Are golf boots worth it? FootJoy Stormwalker golf boot review
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At a glance
- TG Rating
- Owner Rating
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Pros
✅ Excellent waterproofing
✅ Warm without overheating
✅ Comfortable, even above the ankle
✅ Great grip with replaceable Softspikes
✅ Surprisingly lightweight -
Cons
❌ Not the most stylish option
❌ Takes time to adjust to the boot-like feel
What we say...
Wet fairways, muddy rough, and freezing mornings – can the FootJoy Stormwalker keep your feet warm, dry, and stable? Here’s my verdict.
FootJoy are well known for making some of the best golf shoes on the market, but what about golf boots?
Playing winter golf on a clay-based Essex course with a high water table has its challenges. But if there’s ever a perfect testing ground for waterproof golf shoes – or, in this case, golf boots – this is it. I’ve been wearing the FootJoy Stormwalker for three months, putting them through their paces in frost, rain, wet grass, mud, and more than a few detours into the longer stuff.
Designed to keep your feet warm and dry while providing reliable grip on soft and slippery surfaces, the Stormwalker promises winter-ready performance. But how do they actually hold up – and how do they compare to FootJoy’s best golf shoes?
Hugely practical, surprisingly comfortable and lightweight
Pros
- Excellent waterproofing
- Warm without overheating
- Comfortable, even above the ankle
- Great grip with replaceable Softspikes
- Surprisingly lightweight
Cons
- Not the most stylish option
- Takes time to adjust to the boot-like feel
Comfort: 5/5
Wearing a golf shoe that comes up above your ankle takes some getting used to, but the FootJoy Stormwalker was comfortable right out of the box. The padded upper ankle provides support while preventing chafing, and the fit offers plenty of room without any tight spots or rubbing.
The thermal lining does a great job of keeping your feet warm on cold days, yet I never felt overheated or noticed excessive perspiration.
Performance: 5/5
The spiked sole delivers excellent traction in most conditions, struggling only in the worst of slippery mud. On tee boxes and firmer ground, the boot feels reassuringly stable. Even temporary tees – often a hotspot for mid-swing foot slips – weren’t an issue, as I always felt surefooted with plenty of grip.
The sole resists clogging in softer, muddier conditions, and the well-distributed cleats provide a reliable base for walking and swinging. The Softspikes cleats are also replaceable, meaning deteriorating grip should never be a reason to retire these boots.
Though ankle-high footwear isn’t for everyone, I never found the Stormwalker restrictive. And, for such a sturdy-looking boot, they’re surprisingly lightweight at just 420g per boot, making them feel much less bulky than they appear.
Durability: 5/5
After three months of regular golf in tough conditions, the leather upper and lightweight composite sole still look as good as new.
The Thinsulate thermal insulation – a trusted name in warmth-retaining materials – has held up well, and the boots come with a one-year waterproof warranty. So far, I’ve had zero water ingress, even in heavy rain. The integrated tongue is a smart design choice, preventing water from seeping in through the lace eyelets – something that can be a weak point in many so-called waterproof golf shoes.
Style & Design: 3/5
Let’s be honest, golf boots aren’t winning any fashion awards, and the Stormwalker’s plain black design prioritizes function over form. That said, the lack of unnecessary detailing means they’re easier to clean and maintain, staying fresh for longer.
With no alternative color options, style-conscious golfers might not love the look. However, if you’re pairing them with waterproof golf trousers (which you probably are), most of the extra bulk will be hidden anyway. These boots are built for performance in bad weather, and their design reflects that.
Final Verdict: 18/20
A golf boot is a bit like a golf umbrella – not something you necessarily want to own, but something you’ll be glad to have when the weather turns against you.
If you play in conditions that warrant them, the FootJoy Stormwalker could be a game-changer, helping you stay dry, warm, and on your feet during winter golf. Given their fantastic price compared to premium golf shoes – and the fact they offer more protection without sacrificing comfort or movement – they’re a solid investment.
If you can overlook the aesthetics, you might just come to love these boots for what they do best: keeping you playing, no matter the conditions.
Review by Des McGarr, TG Product Tester.
