition into them slowly – especially for athletic use.
Vans for Disc Golf (or, the Shoes Gannon Buhr Wears)
Vans UltraRange EXOs are Gannon Buhr's shoe of choice, and you can't argue with results. Currently the world's #1 pro disc golfer, Buhr ended the 2024 season at the top of the Disc Golf Pro Tour point standings and won 10 DGPT events (including the Tour Championship) and two PDGA Majors on his way to earning more cash from a single season of tournament play than any disc golfer in history.
Other players like Drew Gibson, Hailey King, Kyle Klein, Alden Harris, and Luke Humphries have also rocked Vans in competition.
While Vans started out making shoes for skateboarding and expanded to snowboarding, BMX, and other sports in that realm, its UltraRange line was made in collaboration with a member of their sponsored surf team and designed to provide "maximum versatility across diverse landscapes and lifestyles." The idea was that the surfer, who largely lived out of a suitcase he wanted to keep as light as possible, was looking for a single shoe that would work as well in cities as it would taking hikes to secluded beaches.
It seems that the waffle-soled, all-terrain design is performing well for top disc golf pros who often need to trust their feet on concrete tees as much as they do on grassy fairways. UltraRange EXOs are lightweight, breathable, and have very limited drop — much like barefoot-style shoes. The EXO in the shoe name refers to an exoskeleton that offers rigid support across the toes and sidewall.
Other Popular Disc Golf Shoe Brands
While other brands are on the rise, more well-known ones still dominate disc golf footwear. Shoes made for trail running, hiking, and other outdoor endeavors from companies like Merrell, Keen, and Salomon are extremely common out on the course.
But the two most popular shoe makers in the world are also among the most popular in disc golf: Nike and Adidas.
Shoes from Adidas' outdoor Terrex line became a staple when the brand sponsored now six-time World Champion Paul McBeth as well as FPO competitor Kona Panis for a short stint. Though a management change ended Adidas' sponsorship of disc golfers, the few years were enough to cement Adidas' outdoor shoes as a part of disc golf culture. McBeth still often competes in shoes from the Terrex line.
Though Terrex likely has the biggest name recognition in disc golf, Nike has made significant in-roads. Shoes from its trail running lineup are worn by a number of pros, including FPO star Kristin Tattar. She has worn Nike Pegasus Trail shoes throughout the last three seasons, winning back-to-back Disc Golf World Championships in FPO in 2022 and 2023 in them.
To find specific models of shoes from any of the brands mentioned in this section, check out the tables of popular disc golf shoes at the end of this post.
What Makes a Good Disc Golf Shoe?
No matter what your budget is or which shoe brand seems to suit your feet best, there are some qualities almost all disc golf shoes have. Here's a checklist of things to look for in a good disc golf shoe:
- Good traction: Make sure to try out a shoe on multiple surfaces before buying so that you know you can trust its grip both on the tee and off of it.
- Lightweight: Long days of disc golf mean lots of walking, so save your legs a little effort. Lighter shoes can also help your footwork by keeping you a bit more agile.
- Durable: Though no disc golf shoe will last forever, make sure to look for a brand and model with a reputation for holding up well to the demands of outdoor sports. Shoes not made for outdoor use don't last long and can fail at important moments.
- Waterproof: Though not technically necessary, lots of disc golfers prefer waterproof shoes. Whether it's dew during early-morning rounds, rain, snow, or puddles, protecting your feet from moisture is a huge step toward a comfortable day at the course. Look for 'GORE-TEX' (a waterproof material often shortened to 'GTX' on labels) or other guarantees a shoe is waterproof.
Finally, don't forget that you need to be comfortable in whatever shoe you buy. Just because a pro or experienced player says one brand is their favorite doesn't mean it's the type that will fit your body.
Popular Disc Golf Shoes with Prices
To further help you in your decision-making, we've created an overview of shoe brands and models that have been used by elite disc golfers and/or are popular among amateurs. You'll find four tables below:
- Disc golf shoes under $100
- Disc golf shoes from $100 -$124
- Disc golf shoes from $125-$149
- Disc golf shoes $150 and up
Keep in mind that we put shoes in categories based on their non-waterproof cost, but waterproof versions of shoes, when available, tend to cost $20-$40 more. Below you'll find the costs of both from the manufacturer at time of publicaton. You may be able to find sale prices from retailers that are lower than what's listed below. Additionally, we list the cost of the latest version of each shoe as older models may not be available in all sizes.
All tables are alphabetical by brand and within brands are organized by cost from highest to lowest.
Disc Golf Shoes Under $100
| Brand | Model | Price: Non-Waterproof | Price: Waterproof |
What Pros Have Worn Them? | Notes |
| Adidas | Terrex Swift R | N/A | $89(M), $77(W) | Paul McBeth, Kevin Jones, many more | Adidas seems to be phasing out the Terrex Swift line and folding the Swift branding into their lightweight running collection. However, this is one of the most popular disc golf shoes ever and great deals can still be found through secondary outlets. Prices reflect most affordable R3 GTX prices we found from popular secondary retailers. |
| New Balance | Nitrel | $75 | $95 (M), $110 (W) | Price of v6s | |
| Nike | Free Run Flynit | $91 (M), $89 (W) | N/A | Calvin Heimburg | Calvin Heimburg is the only prominent pro wearing these shoes, but he's also one of the world's top players, so they're worth a mention. He wears several variants, but this pricing is based on the 4.0 Flyknit |
| Nike | Wildhorse | $99 (M), W = see notes | N/A | Kyle Klein, Ricky Wysocki | Price of Wildhorse 8s. If you're not picky about color, you can get a great deal. The prices here reflect the lowest prices from Nike's website that we saw. Some colors, though, are around $140. Women's Wildhorses only available at secondary retailers – prices start around $100. |
| Salomon | XA Pro 3D | $98 | $160 | Sarah Hokom | Prices reflect least expensive colors for XA Pro 3D V9s on Salomon's website. |
On mobile, swipe left/right on the table above to see all columns.
Post Navigation | Disc Golf Shoes $100-$124 | Disc Golf Shoes $125-149 | Disc Golf Shoes $150+
Disc Golf Shoes From $100-$124
| Brand | Model | Price: Non-Waterproof |
Price: Waterproof |
What Pros Have Worn Them? | Notes |
| Adidas | Terrex AX | $100 | See notes | Ezra Aderhold, Juliana Korver | At the time of publication, most sizes of the GTX versions of these shoes were sold out. What was there, however, was extremely discounted: $54(M) and $48(W). Those deals aren't likely to last long, so we didn't include them in the main table. |
| Adidas | Terrex Free Hiker | $112 | $135 | Cale Leiviska | Prices for Free Hiker 2.0 Low |
| KEEN | Terradora II | N/A | $117 (W only) | Paige Pierce | |
| Merrell | Moab | $120 | $140 | Price of Moab 3. There are many Moab variations and all are likely to get the job done on the course. | |
| Merrell | Trail Glove | $120 | N/A | Alex Benson | Price for Trail Glove 7 |
| Nike | Kiger | $113 (M), $91 (W) | N/A | Catrina Allen | Some pros have specifically sported the Air Zoom Terra Kigers, but those weren't easy to find at the time of publication. Men's Kiger 9's are available on Adidas' website though women's are sold out and available on secondary markets. Prices reflect lowest available. |
| Nike | Pegasus Trail | $106 (M), $113 (W) | $120 (M), $128 (W) | Kristin Tattar, James Proctor, Bradley Williams | Prices reflect least expensive colors of Pegasus Trail 5s from Nike's site |
| Salomon | Speedcross | $109 | $124 | Price for least expensive colors of Speedcross 6s from Salomon's site | |
| Vans | UltraRange EXO | $100 | N/A | Drew Gibson, Gannon Buhr, Hailey King | Worn throughout 2024 by the world's #1 disc golfer, Gannon Buhr. Those with petite feet could find some EXO color schemes on Vans' site for under $60 at time of publication. |
| Vans | UltraRange NEO | $100 | N/A | Alden Harris | Price for UltraRange NEO VR3 |
On mobile, swipe left/right on the table above to see all columns.
Post Navigation | Disc Golf Shoes Under $100 | Disc Golf Shoes $125-149 | Disc Golf Shoes $150+
Disc Golf Shoes From $125-$149
| Brand | Model | Price: Non-Waterproof |
Price: Waterproof | What Pros Have Worn Them? | Notes |
| Adidas | Ultraboost | $135 | See notes | Anthony Barela | Price for Ultraboost 5X on Adidas' site. Some lines of Ultraboost were released in waterproof Gore-Tex but availability is limited to secondary retailers – we saw some under $100 prior to publication. |
| Altra | Lone Peak | $140 | $160 | Sarah Gilpin | Price for Lone Peak 8s |
| Idio | Brawler | N/A | $149 | Corey Ellis, Aaron Gossage | These were only available as pre-order at time of publication. A high-top model from the only shoe company dedicated solely to disc golf footwear. |
| Idio | Syncrasy | N/A | $129 | Nate Sexton, Corey Ellis, Aaron Gossage, Paige Pierce | You may have to go through a few different color options to find shoes in stock in your size. |
| Lems | Trailhead | $140 | N/A | Holyn Handley | |
| Merrell | MTL Long Sky 2 | $140 | N/A | Niklas Anttila | |
| Salomon | X Ultra 4 | $140 (M), $98 (W) | $160 | Paul McBeth, Matt Orum, Paul Ulibarri | Prices reflect least expensive colors for X Ultra 4s on Salomon's website. |
| Vivobarefoot | Hydra Esc | $147 | Eagle McMahon, Kat Mertsch | Price reflects least expensive colors for Hydras we saw on Vivobarefoot's site. Some colors, however, are $210. |
On mobile, swipe left/right on the table above to see all columns.
Post Navigation | Disc Golf Shoes Under $100 | Disc Golf Shoes $100-$124 | Disc Golf Shoes $150+
Disc Golf Shoes $150 and Above
| Brand | Model | Price: Non-Waterproof |
Price: Waterproof |
What Pros Have Worn Them? | Notes |
| Altra | Olympus | $175 | $200 | Isaac Robinson | Price for Olympus 6s |
| KEEN | Targhee | $150 | $160 | There are many Targhee variations, these prices are for Targhee IV Vents and Waterproofs | |
| New Balance | Hierro v8 | N/A | $170 | Missy Gannon | |
| Vessi | Stormburst | N/A | $150 | Isaac Robinson | Robinson is sponsored by Vessi and wore their shoes during his win at the 2024 Pro Disc Golf World Championship. |
| Vivobarefoot | Magna Lite | N/A | $161 | Price for Magna Lite WR SG | |
| Vivobarefoot | Magna Leather | N/A | $230 | Eagle McMahon, Ricky Wysocki, Cole Redalen | Made with sustainably-tanned leather for natural water resistance. |
| Vivobarefoot | Primus Trail II | $165 | N/A | Kyle Klein, Eagle McMahon | |
| Vivobarefoot | Primus Trail III All Weather | N/A | $170 | Waterproof version of Primus Trails |
On mobile, swipe left/right on the table above to see all columns.
Post Navigation | Disc Golf Shoes Under $100 | Disc Golf Shoes $100-$124 | Disc Golf Shoes $125-149
Note: This post was originally published in April 2020 but updated in November 2024.
