It can be really tempting to go for a stiff-tour-style golf shoe, but a lot of us know the price you can pay in aching feet — and foot injuries — from stiff soles and worst of all, spike pressure. OluKai’s spikeless golf shoes solve many problems that golfers face by offering great cushioning and excellent arch support, in mesh, water-resistant, and waterproof options.
OluKai’s real trick, though, is doing this in a stylish, well-made golf shoe you can wear after your round. To figure out which one is right for you, I broke down the entire OluKai’s golf shoe lineup for men and women with what each one does best.
Men’s OluKai Golf Shoes
Best Men’s High-Performance OluKai Golf Shoe – Mākena
If high performance is the goal, the Mākena is OluKai’s best shoe for you. Its main feature is the plated outsole, which helps with traction and stability. Although the main focus is performance, the Mākena combines a removable PU footbed and thick midsole design for best-in-class cushioning and comfort.
OluKai spokesperson and beloved golf YouTuber Grant Horvat recommends them as, “The perfect way to keep you at the top of your game.”
Most Comfortable OluKai Men’s Golf Shoe – Kā‘anapal
For a lighter-weight golf shoe that still provides excellent support, performance, and comfort, I like the Kā‘anapali. Also a spineless design, the thick ridges on the TPS sole still provide traction and stability while being able to use it off the golf course.
Kā‘anapali’s water-repellant and lightweight mesh make it a popular choice when it comes to durability and weather protection. One reviewer said the Kā‘anapali’s is “[the] most comfortable golf shoe I’ve ever worn.”
Most Stylish Men’s OluKai Golf Shoe – Wai‘alae
Mesh is a great choice for hot dry weather but it’s both a styling choice and not much fun in wet grass. Enter the Wai‘alae, OluKai’s best leather golf shoe. Like the other options, the spineless design allows you to play on and off the cours
Fully waterproof leather makes it ideal for all weather conditions and the styling is ideal for the 19th hole. One reviewer called them, “without a doubt, the most comfortable golf shoes I have ever owned.”
Most Breathable Men’s Olukai Golf Shoe – Manele
If you get hot feet and need a more breathable golf shoe, the Manele is perfect. The drop-in heel makes putting them on extremely easy, and it also offers water-repellent durability. Manele is also extremely comfortable with its longer-lasting foam and being able to remove and wash the footbed is also a nice touch. Available in eight different color combinations.
Reece Alnas, 2017 Aloha PGA Player of the Year and pro at Kuki’o in Hawaii, wears the Manele and says it helped him get to a two handicap.
Best Men’s Waterproof OluKai Golf Shoe – Mākena WP
For all the features of the standard Mākena in a waterproof Olukai golf shoe, the Mākena WP is the best option. The WP (for Waterproof) combines the plated outsole and cushioned midsole like the Mākena with added waterproof protection. There’s a slight premium over the standard shoe, but we think it’s worth it. It’s also available in three different color combinations.
Women’s Olukai Golf Shoes
Best Women’s High-Performance OluKai Golf Shoe – Mākena
Just like the men’s option, the best performance golf shoe for women from Olukai is the Mākena. Its lightweight design provides the best combination of performance and comfort, just like the men’s version. However, the women’s version offers two color combinations instead of one.
Most Stylish Women’s OluKai Golf Shoe – Wailea
For the leather sneaker-style golf shoe that looks great on and off the course, the Wailea is the best option, with fully waterproof materials that are perfect for tackling any weather condition. They also look great and can go with many sporty golf outfits, especially in white. This one is available in five different color choices.
Former college star and current PGA employee Isabel Nestéus Bannon wears the Wailea.
Best Women’s Waterproof OluKai Golf Shoe – Mākena WP
Similar to the men’s Mākena, the women’s Mākena WP is a waterproof version. Expect similar performance, comfort, and style with full waterproofing for a slightly higher cost. Available in sterling or bright white colors.
As one customer review said, “Great golf shoe..: comfortable right out of the box. I walk the course when I play… waterproof and comfy!”
Most Breathable Women’s Olukai Golf Shoe – Kawela
The Kawela, like the men’s Manela, is the most breathable Olukai golf shoe. However, there are a few differences. The first is the design, with the Kawela having a combination of water-resistant mesh, neoprene, and leather., making it perfect for the hot weather of Florida. It’s available in five different color combinations.
FAQs
You can wear socks or go barefoot with OluKai golf shoes. The removable footbeds are also easy to clean.
OluKai golf shoes are designed and developed in the United States and manufactured in Vietnam and China.
OluKai has many golf shoe options that are fully waterproof or water-resistant. Mesh versions will tolerate a dunking and dry out quickly.
