OluKai just made a proper golf shoe - and it’s a good one

A casual but capable golf shoe with Hawaiian flair, the OluKai Makena blends comfort, flexibility, and laid-back style with enough traction to handle firm summer fairways.

If you’d told me a few years ago that OluKai would be in the conversation for one of the best golf shoes of the summer, I probably wouldn’t have believed you, but that’s all changed. Known more for flip-flops and casual coastal vibes than serious on-course gear, OluKai’s entry into golf shoes for me has always leaned style over substance.

But here we are – and I’ve got to say, the OluKai Makena caught me off guard in the best way. This isn’t just another casual, sneaker-style golf shoe you wear because it looks cool. And it performs. Lightweight, supportive, and comfortable, it has all the chill energy you’d expect from OluKai – but for the first time, it feels like they’ve genuinely built a shoe for golfers, not just golf fashion.

Is it one of the best spikeless golf shoes for dry summer rounds? I think it might be. No, it’s not going to out-grip your tour shoes in the rain, but it’s stable, well-made, and super comfortable for warm-weather walking golf. Honestly, it’s the kind of shoe you forget you’re even wearing – and that’s high praise when you’re 14 holes in and still enjoying yourself.

Comfort: 5/5

Comfort is clearly a priority with the OluKai Makena. From the moment you put it on, you feel the difference compared to more rigid golf shoes. The upper is soft and breathable, the fit is forgiving, and the shoe overall is very lightweight. There’s no break-in period; it’s ready to go right out of the box.

One standout feature is the midfoot ridge built into the insole. It follows the natural arch of your foot, and while it feels unusual at first, it quickly becomes a feature you appreciate for long walks. It helps cradle the foot in a really supportive way without needing a stiff chassis underneath.

The midsole cushioning is also impressive. It gives you a bouncy, athletic feel without being overly squishy. If you’re walking 18 in warm conditions, the Makena feels more like a pair of hybrid trainers than traditional golf shoes. It’s a solid option for anyone prioritising soft, all-day comfort.

Performance: 4/5

Despite its laid-back appearance, the OluKai Makena holds its own when it comes to on-course performance, especially in dry, firm conditions. The plated outsole isn’t aggressive, but it’s thoughtfully designed with a wave-patterned tread that grips better than you’d expect for something so minimal.

I was skeptical about grip, but I never actually felt unstable or slippery, which speaks volumes for the design. That’s important because many “lifestyle” golf shoes tend to sacrifice traction entirely. The Makena strikes a nice balance; it’s grippy enough to give you confidence but not so aggressive that it limits versatility.

That said, this isn’t the best winter shoe. On soft or muddy ground, it won’t compete with more aggressive spikeless or spiked models. But for dry summers, hardpan fairways, or even range sessions, it’s more than up to the task, and you’ll actually enjoy walking in them.

Durability: 4/5

The Makena might look casual, but it’s built with premium materials that feel sturdy and long-lasting. The leather and mesh upper holds its shape well, and the quality of the stitching and construction is obvious from the first wear. This doesn’t feel like a cheap summer shoe; it’s a thoughtfully made piece of golf gear.

The plated outsole is another win. It’ll hold up better over time compared to softer rubber soles that tend to wear down quickly, especially if you’re walking multiple rounds a week. It’s a smart choice for golfers who want something that doubles as a casual trainer without worrying about durability.

While I haven’t tested them in torrential downpours, I can say the water resistance has held up well so far. These aren’t built for soggy winter rounds, but if you keep them for dry days (which they’re clearly designed for), you’ll get plenty of life from them.

Style and design: 4/5

This is arguably OluKai’s greatest strength. The Hawaiian-inspired design is unique, fun, and refreshing compared to the sea of samey-looking golf shoes out there. There’s a subtle wave pattern in the tread, clean lines in the silhouette, and a really premium feel in the materials.

They pair especially well with shorts and more relaxed summer fits, exactly how they’re meant to be worn. This is not a shoe that demands attention with bright colors or oversized logos; it’s more understated, but still stylish. The Makena feels like a natural extension of OluKai’s laid-back, beach-meets-golf aesthetic.

You can certainly get away with wearing these off the course, too, which is a real win. They don’t scream “golf shoe” in the way many models do, making them genuinely versatile if you’re heading from the range to the café or clubhouse without wanting to change.

Technology and features: 4/5

The Makena isn’t packed with futuristic golf tech, but that’s by design. Instead, it focuses on doing the basics extremely well. The plated outsole provides a stable platform for swinging without weighing the shoe down. The flexible sole moves with your foot rather than fighting it.

The standout feature is the ergonomic insole, which includes a noticeable ridge along the inner arch. It takes a bit of getting used to, but ultimately adds support and comfort in a way many flat-footed shoes don’t. This subtle anatomical shaping is part of what makes the Makena so pleasant to wear over longer periods.

There’s also something to be said about the simplicity of the lacing system, the quality of the upper materials, and the breathable design. OluKai doesn’t need to rely on gimmicks here it’s a well-thought-out shoe that delivers exactly what it promises: lightweight, casual comfort with enough performance for summer golf.

Final verdict: 21/25

The OluKai Makena isn’t trying to compete with high-tech, tour-level golf shoes, and that’s exactly why it stands out. It’s lightweight, flexible, and ideal for warm-weather golf, offering a stylish and comfortable alternative to the usual suspects.

If you’re looking for year-round traction and waterproof protection, I’d want to own this and a spiked waterproof pair. But if you’re in the market for a laid-back, high-quality summer golf shoe that you can also wear off the course, the Makena is a fantastic option.

For comfort, casual versatility, and quality materials, it’s absolutely one of the best in its category. It’s fun, different, and quietly impressive, a great reminder that golf shoes don’t always need to be serious to perform.

OluKai Mākena Golf Shoes

RRP: £200.00 / $200.00

Colorways: Multiple

Sole: Spikeless

BOA: No

Waterproof: Yes

Fit: True to size