Ryan Fox's victory at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale drew attention not only for the result, but for the footwear behind it. The 39-year-old PGA Tour player won the season's final major while wearing spikeless golf shoes, a choice that remains uncommon at the highest level.
Most tour professionals still rely on metal spikes or soft spikes for maximum traction. Spikeless models, built with molded rubber lugs, are designed to feel more like athletic shoes and are often favored for their comfort, lighter feel, and easier transition off the course. Fox said he has worn spikeless shoes for most of his career and has rarely used traditional spikes.
His model, the Adidas Adizero ZG Spikeless, combines a Lightstrike Pro midsole, a Spikemore outsole, and a 3D torsion plate to support stability and movement through 18 holes. Fox also noted that the fit works well with his orthotics and suits his preference for a more athletic style of shoe.
For golf equipment brands, this kind of win matters. When a major champion succeeds in spikeless footwear, it reinforces the idea that performance and comfort can coexist at elite level. It also reflects a broader shift in golf gear toward lighter, more versatile designs that work both on and off the course.
As golf technology continues to evolve, footwear innovation may play an even bigger role in how players balance grip, mobility, and everyday comfort in the future.
